Centenary Bank

What Centenary Bank does

Centenary Bank Uganda is a privately held commercial bank and microfinance institution headquartered at Mapeera House, Kampala, operating under a Bank of Uganda commercial banking license since 1993. It began operations in 1985 as a credit trust of the Uganda National Lay Apostolate focused on serving the rural poor, and has since grown to UGX 8.61 trillion in total assets serving more than 3.4 million customers, of which 77.6% come from underserved segments (smallholder farmers, women, youth, refugees, and rural populations). The bank distributes through 83 branches, 219 ATMs, and a network of 8,758+ agent banking points (CenteAgents), with 49% of all transactions routed through agents in 2025.

The product portfolio spans personal and SME savings accounts, fixed deposits, foreign-currency and diaspora accounts, specialized accounts for SACCOs/VSLAs and NGOs, and a broad lending suite covering micro-loans, consumer loans, MSME loans, mortgage/housing loans, energy/solar loans, agricultural production and green loans, and women-focused CenteSupawoman GROW loans. Digital channels include USSD-based CenteMobile (*211#), iOS/Android smartphone app, and CenteOnline internet banking, alongside Kwaata Sente micro-loans integrated with Airtel Money using mobile credit scoring. Trade finance comprises letters of credit, bank guarantees, invoice discounting, shipment finance, LPO finance, commodity finance, and structured trade finance. Card products include CenteVisa debit/prepaid and Mastercard Platinum debit, and the bank operates a bancassurance shelf distributing products from more than 20 insurance partners plus the Cente Tribute Cover diaspora funeral/repatriation cover with Prudential Uganda.

Revenue is generated primarily through interest income on loans and advances (agriculture, SME, housing, micro, consumer), supplemented by transaction fees (ledger fees of UGX 3,000 savings / UGX 11,000 current, ATM/agent fees, card fees), trade finance commissions, FX revenue, and bancassurance/affiliate referral commissions. The bank's 2025 disclosures report Profit After Tax of UGX 424.2 billion (+23.9% YoY), customer deposits of UGX 5.27 trillion (+25.1% YoY), net loans and advances of UGX 4.16 trillion (+11.9% YoY), and shareholders' equity of UGX 1.85 trillion (+18.4% YoY), with a non-performing loan ratio of 2.94%. The bank's value proposition centers on financial inclusion and agricultural specialization, complemented by community programs (financial literacy to 33,341 beneficiaries in 2025, CSR investment of UGX 4.9 billion, 69,000+ trees planted, and a 6.30% emissions reduction).

Name

Centenary Bank

Legal name

Centenary Bank Uganda

Website

https://centenarybank.co.ug

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Centenary Bank Uganda is a privately held commercial microfinance bank serving over 3.4 million customers across 83 branches, 219 ATMs, and 8,758+ agent points, with UGX 8.61 trillion in assets and FY2025 PAT of UGX 424.2 billion. It specializes in financial inclusion, agricultural lending, women-focused finance, and remittance services for underserved, diaspora, and rural segments throughout Uganda.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking / Microfinance Banking

NAICS

Commercial Banking (52211)

SIC

National Commercial Banks (6021)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass-Market Consumer Deposit Banking (Checking/Savings) (FSABAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Agricultural & Rural Cooperatives (Farm Credit/Co-op Banks) (FSABAEAG), Credit Cards & Revolving Credit (FSABAAAC)

Keywords

• Retail banking
• Microfinance lending
• Agricultural finance
• Diaspora banking
• Digital banking services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kampala

HQ country

Uganda

HQ region

Africa

Offices18 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Interest Income: Primary revenue from interest on loans and advances including agricultural loans, SME loans, housing loans, micro business loans, and consumer loans
2. Fee & Commission Income: Transaction fees including ledger fees (UGX 3,000 savings, UGX 11,000 current), ATM fees, card fees, agent banking charges, and account maintenance fees
3. Bancassurance Commission: Insurance product distribution commissions through partnership with multiple life and non-life insurance providers including Prudential, Liberty, Jubilee, and others
4. Trade Finance Fees: Fees from letters of credit, bank guarantees, documentary collections, invoice discounting, shipment finance, and LPO finance
5. Foreign Exchange Revenue: Revenue from foreign currency exchange services and charges on foreign currency accounts

