Centenary Bank donates Shs10 million outdoor seats to Bweyale Town Council

Kiryandongo: Centenary Bank Bweyale Branch has donated eight outdoor seats worth Shs10 million to Bweyale Town Council in a move aimed at improving public spaces, supporting students and enhancing the beauty of the town.

The seats were officially handed over on Thursday during a ceremony attended by local leaders, district officials and representatives from the bank.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer’s office, Bweyale Town Clerk Jessy Tebemanya said the council had approached the bank for support after realizing that many students, including refugees and learners from nearby schools, were using the council compound as a reading space due to its calm and conducive environment.

“We wrote to Centenary Bank requesting support because many refugee and school-going students use the council compound as a reading area. These seats will provide them with a more comfortable environment for studying,” Tebemanya said.

Speaking during the handover, Ogik Alfred, the Branch Manager of Centenary Bank Bweyale, said the donation reflects the bank’s commitment to community development and environmental sustainability.

“These seats will enhance the beauty of town gardens and provide a welcoming environment for residents and visitors to relax and interact. Centenary Bank is proud to stand with Bweyale Town Council in promoting environmental conservation and community wellbeing,” Alfred said.

He noted that the donation forms part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which focuses on sustainability and improving livelihoods within communities where the bank operates.

The LCIII Chairperson of Bweyale Town Council, Byakagaba Edward, applauded the bank for its continued support and appealed for additional assistance to fence the council compound.

“The Office of the Prime Minister has provided more land to the Town Council for expansion, but we need to secure it from encroachers. We request Centenary Bank to continue supporting us in this area,” Byakagaba said.

Kiryandongo District LCV Chairperson Nelson Osag challenged the bank to expand its outreach and financial literacy programmes, particularly among women and low-income earners who are often exploited by money lenders.

“Many people, especially women, suffer under heavy interest rates charged by money lenders. They do not know that Centenary Bank offers affordable loans. We need the bank to bring more services closer to local communities so that people are not cheated,” Osag said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jonathan Akakwetereho commended Centenary Bank for contributing to the beautification of Bweyale Town but expressed concern over increasing crime among youth in both the town and nearby refugee settlements.

“Bweyale is facing a crisis of crime and this scares away investment. Let us support Centenary Bank because it has always stood with the people of Kiryandongo District,” Akakwetereho said.

With the installation of the eight new seats, the Bweyale Town Council compound is expected to serve not only as a public recreation space but also as a reading garden for students seeking a quiet place to study.

Local leaders expressed optimism that the initiative will improve the appearance of the town while providing a safe and comfortable environment for residents, visitors and learners alike.

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