CPM BACKS CENTENARY: Buganda–Centenary Partnership Gets Fresh Boost As Premier Charles Peter Mayiga Calls For Deeper Collaboration To Drive Financial Inclusion And Development

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening its longstanding relationship with Centenary Bank, describing the bank as Uganda’s largest indigenous bank and an important partner in the development of the people of Buganda and Uganda.

The Katikkiro made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Centenary Bank’s former Managing Director, Fabian Kasi and his successor Godfrey Byekwaso at Bulange, Mengo, where Kasi formally introduced Byekwaso to the Katikkiro following the leadership transition at the bank.

“Centenary Bank is the largest indigenous bank in Uganda. It is our own local bank which makes us proud as Ugandans. As Buganda Kingdom, we are happy with the partnership we have with Centenary Bank to develop the people of Buganda and Uganda at large,” the Katikkiro said.

Mayiga commended Centenary Bank for providing financial services that respond to the needs of Ugandans, noting that this makes it possible for the Kingdom to recommend the bank to farmers, traders and other members of the community. “We tell our people to collaborate with Centenary so that they can develop themselves because when our people develop, the Kingdom also develops,” he said.

The Katikkiro noted that the relationship between the two institutions has delivered mutual benefits over the years but said there is an opportunity to make it bigger and more impactful. He pointed to the significant concentration of economic activity and financial inclusion opportunities in Buganda and the Central Region, including farmers, traders and businesses and urged Centenary Bank to leverage its ties with the Kingdom to deepen its presence and reach more people.

“I therefore urge you to expand this market through expanding your partnership with us and you will benefit from it. I am ready to ensure that this partnership is strengthened even further,” he said. Centenary Bank and Buganda Kingdom have worked together on several initiatives, including the Masaza Cup, CBS Pewosa, the Kaliisoliiso Dinner, among others. Several Buganda Kingdom institutions also maintain accounts with Centenary Bank.

Speaking at the visit, former Centenary Bank Managing Director Fabian Kasi thanked the Katikkiro for providing the bank with opportunities to work closely with the Kingdom.

“As Centenary Bank, we are proud of the partnership we have with Buganda Kingdom and that is because you, the Katikkiro, have been giving us that opportunity,” Kasi said. He noted that the collaboration with the Kingdom has contributed to the bank’s growth and expressed confidence that it would continue under the new leadership.

“As Centenary Bank, we partner with Buganda Kingdom on a lot of projects and those partnerships are one of the reasons we are where we are today as a bank. We hope these partnerships can continue even with the new Managing Director,” he said. The new Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso, thanked the Katikkiro for maintaining a strong relationship with Centenary Bank and appreciated the Kingdom for continuing to prioritise the bank.

Byekwaso pledged to build on the existing relationship and take it to greater levels under his leadership. “I pledge to you that the relationship between Centenary Bank and the Kingdom is going to continue and grow stronger. We request you to continue partnering with us and rallying the whole Kingdom to continue working with us,” he said.

Centenary Bank will continue to work with the Kingdom and its institutions to expand access to financial services and create opportunities for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and communities across Buganda and Uganda.