Banks launch 2025 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala with run and walk in Muyenga

The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA), has launched the 2025 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala with a 5km and 7km run, alongside a 3km walk, through the hilly routes of Muyenga.

The colourful launch, held at the UBA offices in Muyenga, also featured Zumba sessions to warm up participants for the two-month sporting extravaganza, which will climax on October 19.

This year’s gala runs under the theme “Beyond the Finish Line”, complemented by a 30-day fitness challenge requiring participants to walk 5,000 steps daily, tracked online, to earn medals and points for their respective institutions.

Participants take part in a launch run for the 2025 Bankers Sports Gala at the Uganda Bankers Association head office in Muyenga on September 5, 2025. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

Speaking at the launch, Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, represented by Executive Director for Risk and Strategy Phillip Wabulya, outlined five key benefits of the gala: fitness, networking, showcasing sports talent, fostering goodwill among banks and customers, and relaxation for mental wellness.

Wabulya added that the annual competition could inspire financial institutions to re-invest in sports by forming clubs in various disciplines, as was the case in earlier years.
“We are encouraging members to promote sports for the masses. BOU and a few others already sponsor individual athletes. In fact, the reigning national darts champion in the ladies’ category, Sarah Makanga, is our employee,” he said.

UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde urged participants to embrace physical wellness as part of their daily routines, stressing that healthy bankers deliver better service.

“This gala is not just about competition. It is a platform to step away from our desks, connect, celebrate, network, promote wellness, and remind ourselves to take care of our health,” she noted.

More than 25 financial institutions have confirmed participation, including Bank of Uganda, ABSA, Centenary Bank, Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, DFCU, Equity Bank, Housing Finance Bank, UBA, and Uganda Development Bank, among others.

The competition will feature both indoor and outdoor sports disciplines such as football, swimming, netball, basketball, darts, pool, chess, golf, go-karting, and quizzes, hosted at different venues.

Organizers also warned participating institutions against fielding mercenaries, with culprits facing a sh5 million fine and possible suspension.

Christine Birungi of UIBFS, one of the coordinators, said the gala remains a unifying platform for the banking fraternity, blending competition with wellness and community spirit.