By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Bank Uganda has injected Shs10 million into the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament, giving fresh momentum to a campaign that aims to equip 1,000 vulnerable women with the tools they need to start businesses and break the cycle of poverty.
The sponsorship, unveiled during the tournament’s partners’ briefing at the Uganda Golf Club on Wednesday, underscores the bank’s growing investment in women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
This year’s tournament, themed “Hope on the Green,” seeks to raise Shs450 million to provide 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits worth Shs450,000 each, enabling them to establish income-generating enterprises, support their families and build sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the partnership reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering women, youth and entrepreneurs through financial inclusion and enterprise development.
“The Watoto Golf Tournament is a cause that is very near and dear to our mission of supporting women and youth entrepreneurs. That is why we have once again come forward to offer our support,” Shoko said.
“We believe the swings on the golf course this Saturday will go far beyond golf. They will empower families, uplift children and strengthen our economy. We shall continue supporting this cause because lasting transformation begins with creating opportunities for people to improve their lives.”
Shoko noted that the bank’s support extends beyond sponsoring a sporting event, describing the partnership as part of Equity Bank’s broader strategy to create economic opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative complements the bank’s flagship EquiMama programme, which provides women-owned businesses with affordable financing, financial literacy, business mentorship, networking opportunities and tailored banking solutions.
Through EquiMama, women can access unsecured loans ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs5 million, alongside insurance covering maternity, life, catastrophe, fire and disability. The package also includes antenatal care and maternity support, easing some of the financial pressures faced by women entrepreneurs.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has trained more than 89,000 women in business development and provided loans to over 40,000 women organised in various groups. Initially introduced to help women recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, EquiMama has evolved into one of the bank’s flagship financial inclusion initiatives.
Beyond access to credit, the programme offers rural women free financial literacy training, business advisory services, entrepreneurship workshops and networking opportunities that connect them to investment, markets and other financial services.
Welcoming the partnership, Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo said collaborations between the private sector and faith-based organisations are crucial in restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable families.
“The vision behind the Watoto Golf Tournament is to restore dignity by equipping women with practical opportunities to earn a living and care for their families,” he said.
“We are grateful to partners like Equity Bank who share our belief that lasting transformation happens when compassion is matched with empowerment. Every contribution made through this tournament represents hope, restored purpose and a brighter future for hundreds of families.”
The tournament, which began with a caddies’ competition on Monday, also features activities aimed at introducing new players to golf as part of efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible.
As golfers tee off this weekend, the event will represent more than a sporting contest. It will serve as a fundraising platform to help vulnerable women launch businesses, build resilient households and contribute to stronger local economies.
By bringing together Watoto Church, Uganda Golf Club, corporate sponsors and individual golfers, the tournament is leveraging sport as a catalyst for economic empowerment—turning every swing into an opportunity to transform lives. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
