Mbarara Diocese opens sh3bn Centenary Bank complex in Ntungamo

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“Banking services should be the lifeline of families, businesses, and the community to realize their dreams and empower the marginalized,” says Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha.

He has also urged financial institutions to transcend their traditional role and become catalysts for human dignity and communal progress.

Archbishop Bainomugisha made the call on Monday, September 22, 2025, during the official opening of the new permanent Centenary Bank building in Ntungamo Municipality.

The three-story facility, constructed for sh3 billion by the Mbarara Archdiocese within a single year, stands as a testament to the church’s partnership with the financial institution.

Speaking as the chief celebrant and guest at the ceremony, Archbishop Bainomugisha stressed that banking services should represent more than financial transactions and urged banks to become a “ray of hope and progress,” fostering economic growth that uplifts everyone.

He explained that the church supports such ventures because they share a common mission with the bank: serving the whole person for the common good.

Archbishop Bainomugisha commended the residents of Ntungamo and neighbouring districts for their loyalty and trust in Centenary Bank, assuring them that the institution is there to serve with “excellence, integrity, and compassion.”

The Executive Director of Centenary Bank, Mr Joseph Kiwanuka Balikundembe, stated that the new permanent branch signifies a deep commitment to the community, recounting the bank’s journey in the district since its commencement in 2008.

He noted that the initial operation was established to bridge the significant banking gap between Kabale and Mbarara, which had forced clients to travel long distances for financial services.

Atuhaire Elijah, the Secretary for Finance and Administration, who also represented the Ntungamo district LC5 Chairman, hailed the church’s Vision for providing the land for the magnificent building, a move aimed at expanding essential services to the community.

The event also featured remarks from the Deputy RDC of Ntungamo, Atuhaire Rosemary, who thanked the NRM government for creating a conducive atmosphere for the private sector to thrive in the country.



DRDC Atuhaire, who was the day's chief guest, urged the Ntungamo community to support the NRM government with an intention and more especially President Yoweri Museveni, since Ntungamo is his home district alongside his wife and NRM district Chairman and first lady, Janet Museveni.

The Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Ntungamo Town, Rev. Fr John Baptist Tumusiime, noted that the new building would be a pillar for financial inclusion, providing ample space to serve the populace effectively.

He also thanked Archbishop Bainomugisha for solemnly presiding over the blessing and official opening, an act that formally dedicated the bank’s “new home” to the service of the community.

The General Manager of the Centenary Bank Ntungamo Branch, Mr Mbabazi Robert Mugisha, expressed gratitude to the community for their support and pledged the bank’s “total commitment to serve them diligently.”

Other speakers at the event included Mayor Jacob Kafureeka, Mr Byamukama Wilson, Head Teacher of Ntungamo High School, and the bank’s Regional Manager, Mr Joseph Kabuye.

Several other dignitaries remarked that the launch underscores a growing emphasis on the social role of financial institutions in fostering inclusive development and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

Other VIP's at the function included: Municipal Mayor Jacob Kafureka, former Bank of Uganda official Ruth Bagyenda, Local government leaders, and Centenary Bank managers from neighbouring districts.