Pearl Bank has backed the Teso Run and a coronation anniversary celebration in Soroti District with a commitment to financial literacy, environmental conservation and community development. The two-day event, held from October 16 to 17, 2026, was organised under the theme 'For the Child' and marked the fourth coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Iteso cultural leader. Pearl Bank procured 100 participation kits and committed to engaging participants in financial literacy activities and environmental conservation initiatives, including tree planting.
Pearl Bank Soroti Branch Manager Godfrey Otene said the partnership reflected the bank's Corporate Social Investment strategy, which focuses on sustainable development and community empowerment. He stated that financial literacy was essential to improving livelihoods and supporting economic transformation. According to Otene, 'Our purpose is to foster prosperity for Ugandans, and for our people to attain this, they must gain financial literacy, which is a critical tool for economic transformation.' Through the partnership, Pearl Bank planned to engage participants in financial literacy sessions aimed at promoting a culture of saving, responsible borrowing and informed financial decision-making.
The bank's Corporate Social Investment strategy is guided by three principles: scale, impact and sustainability, with interventions covering education, financial literacy, health and environmental conservation. Chairperson of the Council of the Iteso Cultural Union, Toto Nosianta Emechu, welcomed the bank's contribution, saying the celebrations provided an opportunity to preserve the cultural identity and traditions of the Teso community. Emechu noted that the coronation anniversary helped preserve the community's history and shared values while strengthening its sense of belonging and mobilising support for development initiatives.
The programme began on October 16 with tree planting and financial literacy activities before culminating in the Teso Run on October 17. Otene said the bank was pleased to support initiatives promoting environmental protection, adding that conservation requires collective responsibility. During the celebrations, Pearl Bank operated an exhibition space where its team interacted with participants, provided financial guidance and showcased the bank's products and services. The partnership highlights the role financial institutions can play in community-led initiatives that bring together cultural preservation, environmental responsibility and economic empowerment.