Entebbe: Excitement swept through Entebbe Golf Club as qualifiers for the 2026 Stanbic Match Play Challenge got underway, producing a historic milestone in Ugandan golf.
Berna Musanabera wrote her name into the tournament’s record books after striking a sensational hole-in-one on the par-three 12th hole to win an Afrisafe-insured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the day’s grand prize. The ace made her not only the first female golfer, but the first golfer ever in Stanbic Match Play history to claim the coveted hole-in-one car prize.
Witnesses said Musanabera’s tee shot landed smoothly on the green before a perfectly judged side spin guided the ball directly into the cup, triggering loud cheers and celebration from players and spectators.
Speaking moments after the achievement, Musanabera, clearly overwhelmed with joy, said she had been playing golf consistently for the past four years and was still trying to process what had happened.
“I can’t imagine that I’m now part of history,” she said. “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 also praised the tournament sponsors, particularly Stanbic Bank Uganda, for their continued investment in golf, saying the support has played a key role in steadily growing the sport.
Musanabera drove away in a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid awarded by CFAO Mobility Uganda. The vehicle, known for its fuel efficiency, delivers about 21 kilometres per litre and comes with two years of service and a three-year warranty provided by Afrisafe Uganda.
The qualifier attracted 246 golfers, including Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa, alongside several notable players from around the country.
Stanbic Bank’s Head of ICT, Ritah Apell, commended the impressive turnout and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the sport, saying the sponsorship aligns with Stanbic’s purpose: “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.”
“While many are at candlelit dinners, you chose to be on the greens. That tells us something powerful, that you love this game,” Apell said. “Love is about commitment. It’s about showing up. It’s about passion. Those same values define sport, banking, and strong partnerships.”
Afrisafe Uganda Managing Director Kwame Ejalu expressed satisfaction that after a decade of sponsoring the hole-in-one prize, the car had finally been claimed.
“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. “It is even more exciting that a woman has broken this record.”
In golf, match play differs from stroke play because players compete hole by hole rather than based on total score, a format that intensifies pressure and heightens strategic play.
Entebbe Golf Club Captain Sserwano Walusimbi described the qualifiers as vibrant and competitive, noting that the contest will only get tougher as the tournament advances.
“This is just a qualifier. As we move to round one up to the final, only the very best will remain in the race,” Walusimbi said.
He also revealed that prizes for the finale have been boosted, with the overall winner set to attend the DP World Tour in Dubai, while the runner-up will travel to Zanzibar, and another top performer will earn a trip to Mombasa. More prizes will be awarded across the series through support from Stanbic Bank, Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility, and Afrisafe.
“I want to congratulate Berna for writing history,” Walusimbi said.