Centenary Bank launches new ATM in Bukwo to boost financial inclusion

BUKWO, Uganda — Centenary Bank has launched a new deposit-enabled ATM in Bukwo district, marking a significant step toward boosting financial inclusion for underserved communities in the region.

The new facility is designed to bring alternative banking channels directly to residents who have long lacked reliable access to formal financial services.

For years, residents of Bukwo and the neighboring Kween district had to travel up to 68 kilometers to the Kapchorwa branch just to access basic banking functions. This geographic barrier heavily impacted local farmers, traders, teachers and salaried workers, limiting their participation in the formal financial ecosystem.

Located near Talanta Bukwo Electronics in Bukwo Town Council, the ATM allows both customers and non-customers to make deposits, withdrawals and other transactions locally, eliminating the costly and time-consuming journey to Kapchorwa.

The expansion is expected to drive local economic growth by serving more than 5,000 people across both districts. Additionally, the ATM will support about 20 Centenary Bank agents by allowing them to rebalance their float directly on-site, a move meant to improve liquidity and strengthen the overall agency banking system in the area.

Sarah Achan, Centenary Bank regional manager for the eastern region, said during the launch that the investment underscores the institution’s commitment to bridging the financial gap in remote areas.

“Access to banking should not be determined by distance,” Achan said. “We understand the challenges our customers in Bukwo have been facing for years in traveling long distances for basic banking services. This ATM brings convenience closer to our community and strengthens our commitment to financial inclusion.”

The new financial infrastructure was officially commissioned by Bukwo District Chairperson Chesol Tom Kwomu and the Rev. Emmanuel Omunyokol of St. James Catholic Parish in Kapchorwa.

With the deployment of this automated service channel, the commercial bank aims to reinforce sustainable economic infrastructure in the region, reducing the operational costs of cash management for both rural businesses and agricultural smallholders.