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Centenary Bank is a commercial microfinance bank that accepts deposits from retail, SME, and diaspora customers and lends across agricultural, micro-business, SME, mortgage, energy, trade finance, and consumer segments. It distributes these services through 83 branches, 219 ATMs, 8,758+ agent banking points, and digital channels (CenteMobile USSD/app, CenteOnline internet banking), and distributes insurance products through bancassurance partnerships.

Product overview

Centenary Bank offers a comprehensive digital banking ecosystem centered on its CenteMobile and CenteOnline platforms, complemented by an extensive network of 83 branches, 219 ATMs, and over 9,000 agent banking points across Uganda. The bank's product portfolio spans personal and business savings accounts, fixed deposits, and specialized accounts for diaspora customers, women entrepreneurs (CenteSupawoman), youth, and SACCOs/VSLAs. Credit offerings include agricultural loans (with green finance initiatives), housing loans, energy loans, micro business loans, and CenteMobile instant loans. Trade finance capabilities cover letters of credit, bank guarantees, invoice discounting, shipment finance, and commodity finance. The bank also provides bancassurance products through partnerships with major insurers, plus the Cente Tribute Cover for diaspora funeral expenses. Digital payment services include e-payments for utilities, taxes, and government fees, alongside card products (CenteVisa and Mastercard Platinum).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CenteMobile: Mobile banking platform enabling transactions and access to banking services via USSD (*211#) and mobile application
• CenteOnline
• CenteAgent
• CenteVisa
• CenteSupawoman
• CenteTribute Cover
• Kwaata Sente
• CenteAgent Banking
• CenteOnline Banking
• Cente Tribute Cover

