The platform, developed by the bank's technology subsidiary, Cente Tech, was unveiled during a ceremony in Kampala as part of Centenary Bank's broader digital transformation strategy aimed at delivering accessible, secure, and convenient financial services to millions of Ugandans.
Gonza Pay is a digital stored-value wallet that enables users to send, receive, and store money electronically using mobile devices. The solution is designed to serve both banked and unbanked populations, helping to bridge financial access gaps that continue to affect many Ugandans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.
The launch comes at a time when Uganda's financial sector is witnessing rapid growth in digital transactions, driven by increased mobile phone penetration and growing demand for convenient payment solutions.
Speaking at the launch, bank officials said the platform seeks to eliminate barriers that have traditionally limited access to formal financial services, including dependence on cash transactions and limited proximity to banking infrastructure.
The wallet supports peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, and digital collections, allowing individuals, businesses, and organizations to conduct transactions seamlessly through mobile technology.
To ensure wider accessibility, Gonza Pay is available through both a smartphone application and USSD functionality, enabling users without internet-enabled devices to access the service. Transaction notifications are delivered through SMS, while customers can also view transaction histories and manage their accounts digitally.
Industry analysts view the launch as another significant milestone in Centenary Bank's ongoing investment in digital innovation. Over the past year, the bank has intensified efforts to modernize its services through strategic technology partnerships and digital infrastructure expansion. Recently, Centenary Group entered a partnership with Huawei Technologies to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen financial inclusion across Uganda and the wider region.
The bank has also continued expanding its physical and digital footprint to reach underserved populations. Recent branch expansions and agency banking initiatives have been aimed at bringing financial services closer to communities while complementing the growing adoption of digital channels.
Centenary Bank, Uganda's largest commercial microfinance institution, serves more than 3 million customers through an extensive network of branches, ATMs, agents, and digital banking platforms. The institution has consistently positioned financial inclusion as a core pillar of its growth strategy.
Financial sector experts believe innovations such as Gonza Pay could play an important role in deepening financial inclusion by enabling more Ugandans to participate in the formal economy, access digital payment services, and conduct transactions efficiently regardless of their location.
As competition in Uganda's digital payments ecosystem continues to intensify, the launch of Gonza Pay signals Centenary Bank's ambition to remain at the forefront of technological innovation while advancing its vision of becoming a fully digital financial institution.
The bank says the platform will contribute to greater financial accessibility, improved transaction efficiency, and broader participation in Uganda's growing digital economy.