NCBA Bank has concluded the second season of its flagship NCBA Junior Golf Series with a vibrant and competitive grand finale at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa. This season-ending event brought together over 100 promising junior golfers from Uganda and across East Africa, marking a major milestone in the region’s youth sports development.
The series served as a dynamic platform for identifying, nurturing, and celebrating emerging golfing talent. The professionally organized tournament reaffirmed NCBA’s long-standing commitment to investing in the next generation of athletes and promoting golf as a vehicle for personal growth, discipline, and international exposure.
In the 6-and-under category, Aahil Bagalana delivered a standout performance with a gross score of 45, securing the top spot and emerging as the overall winner of the season. Over six competitive rounds held at different courses, Bagalana accumulated a total of 180 points, narrowly edging out his closest competitors.
Nehemiah Matsiko and Elijah Agaba followed closely, finishing second and third with 170 and 75 points, respectively. In the 7-year-old category, Timothy Samuel Tayebwa topped the leaderboard with 200 points. Varad Mahendra emerged victorious in the 8-year-old division, while Dante Kawalya led the 9-year-olds with 120 points. Lukas Kimara dominated the 10-year-old category, finishing with an impressive 210 points.
In the older age brackets, Peter Mayende, a national team member, secured top honors in the 15-year-old division. On the girls’ side, Winnie Musuya and Catherine Nakimuli led their respective age groups with 210 and 137 points.
Targeting athletes aged 5 to 18, the NCBA Junior Golf Series has become a cornerstone of junior golf development in Uganda. It opens doors to regional and global opportunities, aligning with the bank’s broader mission to empower youth and uplift communities through sport and mentorship.
Inspired by the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, the series provides a pathway to international recognition. Standout players have opportunities to qualify for prestigious events such as the Rome Classic in Italy and the Big 5 Junior Golf Championship in South Africa. These international platforms not only expand their horizons but also enhance their junior world rankings—positioning them among Africa’s most promising young golfers.
Speaking during the finale, NCBA Bank Uganda CEO Mark Muyobo reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering youth through sports:
“Our mission goes beyond banking—we believe in shaping well-rounded individuals by supporting platforms that build skill, confidence, and leadership. Through the NCBA Junior Golf Series, we aim to prepare young Ugandans for success on and off the course—locally, regionally, and internationally.”
This year, the series made a tangible impact on Uganda’s global golfing presence. NCBA sponsored 16 junior golfers from nine golf clubs across the country, equipping them with the resources and exposure needed to compete at higher levels. The results were compelling: two of the sponsored players earned spots at the Kenya Invitational Tournament, finishing in second and eighth place respectively.
These achievements reflect both the rising caliber of Uganda’s junior golfers and the country’s ascent as a regional golf powerhouse—now ranked as the second-strongest junior golf nation in East Africa. The success of these young athletes illustrates what is possible when talent meets opportunity—and NCBA is proud to play a key role in that journey.
Theo Van Rooyen, Director of U.S. Kids Golf in Uganda, praised the NCBA Junior Golf Series for its transformative impact:
“The NCBA Junior Golf Series has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s sporting calendar. It has not only introduced young people to the game—it has ignited a lasting passion for golf in the next generation.”
Van Rooyen emphasized that the initiative has become a catalyst for talent discovery, personal growth, and competitive development. It provides young players with a structured environment to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and connect with mentors, coaches, and key stakeholders across both the sporting and business worlds.
