Mariera, Koowe top Katogo Golf Series

Isaac Mariera and Lillian Koowe were the overall winners at the final event of the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, which took place on Saturday at Entebbe Club.

Mariera, a senior golfer, won the men’s overall prize with a net score of 68. Koowe led the ladies’ category with a net score of 75.

Both overall winners received a RwandAir return ticket to any destination on the airline’s routes. They also won a weekend stay for two at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa.

“This win feels 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 season finale, played in the ‘In Regulation’ format, drew over 150 golfers from clubs across the country, filling the course and ending the season on a high note.

Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa said the group set high standards this year and expects to see even more improvement in the future.

"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.

I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow said the success of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series was due to teamwork and the involvement of everyone.

"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 Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Edward Kabuchu were recognised for founding 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 recognise. 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.

The series’ captain and vice captain also thanked the I&M Bank CEO and Annette Nakiyaga, the bank’s marketing head, for helping the Katogo series grow.

Other sponsors of the series, such as Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, Rwanda Air, and others, received plaques in recognition of their support.

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) won their groups. Michael Tumusiime took the Gross Men title with a score of 74. For the ladies, Uganda Golf Union Lady President Rita Apell won Group A, and Edith Wamalwa led Group B with a net of 83.

Winners from the series quiz were also rewarded with a Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve bottle. bottle. The blue-themed after-party peaked with a lively performance by Elijah Kitaka, who entertained the audience with his popular songs. The crowd sang, danced, and cheered throughout the show, ending the event with great energy.

Comedian Patrick Idringi, also known as Salvado, hosted the event and kept everyone entertained with his jokes. DJ Shock played music all evening.