Equity Bank has extended both financial and logistical support to Uganda’s top professional golfer, Marvin Kibirige, ahead of the prestigious 2026 Q-School Golf Tournament in India, a critical qualifying stage that could open doors to elite global golf tours and significantly elevate Uganda’s presence on the international golfing stage.
Over the weekend at Uganda Golf Club, Equity Bank officially handed over a USD 2,000 (UGX 7 million) sponsorship package to Kibirige, signalling growing corporate commitment toward supporting Ugandan sports talent and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global events.
The funding will facilitate Kibirige’s participation in the high-stakes Q-School competition, internationally renowned as one of the toughest qualification gateways in professional golf. Strong performances typically earn players tour status, world ranking points, consistent competition opportunities, and a sustainable professional golf career. For many Ugandan golfers who face limited exposure and high travel expenses, Q-School represents a rare and transformative opportunity.
Speaking during the handover, Clare Tumwesigye, Head of Marketing and Communications at Equity Bank, emphasized the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and using sport as a driver for social and economic transformation.
“As a Bank, our promise is to transform lives, and we are doing this with Mr. Kibirige,” she said. “He has a dream of playing at the top golf events in the world, and we want to journey with him in achieving this dream.”
For Kibirige, the support carries deep personal significance. His golfing journey began at Namulonge Golf Course at the Marylouise Simkins Golf Club, where he started out as a caddie, learning the game through observation rather than structured coaching. Through determination and self-training, he steadily rose to prominence, earning a permanent place on Uganda’s national golf team in 2018.
Today, he stands ranked as Uganda’s number one professional golfer and has represented the country internationally, although frequent financial barriers have limited broader participation. With Equity Bank’s sponsorship, those hurdles are significantly reduced.
“This is a dream come true,” Kibirige said. “Q-School gives hope to local players. It shows that with hard work and the right support, a Ugandan golfer can compete anywhere.”
Equity Bank has also committed to providing logistical assistance and essential golfing equipment, underscoring a partnership that focuses on long-term development rather than short-term publicity.
