In a powerful demonstration of corporate stewardship and community commitment, Centenary Bank has announced a significant partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), injecting Shs86 million into two of the city’s most vital initiatives: the Kampala Festival and the Weyonje campaign.
This strategic collaboration, unveiled today at City Hall by the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, and the Centenary Bank Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Balikuddembe, will support the highly anticipated return of the Kampala City Festival while also bolstering the ongoing ‘Weyonje Campaign‘, showcasing a partnership that is as much about cultural revival as it is about sustainable urban development.
Return of a Cultural Cornerstone
The Kampala City Festival, a beloved event that last took place in 2017, is set to make a triumphant return after an eight-year hiatus.
Speaking at the function, Hajjat Buzeki expressed heartfelt gratitude for Centenary Bank’s sponsorship, praising the bank for being among the first to support the redesigned festival.
“The event, which aims to unite all people in celebrating cultural heritage and showcasing local talent, is a cornerstone of Kampala’s vibrant identity,” Hajjat Buzeki said.
She revealed that the Shs50m contribution towards the Kampala Festival from Centenary Bank is a crucial investment in this cultural revival, promising a festival that is not only a celebration but also a showcase of Uganda’s diversity and community spirit.
Commitment to Sustainability
Beyond the event’s festivities, however, the partnership extends into a critical area of urban management: hygiene.
Mr. Balikuddembe revealed that an additional Shs36m has been allocated to the Weyonje Campaign, KCCA’s flagship sanitation and waste management initiative.
Weyonje, meaning “clean yourself,” is a continuous citywide effort to tackle poor waste disposal, unsafe sanitation practices, and conditions that threaten public health.
Balikuddembe stressed that Centenary Bank’s support for this campaign highlights its long-standing mission to dedicate a portion of its annual profits to health, education, and environmental causes.
“The pledge to support waste management and a cleaner, healthier Kampala is a tangible expression of the bank’s commitment to responsible stewardship and inclusive growth,” he noted.
A Legacy of Collaboration
This new partnership is a continuation of a successful, long-standing relationship between Centenary Bank and KCCA.
During the announcement, Balikuddembe reflected on their history of collaboration, which includes initiatives like the KCC Youth Venture Capital Fund.
This fund, a government initiative aimed at providing concessional loans to young entrepreneurs, saw Centenary Bank as a key partner in its implementation, financing thousands of youth-led projects.
This legacy, he reiterated, demonstrates that the bank’s commitment to Kampala is not new but a consistent effort to empower communities and contribute to Uganda’s growth.
This comprehensive partnership between a leading financial institution and the city authority is a powerful model for corporate social responsibility, demonstrating how private-sector engagement can drive both cultural celebration and sustainable development, ultimately fostering a more vibrant, inclusive, and cleaner Kampala for all its citizens.