Mapeera House is a 19-storey commercial skyscraper in Kampala, Uganda, serving as the headquarters of Centenary Bank, the country’s largest indigenous commercial bank. Located on Kampala Road, the city’s main business street, the building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Uganda’s capital.
Location
The tower stands on Plot 44/46 Kampala Road, at the intersection with Burton Street, right in the heart of Kampala’s central business district. Its geographical coordinates are 0°18′52″N, 32°34′42″E. This location places it at the core of Uganda’s financial and commercial hub, surrounded by other key banks, government offices, and multinational institutions.
Overview and Design
Mapeera House was named in honor of Père Siméon Lourdel (1853–1890), a Catholic missionary popularly known as Fr. Mapera. He was the first Catholic priest to set foot in Uganda in 1879, leaving a deep legacy in the country’s Christian history.
Key features of the skyscraper include:
- Floor count: 19 floors
- Office space: 17,000 m² (180,000 sq. ft.), most of it available for tenants
- Parking: 16,000 m² underground space with capacity for about 100 vehicles
- Function: Headquarters and main branch of Centenary Bank, with additional commercial office rentals
Designed by Ssentoogo & Partners and built with modern steel-and-glass architecture, Mapeera House has become an important part of Kampala’s skyline.
History and Construction
The concept of Mapeera House was originally envisioned by Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga (1914–1991), the first Ugandan to be consecrated as a Catholic cardinal. Although he died before its realization, his vision was carried forward by the Catholic Church and Centenary Bank.
Construction began in October 2007, after ten years of planning, with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala. The project was undertaken by ROKO Construction Company, one of Uganda’s leading builders.
Initially budgeted at US$30 million (UGX 75 billion), the final cost rose to US$40 million (UGX 100 billion) by completion. The skyscraper was officially commissioned on 10 June 2012 by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Legacy
Since its opening, Mapeera House has become more than just a bank headquarters. It stands as a symbol of indigenous financial strength in Uganda, housing the country’s most successful local bank, Centenary Bank. Its strategic location, modern architecture, and tribute to Uganda’s Catholic heritage make it both a commercial hub and a cultural landmark in Kampala.
