Centenary Bank donates sh50m to Mbarara Archdiocese

_________________

Centenary Bank has donated sh50m to support the remodelling and expansion of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara.

The donation was officially handed over to Most Reverend Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mbarara, after the Mass at Mapeera on Friday.

Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha leading a mass at Mapeera chapel in Kampala. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

Archbishop Bainomugisha praised Centenary Bank for its ongoing role in uplifting communities, describing the institution’s work as a ministry rooted in Christian values.

Speaking after Mass, he commended the bank for embodying the gospel imperative to serve the most vulnerable.

“I affirm and thank Centenary Bank for serving this nation and society through banking services. These initiatives reflect solidarity and charity, echoing the gospel call to care for the least of these,” the archbishop said, referencing Matthew 25:31–46.

He emphasised the broader impact of the bank’s work, noting that its services extend far beyond financial transactions. “When people borrow from Centenary Bank or receive salaries through its services, families are supported, communities are uplifted, and lives are transformed,” he said.

The archbishop also highlighted the bank’s collaboration with the church in areas such as education, health, and refugee support. “Recently, they donated Sh5 million to strengthen the refugee chaplaincy in Nakivale refugee settlement, reaching out to the most vulnerable,” he added.

Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha (Centre), Catholic clerics and Centenary Bank Staff cut a cake. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

Balikuddembe Joseph Kiwanuka, Executive Director of Centenary Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to community development and its founding mission of transforming lives. “Centenary Bank was established by the Episcopal Conference of Uganda under the Catholic Church to serve rural communities and those with limited access to banking,” Kiwanuka said.

He noted that for over 41 years, the bank has developed products to meet the needs of the less privileged, fostering both financial and social transformation. “Our mission is to support rural people and the vulnerable to grow, improve their livelihoods, and achieve their aspirations,” he explained.

Kiwanuka added that Centenary Bank’s work goes beyond banking to embrace social responsibility in partnership with the church, including initiatives in health, education, environmental conservation, and other community-focused programs.