KAMPALA, UGANDA — Centenary Bank has donated UGX 86 million to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to support the upcoming Kampala City Festival and strengthen the city's waste management efforts under the Weyonje Campaign.
The contribution includes UGX 50 million dedicated to the festival and UGX 36 million earmarked for environmental clean-up and waste management. The donation reflects the bank’s commitment to both cultural celebration and sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the official handover, Centenary Bank Executive Director Joseph Kiwanuka Balikuddembe reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to community transformation.
“As a bank, we are proud to celebrate with Kampala its culture, innovation, and sustainability with a total of UGX 86 million,” Balikuddembe said.
“We hope this contribution supports the city as a symbol of unity, creative expression, and economic growth.”
The Kampala City Festival, scheduled for October 5, 2025, is one of Uganda’s largest annual cultural events, showcasing music, dance, art, and cuisine. The festival is expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors and provide economic opportunities for small businesses and artisans.
Balikuddembe highlighted the festival’s return after an eight-year hiatus, calling it a celebration of Uganda’s resilience and unity.
“Kampala and Uganda are vibrant communities. This festival allows us to come together, celebrate achievements, and explore solutions to shared challenges,” he added.
The bank’s support for waste management comes amid rising environmental concerns. According to the 2023/24 Auditor General’s Report, only 37% of Uganda’s 4 million tonnes of annual solid waste was properly collected and disposed of between 2021 and 2024.
“We recognize that a thriving city depends on a clean, sustainable environment,” said Balikuddembe.
“Addressing challenges like waste management is key to unlocking economic potential and enhancing quality of life.”
This donation aligns with Centenary Bank’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The bank has:
Converted 10 branches to solar power
Planted over 100,000 trees in two years
Donated more than 80 waste bins
Implemented waste separation initiatives in its offices
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki applauded the partnership, emphasizing the critical role of the private sector in building a better city.
“Kampala belongs to all of us. Keeping it clean, inclusive, and vibrant requires collective responsibility,” Buzeki said.
“We thank Centenary Bank for showing leadership in corporate citizenship.”
She noted that the October festival will celebrate the city’s cultural diversity, while the Weyonje Campaign aims to improve public waste disposal habits and community sanitation.
Centenary Bank’s donation is part of its corporate social investment strategy, which allocates 2% of the previous year’s profits to social impact programs in health, education, and environmental conservation. The bank has operated in Kampala for over 40 years.