The 2026 Stanbic Match Play Challenge qualifiers at Entebbe Golf Club produced a historic moment for Ugandan golf after Berna Musanabera won the tournament’s first-ever hole-in-one car prize.
Musanabera delivered a hole-in-one on the par-three 12th hole to claim a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid insured by Afrisafe Uganda.
She becomes the first golfer, and the first woman, in the history of the Stanbic Match Play series to win a car through a hole-in-one.
Her tee shot landed on the green before spinning into the cup, sparking celebrations among players and spectators.
Speaking after her victory, Musanabera said she had been playing golf actively for four years and was overwhelmed by the achievement.
“I can’t imagine that I’m now part of history. This shows that golf is not just a sport but also rewarding. I encourage more golfers, especially ladies, to actively participate because there are real opportunities,” she said.
She praised Stanbic Bank Uganda for its continued investment in the sport, saying sustained sponsorship has contributed to golf’s steady growth in the country.
The vehicle was handed over by CFAO Mobility Uganda. The hybrid model delivers approximately 21 kilometres per litre and comes with two years of service and a three-year warranty, according to the sponsors.
A total of 246 golfers took part in the qualifier, including Stanbic Bank Uganda chief executive Mumba Kalifungwa and several leading players from across the country.
Ritah Apell, Stanbic Bank’s head of ICT, commended the strong turnout, linking the bank’s sponsorship of golf to its corporate purpose.
“While many are at candlelit dinners, you chose to be on the greens. That tells us something powerful, that you love this game. Love is about commitment. It’s about showing up. It’s about passion. Those same values define sport, banking and strong partnerships,” Apell said.
Kwame Ejalu, managing director of Afrisafe Uganda, said the win was particularly significant after a decade of sponsoring the hole-in-one prize.
“Unlike other editions where it has always been one hole, today we increased the number because we were very intentional about giving out the car,” Ejalu said.
Match play differs from stroke play in that golfers compete hole by hole rather than by cumulative score, a format that adds strategic intensity to each round.
Sserwano Walusimbi, captain of Entebbe Golf Club, described the qualifier as competitive and energetic, noting that the contest will become tougher as the tournament progresses.
“This is just a qualifier. As we move from round one to the final, only the very best will remain in the race,” Walusimbi said.
He said the overall winner will attend the DP World Tour in Dubai, while the runner-up will travel to Zanzibar and another top performer to Mombasa. Additional prizes are being supported by Stanbic Bank Uganda, Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility Uganda and Afrisafe Uganda.
“I want to congratulate Berna for writing history,” Walusimbi said.
