Uganda and Kenyan golfers unite at the Katogo Migingo Skirmishes in Limuru

Kenya's Limuru Country Club secured overall team honours with 36 points, surpassing Uganda's 12, as the fourth cross-border I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series concluded at Limuru Country Club on Saturday.

A total of 252 golfers from Uganda and Kenya participated in the second season of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, also known as the Migingo Skirmishes.

The tournament used a match play format, awarding one point for a win and half a point for a tie.

The team event also recognised Daniel Kanyu and Renaldo D’souza for achieving the largest winning margin, posting a 10&8 result against Michael Sekadde and Ceasar Barole.

In the individual competition, Uganda’s Moses Matsiko, playing off a handicap of 6, was the top Ugandan performer, leading Men’s Group A with 37 points, ahead of Brian Nsimbi (37) and J.N. Kihanya (35).

Victor Oduor won Men’s Group C with 44 points. Winnie led Ladies Group B with 39 points. Andrew Koech claimed Men’s Group B with 43 points, tying with runner-up Nelson Githinji. Elizabeth Gak topped Ladies Group A with 39 points. It wasn’t all about the scorecard, though. For the Ugandan golfers (most of whom had been in the very first edition in November 2024), it was a chance to go back to the Limuru Country Club, which had been completely gutted by a fire previously. Club Chairman Geoffrey Githinji expressed his appreciation for the ongoing partnership between the Kenyan and Ugandan golfing communities. This event marked the fourth cross-border tournament of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, with Limuru Country Club hosting for the second time. Previous regional events have been held at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas and Entebbe Club.

I&M Bank Group Regional CEO Kihara Maina, a Limuru member and initiator of the Skirmishes, stated that such initiatives are important for bringing East African markets closer.

“As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets, these connections can open doors and create new opportunities across the region. This regional approach is also reflected in how we serve our customers. Through solutions such as IMBRISK, we make it easier for customers to access and move their money across I&M Bank’s network in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This is one way we support customers who travel, trade, and do business across borders,” Kihara said.

Kihara also suggested that organizers consider hosting the next Migingo Skirmishes at a neutral course, as home courses often provide an advantage to hosts. I&M Bank Uganda CEO Robin Bairstow noted that the Migingo Skirmishes hold a special place in the series’ history, marking the start of cross-border golf for the Katogo Golf Series.

“When I&M Bank Uganda partnered with Katogo in 2023, we did not imagine that the series would grow into one of the most sought-after golfing events in the country and even extend beyond our borders.

It is encouraging to see how far we have come. With the continued support of our partners and the golfing fraternity in general, I believe the series can only get better,” Bairstow said.

Uganda Golf Union President Dr. Jackson Were, who participated in the tournament, commended the Katogo Golf Series organizers and I&M Bank for their efforts to strengthen relationships among golfers in the region.

“Golf in Uganda continues to grow across all categories, from ladies and amateur golf to the professional level. We are seeing more people take up the game, and platforms like the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series give us a chance to connect with golfers from the region and share in that growth,” he said.

For Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa, a key highlight has been seeing golfers embrace opportunities to play in new environments, meet new people, and build lasting friends.

“We are now looking to the future. With the renewed I&M Bank partnership, I believe we will achieve even more. Most of us never imagined we would come this far, but the support and opportunities along the way have been incredible. We are excited about what lies ahead for Katogo and the golfers who are part of this journey,” he said.

Annette Nakiyaga, I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, stated that the success of Migingo Skirmishes Season Two reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that unite customers beyond banking.

“It is also important that as our customers travel for such events, they can enjoy convenient banking wherever they are. Our multicurrency prepaid cards, for instance, made it easier to pay for services at the club, hotels, and different venues. This is part of our commitment to being on your side, wherever life takes you,” she said.

The denim-and-white-themed 19th Hole experience, hosted by Kenyan comedian and MC Professor Hamo, concluded the day on a lively note.