Isaac Mariera and Lillian Koowe emerged the overall winners at the season finale of the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, held on Saturday at Entebbe Club.
Mariera, a senior golfer, claimed the men’s overall prize, with a net score of 68 points, while Koowe topped the ladies’ category with 75 points.
Each of the overall winners received a RwandAir return ticket to a destination of their choice, from any of the airline’s routes. They were also rewarded with a weekend for two, each, at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa.
“This win feels is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. I now have to maintain a certain level of play every time I step on the course,” said Mariera.
“The In Regulation format was quite interesting. My approach was to target the green consistently and keep my short game solid,” Koowe said.
The series season finale, played under the ‘In Regulation’ format, attracted a full course, with over 150 golfers from various clubs across the country coming together to cap off the season in style.
Speaking about the 2025 season, Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa stated that this year, the fraternity has set the bar high on many fronts, and it can only get better.
“We’ve gained very valuable learnings from each edition of the series this year. We will leverage those learnings to ensure we deliver better experiences both on and off the course next year. Looking forward to the future, we are optimistic about the growth of the series,” he said.
In his speech, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow, attributed the success of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series to the collective effort and participation of all stakeholders.
“A lot of things make this series stand out; from the different formats of play at each event, to the unique experiences that keep every tournament exciting. Together with our partners, we’re proud to be a part of this series, supporting its growth, promoting golf as a sport, and helping create memorable experiences for everyone involved,” he said.
At the prize giving ceremony, Katogo patrons- the Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Edward Kabuchu were recognized for their contribution as founders of the Katogo golf series.
Hon. Kiryowa thanked I&M Bank for their support: “Since you came, the series has become something special, something we sometimes can’t even fully recognize. This has become a true friendship. I&M Bank has even helped make it an East African affair.”
Kabuchu, on the other hand, admitted that he keeps getting surprised by what the series has turned into; “I didn’t know Katogo would turn out this way. But because of I&M Bank, and all our sponsors, and you the golfers, we are who we are today, thank you,” he said.
In a special way, the series Captain and Vice Captain also recognized the I&M bank CEO and Annette Nakiyaga- the bank’s Marketing boss, for elevating the Katogo series to what it has become.
The series’ other sponsors, that include Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, Rwanda Air, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security, were also recognized with plaques, in appreciation for their support.
From the day’s action on the course, Paul Nuwagaba (Group A, Nett 77), Kevin Ninyesiga (Group B, Nett 79 C/B), and Timothy Musiime (Group C, Nett 77, HC 34), emerged top winners in their respective groups, while Michael Tumusiime claimed the Gross Men title with a Gross score of 74. On the ladies’ side, the Uganda Golf Union Lady President Rita Apell triumphed in Group A, while Edith Wamalwa took the top spot in Group B with Nett 83.
Winners from the series quiz were also rewarded with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve bottles.
The blue-themed after ‘par-tee’ reached its peak with a lively performance by the star of the moment- Elijah Kitaka, who thrilled the audience with a set of his fan favorites, crowing off the event with energy and vibe deserving of a season finale. The crowd sang along, danced, and cheered along to every beat.
Comedian Patrick Idringi aka Salvado, the event host, ensured there was no dull moment, with his witty comic punchlines, while DJ Shock kept the music running throughout the evening.
