Kenya golfers wins first leg of cross border Katogo Golf Series

Ugandan golfers lit up the Limuru Country Club on Saturday as the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series debuted in Kenya.

Over 200 amateur golfers from Uganda and Kenya competed in the event dubbed the ‘Migingo Skirmishes,’ which the Kenyan team won, claiming bragging rights with 399 points to Uganda’s 343.

The best top ten scores counted towards the overall team score.

Top Kenyan performers included Hagar Chege (44 points), Silvester Kimani (42), Kingori Macharia (41), Naheed Ahmed (40), John Ndiho (40), James Kihiu (40), Dominic Chege (39), James Macakiage (38), Andrew Karumbo (38), and Robert Gachaga (37).

Katogo chairman Elly Mukasa in action in Limuru. Courtesy photo

Uganda’s scorers included David Yatich (40 points), Daniel Kangu (39), Ali Juuko (36), David Ebau (33), Maxi Byenkya (33), Dan Kajungu (33), Emmanuel Wamimbi (33), Ronald Osekeny (32), Robert Ejiku (32), and Jonathan Bakwega (32).

The Kenyans dominated the individual awards, although a few Ugandans managed podium finishes.

In the men’s category, Kenya’s Silvester Kimani (handicap 20) emerged as the overall winner with 42 points, while Hagar Chege, playing off handicap 53, was the top lady golfer of the day with 44 points.

In the group categories, Naheed Ahmed led Group A with 40 points, Kingori Macharia took Group B with 41 points, and Alvin Mokaya won Group C with 37 points.

In the ladies’ category, Wambui Gitonga led Group A with 37 points, Rhoda Koech took Group B with 37 points, and Clara Wambugu claimed Group C with 32 points.

Ken Ringera, who scored 34 points, was crowned the guest winner, while Peter Kinuthia and Noni Wanyee took home the longest drive awards for men and ladies, respectively. John Keru and Mukami Miako won the nearest to the pin prizes.

Kihara Mania, the Regional CEO of I&M Bank, initiated the Limuru Katogo Series edition after participating in the second edition of the Katogo Golf Series in June in Entebbe and extended an invitation to the series organizers to bring the event to Limuru Country Club.

Entebbe Club Trustee Edward Kabuchu (left) and Andrew Kibaya pose with one of the bank's officials in Limuru. Courtesy photo

“I’m extremely happy to have our Ugandan brothers and sisters here at my home club. Sixty players coming from another country to visit us is not something small; and I promise you that we will also come to your club (Entebbe Club) in large numbers,” Mania said.

The I&M Bank Uganda CEO, Robin Bairstow, flanked by Chief Financial Officer Timothy Musiime, Chief Business Officer Edward Gibson Nangono, and Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Annette Nakiyaga, expressed excitement at seeing the Katogo Golf Series grow to cross borders. He highlighted that the move aligns with their commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting initiatives that foster both business growth and community impact.

"As I&M Bank Uganda, we are very happy to see the Katogo Golf Challenge go beyond borders. It’s now very evident that our support for the series is much more than a monetary sponsorship; it’s about fostering unity, friendship, and collaboration that strengthens our communities.

“Through the Katogo Golf Series, we have witnessed firsthand how golf can be a platform that brings together individuals from various sectors and backgrounds," Bairstow remarked.

Katogo Golf Captain Elly Mukasa, his deputy Andrew Kibaya, Katogo Series and Entebbe Club Trustee Edward Kabuchu, and other Katogo members expressed their excitement at the series’ growth over the last two years.

“As Team Katogo, we are extremely excited and grateful for how far we’ve come. Who would have known a few months back that we would be holding the series in Kenya? We wish to thank our title sponsor, I&M Bank, for believing in the series and for the invitation to bring the Katogo feel to Limuru.

Right from our humble beginnings, it’s always a special moment when we come together, not only to compete but to celebrate the spirit of golf and friendship among our members and friends from other clubs,” Mukasa said.

James Githinji, the Limuru Club Captain, flanked by Lady Captain Susan Mwanzia, noted that the date for the return leg of the Migingo Skirmishes will be announced soon.

“We’re looking forward to coming to Uganda for the return leg of this series. This is a fantastic way to build networks and keep the friendly rivalry between our clubs alive,” Githinji said.