Pearl Bank Soroti Branch Manager, Mr. Godfrey Otene presents a dummy cheque worth UGX 10 million in support of the Teso Run 2026.

By Maria Mariam Namala

SOROTI — Pearl Bank has contributed Shs10 million towards the 2026 Teso Run as part of activities marking the fourth coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union.

The celebrations took place in Soroti District on October 16 and 17 under the theme “For the Child”, bringing together community members and stakeholders to promote cultural preservation, environmental protection and development initiatives in the Teso sub-region.

As part of its contribution, the bank purchased 100 official running kits and participated in financial literacy and tree-planting activities. Godfrey Otene, Pearl Bank’s Soroti Branch Manager, presented a symbolic cheque worth Shs10 million in support of the run.

The organisers had set a target of attracting 10,000 participants, with each official running kit priced at Shs30,000.

Ahead of the main celebrations, Pearl Bank joined the launch activities on October 15, when Otene participated in a tree-planting exercise at the Iteso Cultural Union offices.

Otene said the bank’s involvement reflected its commitment to community development through Corporate Social Investment (CSI), particularly initiatives that promote financial awareness, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.

He said the partnership was intended to encourage communities to embrace sustainable practices and improve their financial decision-making, adding that stronger communities contribute to national development.

According to Otene, Pearl Bank’s social investment strategy focuses on scale, impact and sustainability, with priority areas including education, health, financial literacy and environmental conservation.

He added that the bank would use the event to educate participants on saving, responsible borrowing and making informed financial choices.

Dorothy Babuleka, the bank’s Soroti Branch Business Manager, led a financial literacy session during the celebrations, giving participants an opportunity to engage with the bank on personal financial management.

Otene also welcomed the inclusion of tree planting in the programme, describing environmental protection as a shared responsibility that requires participation from institutions and individuals.

Toto Nosianta Emechu, Chairperson of the Iteso Cultural Union Council, praised Pearl Bank for supporting the celebrations, saying partnerships of this nature help strengthen community initiatives.

Emechu said cultural events such as the Emorimor’s coronation anniversary play an important role in preserving the Iteso people’s history, traditions and shared values while promoting unity among communities.

She said the programme began on October 16 with tree planting and financial literacy activities before culminating in the Teso Run at Soroti Grounds on October 17.

Throughout the celebrations, Pearl Bank also operated an exhibition stand where its staff interacted with customers, provided financial guidance and presented the institution’s products and services.

Emolot was crowned Emorimor on October 22, 2022, succeeding the late Augustine Osuban Lemukol.

The annual celebrations and associated run serve as a platform for mobilising community support for education and other development priorities while promoting cultural identity and collective responsibility across the Teso sub-region.