Centenary Bank has clinched the championship trophy at the 2026 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala, edging out Equity Bank in second place and Bank of Uganda in third.
The month-long celebration of fitness and networking wrapped up on September 20 at Kyambogo University playgrounds. was organised by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA), .
The Competition attracted 31 banks and financial institutions. running from August 13 to September 20 under the theme “Together Towards Greatness.” with staff competing in Indoor games, golf, outdoor sports, and daily fitness walks.
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, thanked UIBFS for organising the event every year. He said it allowed bank staff to meet, compete and support one another as colleagues and peers, regardless of rank.
Dr Atingi-Ego said banking work carried many pressures, such as processing loan applications and dealing with defaulters. He said bankers needed time away from their desks to rest, network and build team spirit.
He urged people working in the sector to pursue a common goal of helping drive the government’s tenfold growth strategy.
Goretti Masadde, the chief executive of UIBFS, said the gala had given staff from different institutions a chance to meet, make friends and build professional networks.
“The participation of 31 financial institutions is a testimony to the sector’s commitment to coming together, not only in the workplace but also through activities that promote teamwork and wellbeing,” she said.
Masadde said employee wellbeing was important for productive organisations. “Our people are at the heart of the banking and financial services sector,” she said.
Godfrey Ssebaana, who chairs the UIBFS board and is managing director of Diamond Trust Bank, said the event showed the value of cooperation across the industry.
“No institution operates in isolation. Our financial services industry grows stronger when its people have opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” he said.
Closing the gala, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Prof Augustus Nuwagaba, urged participants to carry the spirit of cooperation and wellness from the games back into their work.
Some of the winners and top performers will receive further awards at the Annual Bankers’ Awards, scheduled for 20 November 2026.
