Centenary Bank will expand its digital banking services while continuing to open new branches across Uganda, Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso has said, signalling a dual strategy aimed at meeting growing demand for convenient financial services without abandoning face-to-face banking.
Speaking during the bank's Stakeholder Meet and Greet in Kampala, Byekwaso said the lender would increase investment in digital platforms to enable customers to access banking services around the clock, while maintaining physical branches for those who still prefer in-person transactions.
"We know that our customers want convenience. They want a bank where they are, not a bank where they go," Byekwaso said.
He said digital banking would remain a strategic priority as customer expectations continue to evolve.
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"When you need convenience over the weekend or at night, we have the technology to ensure that we support you. We don't want our customers to miss banking services simply because the branches are closed," he said.
Despite the increased focus on technology, Byekwaso said physical banking remains central to the lender's growth strategy, arguing that many customers still value direct interaction with bank staff.
"We have not left those who still want to come and see us because we know that behind the technology there are people," he said.
As part of that expansion, the bank recently opened a branch in Kalongo and is preparing to launch another in Katakwi, extending its presence in underserved areas.
Byekwaso said Centenary Bank would also continue strengthening its agency banking network to bring financial services closer to customers, including people who do not yet hold bank accounts.
"We also have agent banking, which is closer to you. It is there to serve you, even those who do not have accounts," he said.
The managing director used the stakeholder engagement to reassure customers, regulators, suppliers and business partners that the bank's strategic direction remains unchanged following the recent leadership transition.
"My priority is not to change what has made Centenary Bank what it is today," he said. "My priority is to preserve the values that have earned the confidence of our customers while preparing the bank to thrive in the future."
He said the stakeholder meeting was organised to reaffirm the bank's commitment to continuity and introduce him to key partners following the end of Fabian Kasi's tenure.
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"We wanted to demonstrate that this is a transition of continuity. It is not a transition because something has gone wrong," Byekwaso said.
He thanked customers and partners for supporting the bank's growth, describing Centenary Bank as Uganda's largest indigenous commercial bank, serving more than three million customers nationwide.
The Former Managing Director Fabian Kasi said the leadership change was the result of a planned succession process and would not affect the bank's operations or long-term strategy.
"It is not necessarily about changing leaders from Fabian to Godfrey, but about ensuring that this company continues to succeed and operate according to the purpose for which it was founded," Kasi said.
Kasi said the bank expanded from 37 branches to 82 branches during his 16-year tenure, while its loan portfolio grew from Shs350 billion to Shs4.6 trillion and customer deposits increased from Shs700 billion to more than Shs6 trillion.
He also said Centenary Bank has built an agency banking network of nearly 10,000 agents, helping extend financial services beyond traditional branches.
