The fourth edition of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series was officially launched on Tuesday, March 3, during a press briefing at the I&M Bank head office at Kingdom Kampala.
The 2026 season received a financial boost of Sh796 million from partners, which is Sh146 million more than the 2025 sponsorship package.
The tournament will tee off on Saturday, March 14 at the Entebbe Club, with organizers expecting a full course. The second quarterly event will take place on May 30, followed by the third leg on August 8, before the grand finale on November 28.
Speaking at the launch, Robin Bairstow said last season built strongly on previous achievements and raised the level of competition.
“The growth in participation, the level of competition, and the overall experience showed that this tournament continues to get bigger and better,” Bairstow said.
He added that last year the tournament expanded its regional reach with a cross-border leg in Kigali, and the outlook will remain the same this year.
“This year we will maintain that outlook—not only traveling outside the country for another leg, but we shall also host foreign golfers here at home,” he added.
Bairstow also emphasized the bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly through its pillar of education and skills development.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa thanked golfers and sponsors for their continued support and promised a memorable season.
“We are honored to work with partners who each play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of this tournament. As we build on our achievements, we must maintain high standards and continue meeting the expectations of all participants. Golfers should expect a 2026 season like no other before,” Mukasa said.
Tournament Director Paul Kaheru revealed that the 2026 season will introduce one new format, while three fan-favorite formats will return.
The new format, called “It’s Up To Me,” is an individual competition where one designated player in each group decides where all players will take their second shot after the tee-off.
The returning formats include “Call Your Shots,” where players must declare the clubs they will use before teeing off on each hole, and “Tee For Me,” a pairs event where players switch balls after the first shot and continue until the hole is completed.
The grand finale will be played under the “Double Bogey Danger” format. Players start with a full set of clubs, but each double bogey or worse forces them to remove one club from their bag. The club can only be returned after scoring a par or better.
Golfers will also compete for a hole-in-one prize, a zero-mileage Mitsubishi Outlander courtesy of Victoria Motors and insured by GA Insurance.
Johnnie Walker Uganda will also enhance the 19th-hole experience with signature cocktails and exclusive bottle offers.
I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Annette Nakiyaga said the growth of the tournament is a result of strong collaboration among stakeholders.
“At I&M Bank, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond banking, just as golf challenges and inspires players both on and off the course. This season, together with our partners, we aim to deliver unforgettable moments for golfers and guests alike at every outing,” she said.
The 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is supported by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security.