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The newly launched Centenary Bank Kalongo Branch in Agago District. By Proscovia Achomo Gulu City Centenary Bank has officially opened a new branch in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, expanding its national network to 81 branches across Uganda. The new Ka
The newly launched Centenary Bank Kalongo Branch in Agago District.
By Proscovia Achomo
Gulu City
Centenary Bank has officially opened a new branch in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, expanding its national network to 81 branches across Uganda.
The new Kalongo Branch, established under Gulu Archdiocese, is expected to improve access to financial services in Northern Uganda by bringing banking closer to farmers, small businesses, SACCOs, and local communities.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr Fabian Kasi, Managing Director Centenary Bank said the bank identified Agago District as a key area for expanding financial inclusion and supporting local economic growth.
“Agago District has a population of more than 300,000 people, most of whom depend on agriculture and micro-enterprises. We see a great opportunity to deepen financial inclusion and create socio-economic impact by providing secure, convenient, and responsive banking services,” Dr Kasi said.
Dr Kasi revealed that although the Kalongo Branch officially opened recently, it has already registered significant growth within just 10 months of operation, demonstrating strong demand for formal banking services in the area.
“Within only 10 months, the branch has already served more than 4,000 customers, mobilized deposits worth about UGX 1.4 billion, and disbursed loans totaling approximately UGX 2.4 billion. We have also established 11 banking agents within the area, which clearly shows the trust and growth potential of this community,” he said.
He further noted that the branch has actively supported agricultural development in the region, with a strong focus on agro-business financing and mechanization.
“As a bank, we are committed to supporting agriculture because it is the backbone of this community’s economy. Through our agricultural financing programs, we have supported farmers and facilitated the acquisition and distribution of seven tractors to boost mechanized farming and improve productivity in the area,” Dr Kasi added.
He emphasized that the branch will continue to provide residents with easier access to savings accounts, loans, digital banking services, and other financial products tailored to rural and emerging business communities.
Local leaders welcomed the development, saying the branch will help residents safely save money and access financial services without traveling long distances.
Angelo Ojiko, the LCI chairperson of Mission Ward where the bank is located described the opening of the branch as timely, saying it would strengthen financial security and promote a saving culture among residents.
“Most people here are farmers, and whenever they sell their harvests, they keep the money in their homes, which is not safe. Even mobile money operators have been facing cases of robbery. Now that the bank is here, it will greatly help the community by providing a safer and more reliable place to save money,” Ojiko said.
The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese His Grace Raphael P’mony Wokorach who was the chief guest, commended Centenary Bank for extending banking services to rural communities, describing the institution as a bank that understands the needs of ordinary people.
“I would like to thank Centenary Bank for coming closer to the rural population because this is truly a bank that understands the needs of ordinary people. I encourage the bank not only to provide financial services, but also to help educate our communities on how to save and invest money in the right way,” Archbishop Wokorach said.
He noted that poor saving culture in the Acholi sub-region continues to contribute to household poverty and called on residents to embrace responsible financial management.
“I also call upon our people to embrace the culture of saving so that families can become financially stable, manage household income better, and build a stronger future for their children and communities,” he added.
Archbishop Wokorach also revealed that part of the funds used to construct the branch were raised during activities linked to the beatification of Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli.
“Centenary Bank Kalongo Branch is one of the fruits of the beatification activities of Blessed Ambrosoli. The archdiocese decided to invest part of the proceeds into establishing this branch, which we believe is a blessing to the people of Kalongo,” Archbishop Wokorach said.
He added that the project reflects the archdiocese’s commitment to promoting community development and economic empowerment in the region.
Adding a customer perspective, Prof. Ogenga Latigo, who represented customers at the event, called on Centenary Bank to support the rejuvenation of Agago SACCO, which he said was initially part of the financial inclusion effort in the area but collapsed prematurely.
He urged the bank to consider working with stakeholders to revive the SACCO so that it can complement formal banking services and further expand access to financial empowerment at community level.
With the launch of the Kalongo Branch, Centenary Bank now operates four branches within Gulu Archdiocese, including branches in Gulu City, Kitgum Municipality, and Kalongo in Agago District.
Across Northern Uganda, the bank currently operates 13 branches as part of its broader strategy to expand banking services to underserved communities and promote inclusive economic growth.