Winners in respective categories of the 2021 Bankers Sports Gala were officially crowned on Wednesday at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The activities climaxed in October last year and various winners were honored in an event attended by various stakeholders and organizers.
UGAFODE Microfinance (MDI) emerged champions last year with an accumulative 351 points after winning in all categories. NCBA Bank finished second with331 Points whilst DFCU Bank and Housing Finance Bank capped the podium with 328 Points each.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions then, most events were held online including online chess event, online quiz, free style video presentation, 21 day fitness challenge and the virtual run that capped activities.
The sports gala was part of the activities to mark World Savings Day then and it was organized by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) & Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) in conjunction with Bank of Uganda. Beyond sports Organisation (BSO) was also part of the organizers.
While speaking on Wednesday, Goretti Masadde, the CEO UIBFS said that the gala achieved its objectives of fitness, fun, entertainmeof and networking for all the stakeholders of the banking sector, clients inclusive.
“The objectives of the gala are good for the wellbeing of those in the sector. It’s also special because it’s very inclusive because even people who are not sports men/sports women took part,” Masadde said adding that such events enhance behavior change amongst individuals.
Masadde was also delighted in the fact that activities were held in commemoration of World Savings Day saying that it’s the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) mandate of bankers to encourage the public to adopt the habit of saving money.
Board Chair UIBFS Michael Mugabi was guest of honor at the awards. He lauded the organizers for holding last year’s activities prior to World Savings Day.
“Such activities can address common challenges that affect the economy. I hope during this year’s gala the organizers will come up with more ideas to address some issues (financial) in society,” Mugabi said adding that it’s a good thing for different banking institutions to put competition aside and do things that benefit the staff, clients and the entire nation.
Peter Katende represented the winning team (UGAFODE Microfinance) and he said that his side intended the win the event and it happened.
“Since it was the first of it’s kind (virtual), we had to take advantage of something new. I was given a task by my team to bring the trophy home and by then we already had a plan,” Katende said adding that they had a young, vibrant team.
According to Katende, team work, internal competitions and laying strategy are also some of the reasons for UGAFODE Microfinance’s triumph at the games. They now aim to retain the title.
Individual winners in various categories also received silverware.
BSO team leader Julius Nkuraija says that the 2021 staging was a success and believes that this year’s edition will even be better.
He added that this year’s games will be held both virtually and physically to cater for all.
The Bankers Sports Gala is a grand sporting, networking & social event that draws participation from employees of supervised and licensed financial institutions including Bank of Uganda (BOU) and its major objective is to foster relaxation of body & mind, provide forum for fitness, education, fun and entertainment for participants.
