By 
Women’s golf in Uganda has received a significant boost after MTN Uganda officially confirmed its sponsorship of the 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open, reaffirming the telecom giant’s long-term commitment to sports development and female athlete empowerment.
The announcement was made at the Entebbe Clubhouse ahead of the highly anticipated tournament scheduled for February 26–28, 2026, at the historic Entebbe Club. The championship, recognized on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) circuit, returns as one of the region’s most prestigious women’s amateur competitions.
After a one-year absence in 2025, the revival of the Entebbe Ladies Open signals renewed momentum for both Entebbe Club and the broader women’s golf ecosystem in Uganda.
Setting the Pace for the 2026 Season
As the opening Ladies Open on Uganda’s national golf calendar, the tournament is expected to set the competitive tone for the 2026 season. Its timing also aligns strategically with Women’s Month in March and resonates with the International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes investment in women as a pathway to accelerated equality and growth.
Beyond competition, the event reflects a growing recognition that structured sponsorship, mentorship, and visibility are critical to unlocking the full potential of women’s sport.
Robust Tournament Format
The championship will be contested on the scenic but demanding 18-hole Entebbe course across three competitive tiers:
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Main Ladies Event: February 26–28
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Bronze Category: February 27–28
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Subsidiary Event: February 28 (men, seniors, and ladies)
In a notable show of solidarity with the women’s championship, male participants in the subsidiary category will tee off from the ladies’ tee boxes.
Tournament activities began with practice rounds and media engagements on Wednesday, with the main competition teeing off Thursday. Friday will feature the Bronze category alongside a curated networking experience at the refurbished clubhouse before the championship climaxes Saturday evening with the traditional 19th Hole prize ceremony.
MTN Signals Strategic Investment
Speaking at the launch, Justina Icabala, enterprise segment manager at MTN Uganda and team lead of the MTN Ladies’ golfers, framed the sponsorship as part of a broader national development agenda.
“MTN Uganda believes in the power of sport to transform lives, build networks, and create opportunity. Golf uniquely brings together business, mentorship, and personal growth. Our continued support reflects our confidence in the women shaping this sport and the long-term value it creates.”
Her remarks underscore MTN’s positioning of women’s golf not as a niche activity but as a high-potential growth platform within Uganda’s sporting landscape.
UGX 10 Million Prize Boost Raises Stakes
This year’s edition boasts one of the strongest elite amateur fields in recent memory, supported by a UGX 10 million elite reward package, a significant uplift for the amateur women’s game.
The enhanced prize structure is expected to intensify competition levels and drive higher performance standards, while strengthening the tournament’s regional appeal.
Entebbe Club Targets Regional Influence
Lady Captain Maureen Okura described the tournament’s return as a strategic milestone for the club’s continental positioning.
“Reviving this World Amateur Golf Ranking event reaffirms Entebbe Club’s place on the regional and global amateur golf stage. It strengthens our international visibility and supports the long-term sustainability of the club.”
She also predicted a fiercely contested championship.
“We are welcoming one of the strongest elite fields in recent years. With this level of talent, the outcome is genuinely unpredictable—and that is what makes this edition particularly exciting. We are not waiting for the future of women’s golf; we are actively building it.”
Elite Field Assembles
The 2026 field features a strong mix of Ugandan and regional stars, including:
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Kabasweka Peace (Toro Club) — defending 2024 champion
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Mercy Nyachama (Kenya) — reigning Uganda Ladies Open 2025 champion
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Martha Babirye (Uganda Club) — three-time Uganda Ladies Open winner
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Neema Olomi (Tanzania) — 2018 Entebbe Ladies Open champion
Additional contenders include Loveness Frank, Wendy Angudeyo, Victoria Elias, Rukia Nalwoga, and Stella Gama.
Seven-time Entebbe Ladies champion Irene Nakalembe will feature in the subsidiary event in support of the main championship.
Accessible Entry Structure
Organizers have maintained a tiered entry fee model to encourage broad participation:
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Ladies Main Event: UGX 150,000
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Bronze Event: UGX 100,000
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Subsidiary Event: UGX 50,000
Eligible players are required to register through Entebbe Club in accordance with Uganda Golf Union regulations.
With MTN Uganda’s backing and a strengthened competitive field, the return of the Entebbe Ladies Open reinforces Uganda’s growing stature in regional amateur golf. As play gets underway, the tournament is poised to deliver not just elite competition but also a powerful statement about the accelerating rise of women’s golf across East Africa.
