By 
Absa Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to growing golf in the country by sponsoring 10 golfers to attend the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, alongside a UGX 100 million investment towards the overall tournament experience.
Of the 10 flagged-off golfers, a select group will participate in the Pro-Am event on February 18, ahead of the main tournament scheduled for February 19–22, 2026 at Karen Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya.
The travelling team includes Kenneth Tumusiime, Darwin Angudri, Joshua Odong, Hellen Lunkuse, Alex Wandera, and Celestine Nsanzuwera (Professional).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Absa Bank Uganda’s Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer, Michael Segwaya, said:
“We are pleased to continuously support Ugandan golfers to participate in this prestigious tournament because it provides a platform for them to be seen and recognised at a global level. This aligns with our commitment to nurturing sporting excellence and expanding opportunities for talent across the region.”
Absa Bank will cater for flights and accommodation for the 10 amateur golfers. The qualifying professional golfer will also receive a facilitation kitty of USD 4,745 to enable early travel for practice and ensure seamless participation throughout the tournament.
This marks the eighth consecutive year that Absa Bank Uganda has supported golfers to take part in the Magical Kenya Open. To date, the bank has sponsored 70 golfers, providing them with valuable regional and international exposure while enhancing their competitive development.
In 2024, Absa Bank Uganda sponsored Ronald Rugumayo when he earned his first professional qualification at the Magical Kenya Open and made history as the first Ugandan to make the cut on the DP World Tour. He achieved the milestone by sinking a decisive birdie on the final hole of the second round to finish at +2 overall.
With this year’s qualifying professional, Celestine Nsanzuwera from Rwanda, the bank’s impact now extends across the wider East African region.
Commenting on the partnership, Uganda Golf Union representative Jackson Were said:
“As the Uganda Golf Union, we are proud to stand alongside Absa in flagging off the 2026 Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am team. Absa’s sponsorship, including the Absa Pro-Am at the Uganda Open Championships, demonstrates a strong and consistent commitment to growing the game of golf in Uganda and across the region. Partnerships like this elevate our tournaments to international standards and create meaningful opportunities for both professionals and amateurs to compete at the highest level. We look forward to an exciting and impactful 2026 season.”Segwaya added:
“We hope participation at the Magical Kenya Open will inspire a new generation to take up the sport. Uganda’s golf continues to show immense potential, and with sustained support, we can see more golfers earning professional qualifications.”
One of the flagged-off golfers, Kenneth Tumusiime, expressed his excitement:
“I am looking forward to this tournament as a unique experience on a course I have not played before. Exposure of this kind is important for us golfers. Competing at this level, as our leaders have said, allows you to test yourself against the very best.”
