KALONGO, Uganda — Centenary Bank has strengthened its presence in Northern Uganda with the opening of its 81st branch in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, a move officials say will deepen financial inclusion and boost rural economic activity.
The new outlet also becomes the bank’s 13th branch in the northern region, reflecting a steady expansion strategy aimed at reaching underserved communities and supporting grassroots development.
The launch ceremony, held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the new premises in Kalongo, brought together religious leaders, government officials, local business owners, customers and bank executives in a gathering that mixed celebration with reflection on the area’s economic journey.
For many residents, the arrival of Centenary Bank represents a shift from years of financial struggle. Local leader Ojik Angilo of the Mission Word Cell, where the branch is located, described a past marked by insecurity and limited access to formal banking services.
He recalled how traders often operated without safe places to keep money, exposing them to theft and fear even after business transactions. In some cases, he said, criminals would track people home after market dealings.
According to him, the absence of financial institutions also made it difficult for residents to access credit, slowing business growth and limiting opportunity. He credited Centenary Bank for changing that reality by improving security, enabling borrowing and encouraging local trade.
The branch has also introduced agricultural lending programs, allowing farmer groups to access credit for crops such as maize, soybeans and sunflower, with repayment structured after harvest.
Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo, who attended as a customer representative, praised the bank for responding to community needs and supporting local initiatives, including a UGX 5 million contribution.
He reflected on Kalongo’s deep historical and cultural significance, noting its missionary heritage, resilience during the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict, and its place in Uganda’s “Land of Martyrs,” including the legacy of the Paimol Martyrs and Blessed Joseph Ambrosoli.
He also emphasized the importance of SACCOs and cooperative systems in rural transformation, suggesting stronger links between agricultural production and education financing. However, he cautioned against unplanned urban growth, particularly around mission institutions.
Inside the bank operations, Branch Manager Bernard Otti described the facility as a “child of the Archdiocese,” highlighting the strong partnership between the Church and Centenary Bank in establishing the branch.
He said the branch is intended to improve access to financial services in the region while working closely with local leaders, church institutions and businesses to ensure sustainability and growth.
Centenary Bank Managing Director Dr. Fabian Kasi noted that since operations began in Kalongo on June 30, 2025, the branch has already served about 4,000 customers through 11 active banking agents.
He also reported UGX 1.4 billion in deposits and UGX 2.4 billion in loans disbursed so far, underscoring early uptake of financial services in the area.
Dr. Kasi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to agribusiness, stressing the need for value addition and structured production systems to move beyond subsistence farming. He also highlighted the institution’s wider national performance, including strong asset growth, a large deposit base and a customer network exceeding 3.5 million people.
He further pointed to the bank’s focus on women, youth, farmers, SACCOs, village savings groups and government programs such as SAGE, describing Centenary Bank as a key driver of inclusive economic transformation.
The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, who presided as chief celebrant, expressed appreciation for the bank’s presence and service delivery in the region.
He encouraged residents to strengthen the pillars of community life through cooperation between the Church, hospital and financial institutions, which he said define Kalongo’s identity and resilience.
He also called for environmental protection, improved road networks and tree planting, adding that ethical banking should be seen as part of moral responsibility and community development.
As the ribbon was cut to officially open the branch, leaders described the moment as more than a banking expansion, but a step toward renewed economic hope, stronger partnerships and long term transformation for Agago District and Northern Uganda.
