In a joyous celebration at the Uganda Martyrs festivities in Namugongo, Equity Bank and the Church of Uganda came together to commemorate the successful repayment of the loan for the construction of Janani Luwum Church House. The event was marked by gratitude, partnership, and a shared commitment to uplift the community.
Executive Director of Equity Bank, Elizabeth Mwerinde Kasedde, took the stage to express the bank’s appreciation for the enduring support from the Church of Uganda and reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a strong relationship. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Church and pledge to continue working hand in hand with them at every level,” stated Elizabeth Mwerinde Kasedde.
The event’s highlight was when the Church of Uganda Archbishop, Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, presented a symbolic cheque to signify the completion of the loan repayment to Equity Bank. Archbishop Kaziimba commended the close bond between the Church and Equity Bank and encouraged the Christian community to explore the bank’s offerings. “I want to announce here that the Church House is now fully owned by the Church of Uganda. Thank you Equity Bank for supporting us,” Archbishop Kaziimba expressed with gratitude.
Equity Bank’s generosity extended beyond the loan repayment, as they had recently donated Shs 30 million towards the Martyrs Day celebrations and sponsored the inaugural national Uganda Martyrs Choir competition.
The bank’s commitment to supporting the Church of Uganda was evident through their provision of a mortgage covering 70 per cent of the construction costs for Janani Luwum Church House, with the Church contributing the remaining 30 per cent. The Church had borrowed USD 17 million from Equity Bank for the project, which finally came to fruition in 2015.
Elizabeth Mwerinde Kasedde shared her sentiments on the milestone achievement: “This was a dream that the church had cherished for close to 50 years. I am glad that Equity Bank took the bold step to support the church in realising this dream.” She encouraged other dioceses to emulate Equity Bank’s development model to enhance the well-being of their congregants, emphasising the bank’s mission to empower communities economically and socially through financial services.
“If we can realise a dream of $17 million (Shs65 billion) together, why can’t we help our followers and members in our parishes also realise their dreams? Equity Bank is here to assist the church in giving dignity to its followers by providing financial services that empower communities economically and socially,” explained Mwerinde.
The Janani Luwum Church House project, initially conceived in 1966, finally came to fruition in 2015 through the collaborative efforts of Equity Bank and the Church of Uganda. The successful completion of the project not only served the Church’s mission but contributed to clergy pensions, showcasing the transformative power of partnership and shared vision.
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