KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) –Stanbic Bank Uganda has taken its 35th anniversary celebrations to Northern Uganda by hosting customer engagement forums in the cities of Lira, Arua and Gulu to gather feedback and strengthen relationships with the aim of improving banking services.
At the same time, the engagements brought together leaders from the bank’s Commercial, Business and Personal Banking segments as part of Stanbic’s annual October Love Month.
Love Month focuses on listening to customers, and giving back to communities through heightened corporate social investment activities across the country.
The delegation was led by Mark Ocitti Ongom, Chief Executive of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL), and Sam Fredrick Mwogeza, Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Executive Director and Head of Personal and Private Banking.
They were joined by senior executives, including Samuel Bulenzi, Head of Client Coverage; Sylvia Atuhairwe, Head of Distribution; Aaron Akampa, Head of Enterprise Banking; and Sonia Karamagi Kassaga, Head of Customer Experience.
Ocitti said the bank’s 35-year journey in Uganda had been shaped by partnerships with customers, individuals and businesses contributing to the country’s economic growth.
He said the forums provided a welcome opportunity to understand customers’ experiences and identify ways to improve products, services and the overall banking experience, particularly for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals with diverse financial needs.
Mwogeza emphasised the importance of maintaining close customer relationships and investing in accessible banking channels.
“As Stanbic, our purpose is clear: Uganda is our home, and we drive her growth. But we drive that growth together with our clients. It is through the partnerships we build with you that we can contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economic development,” he said.
Enhancing banking services in the area
Samuel Bulenzi, Head of Client Coverage, said Stanbic was implementing an ambitious programme to upgrade key banking services across the Northern Corridor to provide customers with a modern and efficient banking experience.
He said customers could access services beyond traditional branch banking, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash deposit machines, agent banking and the bank’s contact centre.
“Now there is a lot more our customers can do with our Stanbic touchpoints. These service offerings extend beyond traditional branch banking to include automated teller machines (ATMs), cash deposit machines, agent banking and its contact centre, which provides customers with remote assistance,” Bulenzi said.
He said Stanbic, through its sister company SBG Securities, also offers investment options, including multi-currency unit trusts and purchase of treasury bills, to help customers pursue their relevant financial goals.
Bulenzi also recognised the contribution of self-employed individuals and business owners to employment creation and community livelihoods.
He said, “We want to make the banking journey easier for you, whether you are a salaried individual or a self-employed customer. We recognise the important role you play in creating jobs and putting food on the table for many families.”
Through its banking and investment solutions, Stanbic offers to help customers manage business proceeds, access financing where appropriate, protect their families and enterprises through insurance, and explore investments aligned with their financial goals and risk profiles.
Customers welcome innovation
Patrick Ogwal, a local entrepreneur in Lira, commended Stanbic for its continued innovation and development of solutions supporting businesses at different stages of growth.
Arua City Mayor Alionzi Lawrence Dangote welcomed the bank’s engagement with customers, saying collaboration between financial institutions, businesses and local government was important for economic growth.
He said improved access to banking services and appropriate financial solutions can help entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute to the development of Arua and the wider West Nile region.
“We welcome Stanbic Bank’s continued engagement with customers in Arua and I want you to know that my office is open to support you. Financial institutions play an important role in supporting business growth, entrepreneurship and job creation. We encourage continued collaboration between banks, the private sector and local government to expand economic opportunities and support the growth of businesses across the region,” Alionzi said.
The forums form part of a wider series of customer engagements planned across Uganda throughout October, intended to strengthen dialogue and highlight improvements in service delivery.
Beyond customer forums, October Love Month activities include community initiatives focused on social wellbeing and positive impact.
