Kotido, Uganda: Centenary Bank has donated Shs40 million to religious institutions in Kotido District while unveiling plans to establish a solar-powered irrigation demonstration farm aimed at improving food production and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture in the Karamoja sub-region.
The support was handed over during a ceremony held Friday, July 24, at the diocesan offices in Kotido, bringing together Centenary Bank officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
Under the initiative, the Anglican Diocese of Kotido received posho and beans worth Shs15 million, while the Catholic Diocese of Kotido was presented with two cheques totaling Shs25 million, including Shs15 million in direct support and an additional Shs10 million to facilitate the purchase of medical supplies.
The donations were handed over in the presence of Centenary Bank Chairman Gustavio Bwacho, Board Member Dr. Basil Ajer, Directors Hon. Tom Aliti and Chris Byaruhanga, Regional Manager Sarah Achen, and Kotido Branch Manager Jhanan Obong Olum.
The event was also attended by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, who urged development partners to invest in long-term interventions capable of transforming livelihoods rather than focusing solely on emergency relief.
“We need to find sustainable projects that can transform communities and provide lasting solutions for the people,” Bishop Rubaramira said.
He welcomed Centenary Bank’s planned investment in agriculture, describing it as a timely intervention for Karamoja, where prolonged drought, food insecurity and the effects of climate change continue to affect household livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of Centenary Bank, Director Hon. Tom Aliti reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve household incomes and economic resilience, particularly through agriculture, which remains the backbone of many rural communities.
He said the proposed solar-powered irrigation demonstration project will provide farmers with a practical model of how renewable energy can be used to access water throughout the year, reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall and increase agricultural productivity.
According to Aliti, the demonstration farm will also serve as a learning centre where farmers can receive practical training in climate-smart agriculture, modern farming techniques and efficient water management practices.
He noted that expanding agricultural productivity remains critical to strengthening food security, improving household incomes and building resilience against climate-related shocks.
At the Catholic Diocese of Kotido, the financial support was received by Rev. Fr. Monsignor Daniel Nabuya, who applauded Centenary Bank for its continued partnership with communities across Karamoja.
He said the donation, particularly the support for medical supplies, comes at a time when many vulnerable families continue to face health and economic challenges.
“This support comes at a critical time and will strengthen services to vulnerable communities while complementing ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods in the region,” Rev. Fr. Nabuya said.
Meanwhile, Kotido Branch Manager Jhanan Obong Olum thanked the dioceses, local leaders and residents for embracing the bank’s community development initiatives, pledging continued collaboration in programmes that promote sustainable development.
Religious leaders described the intervention as one that balances immediate humanitarian support with long-term investments capable of transforming communities.
They observed that while food assistance provides urgent relief to vulnerable households, the planned irrigation project offers a sustainable pathway toward increased agricultural production and improved food security.
The leaders further noted that the irrigation initiative comes at a critical time, as many farmers across Karamoja continue to depend almost entirely on rainfall despite increasingly frequent and prolonged dry spells that have affected crop yields in recent years.
Once established, the solar-powered irrigation demonstration scheme is expected to showcase how technology can support year-round farming, increase productivity, encourage commercial agriculture and inspire wider adoption of climate-smart farming practices across the region.
Karamoja has in recent years faced recurring drought, declining agricultural productivity and persistent food insecurity, prompting renewed calls for greater investment in irrigation infrastructure, value addition and sustainable agricultural systems.
Centenary Bank said its latest intervention reflects a broader commitment to moving beyond emergency assistance by investing in solutions that strengthen livelihoods, improve food security and promote long-term economic resilience among communities in Karamoja.
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