Products and services

• Cente Ordinary Savings Account Standard retail savings account for mass market individual customers with deposit, withdrawal, and interest-bearing features.
• Cente Diaspora Account Multi-currency (UGX, USD, GBP, EUR) savings account for Ugandans abroad with tiered interest rates and dedicated relationship management.
• Cente Junior Account Savings account tailored for minors and children to encourage early savings habits.
• Cente Volution Account Savings account designed for progressive wealth accumulation and customer growth.
• CenteXpress Account Express savings account for quick account opening and streamlined banking access.
• Smart Life Account Personal savings account designed for smart lifestyle financial planning.
• CenteRefugee Individual Savings Account Individual savings account designed for refugees to enable financial inclusion without traditional collateral.
• CenteSave Savings Account (SAGE Account) Smart card-based savings account under the SAGE (Smart Card Account for Growth and Empowerment) program for low-income customers.
• Cente Fixed Deposit Account Investment account offering fixed interest rates with predetermined maturity periods for growing savings over time.
• CenteForeign Fixed Deposit Account Foreign currency fixed deposit account with fixed interest rates for foreign currency savings.
• Treasury Bills/Bonds Primary Dealership Service Primary dealership service for buying and selling government treasury bills and bonds on behalf of clients.
• Cente Current Accounts Standard current account for individuals and businesses offering transactional banking with no interest.
• CenteForeign Account (Current & Savings) Foreign currency accounts (USD, GBP, EUR) for individuals and businesses engaged in international transactions.
• CenteMobile Mobile banking platform enabling customers to perform banking transactions via USSD (*211#) or smartphone app, including balance inquiries, fund transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and loan applications.
• CenteOnline Internet Banking Internet banking platform providing 24/7 online access to account management, balance checking, transaction history, statements, and bill payments via web browser.
• CenteAgent Banking Third-party banking service allowing customers to conduct cash deposits, withdrawals, account opening, and bill payments at authorized agent locations across Uganda.
• CenteVisa Debit Card Debit card enabling ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, and online transactions. Accepted at Visa-enabled ATMs and merchants globally.
• Mastercard Platinum Debit Card Premium debit card offering international purchasing power, global ATM access, and enhanced benefits for high-value customers.
• Cente Micro Business Loan Working capital loan starting from UGX 100,000 for micro businesses with flexible repayments and informal security acceptance.
• CenteHome Loan Housing finance product for purchasing or improving residential property with extended repayment terms.
• CenteHome Improvement Loan Home improvement loan for renovating and improving residential property.
• CenteLand Loan Loan product for purchasing residential land.
• Cente Solar Loan Financing for solar energy systems and equipment to promote renewable energy adoption among customers.
• Cente Youth Loan Credit facility targeting young entrepreneurs for business development with tailored terms.
• CenteSupawoman GROW Loan Business loan program targeting women entrepreneurs with subsidized interest rates (8.5% for special groups including refugees, PWDs, ethnic minorities; 10.5% for all women), flexible collateral requirements, and loan amounts from UGX 4 million to UGX 200 million.
• Kwaata Sente Loans Micro loan product for Airtel Money subscribers with mobile credit scoring. Offers loans from UGX 10,000 to UGX 500,000 with repayment periods of 7 to 30 days and a 10% charge per loan.
• CenteMobile Loan Micro loan service accessible via USSD and CenteMobile app, offering instant loans from UGX 5,000 to UGX 5 million with quick disbursement and no application fees.
• CenteAgricultural Green Loans Climate-smart finance for sustainable agribusiness including drought-tolerant crops, clean water, and forest restoration with fixed rates and grace periods.
• CenteAgricultural Farm Equipment Lease Leasing facility for agricultural farm equipment to support farming operations.
• Agriculture Production Loan Loan product for financing agricultural production activities.
• Crop Marketing Loan Loan product for financing crop marketing and post-harvest activities.
• Farm Equipment Loan Loan product for purchasing farm equipment and machinery.
• CenteAgricultural Youth Loans Agricultural loan product targeting young farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
• CenteAgribusiness Solar Loan Solar energy loan for agribusiness operations including irrigation and post-harvest processing.
• CenteAgricultural SME & Corp Loans Agricultural loan facility for small, medium, and corporate farming enterprises.
• CenteSmart Life Account for Armed Forces Personal savings account designed for armed forces personnel.
• CenteSmart Life Account for Public Service Personal savings account designed for public service and government employees.
• CentePlus Account Premium savings account with enhanced benefits and features for higher-tier customers.
• Cente SupaWoman Individual Savings Account Individual savings account designed for women customers with tailored savings features.
