Centenary Bank, a member of Centenary Group, launched GonzaPay, a secure, bank-backed digital wallet. Developed by Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech), the Group’s technology subsidiary, together with technology partner Drakma Limited, GonzaPay was unveiled at Next Media Park, Naguru.
The platform is designed to bridge the gap between Uganda’s cash-heavy economy and modern digital finance, and is open to everyone, whether or not they hold a Centenary Bank account. The initiative reflects the aspiration of Centenary Group to drive meaningful, lasting inclusion of Ugandans through both financial and digital interventions.
From its beginnings as a finance trust in 1983, to a fully-fledged commercial bank in 1993, Centenary Bank has built one of the deepest footprints in Uganda’s rural and underserved communities. In 2020 the brand evolved into Centenary Group, diversifying to serve Uganda beyond financial services and Cente-Tech is one of the fruits of that diversification.
The launch responds to fast-rising demand for digital financial services. According to the Bank of Uganda, the value of electronic money transactions rose by 28% in 2025 to UGX 366 trillion, while transaction volumes grew by 17.3% to 9.1 billion.
Yet many Ugandans still face real barriers. Rural customers travel and pay simply to transact, while informal traders operate largely in cash — limiting the financial records that unlock borrowing and growth, and exposing them to the risks and inefficiencies of handling physical money. GonzaPay is built to be genuinely open and low-friction.
You do not need a Centenary Bank account or any bank account to sign up and start transacting. Users can cash in and cash out with ease at any of Centenary Bank’s more than 9,000 Cente Agents across the country. And for those who do bank with Centenary Bank, moving money from a Centenary Bank account into the GonzaPay wallet is completely free of charge.
Representing the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi, Executive Director National Payment Systems on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba said: “By providing a digital wallet that supports convenient payments, Centenary is contributing to the national agenda of increasing access to digital financial services and accelerating participation in the formal economy.
Technology creates value when it improves convenience, enhances efficiency, strengthens trust and expands economic opportunity.” Representing Centenary Bank, Joseph Balikuddembe, Executive Director Business, Centenary Bank said “As a bank, we are pursuing a SMART Bank transformation. We are moving from traditional, branch-heavy banking to a digitally led model that uses technology to enhance customer experience, financial inclusion and efficiency, particularly for rural and underserved customers.”
He further explained that GonzaPay is expected to create value for salaried individuals, entrepreneurs, informal traders, farmers, savings groups and community organisations, while giving users a secure alternative to carrying cash without losing immediate access to their money. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance welcomed the product as a model of homegrown innovation.
Ambrose Ruyooka the Commissioner for Research and Development, representing Hajjat Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, said that “GonzaPay is Ugandan capital and Ugandan talent solving a Ugandan challenge — that is sovereign innovation, and it is exactly what our National Digital Transformation Roadmap calls for. Every trader, savings group and parent who transacts digitally becomes traceable, bankable and part of the formal economy. This launch is our partnership with Centenary Technology Services bearing fruit, and the Ministry stands firmly behind it.”
Dr. Grace Ssekakubo, Chief Executive Officer, Centenary Technology Services in His address highlighted that “GonzaPay was developed by Centenary Technology Services with the Ugandan user at its centre. We stand on 43 years in which Centenary has served the last mile, so we understand the realities of this market — the need for convenience, affordability, reliability, security and ease of use. We will keep improving it alongside our customers. Gonza Obulamu — live easier.” The launch builds on Centenary’s long-standing mission of transforming lives through inclusive, sustainable financial services. Ugandans can download GonzaPay from the major app stores or dial USSD *211# to begin transacting immediately
