Centenary Bank Joins Uganda Premier League as Official Banking Partner in Shs204m Deal
Corporate editorUpdated 1 hour Ago2 Mins read19
Centenary Bank has become the official banking partner of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) for the 2026/2027 season in a Shs204 million partnership aimed at supporting league operations, increasing the visibility of domestic football and improving the matchday experience for fans.
The partnership, unveiled at the bank’s headquarters at Mapeera House in Kampala on October 12, 2026, combines financial support with media promotion, player awards and digital ticketing through the bank’s digital payments platform, GonzaPay.
Under the agreement, Shs100 million will support league operations, administration and programmes, while another Shs100 million will be provided in media and promotional support. An additional Shs4 million has been allocated for cash prizes recognising outstanding players at the end of the season.
The arrangement also makes GonzaPay, powered by Centenary Technology Services, the league’s official ticketing partner, introducing a digital payment option intended to make purchasing match tickets more convenient while improving attendance tracking and financial reconciliation.
A milestone for domestic football
Uganda Premier League Board Chairman Dr Arinaitwe Rugyendo described the partnership as a significant milestone, noting that Centenary Bank is the first indigenous bank to partner with the competition in its nearly six-decade history.
The agreement comes as the league seeks to strengthen its commercial foundation and attract more corporate partners to domestic football.
UPL Chief Executive Officer Bernard Bainamani said the significance of the partnership extends beyond the financial contribution, highlighting the importance of building confidence among companies willing to invest in the competition.
Bainamani acknowledged that past administrative disputes and negative publicity had made it difficult to attract corporate support. He said the league was now looking to strengthen its commercial appeal and encourage clubs and supporters to view football as a viable commercial product rather than solely a recreational activity.
Taking football beyond the pitch
For Centenary Bank, the partnership provides another opportunity to connect with communities through a sport that brings together supporters across the country.
Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said the bank’s nationwide presence informed its decision to support the competition, pointing to football’s ability to unite people from different backgrounds.
The bank’s involvement also aligns with its wider interest in youth development. Byekwaso noted that young people account for 38 per cent of the bank’s customer base, making football a relevant platform for connecting with younger audiences.
Beyond the sponsorship itself, the integration of digital ticketing could help strengthen the relationship between football and financial technology. Easier ticket purchases and more reliable attendance records could benefit supporters and organisers, although the full impact will depend on how effectively the system is implemented and adopted by fans.
The partnership builds on Centenary Bank’s existing involvement in sports initiatives, including the Buganda Kingdom’s Masaza Cup and corporate sporting competitions.
A commercial opportunity for the league
The agreement comes at a time when the Uganda Premier League is seeking to broaden its revenue streams and improve its commercial prospects. The league has also identified opportunities to attract additional corporate partners, particularly from the telecommunications and brewing sectors.
For the competition, the immediate challenge will be to translate the partnership into tangible improvements in promotion, match attendance, player recognition and the overall supporter experience.
For Centenary Bank, the opportunity lies in turning its association with football into meaningful engagement with customers and communities while demonstrating how financial services can support the growth of local sport.
As the 2026/2027 season progresses, the partnership will provide an opportunity to assess how corporate investment, digital innovation and stronger promotion can contribute to the development of Ugandan football.
The ultimate measure of its success will be not only the value of the agreement, but also the benefits it delivers to the league, its clubs, players and supporters.
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