Madi-West Nile Diocese, Equity Bank Partner to Unlock Church Assets for Development

ARUA CITY — The Madi-West Nile Diocese of the Church of Uganda and Equity Bank Uganda are moving to formalise their long-standing relationship through a partnership aimed at unlocking the economic potential of church assets and supporting development across the West Nile region.

The proposed partnership is expected to go beyond conventional banking services, focusing on agriculture, education, healthcare, enterprise development, energy, environmental conservation and the commercialisation of church assets.

The diocese operates across 12 districts and 13 archdeaconries, with 150 parishes, 685 local churches and 221 active clergy.

Over the years, Equity Bank has supported several diocesan activities and infrastructure projects, including the construction of the diocese’s administrative office block on 7th Street in Arua City.

Diocesan Secretary Geoffrey Nasser said the relationship between the two institutions had grown beyond routine banking services to include support for clergy, church workers, graduates and community groups through financing and financial literacy initiatives.

“Equity Bank’s support extends far beyond corporate banking into the very heart of our community,” Nasser said.

He cited youth mentorship, individual loans and access to social credit for graduates among the initiatives supported by the bank.

The two institutions recently held discussions on formalising their relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would provide a coordinated framework for addressing the diocese’s economic and social development priorities.

At the centre of the proposed partnership is the opportunity to combine the diocese’s land, schools, health facilities and extensive community networks with Equity Bank’s financial and technical expertise.

Equity Bank Managing Director Gift Shoko said the partnership would help church institutions establish stronger and more sustainable economic foundations.

“Our purpose as a Bank is to transform lives, give dignity and expand opportunities for wealth creation,” Shoko said.

He added that the bank’s technical financial expertise could help church institutions, schools and land become self-sustaining and financially independent entities.

The diocese owns substantial land and operates several schools, health facilities and other institutions that could generate additional income if strategically developed.

Under the proposed partnership, the institutions will explore commercial agriculture and forestry projects, while financing could also be provided for the renovation and expansion of schools and health facilities.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen grassroots financial inclusion through savings groups, including groups involving refugees and host communities, supported by financial literacy programmes and appropriate financing options.

Equity Bank has already provided approximately Shs4 billion towards the construction of the Jubilee Administrative Building, a project conceived as part of the diocese’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Bishop Rt Rev Dr Charles Collins Andaku said the building was intended to provide a permanent administrative home for the diocese.

The proposed formal partnership comes at a time when faith-based institutions are increasingly exploring ways of making their assets financially sustainable while continuing to fulfil their social responsibilities.

For Madi-West Nile Diocese, the ultimate goal is to ensure that its land, institutions and human resources contribute more effectively to long-term economic and social development across the West Nile region.