Centenary Bank joins pilgrims to mark the feast of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta

Centenary Bank has joined thousands of pilgrims at the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Namugongo to mark the feast of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta, one of the 22 Catholic martyrs canonized for their unwavering faith.

The annual pilgrimage, one of Africa’s largest Christian gatherings, continues to draw millions of faithful who walk from across Uganda and the region in remembrance of the martyrs’ sacrifice.

Presiding over the bank’s delegation at the Mass this past weekend, Centenary Bank Managing Director Dr. Fabian Kasi expressed gratitude to the Church for safeguarding the sanctity of the Namugongo shrine, which holds a special place in the institution’s history.

“Our work is not just about paychecks or titles,” Dr. Kasi said during his address.

“It’s about integrity and creating social and economic impact that uplifts others. And for us at Centenary Bank, when we’re invited to pray from here, we’re always happy—because we know this is the place where this bank was born.”

Founded in 1983 by the Uganda National Lay Apostolate, Centenary Bank has grown from a small credit trust into Uganda’s largest indigenous commercial bank, now serving over 2.5 million customers.

Its founding mission remains central to its operations: to extend financial services to the rural poor, smallholder farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, and low-income earners who previously had limited access to formal banking.

The Mass, which was animated by Centenary Bank’s own choir, provided a spiritual dimension to the bank’s ongoing partnership with the Catholic Church.

Immaculate Ngulumi, Centenary Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscored the significance of the bank’s continued involvement in the annual pilgrimage.

“Centenary Bank, as a faith-based brand, is proud to be part of the Uganda Martyrs celebration once again. It’s a celebration of faith, resilience, and unity at the heart of our mission to transform lives,” she said.

Over the decades, Centenary Bank has emerged as a key driver of financial inclusion in Uganda, particularly in rural communities.

Through its wide branch network, microfinance services, agricultural lending, and mobile banking innovations, the bank has contributed to poverty reduction and economic empowerment across the country.

Its services have helped many small businesses thrive, supported agricultural productivity, and enabled thousands of families to improve their livelihoods.

Pilgrims continue to pour in for June 3^rd celebrations amidst tightened security at Uganda martyrs Shrine in Namugongo..