I&M Bank is well-known for its commitment to community engagement in the areas it serves, striving to improve the lives of local communities and support their initiatives. The bank firmly believes that the strength of an organization is closely intertwined with the health and well-being of the society it operates within.

This past weekend, I&M Bank Uganda continued its tradition of community engagement by partnering with the Lohana Community of Kampala and the Indian Association Uganda to celebrate Navratri 2023. This annual ten-day celebration holds great significance in Hindu Indian culture. Navratri is a time for religious reflection, fasting in honor of the Divine goddess Durga, and festive celebrations featuring traditional Indian dances like Garba and Dandiya.

The festivities commenced on Friday, October 13, 2023, with a sponsors’ party at the Lohana Academy School Grounds, followed by a Pre Navratri event for all communities on Saturday at the same venue. The grand finale of the celebrations will take place on Monday, October 23, 2023.

I&M Bank Uganda proudly stands as the platinum sponsor of Navratri 2023, contributing UGX 10 million to the event. Kumar SNVS, the Head of I.T at I&M Bank, and Hiral Patel from the treasury department, represented the bank at the celebration.

I&M Bank has cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with the Indian community, evident in its customer base, which includes a substantial number of loyal Indian clients from various sectors.

Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda, emphasized the bank’s dedication to preserving culture and fostering community engagement. She stated, “I&M Bank has a significant Indian clientele, and we found sponsoring such a culturally significant celebration to be the perfect way to give back and strengthen our emotional connection with the Indian community. This underscores the bank’s commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement, aligning with our core value of enabling giving. Our vision also entails making a positive impact on the physical, social, and economic environments of communities in Uganda, and this initiative perfectly aligns with that vision.”

Additionally, sponsoring an event of this magnitude presents an opportunity for the bank to raise brand awareness and solidify its association with the festival.

Navratri, a globally celebrated festival, dedicates each of its nine nights to a different form of goddess Durga. The festival culminates with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is a time of joy, devotion, and celebration, with approximately 2,000 people participating in the festivities in Kampala.