The fourth edition of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series was officially launched on Tuesday, March 3, during a press briefing held at the Kingdom Kampala headquarters of I&M Bank.
The 2026 season has received a major financial boost of Shs796 million from partners, representing an increase of Shs146 million compared to the 2025 sponsorship package.
The tournament will tee off on Saturday, March 14, at the Entebbe Club, where organizers are expecting a full course. The remaining legs of the competition will be played on May 30 and August 8, before the grand finale on November 28.
Speaking at the launch, Robin Bairstow said the previous season built strongly on earlier editions and significantly raised the level of competition.
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"The growth in participation, the level of competition, and the overall experience showed that this tournament continues to get bigger and better," Bairstow said.
He added that the tournament will maintain its regional outlook after expanding last year with a cross-border leg in Kigali.
"Last year we expanded our regional footprint with another cross-border leg in Kigali. This year we will maintain that outlook--not only traveling outside the country for another leg, but also hosting foreign golfers here at home," he said.
Bairstow emphasized that the bank remains committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, particularly under its Education and Skills Development pillar.
Elly Mukasa, the Katogo Captain, thanked golfers and sponsors for their continued support and promised an exciting season.
"We are honored to work with partners who each play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of this tournament. As we build on our achievements, we must maintain high standards and continue meeting the expectations of all participants. Golfers should expect a 2026 season like no other," Mukasa said.
Tournament Director Paul Kaheru, known for introducing creative formats that distinguish the competition, revealed that the 2026 season will feature one new format alongside three returning fan favorites.
New and Returning Tournament Formats
The newest addition is "It's Up To Me," an individual competition format. After all players tee off, one designated player in each group selects the location for the second shot, and all players must play from that spot.
The challenge intensifies if an out-of-bounds ball is selected, forcing affected players to return to the tee for their third shot. Winners will be determined by the lowest nett scores at the end of the round.
Three popular formats will also return:
- Call Your Shots - Players must declare the clubs they intend to use on each hole before teeing off. Only those clubs may be used, and each must be used at least once. Tee For Me - A pairs event (no mixed pairs) where both players tee off, switch balls for the second shot, and continue playing that ball until it is holed. Double Bogey Danger - The grand finale format where players start with a full set of clubs but must remove one club from their bag each time they score a double bogey or worse. The club can only be reinstated after scoring a par or better.
Excitement around the tournament is heightened following a recent hole-in-one achievement by Berna Musanabera, who won a car at the same venue on February 14.
This season, a zero-mileage Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, courtesy of Victoria Motors and insured by GA Insurance, will be awarded for a hole-in-one.
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Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker Uganda will enhance the tournament's social experience at the "19th hole" with signature cocktails and exclusive bottle offers.
Annette Nakiyaga credited the tournament's continued growth to strong collaboration among partners.
"At I&M Bank, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond banking, just as golf challenges and inspires players both on and off the course. This season, together with our partners, we aim to deliver unforgettable moments for golfers and guests alike," she said.
The 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is supported by several partners including RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Case Hospital, Goldman's Luxury, Time Cop Security, and NBS Sport.
