By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI - Centenary Bank Soroti Branch has taken a proactive stance in promoting environmental conservation by donating waste bins to Soroti University, following a request from the student body through the Guild President.

This collaborative initiative aims to address the urgent need for enhanced waste management on campus, underscoring the bank's dedication to environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

The partnership between the financial institution and the university exemplifies the potential of public-private cooperation in tackling environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development goals, with both entities striving to cultivate a cleaner, greener future for the Soroti community and beyond.

Antonina Ojambo, Regional Manager of Centenary Bank, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Soroti University in fostering environmental and social governance.

She highlighted the significance of engaging young people to instill values of environmental responsibility, stating, "The university is exceptionally clean, and we are eager to be part of its upkeep. Environmental and social governance is a priority for us, and we are committed to collaborating with the university to instill a culture of environmental preservation among its youth."

Ojambo also revealed that 2% of the bank's annual profits are earmarked to support CSR activities, with a particular emphasis on environmental and social initiatives.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Soroti University, Lawrence Too-Okema, underscored the importance of the intervention in raising awareness among students and staff about environmental conservation.

He emphasized the university's moral obligation to protect the environment, noting the crucial support provided by Centenary Bank in supplying waste bins to aid in waste management efforts.

Too-Okema also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, including tree planting campaigns supported by various well-wishers.

Stanley Nyakhaima, Guild President of Soroti University, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the critical role of proper waste disposal in environmental conservation efforts. He emphasized, "Today, we have received waste bins from Centenary Bank, a corporate entity that responded to our proposal for support. Proper waste disposal is paramount for environmental conservation, and we appreciate the bank's contribution to this cause."

Nyakhaima reiterated the university's commitment to environmental protection, highlighting the adverse effects of plastic pollution on land productivity.