Equity Bank and MTN Uganda Strengthen Ties Through Golf at Namulonge

Equity Bank Uganda and MTN Uganda joined forces for a remarkable golf event at the MaryLouise Simkins Memorial Golf Club in Namulonge, Wakiso District over the weekend. This special gathering blended sport, strategy, and business, and brought together executives and staff from both companies for a day of friendly competition and collaboration.

Golf Meets Corporate Partnership

The tournament featured top officials from both organizations, including Equity Bank’s Managing Director Gift Shoko, Executive Director Claver Serumaga, Lady Captain Aine Sheila, and Chief Information Officer Albert Gitta. The event was more than a sport—it provided an ideal setting for networking, strengthening partnerships, and aligning visions for future cooperation.

During the evening’s celebratory dinner, dubbed the “Hole 19” experience, Claver Serumaga expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating: “When you get these two giants together, you can only imagine how much we can change this country.”

Equity Bank’s Support for Golf

Equity Bank Uganda has been a long-time supporter of golf, especially in Namulonge. Since 2019, it has sponsored the annual Namulonge Open—now renamed the Equity NARO Open—and in 2024, the bank announced a Shs175 million investment to improve the course and its facilities in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). This includes plans to expand the current 9-hole course to 18 holes and to construct a halfway house. The recent Equity–MTN golf event builds on that commitment, showing Equity’s dedication not only to golf but also to corporate wellness and sportsmanship.

A Growing Partnership

This collaboration with MTN Uganda is part of a broader strategy to create impactful partnerships across sectors. Equity Bank and MTN are leaders in finance and telecommunications respectively, and their combined influence is already making a mark.

Both companies are no strangers to corporate sports. MTN has made waves in the Corporate Sports Network (CSN), particularly in basketball, while Equity Bank was recently active in the July 27 CSN games in Luzira, competing in football, basketball, and darts. Their partnership goes beyond local engagement. Equity Bank was also a lead sponsor of the African Nations Cup UK 2025, supporting Ugandan and African diaspora communities in London through football and cultural events.

Looking Forward

This was just the first of a two-leg Equity–MTN golf series. Equity Bank will also sponsor the return leg of the event, continuing to build momentum around sports and collaboration. The Namulonge club, with its expanding facilities and Equity’s consistent backing, is becoming a key venue for Uganda’s golf community. Women’s participation at the club has also increased significantly—from just three golfers at its founding to over 20 today—a sign that these efforts are paying off in growing the sport.

The Equity–MTN golf event was a celebration of sportsmanship, leadership, and strategic alignment. It demonstrated how corporate giants can use platforms like golf not just for recreation, but to drive business growth, build networks, and inspire communities. With Equity Bank and MTN Uganda leading the way, Uganda’s sports and corporate sectors are showing strong potential to work together for long-term national impact.