Katogo Golf Series returns with sh796m boost and an exciting new format

The fourth edition of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series for the 2026 season has been boosted by sh796m from partners, marking a Sh146m increase over the 2025 sponsorship package.

Speaking at the launch, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow stated that last season built strongly on previous achievements and raised the competitiveness even higher.

“The growth in participation, the level of competition, and the overall experience showed that this tournament continues to get bigger and better,” Bairstow said.

“Last year, we expanded our regional footprint with another cross-border leg in Kigali. This year, we will maintain that outlook- not only travelling outside the country for another leg, but we shall host foreign golfers here at home,” he added. Bairstow emphasised that the bank remains committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, particularly through its Education and Skills Development pillar.

Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa thanked golfers and sponsors for their continued support and promised golfers a season to remember.

“We are honoured to work with partners who, each year, 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,” Mukasa said.

The tournament Director- Paul Kaheru, known for crafting the inventive formats that distinguish the competition, revealed that the 2026 season will introduce one new format, while three fan favourites return. The latest addition is ‘It’s Up to Me’, an individual competition. After all players tee off, one designated player in each group determines where they will take their second shot from and dictates where the rest of the group must play theirs. Only the second-shot position is controlled. 

The challenge intensifies if an out-of-bounds ball is selected, forcing the affected players to return to the tee to play their third shot. Winners will be determined by the lowest net scores at the end of the round.

The old formats include ‘Call Your Shots’, to be used in the second round. In this format, players must declare the specific clubs they intend to use on each hole before teeing off. Only the declared clubs may be used, and each must be used at least once. The third round will feature ‘Tee for Me’, a pairs event (no mixed pairs). Both players tee off on every hole, switch balls for the second shot, and continue playing that ball until it is holed out. The grand finale will be contested under the ‘Double Bogey Danger’ format, previously used in the 2024 finals.

Players begin with a full set of clubs, but each double bogey or worse requires them to remove one club of their choice from their bag. The club can only be reinstated after scoring a par or better. I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications- Annette Nakiyaga, credited the tournament’s growth to strong collaboration among stakeholders.

“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 at every outing,” she said.

With lady golfer Berna Musanabera winning a car as a hole-in-one prize at the same venue on February 14, anticipation is high for a repeat feat.

A zero-mileage Mitsubishi Outlander (Sport), courtesy of Victoria Motors and insured by GA Insurance, is up for grabs. Johnnie Walker Uganda will elevate the 19th-hole experience with signature cocktails and exclusive bottle offers from its portfolio. After the opening round, the second quarterly event will be held on May 30, followed by the third leg on August 8, before the grand finale on November 28.

The 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is supported by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security.