News Category: Strategic Partnerships

Team P&B, comprising of Bob Matisiko and Peter Atwine, and Fairway Zokka, comprising of Edith Wamala and Suzan Achieng, emerged as the overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the first round of the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series season, held at Entebbe Club on Saturday. Team P&B claimed the top spot with 57 points, winning two RwandAir tickets and I&M Bank goodies, while Fairway Zokka emerged victorious with 59 points, earning a weekend for two at the Kampala Serena Hotel, along with I&M Bank goodies. Played under the newly introduced "Rejected" format, the series’ season opener attracted over 150 golfers. Under this format, golfers paired up and teed off normally, but the opposing team decided where their opponents would play their second shots from on twelve holes, out of the 18 holes. On the holes where they played from the position chosen by their opponents, the team entered their best net score. However, on the six holes where the team chose to play from their preferred position, they had to enter their worst score as the team’s score. The pairs had to strictly be of the same sex. “We worked well together and stayed focused. It’s an amazing feeling winning the season opener, but even a better feeling being the overall winners. We really appreciate the organizers and partners for putting together such a challenging tournament, and a lit 19th hole experience,” said Atwine of Team P&B. Team Fairway Zokka’s Achieng also remarked, “The tournament was both competitive and fun, making it a great experience for all golfers.” Timothy Musiime, the I&M Bank Chief Financial Officer, who represented the bank’s CEO, Robin Bairstow, spoke about how the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series continues to grow as a premier golfing experience that fosters camaraderie and positive community impact. "As we embark on the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, we are not just looking forward to playing golf—we are seeking to strengthen bonds, support communities, and elevate the sport. This year, we aim to make the series even bigger and better, with exciting new formats, cross-border engagements—with a Rwanda leg in plan—and meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the course. Together, we are here to build something truly special," Musiime stated. Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa reemphasized that the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is an open tournament that welcomes all golfers who wish to enjoy unique and challenging golf formats. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors and partners, whose support has ensured successful editions for every season. "The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series remains open to all golfers. We are always happy to see so many familiar faces, but even more thrilled to see some new ones this season. I wish to thank all our sponsors and partners for their continued support; you are the reason we have had many successful seasons, and we are yet to see an even better 2025 season. Together we’re growing the game and making a difference in our communities," he remarked. Among other key winners were The Protons, comprising of Michael Andama and Jim Kamanyi, the men's runners-up pair, as well as Game Changers, comprising of Diana Anubekyana and Rita Apell, the ladies' runners-up. Meanwhile, earlier in the week, golfers participated in a quiz competition, and the winners, who included journalist Allan Darren Kyeyune, Brian Walusimbi, Serwano Walusimbi, Helen Kisinde, and Evelyn Atukunda, were rewarded with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve each. I&M Bank Marketing and Corporate Communications boss Annette Nakiyaga told golfers that the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series promises to be even more successful than the previous editions. "We intend to leverage our past achievements to drive the series to new heights. Together with our partners, we've introduced new aspects to the series, and golfers can expect something fresh at each quarterly event," Nakiyaga noted. At the start of the 19th hole experience, the host, comedian Patrick Idiringi aka Salvador, asked golfers to rise and maintain a moment of silence in honor of Brian Toolit, a professional golfer who passed away on Saturday morning. Songbird Naava Grey spiced up the evening with an amazing performance of her soulful jams, which got many golfers singing along. The second quarterly event of the series will take place on May 31, the third event on August 9, and the grand finale will be held on November 29. The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is sponsored by Rwanda Air, Victoria Motors, Johnnie Walker, NBS Sport, Fenon Events, GA Insurance, Serena Hotels, Time Cop Security, and Goldman’s Luxury.

Hundreds of innovators/entrepreneurs graced the Uganda-EU Business Insights 2025 held on Thursday, February 13 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala. The event, organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda in partnership with the Government of Uganda and Private Sector Foundation Uganda, also brought together industry leaders, and policymakers, to explore innovative solutions in Agricultural Technology and Sustainable Mining. The day-long event that had I&M Bank Uganda as a partner offered business-to-business, business-to-investor, and business-to-government matchmaking platform, connecting European investors with Uganda’s agriculture and mining innovators and entrepreneurs. The activities included panel discussions addressing key challenges and exploring innovative solutions in AgTech and Mining, exhibitions showcasing business solutions and innovations, matchmaking sessions connecting EU investors with Ugandan businesses and policymakers, and a deals room where innovators pitched investment-ready projects. H.E. Jan Sadek, the Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda presided over the event emphasizing the transformative power of Uganda-EU economic partnership. He noted that this year’s event was built on the success of the 2024 event which facilitated over 1,600 business connections, generating over €1 million in trial orders. “There’s huge potential in Uganda-EU trade relations. By bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors, we’re setting the stage for long-term growth and creating opportunities that will benefit both our regions for years to come,” H.E. Sadek said. “The EU is deeply invested in Uganda’s economic development, supporting initiatives in Agriculture Technology, sustainable mining, and digital platforms for agriculture. The rehabilitation of the Kira hydropower project is just one example of our long-term commitment to Uganda’s development,” he added. Minister of Finance Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of State for Minerals in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, and Chairman of PSFU Humphrey Nzeyi were among the senior officials present at the event. In his address, Hon. Kasaija highlighted that agriculture is one of the key sectors capable of absorbing people from all age groups, noting that recently, 70% of the workforce is employed in the agriculture sector. “Agriculture needs more innovative practices in order for its potential to be maximized. The sector has contributed significantly to Uganda’s trade balance with the EU with agricultural exports, particularly coffee, fish, flowers, and cocoa beans, accounting for 96.8% of total exports,” Kasaija stated. Hon. Kasaija also emphasized that agricultural technology and sustainable mining are timely and align with the government’s priorities for the next 15 years, aiming to ensure access to the right technology for value addition in both agriculture and mining. Hon. Mwebesa noted that Uganda’s agricultural products like coffee, fish, and flowers act as ambassadors of Ugandan excellence in the European market. And in return, the EU's machinery and pharmaceuticals are like the backbone supporting the local industrial leap forward. “EU has been a key trading partner for Uganda. Over the years, Uganda has exported agricultural and natural products to the EU, while importing machinery, pharmaceuticals, and goods needed for industrial growth. In 2022, trade between Uganda and the EU reached EUR 1.5 billion, with Uganda exporting EUR 800 million and importing €700 million. This positive trade balance highlights the strong and important partnership between Uganda and the EU,” Hon. Mwebesa noted. Hon. Nyamutoro noted that building platforms for promotion of sustainable mining begins with initiation of responsibility right from the exploration to production. “As we gear more towards attaining substantive quantification of our mineral resources, it's only right that consistency in value addition and continued beneficiation is emphasised,” she said. PSFU’s Nzeyi revealed that they are focusing on boosting productivity, improving market access, enhancing financial inclusion across both sectors, and promoting value addition. He explained that these efforts will help drive sustainable growth, empower local businesses, and ultimately contribute to economic development. I&M Bank CEO, Robin Bairstow, highlighted that platforms like this offer a valuable opportunity to connect innovative minds with the right financial backing, fostering growth and development among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. "At I&M Bank, we recognize the critical role that access to capital and sustainable financial solutions plays in unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s agriculture and mining sectors. By facilitating partnerships and providing the necessary financial support, we aim to empower entrepreneurs to scale their innovations and contribute to the country’s economic growth," Bairstow stated. Discussions at the event also highlighted the role of digital platforms in supporting farmers and promoting sustainable mining practices, areas where European expertise can play a key role.