Absa Bank Returns with UGX 300 Million Sponsorship for 2026 Uganda Golf Open
David GOMBE
Absa Bank Uganda has today announced a UGX 300 million sponsorship package for the Pro-Am leg of the 2026 Uganda Golf Open, maintaining its sponsorship commitment at the same level as 2025 and marking the financial institution’s seventh consecutive year as a key sponsor of the country’s flagship golf tournament.
The announcement was made during the tournament’s official press launch held at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante. The 2026 Uganda Golf Open will officially tee off on 13 August 2026, bringing together Uganda’s top golfers and regional competitors across various categories of play. The Absa Pro-Am tournament, one of the championship’s signature events, will take place on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, bringing together leading amateur golfers and professional players in a unique competitive format.
Speaking at the launch event, Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank Uganda, highlighted that the bank’s investment is designed to drive long-term player development and elevate the competitive standards of Ugandan golf.
“Our partnership with the Uganda Golf Open reflects Absa’s long-term commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities for Ugandan golfers to reach the next level. Through the Absa Pro-Am, we are creating a platform where amateur and professional golfers can compete alongside one another while opening pathways to international exposure through the Magical Kenya Open, one of Africa’s premier tournaments on the DP World Tour. Over the past six years, more than 60 Ugandan golfers have benefited from this experience, returning with valuable lessons and exposure that continue to raise the standard of golf in Uganda. We are proud to continue investing in a platform that develops talent, inspires excellence, and positions Uganda’s golfers to compete on the regional and international stage,” said Billy Bisanga, from Absa Bank Uganda.
As part of this year’s tournament, up to 10 outstanding performers from the Absa Pro-Am will earn fully sponsored opportunities to attend the next edition of the Magical Kenya Open. Priority will be given to the leading qualifying professionals, with any remaining slots allocated to the top-performing amateurs. This initiative provides Ugandan golfers with an opportunity to experience one of Africa’s premier golfing events and gain exposure to world-class competition.
“Strong partnerships are essential to the growth of golf, and Absa has demonstrated that commitment consistently over the past seven years. Their support has helped elevate the Uganda Golf Open while creating opportunities for Ugandan golfers to gain international exposure through the Magical Kenya Open. Those experiences are invaluable for player development and contribute to raising the standard of competitive golf in Uganda. We are grateful for Absa’s continued partnership and look forward to another successful edition of the Uganda Golf Open,” said Dr. Jackson Were, President, Uganda Golf Union.
The Absa Pro-Am has become a key feature of the Uganda Golf Open, strengthening the connection between amateur and professional golf while creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and international exposure for Uganda’s emerging talent.
Beyond the sport, the Uganda Golf Open continues to contribute to Uganda’s tourism, hospitality, and service sectors while providing a valuable platform for business networking and regional sporting collaboration.
The Absa Pro-Am will take place on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante, bringing together leading golfers, sponsors, corporate partners, and enthusiasts from across the region as part of the wider 2026 Uganda Golf Open championship programme.