MTN Uganda has officially reaffirmed its commitment to women’s golf and sports development by announcing sponsorship of the 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open, a premier amateur tournament returning after a one-year hiatus.
The announcement was made at the Entebbe Clubhouse ahead of the event, scheduled from February 26 to 28, 2026, at the historic Entebbe Club.
As the first Ladies Open on the national golf calendar, the tournament aligns with March as Women’s Month and the 2026 International Women’s Day theme “Give to Gain,” emphasizing investment in women for gender equality and broader societal progress.
MTN Uganda’s sponsorship includes a UGX 10 million elite reward package — one of the largest for amateur women’s golf in the region — aimed at raising competition standards and inspiring top-tier performance.
Justina Icabala, Enterprise Segment Manager at MTN Uganda and Team Lead for MTN Ladies’ Golfers, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on sport as a driver of transformation.
“MTN Uganda believes in the power of sport to transform lives, build networks, and create opportunity,” Icabala said.
“Golf provides a unique platform where business, mentorship, and personal growth intersect. Our continued support of the Entebbe Ladies Open reflects our confidence in the women shaping this sport and in the long-term value it creates for communities and for Uganda.”
Lady Captain Maureen Okura of Entebbe Club described the revival as a milestone for the club and women’s golf in Uganda.
“The Entebbe Ladies Open reaffirms our position on the regional and global amateur golf stage,” Okura said. “It enhances our international visibility and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the club. We are not waiting for the future of women’s golf; we are building it here at Entebbe.”
The championship features a strong elite field, including defending 2024 Entebbe Ladies Open champion Kabasweka Peace (Toro Club), reigning Uganda Ladies Open 2025 champion Mercy Nyachama (Kenya), three-time Uganda Ladies Open winner Martha Babirye (Uganda Club), and Neema Olomi (Tanzania, 2018 Entebbe Ladies Open champion).
Other notable entrants include Loveness Frank (Tanzania), Wendy Angudeyo (Uganda), Victoria Elias (Tanzania), Rukia Nalwoga (Uganda), and Stella Gama (Malawi).
Professional Irene Nakalembe (Entebbe Club), a seven-time Entebbe Ladies champion, will compete in the subsidiary event in support of the main ladies championship.The tournament structure includes:
- Main Ladies event: February 26–28
- Bronze category: February 27–28
- Subsidiary event (men, seniors, ladies): February 28, with male participants teeing off from ladies’ tees in solidarity with the women’s championship
Entry fees are UGX 150,000 (Ladies Main), UGX 100,000 (Bronze), and UGX 50,000 (Subsidiary), with registration through Entebbe Club in line with Uganda Golf Union regulations.
The week features a practice round and press engagement on Wednesday, the main event start on Thursday, Bronze category joining on Friday, a networking experience at the refurbished Entebbe Clubhouse on Friday evening, and the final round with prize-giving on Saturday at the traditional 19th Hole celebration.
The return of the World Amateur Golf Ranking event strengthens Uganda’s standing in regional golf and underscores MTN Uganda’s role as the country’s leading sports sponsor.
