Centenary Bank donates sh100m towards Rotary International Conference

By John Ricks Kayizzi

The forthcoming Rotary International’s Regional District Conference has been boosted with up to sh100m courtesy of Centenary Bank.

Set to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between May 1st and 3rd, the summit is expected to draw up to 1,000 delegates.

It will also see the installation of a Ugandan, Christine Kyeyune Kawooya as Rotary District 9214 new Governor.

Announcing the sponsorship package, Joseph Balikuddembe, the Centenary Bank Executive Director, said of the sh100m donation, Shs100 million shillings will go towards District 9213 and 100 million shillings towards District 9214.

He said the contribution is not just financial support but represents their shared vision of transforming lives in and beyond Uganda and Tanzania which will host the ceremony.  

“Every year at Centenary Bank, we commit at least 2% of our previous year's net profits into corporate social responsibility initiatives with a focus on improving the health, education, environment, and social mission of the Roman Catholic Church,” he said at a ceremony held at Serena Hotel Kigo recently.

He said in partnership with Rotary International which has spanned 15 years, they are making a tangible difference in the communities they serve, adding that this partnership exemplifies their enduring commitment to the communities where they serve.

Balikuddembe said Centenary Bank’s commitment goes beyond monetary contribution.

“We engage in hands-on activities that promote community development and sustainability. Our commitment to serve and community empowerment has never been stronger,” he said, adding that at Centenary Bank, they believe in empowering individuals and communities through sustainable financial solutions.

Beatrice Lugalambi, Centenary Bank’s head of Marketing said the relationship between the bank and Rotary is growing.

“It is good for us to be part of a cause that transforms lives. In this, we thank Rotary for the partnership and the work they're doing. Rotary holds a special place in our hearts as we mark 15 years of an incredible partnership between the two entities.”

Agnes Mungati Batengas, the Governor of Rotary International, District 9214, overseeing Uganda and Tanzania, said the regional event is an opportunity to showcase their works for the service of humanity.

“Rotary International has got a strategic plan with four main pillars. Of these, two speak to the relationship that we have in Uganda, Tanzania and expanding our impact regionally and globally,” she said.

She said over the years; they have seen Centenary Bank taking leadership in making sure that humanity is kept to its core.

“That you do things as a bank that make the world a better place to live in is our priority number one as Rotary International,” she said.

Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary international director, said as an organization that does good in the world, they have seen Centenary Bank having Rotarians right from the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, to staff of the bank at the right level.

“We want to regularize this so that we have Centenary Bank taking leadership as far as these synergies of membership are concerned. In so doing, we shall be increasing our impact to humanity,” he said.

In total, Rotary International District 9213 has 3,328 members, bringing together 114 clubs located both in Uganda and Tanzania