Centenary Group has hosted the Bishop of Kasese Diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale, at the bank headquarters at Mapeera House, Kampala for mass as the diocese prepares to animate the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations this year.
Uganda Martyrs Day is commemorated annually on 3rd June in remembrance of the Uganda Martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.
The celebrations attract millions of pilgrims from Uganda, across Africa and other parts of the world.
However, due to the recent Ebola outbreak, the government of Uganda has temporarily postponed this year’s annual national celebrations at Namugongo as a precautionary public health measure.
Bishop Kibira noted during the visit that the Uganda Episcopal Conference has since directed that this year’s Martyrs Day commemorations be celebrated within respective dioceses and parishes across the country until further guidance is issued.
The Executive Director Business, Centenary Bank, Mr. Joseph Kiwanuka Balikuddembe, commended the Diocese of Kasese for the dedication and commitment demonstrated in organizing one of the country’s most significant religious events.
Over the years, the bank has supported various church activities across the country through church construction projects and renovations, church financial literacy trainings, women and youth church events, parish day celebrations, priestly ordinations, pastoral missions, and donated church pews and other liturgical items.
“Centenary Bank believes that banking goes beyond financial services to transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities. Every year, the bank allocates 1.5% of its previous year’s profits towards Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives targeting key sectors such as education, health, environmental stewardship, the Church and community development,” Mr. Balikuddembe said.
Centenary Group this year is contributing Shs70 million in cash towards the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, comprising Shs40 million from Centenary Group and Shs30 million from Centenary Bank, in addition to in-kind support valued at nearly Shs68 million.
Receiving the contribution, Bishop Kibira appreciated Centenary Bank and the Group for the continued partnership and support towards the Church and the faithful.
He expressed that this support is not only a contribution towards the success of the event, but also a demonstration of faith, solidarity, and commitment to the spiritual and social well-being of the people.
He further encouraged the faithful once again to prepare and pray from their respective parishes as guided by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, and observe the Standard Operating Procedures set by the Ministry of Health to remain safe during the Ebola outbreak.