Equity Bank Uganda, Soroti Diocese Partner to Boost Agribusiness and Financial Access in Teso
Equity Bank Uganda and the Soroti Diocese of the Church of Uganda have partnered to support agribusiness, environmental conservation and financial inclusion across the Teso sub-region.
The partnership was discussed during engagements between Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko and the Diocese’s clergy and staff, where the two institutions outlined areas of cooperation aimed at supporting socio-economic development in the region.
The relationship dates back to a request by Bishop Kosea Odongo for Equity Bank to establish a branch in Soroti. The Diocese has since become an institutional partner of the bank, with the collaboration extending beyond conventional banking services.
One of the projects supported through the partnership is the financing of major lecture halls at Soroti University, contributing to the expansion of education infrastructure in the region.
Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Samuel Ediau said the partnership includes support for church events, provision of banking services during major functions and training programmes for teachers, clergy and institutional leaders.
Bishop Odongo said the Diocese would continue nurturing the relationship with Equity Bank Uganda to deliver benefits to communities across Teso.
Equity Bank Uganda Donates 1,200 Tree Seedlings
Environmental conservation was also part of the partnership, with Equity Bank Uganda and the Soroti Diocese holding a joint tree-planting exercise at the Diocese headquarters and the Bishop’s residence.
The exercise supports the Church of Uganda’s campaign to plant 15 million trees over three years as part of activities marking its 150th anniversary.
Equity Bank Uganda donated 1,200 tree seedlings to support greening efforts in Soroti City.
The bank’s Director for Public Sector and Social Investments, Catherine Psomgen, said Equity Bank Uganda’s inclusive growth model focuses on empowering women, youth and small businesses through financial literacy, capacity building and access to credit.
Equity Bank Uganda also pledged support towards the completion of the 3,000-capacity Soroti Diocesan Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church. The bank further committed to continuing financial literacy programmes for diocesan staff as part of its engagement with the Diocese.
