UGAFODE Microfinance delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Bankers’ Sports Gala, collecting 23 medals across different disciplines and crowning the journey with a silver medal in football.

The 2026 Bankers’ Sports Gala journey kicked off on 13 August 2026 with the launch of the 30 Days Fitness Challenge, setting the pace for weeks of fitness, indoor and outdoor sporting activities. Held under the theme “Together Towards Greatness,” the Gala brought together institutions from Uganda’s banking and financial services sector to compete, connect and promote teamwork and healthy living.

For Team UGAFODE, the journey started strongly with the Fitness Challenge, which tested participants on more than physical ability. For 30 days, staff demonstrated the discipline to stay active, the consistency to keep going and the determination to complete the challenge. Their commitment paid off, with 13 of UGAFODE’s 23 medals coming from the Fitness Challenge.

Football was one of the major highlights of UGAFODE’s participation. Throughout the tournament, the team faced strong competition from institutions including Equity Bank Uganda, Pearl Bank Uganda and Housing Finance Bank Uganda, among others.

Match after match, the players demonstrated determination, discipline and teamwork. By supporting one another and remaining focused throughout the competition, Team UGAFODE progressed through the different stages and secured a place in the final.

In the final, UGAFODE faced Standard Chartered Bank in a closely contested encounter. After the teams could not be separated in normal play, the match was decided on penalties, with Standard Chartered winning 2–1 in the penalty shootout. UGAFODE consequently finished the tournament as football silver medallists.

UGAFODE goalkeeper Ali Fahad Musafa, who was the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, attributed the team’s performance to the collective effort of the players.

“I attribute our success to teamwork. Everyone played their part and worked for the team throughout the tournament. I want to thank my teammates for working together as one team and supporting each other throughout this journey,” said Musafa.

UGAFODE’s participation extended beyond football. Staff represented the institution in volleyball, pool, darts, table tennis, badminton, chess and other disciplines, with the volleyball team also putting up a strong performance to reach the semi-finals.

The sporting competitions concluded on 20 September 2026, bringing to an end a journey that had started more than a month earlier with the launch of the Fitness Challenge on 13 August.

Beyond the medal count, the Gala demonstrated what can be achieved when people work towards a common goal. Staff competed in different disciplines, supported colleagues from the sidelines and represented UGAFODE with pride throughout the tournament.

The experience also reinforced the importance of staff wellbeing, physical activity and teamwork. Building healthier and more connected teams contributes to stronger working relationships, collaboration and performance, ultimately supporting the institution’s ability to serve its customers.

UGAFODE congratulates every staff member who participated in the Fitness Challenge and the different sporting disciplines, as well as colleagues who supported and cheered Team UGAFODE throughout the journey.