From Tee to Toyota: Musanabera’s perfect shot makes history at Entebbe Golf Club

Berna Musanabera etched her name into Ugandan golf history after delivering a flawless hole-in-one on the 12th hole to win a brand-new car at the 2026 Stanbic Match Play Challenge qualifiers held at Entebbe Golf Club.

Her perfect ace earned her an Afrisafe-insured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, staked as the grand prize for the hole-in-one challenge — making her not only the first female golfer but the first player in the history of the Stanbic Match Play series to win a car prize with a single shot.

Teeing off at the par-three 12th, Musanabera struck a clean shot that landed smoothly on the green before a precise side spin carried the ball directly into the cup, triggering wild celebrations among fellow golfers and spectators.

An elated Musanabera, who has actively played golf for the past four years, said she could hardly believe she had entered the record books.

“I can’t imagine that I’m now part of history,” she said moments after her triumph. “This shows that golf is not just a sport but also rewarding. I encourage more golfers, especially ladies, to actively participate because there are real opportunities.”

She also commended Stanbic Bank Uganda for its consistent investment in golf, saying such sponsorship has significantly contributed to the sport’s steady growth.

The fuel-efficient Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid was awarded by CFAO Mobility Uganda. The vehicle delivers approximately 21 kilometres per litre and comes with two years of service and a three-year warranty courtesy of Afrisafe Uganda.

A total of 246 golfers competed in the qualifier, among them Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa and several high-profile players from across the country.

Ritah Apell, Stanbic Bank’s Head of ICT, praised the strong turnout, noting that the bank’s sponsorship aligns with its purpose: “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.”

“While many are at candlelit dinners, you chose to be on the greens. That tells us something powerful; that you love this game,” Apell said. “Love is about commitment. It’s about showing up. It’s about passion. Those same values define sport, banking, and strong partnerships.”

Kwame Ejalu, Managing Director of Afrisafe Uganda, expressed delight that after a decade of sponsoring the hole-in-one prize, the car had finally been won.

“Unlike other editions where it has always been one hole, today we increased the number because we were very intentional about giving out the car,” Ejalu said. “It is even more exciting that a woman has broken this record.”

Match play differs from stroke play in that competitors battle hole by hole rather than by cumulative score, intensifying pressure and strategy with every swing.

Sserwano Walusimbi, captain of Entebbe Golf Club, described the qualifier as action-packed and energetic, noting that competition will stiffen as the tournament advances.

“This is just a qualifier. As we move to round one up to the final, only the very best will remain in the race,” Walusimbi said.

He added that the tournament finale prizes have been enhanced. The overall winner will attend the DP World Tour in Dubai, the runner-up will travel to Zanzibar, and another top performer will head to Mombasa. Additional prizes throughout the series are supported by Stanbic Bank, Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility and Afrisafe.

“I want to congratulate Berna for writing history,” Walusimbi said.