Pearl Bank Mbale Branch Manager Arafat Zaake (6th L) handing over two 10,000 litre water tanks and assorted food items to Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda (7th R), Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) joined by officials from Pearl Bank, IUIU, and Student Representatives as part of Pearl Bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives pillar of Education, and in recognition of Women’s month and the Ramadan Season, in collaboration with the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Community Outreach to Summayyah and Abu-Mayanja hostels today, 13th March 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Pearl Bank Uganda has reinforced its commitment to corporate social responsibility by extending humanitarian support to members of the Muslim community, donating water tanks and assorted food items to the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) during the holy month of Ramadan.
The donation, delivered to students at the university’s Summayyah and Abu-Mayanja hostels, forms part of the bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme aimed at supporting communities and promoting social wellbeing.
The initiative also coincided with global celebrations of Women’s Month in March, which includes International Women’s Day marked annually on March 8 to recognise the vital role women play in society.
This year’s Women’s Month overlapped with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a period observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, communal prayers and reflection, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr expected on March 20, 2026.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Pearl Bank Mbale Branch Manager Arafat Zaake said the donation was intended to support Muslim students as they observe the fasting period.
“Worldwide, Muslims annually recognise Ramadan as a month of fasting, communal prayer and reflection. As a bank, we are pleased to collaborate with the IUIU community by offering assorted food items to support students in breaking the fast and celebrating the upcoming Eid al-Fitr,” Zaake said.
He noted that the bank donated two 10,000-litre water tanks to improve water access at the hostels, emphasising the importance of reliable water supply for students and the surrounding community.
“Women play a central role in families and society, and when we create environments where they can thrive — such as by providing sustainable access to clean water — we empower them to grow and prosper,” he added. Zaake also praised the spiritual dedication demonstrated by Muslims during the holy month.
“Fasting is not only a sacrifice but also a sign of commitment to strengthening one’s spiritual journey. As a bank whose purpose is to foster prosperity for Ugandans, the communities where we operate remain at the centre of what we do,” he said.
The Rector of IUIU, Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the donation would greatly benefit students.
“We thank Pearl Bank for extending this support at a time when it is most needed. The food items will help our students during Eid celebrations, while the water tanks will ensure a constant and reliable water supply,” Gyagenda said.
Pearl Bank’s community initiatives are guided by its Scale, Impact and Sustainability agenda, which focuses on humanitarian support, education and sports, social enterprise development, environmental protection and financial literacy.
Formerly known as PostBank Uganda, Pearl Bank says it remains committed to fostering prosperity by expanding financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship across Uganda.
The bank also continues to align its initiatives with the national development agenda aimed at accelerating the country’s socio-economic transformation by 2040.
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