The Uganda Institutions of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFs) is gearing up for its annual sports gala, aimed at promoting the fitness and mental health of bankers across the country. Gorreti Masade, the CEO of UIBFs, made this announcement while inaugurating the annual Bankers Association outdoor sports gala held at Kyambogo University Cricket Oval on Saturday.
Masade emphasized that many bankers lead sedentary lifestyles, often lacking the time for regular exercise, which can make them vulnerable to health issues. However, the inclusive nature of the annual sports gala provides them with an opportunity to prioritize physical activity by setting aside dedicated time for it.
Her remarks come following a report released by the Uganda Bankers Association in May, which highlighted that the banking sector is predominantly staffed by women. Out of the 19,362 employees in the sector, a significant 52 percent (9,984 individuals) are women who may be at risk of neglecting exercise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity increases the risk of various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, by 20–30%. Globally, it is estimated that four to five million lives could be saved annually if the population were more physically active.
The annual Bankers Sports Gala is organized jointly by the Uganda Bankers Association and the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services. This year’s edition commenced with a 30-day fitness challenge and concluded with the CEO’s Annual Bankers Golf Sports Gala at the Uganda Golf Club, where the Bank of Uganda Golfers emerged victorious.
The outdoor sports gala featured a variety of sporting events, including soccer, basketball, athletics, and sack races, with participation from over 20 banks, including DFCU Bank, Centenary Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Finance Trust, among others. Fabian Kassi, the managing director of Centenary Bank, announced that the games will continue with indoor sports disciplines, including netball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis, among others, scheduled to be played on October 15, 2023, at the MTN Indoor Arena in Lugogo.
By Fahad Muganga