Centenary Bank has launched GonzaPay, a secure digital wallet aimed at expanding financial inclusion and making digital financial services more accessible to Ugandans.
The platform allows users to send, receive, and manage money conveniently, whether they are Centenary Bank customers or not. The launch marks another step in the Bank’s digital transformation journey as it seeks to provide affordable and convenient financial solutions that respond to changing customer needs.
Speaking at the launch, Joseph Balikuddembe, Executive Director Business at Centenary Bank, said GonzaPay reflects the Bank’s commitment to building inclusive financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities.
“As a bank, we are actively pursuing a SMART Bank transformation. Our trajectory involves transitioning from traditional, branch-heavy banking to a digitally led model that leverages technology to enhance customer experience, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency, particularly for rural and underserved customers,” he said.
The launch comes at a time when digital financial services continue to grow in Uganda. According to data from the Bank of Uganda, the value of electronic money transactions increased by 28 percent in 2025, rising from $75 billion (Shs285.9 trillion) to $100.3 billion (Shs366 trillion). The volume of transactions also grew by 17.3 percent to 9.1 billion transactions.
Despite progress in financial inclusion, many Ugandans still face challenges accessing formal financial services. Rural communities often incur transport costs to access banking services, while many small businesses and informal traders continue to rely heavily on cash transactions, limiting opportunities to build financial records and access credit.
GonzaPay seeks to address these gaps by providing a simple and secure digital platform that enables users to transact from wherever they are, reducing dependence on physical cash.
Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi, Executive Director National Payments Systems at the Bank of Uganda, who represented Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, said innovations such as GonzaPay are critical in supporting economic development.
“By providing a digital wallet that supports convenient payments and financial transactions, Centenary Bank is contributing to the broader national agenda of increasing access to digital financial services and accelerating participation in the formal economy,” he said.
He added that technology creates value when it improves convenience, enhances efficiency, strengthens trust, and expands economic opportunities.
The platform is expected to benefit salaried workers, entrepreneurs, informal traders, farmers, savings groups, and community organisations by providing a secure alternative to carrying cash while ensuring easy access to funds.
As Uganda continues to embrace digital solutions, Centenary Bank says GonzaPay will help bridge gaps in financial access and support more individuals and businesses to participate in the digital economy.
Customers can access GonzaPay by downloading the application from major app stores or dialing *211# to start transacting.
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