By David Mwanje
NCBA Golf Series is set to ignite East Africa’s amateur golf scene with a potent mix of competition, camaraderie, and cutting-edge innovation. Now in its fifth year, the series has evolved from a modest golfing initiative into a regional juggernaut, fostering talent, forging business connections, and driving digital transformation across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The Jinja leg, with its promise of a Nissan Qashqai for a hole-in-one at the 18th green, is poised to be a pivotal chapter in this story of growth and ambition.
Mark Muyobo, CEO of NCBA Uganda, captures the event’s electrifying vibe: “Jinja’s laid-back charm meets fierce competition this weekend. The hole in one challenge is a game-changer, and we’re expecting some audacious shots that could etch unforgettable moments into the series’ legacy.” Beyond the thrill of the game, the Jinja event is a strategic platform for NCBA to showcase its commitment to nurturing golf talent while integrating its cashless digital payment solution, Muzuri Pay, into every facet of the tournament from player registrations to refreshments and merchandise. This seamless blend of sport and technology underscores NCBA’s vision of a modern, connected East Africa.
A Regional Powerhouse in the Making
Launched in 2021, the NCBA Golf Series was conceived as a vehicle to unearth golfing talent, promote healthy competition, and build personal and professional networks across East Africa. What began as a series of local tournaments in Kenya has since expanded into a 41-leg regional tour, covering 20 prestigious courses in four countries. The 2025 edition, which kicked off in January at Nairobi’s Vet-Lab Sports Club, has already seen high-octane events in Nairobi, Kampala, and Mombasa, drawing over 2,000 golfers and cementing its status as East Africa’s premier amateur golf circuit.
The Jinja leg, the second qualifier in Uganda’s 2025 calendar, follows a stellar opening event in Kampala, where 17-year-old Gabriel Amani Beau clinched the top spot with a remarkable 47 points, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to the Grand Finale at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club in November. Other standout performers, including Godwin Bindeeba and Judith Komugisha, showcased Uganda’s rising golf prowess. Jinja is expected to attract an equally formidable field, with amateur golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda vying for one of the six qualification spots for the finale, where regional glory and bragging rights await.
A Legacy of Impact
The NCBA Golf Series has a storied history of transforming the region’s golf landscape. In 2024, Uganda sent a record 18 golfers to the Nairobi finale, a milestone that highlighted the series’ role in elevating local talent. Qualifiers like Aggrey Mutaka, Brian Omeda, and Lillian Koowe dazzled at Muthaiga, with Peter Tumusiime clinching the Gross title and Peace Kabasweka winning the Ladies’ Longest Drive. These achievements have fueled Uganda’s ambition to dominate the 2025 finale, with Jinja serving as a critical stepping stone.
Past events have also showcased NCBA’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. During the 2024 Jinja leg, golfers planted 100 trees along the course as part of NCBA’s “Change the Story” initiative, blending sport with environmental stewardship. The series has also been a boon for junior golf, with events like the NCBA Interschool Golf Tournament at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club in May 2025, where 168 juniors from 27 schools competed, and the NCBA Kenya Invitational, a U.S. Kids Golf-ranked event, offering young players a shot at global recognition.
Business Beyond the Fairways
For NCBA, the Golf Series is more than a sporting event it’s a strategic platform for business growth and innovation. By integrating Muzuri Pay, NCBA is not only streamlining tournament operations but also promoting digital financial inclusion across East Africa. “Muzuri Pay is transforming how we engage with players and fans,” Muyobo notes. “It’s a secure, cashless solution that enhances efficiency and aligns with our vision of a digitally empowered region.”
The series also serves as a networking hub, bringing together amateur golfers, business leaders, and enthusiasts. Events like the 2025 leg at Nyali Golf & Country Club, which drew 223 golfers, and the Ruiru Sports Club qualifier, the largest of the season, have fostered partnerships and opportunities that extend beyond the course. NCBA’s Sh60 million investment in the 2024 series, including partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union and Junior Golf Foundation, underscores its long-term commitment to golf as a catalyst for economic and social impact.
The Road to Nairobi
As Jinja prepares to host this weekend’s showdown, the stakes are high. Top performers will secure coveted spots in the Nairobi Grand Finale, where they’ll face off against qualifiers from across the region. The hole-in-one challenge, with its Nissan Qashqai prize, adds a layer of excitement, promising daring plays and potential heroics. For NCBA, the Jinja event is another opportunity to blend sport, innovation, and community, reinforcing its role as a driver of greatness in East Africa.
With its growing footprint, unwavering focus on talent development, and seamless integration of digital solutions, the NCBA Golf Series is not just a tournament it’s a movement. As Muyobo aptly puts it, “Golf is more than a sport; it’s a tool for building resilience, discipline, and focus. Our sponsorship is an investment in human potential.” As the series swings through Jinja, it’s clear that NCBA is teeing up a future where East African golf and business thrive in tandem.
