Stanbic Bank Uganda has announced its sponsorship of the Uganda National Ladies' Golf Team as they prepare to represent the country at the 2025 East and Central Africa All-Africa Challenge Trophy (ECA-AACT).
The prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 20-25 at the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.
The bank's support includes full logistical coverage -- from entry fees and team uniforms to travel, accommodation, and per diem -- ensuring the athletes can fully focus on their game as they aim for regional triumph.
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Speaking on the partnership, Catherine Makumbi, Manager of Executive Banking and Affluent Express at Stanbic Bank Uganda, emphasized the bank's long-term commitment to women's empowerment through sport, under the broader Women Prosperity Agenda.
"Supporting women in sport is part of how we deliver on our purpose: 'Uganda is our home; we drive her growth.' These ladies embody discipline, resilience, and ambition -- the same values that fuel success in business and in life," Makumbi said.
"This is not just a sponsorship -- it's a swing toward equality, helping women athletes access the opportunities and exposure they deserve."
Leading the Ugandan team is national golf icon and coach Flavia Namakula, who will guide a talented trio: Team Captain Peace Kabasweka, Meron Kyomugisha, and junior representative Keisha Kagoro. The athletes were selected based on their national order-of-merit rankings, ensuring Uganda fields its most consistent and competitive performers.
The tournament, founded in 2013, features a 54-hole stroke play format over three days -- a true test of endurance, skill, and mental toughness. Participating nations include Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar, Reunion, and Uganda.
Rita Apell Akot, president of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union, described Stanbic's support as a pivotal moment for women's golf in Uganda.
"Stanbic's support gives our ladies the confidence to play their best golf without worrying about what's in their golf bags or travel wallets," she said. "It's partnerships like this that turn potential into performance -- helping women's golf in Uganda move from the rough to the fairway of opportunity."
She added that the ECA-AACT has become instrumental in growing women's golf across Africa by fostering regional competition, friendship, and talent development.
"This tournament isn't just about who wins -- it's about building a stronger pipeline for women golfers and positioning Africa on the global golfing map," she added.
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Stanbic Bank's involvement aligns with its broader mission to promote women's prosperity in all spheres of life -- from entrepreneurship to sports.
Through initiatives like Stanbic for Her, the bank supports women in building financial independence, gaining visibility, and achieving national recognition.
"When women win -- on the course, in business, or in life -- Uganda wins," said Makumbi. "We're proud to stand beside these remarkable golfers as they take their shot at history."
At the official flag-off ceremony in Kampala, Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary (Technical) at the National Council of Sports, applauded the partnership, citing it as an example of how strategic corporate support can advance national sports development.
"Corporate partnerships such as Stanbic's are what keep Uganda's sporting ambitions on course. They help our athletes prepare, compete, and inspire the next generation," Chebet noted.
With golf bags packed and confidence high, Uganda's national ladies' team is ready to swing for continental success -- backed by Stanbic Bank and driven by a shared vision of women's empowerment, national pride, and sporting excellence.
