Centenary Bank, Uganda’s largest commercial microfinance bank, has contributed UGX 5 million to Mbale Heroes Football Club, in an effort aimed at boosting the club’s performance in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League football season, following its return to the big boys’ league.
Martin Seguya, the Chief Manager Personal Banking Centenary handed over bank’s contribution to the Club during a corporate fundraising dinner at Hotel Africana.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to raise up to UGX 1.5 billion for Mbale Heroes in support of their participation during the 2024-25 Uganda Premier League football season.
Mbale Heroes, formerly known as Gangama United, is a celebrated football team from Bugisu, famous for breaking the dominance of teams from central Uganda by winning the Uganda Cup in 1976 and 1999. The club has been away from Ugandan top-flight action for the past 18 years.
Beatrice Lugalambi,the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing at Centenary Bank reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture youth talent through sports.
“As a bank, we are very intentional in collaborating with initiatives that nurture youth talent through sports like football. We, are ardent lovers and supporters of football in Uganda and have been at the forefront of supporting our local leagues and talent through tournaments like the Buganda Kingdom, Masaza Cup. This has enabled us to witness the transformation of football in Uganda and the lives of young, talented Ugandan footballers.”
“Every year, we allocate 2% of our annual profits, towards our sustainability efforts. This commitment is a key element of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy which, encompasses initiatives in education, health, environmental stewardship, the social mission of the church, and community development,” she added
During the fundraising drive, over UGX 180 million was collected in cash and pledges from various sector players and well-wishers to fund club activities for the upcoming season.
Mbale Heroes Club Patron Hon. Nandala Mafabi, the Member of Parliament for Budadiri East, Sironko, emphasized the need for continuous effort and avenues to ensure Mbale Heroes does not disappear and remains relevant in the Uganda football scene.
“An 18-year absence from the top flight is not something we ever envisioned as fans of Mbale Heroes. During this time, we’ve faced several heartbreaks in our attempts to return to the top. Now that we’re back, we all must come together to keep this great club in the premier league, “he said.
“After getting back we have upped our involvement and we want to inject funds into the team so that we can become champions again,” Hon. Mafabi added.
Centenary Bank continues to support the growth of local sports in Uganda through partnerships such as the Masaza Cup, to which it has contributed UGX 600 million over the past three years. Additionally, the bank has played a pivotal role in supporting the Annual Rotary Cancer Run, which takes place annually.
