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Absa Bank Uganda has successfully concluded the 2026 Absa Chairman’s Bell Golf Tournament after a week of top-class competition, culminating in a vibrant 19th Hole awards ceremony at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.
Backed by a UGX 185 million title sponsorship from Absa Bank Uganda, this year’s edition marked the bank’s eighth consecutive year as the tournament’s title sponsor. More than 400 participants took part, including 32 professional golfers, 58 gross amateurs and 71 caddies, with a total prize purse of UGX 28 million awarded across four competitive categories.
The tournament crowned champions in the Caddies, Gross Amateurs, Professionals and Main Event categories, with Grace Kasango emerging as the Professionals champion after edging Ronald Rugumayo in a dramatic three-hole playoff following a tie on the final day. Joseph Kasozi and Judith Komugisha claimed the men’s and women’s Gross Amateur titles, respectively.
Judith Komugisha Absa Champions Bell Women Amateur Winner
A defining highlight of this year’s tournament was the introduction of the inaugural Caddies Tournament, an initiative designed to give caddies a dedicated competitive platform while creating new pathways for talent development within Ugandan golf. Basil Akinoi and Joweria Namanda emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Basil Akinoi Caddies Mens Winner
Joweria Namanda Caddies Winner Women
Speaking during the 19th Hole awards ceremony, Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director David Wandera said the new caddies competition demonstrated the tournament’s growing impact beyond elite golf.
Absa Bank Uganda MD David Wadera with Grace Kasango Pro Winner
“Eight years into this partnership, the Chairman’s Bell continues to prove why it is worth investing in. This year’s standout moment was the introduction of the Caddies Tournament. Providing our local caddies with a professional platform to compete and showcase their talent is an initiative we are proud to support, and one we intend to grow even further. We are honoured to be part of these stories alongside the Uganda Golf Club. Congratulations to every player who made this tournament a success.”
The 2026 edition also marked a historic milestone for the Uganda Golf Club, with the ceremonial ringing of the Chairman’s Bell officially transitioning from the Club Captain to the Club Chairman, signalling the evolution of one of the tournament’s most cherished traditions.
Uganda Golf Club Chairman Paul Nuwagaba welcomed Absa Bank Uganda’s continued commitment to the sport.
Chairman Paul Nuwagaba rings the Bell
“The Chairman’s Bell remains a celebration of tradition, leadership and the enduring spirit of our club. We are proud to partner with Absa Bank Uganda, whose unwavering support enables us to grow the game, nurture talent and create more inclusive opportunities for everyone passionate about golf.”
Absa Bank Uganda’s sponsorship of the Chairman’s Bell is anchored in its brand promise, ‘Your Story Matters.’ Through sustained investment in the tournament, the bank continues to use sport as a platform for community development, talent nurturing and expanding economic opportunities within Uganda’s sporting ecosystem.
As the curtain falls on the 2026 edition, Absa Bank Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside golf clubs, governing bodies and players to elevate the game and strengthen Uganda’s standing as a regional golfing destination.
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