Officials from Centenary Bank and Rotary International display the dummy cheque depicting the donation
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Centenary Bank, one of the biggest commercial banks in Uganda has come up with a sponsorship package of sh200m, in support of Rotary International’s upcoming Regional District Conference and outreaches.
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 their sponsorship package totals Shs 200 million donation, of which Shs100 million shillings will go to District 9213 and 100 million shillings towards District 9214 during the year 2025.
“This contribution is not just financial support. It represents our shared vision of transforming lives in and beyond Uganda as you witness Tanzania that is with us here,” he said during a colorful ceremony held at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo near Kampala recently.
He said in partnership with Rotary International which has spanned 15 years, they are making a tangible difference in the communities they serve.
“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, adding that this partnership exemplifies their enduring commitment to the communities where they serve.
Balikuddembe said Centenary Bank’s commitment goes beyond monetary contribution.
Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary international director speaking during the Press Conference
“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.
“As Centenary Bank, we are honored to reaffirm our role as a platinum sponsor of the District Assembly and Conference, which will enable us look beyond just banking and engaging in impactful projects that uplift life and foster hope.”
Beatrice Lugalambi, Centenary Bank’s General Manager, in charge of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the relationship between the bank and Rotary is growing.
“It is always a joy for our bank to be part of a cause that transform 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.”
Allen A. Ayebare, Centenary Bank’s Chief Manager, Corporate Affairs and Communications, said hailed Rotary International for having like-minded interests in providing lasting impact in communities.
Agnes Mungati Batengas, the Governor of Rotary International, District 9214, overseeing Uganda and Tanzania, said the regional event, which will be happening in Dar es Salaam, is an opportunity to showcase their works for the service of humanity.
Agnes Mungati Batengas, the Governor of Rotary International, District 9214 speaking as Joseph Balikuddembe (M) and Beatrice Lugalambi (R) look on
“Rotary International has got a strategic plan with four main pillars. But of the four main pillars, 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, we’ve 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.
She said district 9214 encompasses Uganda, part of Rwanda, and all of Tanzania.
“We have 114 clubs in our district, of which about 68 are from Uganda, and then the rest are from Tanzania. In total, we are 3,328 members in our district,” she said.
Batengas said although they have some sponsors who have donated up to $10,000 (Shs37 million) Centenary Bank was so far their biggest sponsor.
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.