• CenteVSLA Savings Account Savings account for Village Savings and Loan Associations with no maintenance fees and access to financial literacy training.
• CenteSACCO Savings Account Specialized savings account for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations with tiered interest rates and free financial literacy training.
• Cente Sacco Current Account Current account for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations to facilitate transactional banking.
• Cente Refugee VSLA Group Savings Account Group savings account for refugee Village Savings and Loan Associations to support financial inclusion.
• CenteInvestment Club Account Group investment account for investment clubs and informal savings groups.
• CenteNGO Account (Current & Savings) Current and savings accounts for NGOs and non-profit organizations with specialized structure.
• Cente Fixed Deposit Account (SME/Corporate) Fixed deposit account tailored for SME and corporate customers with fixed interest rates.
• CenteSME/Corporate Business Loans Business loans for small, medium, and corporate enterprises.
• Custodial Services Custodial services for the safekeeping and management of securities and financial assets on behalf of institutional clients.
• Cente Mortgage Loan Mortgage loan product for residential property purchase.
• CentePower Connection Loan Loan product for financing electricity grid connection costs.
• CenteGreen Energy Loans Loan product for renewable energy solutions and clean energy investments.
• CenteSalary Loan Salary-backed loan for salaried employees with deductions from payroll.
• Cente SupaWoman Loan (Development) Development loan product for women borrowers.
• Cente Lease Leasing facility for corporate and SME customers to acquire equipment and assets.
• Bank Overdraft Overdraft facility providing corporate customers with revolving credit access.
• Letters of Credit Bank undertaking to pay a beneficiary on behalf of a buyer for import/export transactions. Supports sight and usance letters of credit in local and foreign currency.
• Bank Guarantees Written irrevocable undertakings including bid bonds, performance guarantees, advance payment guarantees, and customs bonds up to UGX 44.8 billion.
• Invoice Discounting Short-term facility paying discounted invoice amounts before maturity date. Maximum financing of 80% of invoice value with 120-day tenor.
• Shipment Finance Pre-shipment and post-shipment finance for export/import traders with maximum tenor of 180 days and flexible security requirements.
• Local Purchase Order (LPO) Finance Short-term credit facility for suppliers to mobilize resources for serving Local Purchase Orders, financing up to 80% of LPO cost.
• Commodity Finance Financing technique with commodities placed under collateral manager custody. Minimum transaction of USD 10,000 with monitoring by bank-approved collateral managers.
• Documentary Collections Facilitates international and local trade by collecting sale proceeds and accepting trade documents. Maximum life of 180 days with no credit facility required.
• Structured Trade Finance Customized financing techniques including back-to-back letters of credit, pre-shipment finance, warehouse finance, and stock financing with maximum tenor of 180 days.
• Cente Tribute Cover Funeral insurance and repatriation benefit cover for diaspora customers in partnership with Prudential Uganda. Covers death of diaspora client, spouse, children, and parents with worldwide cover, offered in Gold, Silver, and Bronze packages.
• Bancassurance Insurance product distribution offering life and non-life insurance products including motor, fire, travel, health, and group insurance through partnered insurance providers (Jubilee, Liberty, Prudential, UAP, ICEA, Sanlam, NIC, AAR, MUA, and others).
• CenteOn the GO (Online Account Opening) Digital account opening service via mobile phone or tablet, enabling new customers to open accounts remotely without visiting a branch.
• ATM Service (CentePoint) Automated teller machine network providing 24/7 cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and mini-statements across 219 ATMs nationwide.
• Merchant POS Acquiring Service Point-of-sale terminal services for merchants to accept card payments from customers.
• E-Payment Services Electronic payment collection services for utilities and government fees including UMEME, NWSC water bills, URA taxes, NSSF contributions, and UNEB examination fees.
• Proprietary Card Service Proprietary card issuing service for in-house card products.
• Telegraphic Money Transfers (Inward) Service for receiving inward international telegraphic money transfers (settlements).
• Telegraphic Money Transfers (Outward) Service for sending outward international telegraphic money transfers (remittances).
• CenteMobile Service Mobile banking service enabling account access and transactions via USSD and mobile app.
• CenteOnline Banking Service Online banking service for digital account access and transactions.
• CenteXpress Account Express savings account for fast-track banking services.
• CenteSacco Current Account Current account for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations to facilitate transactional banking.
• Cente VSLA Savings Account (SME Group) Group savings account for Village Savings and Loan Associations in the SME/group banking segment.
• Cente SupaWoman Individual Savings Account (ORDINARY) Individual savings account designed for women customers with tailored features and benefits.

