The winner of this year’s Captain’s Bell tournament will take home sh10m following an increment in sponsorship by the tournament sponsors, Absa.

The bank at their headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday unveiled a sh152m sponsorship for the event, for which sh20m is kitty for the professionals. The offer is an upgrade from the sh10m they competed for last year.

The biggest twist to this year’s competition is that the best professional will walk away with 50 percent of the kitty (sh10m) in what Absa Managing Director Mumba Kalifungwa said was part of their reaffirmation and their commitment to fostering the growth and excellence of the sport in Uganda.

UGC captain Paul Rukundo (left) shares a light moment with Absa Bank MD Mumba Kalifungwa (right) hands over a package to at the bank’s head office in Kampala. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Kalifungwa flanked by Absa Executive Director and Head of Markets David Wandera, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Marketing Director Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, and Robinah Kamuntu, the Head of Communication and Citizenship, unveiled the sponsorship to UGC captain Rukundo, whom UGC Honorary Secretary Emmanuel Wamimbi and General Manager David Ssekitoleko accompanied.

Mumba said the Captain’s Bell tournament had become a cornerstone on the golf calendar, and that their sponsorship reflects their commitment to supporting and nurturing young talent as they support the growth of golf in Uganda.

“We are driven by our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering the growth and excellence of the sport in our community.

“We look forward to celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie on the green, as we continue to champion the Captain's Bell tournament as a beacon of sporting tradition,” Mumba stated.

He said the sport offers the players an opportunity to exercise, network, and enjoy a good round of golf.

“The Captain’s Bell provides a unique opportunity for us to achieve those objectives for all the golfers at large. As a bank, we are deeply rooted in the communities that we serve and we are committed to making a positive impact on society.

“Through sponsoring this event, we hope to inspire young golfers to dream big as they pursue their passion for sport. We believe that sport has the power to unite people and transcend barriers, and we are honoured to be part of this wonderful event,”

“We thank UGC for allowing us to be part of this incredible journey. At Absa we believe that every journey is unique and that every story matters, whether you are starting a sports career, a business, saving for your child’s education, or planning for your retirement your story is important to us,” Mumba stated.

Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Captain Paul Rukundo will officially usher in his first term in his new role when he hosts over 200 golfers in the Absa Bank-sponsored Captain’s Bell tournament on May 18.

Rukundo hailed the bank for the partnership, which has seen the bank remain a pillar of support, fostering the thriving of golf in the community.

“We are incredibly grateful for this unwavering commitment and we hope to continue this collaboration for many years to come. We are delighted that even this year Absa has partnered with us in this endeavour,” Rukundo said.

“This year’s tournament promises to be an exceptional event because of the exciting prizes for all players of all skill levels and a special category for the seniors.

“We deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in our club and acknowledge the invaluable support you have provided over the years,” Rukundo stated.