The contribution was unveiled at Bulange, Mengo, during the official launch of the 2026 Masaza Cup, one of Uganda's most celebrated sporting and cultural events. The tournament continues to unite communities across the Buganda Kingdom through football, talent development and the promotion of cultural heritage.
Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Executive Director for Operations, Michael Opira, said the bank's continued support for the tournament reflects its commitment to creating opportunities that uplift communities and empower young people.
"This tournament has become a platform for young talent to shine and transform their lives for the better through sports. This is made even more impactful by the tournament's goal of contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS by 2030," Opira said.
According to the Uganda National Institute of Public Health, HIV prevalence among young people aged between 15 and 24 years currently stands at 9.1 percent. Organisers believe that sports provide an effective platform for raising awareness about HIV prevention among the youth and advancing the tournament's broader social objectives.
Over the years, the Masaza Cup has evolved into a key platform for identifying and nurturing football talent while fostering unity and preserving cultural heritage across the Buganda Kingdom. The competition attracts thousands of supporters annually and offers young players an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a competitive stage.
Centenary Bank's sponsorship will support the successful organisation of the tournament and enhance the experience for players, fans and participating counties throughout the competition.
"As an indigenous bank, we are humbled to be associated with the Kingdom of Buganda, particularly through the Masaza Cup. Our support for the tournament now spans more than 12 years, and we are proud to continue this journey. Together, we have built a strong partnership through initiatives such as the CBS Kalisoliso Dinner, the Kabaka Birthday Run, engagements with the Buganda Land Board and many others. This reflects our commitment to community development, sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage," Opira added.
The bank noted that its support for the Masaza Cup is part of a broader commitment to initiatives that advance education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, financial inclusion and community development across Uganda.
Centenary Bank allocates 1.5 percent of its previous year's profits annually to support community-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating sustainable impact.
The 22nd edition of the Masaza Cup is expected to attract significant participation from counties across the Buganda Kingdom and thousands of football enthusiasts, reinforcing its status as one of Uganda's premier sporting competitions.
This year's tournament will officially kick off tomorrow, Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Mubende National Teachers College (NTC), with defending champions Buweekula taking on Kyaddondo in the opening fixture.