Quantifiable outcome

• Profit After Tax grew 23.90% to UGX 424.2 billion in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Prudential UgandacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Prudential Uganda to provide Cente Tribute Cover insurance - a funeral insurance and repatriation service for diaspora account holders. Covers death of diaspora client, spouse, children, and parents with worldwide cover and packages from Bronze to Gold.
• PAX InsurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider in the bancassurance partnership network offering motor, fire, domestic package, travel, and other insurance products
• Jubilee GI (General Insurance)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor comprehensive, fire, domestic packages, travel insurance and SME insurance through bancassurance
• Jubilee Life (Life Insurance)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider offering individual life, child education, savings, funeral, family protection and medical insurance products
• LibertymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider offering individual life, child education, savings insurance, funeral, family protection and medical insurance through bancassurance
• Prudential AssurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider partnered for life, child education, savings, funeral, family protection and medical insurance products
• UAP OM GI (Non-Life)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire, domestic packages, personal accident, travel and SME insurance products
• UAP OM LifemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider offering life, child education, savings, funeral, family protection and medical insurance through bank branches
• CIC Africa GIminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire, domestic, travel and SME insurance products
• CIC Africa LifeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider offering life, child education, savings, funeral and family protection insurance
• ICEA LifeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance provider offering life, child education, savings, funeral and family protection products
• ICEA (General Insurance)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire, domestic, travel and personal accident insurance
• SanlamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire, domestic packages, travel and SME insurance products
• NICminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire, domestic packages and travel insurance products
• SWICOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering SME and business insurance products
• Gold StarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire and domestic insurance products
• Trans AfricaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor and travel insurance products
• AARminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance provider offering health/medical and travel insurance products
• MUAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-life insurance provider offering motor, fire and domestic insurance products
• Grand MicroinsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMicroinsurance provider offering affordable insurance products for low-income customers
• Edge MicroinsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMicroinsurance provider offering affordable insurance for underserved market segments
• Airtel MoneycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Airtel Money for Kwaata Sente micro-loans - loans to Airtel Money registered subscribers with mobile credit scores. Accessible via USSD *165#8#9 with 10% charge per loan.
• Western UnionmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational money transfer service allowing diaspora customers to send remittances to Centenary Bank accounts
• MoneyGrammajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational money transfer service for diaspora remittances to Centenary Bank accounts
• Send WaveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital remittance service enabling money transfers to Centenary Bank accounts from abroad
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)coreOthersIndependent auditor for 2025 financial statements receiving unqualified opinion, reinforcing transparency and governance standards
• Rotary ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Rotary Cancer Run and community health initiatives supporting national healthcare programs

Scale indicators27 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Equity Bank Uganda: Equity Group's Uganda subsidiary is a microfinance-rooted commercial bank targeting SMEs, women, and youth with agent banking, mobile, and diaspora offerings. Directly comparable to Centenary's financial inclusion and microfinance-led model in the same Uganda market.
• PostBank Uganda: Uganda's state-owned commercial bank with deep rural branch network and a focus on microfinance and SME lending. A direct competitor in Centenary's core mass-market, rural, and smallholder customer segments.
• DFCU Bank Uganda: Uganda commercial bank with strong SME, agriculture, and trade finance focus. Direct competitor in agricultural lending and SME banking, with similar customer segments but a more corporate orientation.
• Bank of Africa Uganda: Mid-tier Uganda commercial bank serving SMEs, corporates, and retail customers. Comparable in scale and segment focus, with similar presence in trade finance and personal banking.
• Opportunity Bank Uganda: Uganda microfinance bank with strong focus on micro and small enterprise lending, women, and rural customers. Closely comparable to Centenary's microfinance and financial inclusion DNA.
• FINCA Uganda: Microfinance institution serving micro and small entrepreneurs in Uganda with group lending and village banking models. Comparable to Centenary's microfinance and underserved segment focus.
• BRAC Uganda Bank: Microfinance bank serving small entrepreneurs, women, and rural Ugandans with group lending and borrower education. Closely comparable to Centenary's focus on microfinance, women, and rural customers.

Broad incumbents

• Stanbic Bank Uganda: Subsidiary of Standard Bank Group and one of Uganda's largest banks, offering full-service commercial, corporate, and personal banking. Overlaps with Centenary in SME and personal banking but operates at far larger scale and a different customer mix.
• Equity Group Holdings (Kenya): Pan-African microfinance-rooted banking group operating across East Africa with comparable agent banking, mobile, and financial inclusion strategies. Comparable business model and regional footprint, but at materially larger scale.

Emerging players

• MTN Uganda (Mobile Money): Dominant mobile network operator in Uganda with MTN MoMo serving as a payments and emerging credit platform. A key ecosystem partner but also a competitive threat on deposits, payments, and micro-lending.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CentenaryBank
• Facebookfacebook.com/Centenarybank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centenary-bank

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Centenary Bank