KOTIDO, August 3, 2026 — Centenary Bank has extended support worth Shs 40 million to religious institutions in Kotido district, while unveiling plans for a solar-powered irrigation demonstration project aimed at boosting food production and promoting climate-resilient agriculture in the Karamoja Sub-region.
The cheque was handed over recently at the Kotido Catholic Diocesan Offices during a ceremony attended by Centenary Bank officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The bank donated posho and beans worth Shs 15 million to the Anglican Diocese of Kotido, while the Catholic Diocese of Kotido received two cheques totalling Shs 25 million. Of this amount, Shs 15 million was provided as general support, while an additional Shs 10 million will go towards the purchase of medical items.
The support was handed over in the presence of Centenary Bank Chairman Gustavio Bwacho, Board Member Basil Ajer, Director Tom Aliti, Director Chris Byaruhanga, Regional Manager Sarah Achen and Kotido Branch Manager Jhanan Obong Olum.
The function was also attended by Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, who challenged stakeholders to focus on sustainable interventions that address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability in communities.
Bishop Rubaramira said communities need interventions that go beyond responding to immediate challenges and instead create lasting opportunities for self-reliance.
“We need to find sustainable projects that can transform communities and provide lasting solutions for the people,” the Bishop said.
He welcomed Centenary Bank’s plan to support agriculture, saying empowering farmers with sustainable production methods is critical for Karamoja, a region that continues to face drought, food insecurity and the effects of climate change.
Speaking on behalf of Centenary Bank, Director Tom Aliti said the bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, which remains a major source of income for many households.
He said the planned solar-powered irrigation demonstration project would provide farmers with a practical model for using renewable energy to access water, increase production and reduce dependence on unreliable rainfall.
Aliti said the project is expected to serve as a learning centre where farmers can acquire knowledge about modern farming methods, water management and climate-smart agriculture.
He added that improving agricultural productivity is key to helping communities build resilience, increase household incomes and strengthen food security.
At the Kotido Catholic Diocese, the cheques were received on behalf of the church by Rev Fr Monsignor Daniel Nabuya, who appreciated Centenary Bank’s continued partnership and support for communities in Karamoja.
Fr Nabuya said the support, including assistance towards the purchase of medical items, comes at a critical time when communities continue to face challenges affecting their wellbeing.
He said the intervention would help strengthen support services while complementing efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable people in the region.
Meanwhile, Centenary Bank Kotido Branch Manager Jhanan Obong Olum thanked the dioceses, local leaders and communities for embracing the bank’s partnership and support.
Religious leaders welcomed the intervention, saying the combination of food assistance, medical support and investment in sustainable farming provides both immediate relief and a pathway towards long-term development.
They said the irrigation initiative is timely because many farmers in Karamoja continue to rely heavily on rainfall despite recurring dry spells that affect crop production.
The planned solar-powered irrigation project is expected to serve as a model for farmers by demonstrating how technology can support year-round production, improve yields and encourage commercial farming.
Karamoja has in recent years faced serious challenges related to drought, declining agricultural productivity and food insecurity, increasing calls for investment in irrigation, value addition and climate-resilient farming.
The Centenary Bank initiative reflects a shift from responding only to immediate needs towards investing in sustainable solutions that empower communities. By combining food assistance, medical support and investment in solar-powered irrigation, the bank seeks to contribute to long-term livelihood improvement, food security and economic resilience among communities in Karamoja.
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