By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Centenary Group has unveiled its newest regional, Centenary Group House – Mbale, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in a grand ceremony officiated by His Grace Dr. Emmanuel Obbo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo.
The state-of-the-art multi-purpose six storied commercial complex will serve as the new home for the Centenary Bank Mbale branch, which has been a vibrant part of the region since 1998.
The grand opening celebration brought together distinguished guests, including religious leaders, members of parliament, and the business community, all celebrating the culmination of a project that symbolizes growth, stability, and hope for the region.
In his address, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, chairman of Centenary Group described the new facility not just as new premises, but as the “epicenter of Centenary Bank in the eastern part of this country.” He highlighted the bank’s humble beginnings in 1983 with a mission to transform lives through inclusive financial solutions, especially in rural areas.
According to Prof. John Ddumba, Centenary Bank is Uganda’s largest commercial microfinance bank, serving over 3.5 million customers with an asset base exceeding UGX 8 trillion.
The new building, hailed as spacious, modern, and designed to improve service delivery, is expected to enhance the banking experience for customers with faster transactions, reduced congestion, and advanced digital and self-service facilities.
His Grace Dr. Emmanuel Obbo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, warmly commended the Centenary Group leadership for their initiative and vision. He celebrated the new building as a place “where value meets enterprise” and “where faith-inspired vision meets modern innovation.”
The Archbishop prayed that the complex would become a “center of service and a socio-economic transformation for communities in eastern Uganda.”
The Umukuuka of Bugisu, Mike Jude Mudoma, also extended his sincere appreciation, commending the National Resistant Movement Government for fostering a secure and conducive business environment essential for investments like this. He thanked the Mbale City Mayor and his team for their support.
Addressing the people of Bugisu, the Umukuuka urged them to “treasure this facility, utilizing it with care and elegance.” He emphasized that the building should remain a symbol of collective commitment to excellence and progress in the Bugisu region and beyond.
