Standard Chartered Bank Uganda today marks 114 years of continuous presence in Uganda under the theme “Celebrating 114 Years: Honouring Our Heritage, Culture & Shaping Tomorrow,” celebrating a legacy of trust, resilience, innovation and partnership with the country. Having opened its doors in Kampala on 12th August 1912, the Bank remains Uganda’s longest established international commercial bank and continues to play a significant role in connecting Ugandan clients, businesses and public-sector priorities to global capital, trade corridors and markets.
Over more than a century, Standard Chartered has been a front runner in Uganda’s financial services sector, supporting the country through different phases of national growth while delivering many important milestones. The Bank pioneered several market firsts, including the introduction of the first ATM, VISA connectivity through its ATM network, VISA Electron and Visa Infinite cards, first Bank to offer government securities trading as a primary dealer in Africa, and interest and foreign exchange derivative products, helping to modernise banking and expand access to more sophisticated financial solutions in Uganda.
The anniversary comes as the Bank sharpens its focus on Corporate and Investment Banking following the transition and sale of its Wealth and Retail Banking business. This focus aligns with Standard Chartered’s global strategy of building a leading super-connector institution that supports clients and economies by linking local ambition to international capital, trade and investment opportunities. By combining deep local knowledge, international network strength and product capabilities, the Bank is well positioned to help Ugandan businesses, institutions and public-sector priorities navigate an increasingly connected, complex and cross-border world. In Uganda, this means directing capital, expertise and partnerships towards areas where the Bank can deliver its most differentiated client proposition, including various sectors.
Charles Katongole, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said: “For 114 years, Standard Chartered has stood with Uganda through seasons of change, opportunity and progress. Our story is deeply woven into the country’s story, from enabling trade and enterprise to supporting infrastructure, innovation, inclusive growth and community resilience. As we enter this next chapter as a Corporate and Investment Bank, our commitment remains unchanged: to be here for good, to connect Uganda to global capital and markets, and to support the ambitions that will shape the country’s future.”
To bring the anniversary theme to life internally, colleagues showed up to work in colourful cultural wear that reflected Uganda’s rich diversity and the Bank’s long-standing inclusive and diverse culture. As part of the celebration, the Bank also recognised long-serving colleagues for their loyalty, dedication and contribution to its 114-year journey, including John Mwesigye for over 30 years of service, Moses Semugabi for over 25 years, Lydia Mukasa for over 25 years and Charles Katongole for 20 years of service.
The Bank’s wider contribution over the years was a couple of years ago independently assessed, with a Steward Redqueen report estimating that Standard Chartered’s operations in Uganda supported USD 896 million in value-added impact, equivalent to 3.5% of GDP, and 491,000 jobs, representing 3.5% of Uganda’s labour force, directly and indirectly.
Beyond banking, Standard Chartered Uganda has invested community impact focusing on sectors like; health, education, youth empowerment, women’s entrepreneurship, disability inclusion, environmental restoration, safe drinking water and emergency response. Through programmes such as Seeing is Believing, Futuremakers, Women in Tech, RISE-E, Nets for Life and community relief initiatives, the Bank has helped expand access to opportunity and support vulnerable communities across Uganda.
Standard Chartered Uganda has also received wide recognition for excellence, including Euromoney Best Bank in Uganda, emeafinance Best Bank in Uganda, The Banker – Bank of the Year, and more recently Banking Brand of the Year Uganda 2026 and Best Corporate Bank Uganda 2026 in the Global Banking & Finance Awards®.
As Standard Chartered looks ahead, its future in Uganda will be anchored in the strengths that make the Group distinctive: trusted client relationships, a powerful global network, deep local presence and the ability to connect capital, trade, ideas and partnerships across markets to support Uganda’s next phase of sustainable growth.
