Centenary Bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, on Tuesday 30 September, 2025 handed over two fully furnished houses to elderly beneficiaries in Kivubuka Village, Jinja District, as part of activities leading up to the International Day of Older Persons, which will be marked globally on October 1 under the theme “Enhanced Household Income: A Key to Dignity, Respect for Older Persons.”
The two homes were given to 85-year-old Nonsiyata Bifuka and 90-year-old Muhammad Gugulu. The initiative was financed by Centenary Bank and constructed by the non-governmental organisation PEFO Uganda, with the aim of restoring dignity, promoting respect, and improving the quality of life for older persons.
Speaking at the ceremony, Centenary Bank’s Chief Manager Public Sector, Moses Mande Oroto, said the project embodies the values of hope, dignity, and improved wellbeing, and reflects the bank’s broader mission of financial inclusion and community support. He noted that older persons represent the foundation of Uganda’s values and heritage, and that improving their livelihoods is central to national development. Oroto highlighted that since 2022, the bank has worked with the Government of Uganda to deliver social protection and financial inclusion programmes that now reach more than 300,000 people annually, disbursing over UGX 80 billion to local governments across the country.
Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, presided over the handover and commended Centenary Bank for what he described as a selfless and practical contribution to the welfare of vulnerable Ugandans. He stressed the importance of social protection in ensuring dignity for older citizens and called for unity among government, financial institutions, civil society, and communities to expand such interventions. “This partnership shows what we can achieve when we come together to support our people. It is not only about houses, but about respect and care for our elders who raised generations and built this country,” Minister Gidudu said.
The ceremony in Jinja attracted local leaders, community members, and officials from both Centenary Bank and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development UGANDA. It forms part of nationwide activities organised in recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, which focuses this year on the link between financial empowerment, dignity, and respect for elderly citizens.
Centenary Bank committed to continue working with government, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to build homes, improve household income, and advance the welfare of all Ugandans, particularly the elderly.