Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment by sponsoring the third edition of the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament with Shs10 million.
The bank says the sponsorship reflects its continued support for initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities through entrepreneurship.
The sponsorship was announced on Wednesday during the tournament’s partners’ press briefing at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
Speaking at the event, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the Bank remains committed to investing in programmes that transform lives through economic empowerment.
Held under the theme Hope on the Green, this year’s tournament aims to raise Shs450 million to provide business starter kits to 1,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary will receive a starter kit worth Shs450,000 to help them establish small businesses and earn a sustainable income.
Shoko said the initiative fits well with Equity Bank’s mission of empowering women, young people and entrepreneurs through financial inclusion and enterprise development.
“The Watoto Golf Tournament is a cause that is very near and dear to our mission of supporting women and youth entrepreneurs. That is why we have once again come forward to offer our support. We believe the swings on the golf course this Saturday will go far beyond golf. They will empower families, uplift children and strengthen our economy. We shall continue supporting this cause because lasting transformation begins with creating opportunities for people to improve their lives,” Shoko said.
He said the partnership goes beyond sponsoring a sporting event and demonstrates the bank’s long-term commitment to creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative complements Equity Bank’s flagship EquiMama programme, which supports women-owned businesses through affordable financing, financial literacy training, business mentorship, networking opportunities and tailored banking solutions.
Under the programme, women entrepreneurs can access unsecured loans ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs5 million.
The package also includes insurance cover for maternity, life, disability, fire and catastrophes. During maternity, beneficiaries also receive antenatal support through the insurance package.
According to the bank, more than 89,000 women have been trained in business development and financial management under EquiMama, while over 40,000 women have received loans through the programme.
EquiMama was launched in 2021 to help women recover from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthen their businesses.
The programme also supports rural women by providing free financial literacy training to improve their business management skills and increase their access to finance.
In addition, the Bank offers business advisory services, advanced entrepreneurship workshops, networking opportunities and links women entrepreneurs to financial services, investment opportunities and markets.
Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo welcomed the partnership, saying collaboration between the private sector and faith-based organisations is important in restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable families.
“The vision behind the Watoto Golf Tournament is to restore dignity by equipping women with practical opportunities to earn a living and care for their families. We are grateful to partners like Equity Bank who share our belief that lasting transformation happens when compassion is matched with empowerment. Every contribution made through this tournament represents hope, restored purpose and a brighter future for hundreds of families,” Rwotlonyo said.
The tournament began with a caddies’ competition on Monday and also includes activities aimed at introducing new players to golf as part of efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible.
Organisers say the tournament is more than a sporting event. It is also a fundraising platform that will help vulnerable women start businesses, build resilient households and contribute to local economic growth.
The campaign has brought together Watoto Church, Uganda Golf Club, corporate sponsors and individual golfers in a shared effort to support vulnerable women through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
