Centenary Bank has emerged the overall winner of the 2026 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala organised by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA).
A total of 31 financial institutions participated in the gala, which was launched on August 13, 2026, under the theme “Together Towards Greatness.”
Staff from participating banks and financial institutions competed in a range of activities, including indoor games, daily fitness walks, golf and outdoor games. The gala concluded with the outdoor games held at the Kyambogo University playgrounds.
Speaking at the conclusion of the gala, UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde said the event demonstrated the power of sport in strengthening relationships and promoting unity within the financial services industry.
“The Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala has once again demonstrated the power of sport in bringing people together. Beyond the competition, this gala has created opportunities for colleagues from different financial institutions to interact, build friendships and strengthen professional networks. The participation of 31 financial institutions is a testimony to the sector’s commitment to coming together, not only in the workplace but also through activities that promote teamwork and wellbeing.”
Masadde said employee wellbeing is an important component of building productive, resilient and engaged organisations.
“Our people are at the heart of the banking and financial services sector. Creating opportunities for them to connect, recharge and participate in healthy activities contributes to stronger workplace relationships and a more engaged industry. UIBFS is pleased to continue supporting initiatives that bring professional development, employee wellbeing and industry networking together.”
The Chairperson of the UIBFS Board, Godfrey Ssebaana, who is also the Managing Director of Diamond Trust Bank, said the gala demonstrated the value of collaboration across the financial services sector.
“The theme ‘Together Towards Greatness’ speaks directly to what this gala represents. No institution operates in isolation. Our financial services industry grows stronger when its people have opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn from one another. Through this gala, we have seen competition coexist with friendship, and individual achievement contribute to a shared industry experience.”
Speaking at the event, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego thanked the institute for organising the gala annually, saying it provided an opportunity for banking staff to interact, participate and cheer one another as colleagues and peers, without hierarchy.
Atingi-Ego said work in the banking and financial services sector comes with several challenges, including processing loan applications and managing defaulters, making it important for bankers to take time away from their desks to refresh, rejuvenate, network and promote team spirit.
He said the way teams mobilise and organise themselves during such activities demonstrates a sense of purpose, which he said can help drive the sector towards the common objective of achieving the country’s tenfold growth target.
While closing the gala, Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba encouraged participants to carry forward the spirit of collaboration, wellness and excellence demonstrated during the games.
He said greatness is achieved when institutions move forward with commitment, purpose and solidarity.
Equity Bank emerged first runner-up, while Bank of Uganda was the second runner-up.
In addition to the recognition received at the closing ceremony, some of the winners and outstanding performers will be recognised and awarded at the Annual Bankers’ Awards scheduled for November 20, 2026.
The awards will provide another opportunity for the banking and financial services industry to celebrate excellence, recognise outstanding performance and acknowledge individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the sector.
