Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment by sponsoring the third edition of the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament with Shs10 million, reinforcing its support for initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.The sponsorship was announced during the tournament’s partners’ press briefing held on Wednesday at the Uganda Golf Club, where Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the Bank remains committed to investing in programmes that transform lives through economic empowerment.Held under the theme “Hope on the Green,” this year’s tournament aims to raise Shs450 million to equip 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits worth Shs450,000 each, enabling them to establish income-generating enterprises and provide for their families.Shoko said the tournament aligns closely with Equity bank’s purpose of empowering women, and 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. 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 said.He noted that the partnership goes beyond sponsoring a sporting event and reflects the Bank’s long-term commitment to creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.The initiative complements Equity Bank’s flagship EquiMama initiative, which supports women-owned businesses through affordable financing, financial literacy, business mentorship, networking opportunities and tailored banking solutions that enable entrepreneurs to grow sustainable enterprises.EquiMama offers women at micro level unsecured loans from as low as UGX100,000 to women to UGX5million. It also comes with insurance for maternity, life, catastrophe, fire, and temporary or permanent disability. During maternity, the Bank gives the female customer maternity support which also includes antenatal insurance.Already, the Bank has trained over 89,000 women in various aspects of business development and growth and given loans to over 40,000 women in various groups under the program. Equi-mama was first developed in 2021 to address challenges faced by women affected by the covid19 pandemic.Through the product, the bank supports rural women to develop their business management skills through access to free financial literacy. This will give women the knowledge, skills and tools they need to gain better access to finance and move their business to the next level of growth.Equity bank also provides business support to women entrepreneurs through tailored business advisory sessions, advance business workshops, networking and linking them to financial services, investments and markets.Speaking at the briefing, Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo welcomed the partnership, saying collaboration between the private sector and faith-based organisations is essential 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. 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,” said Rwotlonyo.The tournament began with a caddies’ competition on Monday and also includes activities designed to introduce new players to golf as part of efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible.As golfers take to the course this weekend, the tournament will represent more than sporting competition. It will serve as a platform for raising resources that can help women start businesses, build resilient households and contribute to stronger local economies.The campaign has brought together Watoto Church, Uganda Golf Club, corporate sponsors and individual golfers around a shared goal of supporting vulnerable women through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.The post Equity Bank backs Watoto Golf Tournament with Shs 10m to empower women entrepreneurs appeared first on The Insider.