Centenary Bank has inked a landmark UGX 204 million partnership to become the official banking partner of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) for the 2026/2027 season.
Announced at Mapeera House in Kampala, the historic deal marks the first time an indigenous bank has backed the top-flight competition in its nearly six-decade history.
Centenary Bank has partnered with the Uganda Premier League (UPL) in a commitment to become the league’s official banking partner for the 2026/2027 season, with support for league operations, media promotion, player awards and digital ticketing.
The partnership introduces GonzaPay—Centenary Bank’s digital payments platform powered by Centenary Technology Services—as the league’s official ticketing partner.
Centenary Bank is bringing on board a total of UGX 204 million to support the partnership. This comprises UGX 100 million in cash support for league operations, administration and programmes, UGX 100 million in in-kind media promotion to increase the visibility of domestic football and UGX 4 million in prize money for outstanding players at the end of the season. Centenary Bank’s digital payments platform, GonzaPay, will serve as the league’s official ticketing partner, enabling fans to purchase match tickets digitally while supporting more efficient ticketing and attendance management.
The partnership was announced at Centenary Bank’s Mapeera House headquarters in Kampala, marking a significant milestone for the league. It brings together two longstanding Ugandan institutions committed to serving communities and supporting national development.
Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said the partnership recognises the power of football to unite communities, inspire young people and create opportunities.
“Centenary Bank is the biggest local bank, serving over 3.4 million customers, with 82 branches, over 9,000 agents and 217 ATMs. We are serving everywhere in Uganda and football connects Ugandans. So, with that infrastructure, we needed to support an institution that supports and unites the same Ugandans that we serve. We are therefore glad to partner with the Uganda Premier League and support the continued development of the game,” he said.
Byekwaso noted that the partnership aligns with the bank’s wider commitment to youth development. Young people account for 38 per cent of Centenary Bank’s customers, and the bank offers products and services designed to support their financial and personal development, including the CenteVolution account, youth loans and higher education loans. Its non-financial initiatives include financial literacy programmes, skills development opportunities and internships.
He added that the bank’s responsibility extends beyond providing financial services to supporting communities through its Environmental, Social and Governance agenda, under which it sets aside 1.5 per cent of its previous year’s profits for corporate social responsibility initiatives in health, the Social Mission of the Church, education and environmental stewardship.
Centenary Bank’s support for the Uganda Premier League builds on its wider contribution to sports across the country. The bank supports sports initiatives including Buganda Kingdom’s Masaza Cup and also participates in sports tournaments such as the Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala, the Corporate Sports Network League and the Rotary 5-aside sports tournament.
Dr Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Board Chairman of the Uganda Premier League, described the partnership as a landmark development in the league’s history, noting that Centenary Bank is the first indigenous bank to partner with the competition in its nearly six-decade history.
“In nearly six decades of our league’s history, no indigenous bank has ever partnered with the league. Today, Centenary Bank becomes the first. This is a landmark partnership that will shape the future of Ugandan football,” he said.
Dr Rugyendo said the partnership goes beyond conventional sponsorship, with the financial contribution, media promotion, player awards and digital ticketing expected to support the league’s operations and visibility while improving the experience for fans.
He also noted that the partnership comes amid growing confidence in the league, following a recent UGX 5.5 billion contribution from the Government of Uganda. He called on clubs, supporters and the media to embrace the partnership and help bring domestic football closer to Ugandans.
A central component of the collaboration is the integration of digital ticketing through GonzaPay, powered by Centenary Technology Services. The solution is intended to simplify ticket purchases, reduce last-minute pressure at match venues and provide organisers with more reliable attendance information and transaction records.
Dr Grace Ssekakubo, Chief Executive Officer of Centenary Technology Services, said the partnership demonstrates how technology can address practical challenges while improving experiences for football fans and organisers.
“Our focus is on developing innovations that solve real problems and inspire growth. Through GonzaPay and its ticketing platform, fans will be able to purchase tickets more conveniently, while organisers benefit from real-time attendance information, reliable digital records and improved financial reconciliation. We look forward to continually improving the platform in response to user feedback and the evolving needs of the game,” he said.
The partnership reinforces Centenary Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance communities and create opportunities for Ugandans, while supporting the Uganda Premier League’s continued growth and ambition to deliver a more visible, accessible and professionally managed competition.
