Centenary Group kicks off 4 months' celebrations to mark 40 years of operations in Uganda.
Drake Nyamugabwa
Centenary Group comprising Centenary Bank Uganda and Malawi, Centenary Technology Services, and Centenary Foundation have commenced a series of activities in Uganda to celebrate 40 years of existence in Uganda.
Centenary Group started in 1983 according to their leadership has registered tremendous growth to be at the top of the pillar culminating into different subsidiaries including a technology firm known as Centenary Technology Services, a regional bank known as Centenary Bank in Malawi and a foundation known as Centenary Foundation.
During a media launch of the activities held on Saturday 4th June 2023 at St. Augustine Institute in Nsambya, the representatives of the group said that Centenary’s 40th-anniversary celebration will include a series of commemorative events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at expressing gratitude for its customers, partners, and stakeholders who have been integral to its success.
The activities commenced with Holy Mass at t St. Augustine Nsambya in Kampala by Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
At the end of the 4 months of celebration, a grand finale will be held in Uganda’s capital Kampala. The finale will be a tribute to the past, a toast to the present, and a promise for a future filled with even greater achievements.
The Centenary top leadership at the launch of the celebrations
Chairman of Centenary Group – Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu said Centenary Group will highlight its transformative impact on individuals and businesses alike during the celebrations.
“As we embark on this remarkable milestone of celebrating 40 years of operations, we reflect on our journey with immense pride and gratitude. Our vision to be the preferred Group in financial inclusion and innovative business solutions has guided our path, and we have consistently pushed boundaries to expand our horizons,” he said.
Prof. Dumba added that the group has grown from a humble beginning across Africa, bringing our transformative services to new communities and embracing the spirit of progress.
The Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, said that “I am immensely proud to witness the institution’s 40-year milestone and its profound impact on communities. Guided by our social mission, our institution has consistently strived to uplift and empower communities through inclusive and sustainable initiatives. This four-month celebration commemorates our journey and reinforces our commitment to creating a better world for all. Together, we will continue to drive positive change, uplift communities, and forge a brighter future for generations to come.”
He stressed the significance of working together, saying collaboration is key to maximizing the bank’s output and achieving greater success.
“A heartfelt thanks were extended to the government for their continuous support and for ensuring a secure environment for the bank and its customers.
The Executive Director of Centenary Bank, Joseph Balikuddembe, said that the celebrations mark the fulfillment of their dream to provide financial services to all, and expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering commitment and strategic vision.
“Since 1979, we have become the largest microfinance bank, generating over 3,000 direct jobs and an additional 6,000 indirect jobs through our CenteAgent platform,” he said.
Centenary Bank has attained an asset base of UGX 5.7 trillion, extending a network of over 6,000 agents and 80 branches in Uganda.
Centenary Bank in Malawi has a network of 14 branches, 3 micro-finance outlets, and over 150 agency banking outlets.
