Stanbic Bank Uganda on Friday reopened its Kitgum branch at a new, more spacious location, pledging to expand financial services and support businesses, farmers, women and young people across the East Acholi sub-region.
The upgraded branch, located next to Kitgum Main Market, features a modern layout designed to improve accessibility and service delivery, with a dedicated executive suite for personalised client services and private meeting rooms for business consultations.
Stanbic Holdings Limited Chief Executive Mark Ocitti said the investment reflected the bank’s commitment to supporting local economic development, noting that Uganda’s ambition for economic growth could not be achieved through Kampala alone.
“Kitgum is our home, and we drive our growth,” Ocitti said, adding that the bank’s Positive Impact Agenda focuses on women, young people and farmers.
He said the branch would enable customers to save, transact and access appropriate financial solutions through the bank’s physical outlets, agents and digital channels.
Ocitti also highlighted the role of the bank’s business incubator in helping entrepreneurs strengthen governance, improve financial management and prepare their businesses for the market.
He urged residents to use the bank’s services to formalise their businesses, build financial records and invest in their futures, saying local enterprise should translate into jobs, higher household incomes and sustainable growth.
Stanbic Bank Executive Director Samuel Mwogeza said the relocation reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Kitgum and strengthened its relationship with customers across the wider region.
He said the branch’s success would depend not on the appearance of its premises but on the quality of service, customer trust and relationships built with the community.
“Our commitment is to serve you better, to listen more closely, to invest more meaningfully and to contribute more impactfully to the people of Kitgum and the regions beyond,” Mwogeza said.
He identified traders, farmers, entrepreneurs and young people as key groups the bank intends to serve, while highlighting its Stanbic for Her initiative, which provides tailored financial services to women.
Stanbic Kitgum Branch Manager Pamela Alwoch said the new premises provided more space and improved facilities for customer service, including an executive suite and a meeting room for private business consultations.
She said the relocation was also intended to bring the bank closer to traders and other customers, particularly those operating around the market.
Alwoch said the bank’s Stanbic for Her initiative offers women accounts with no monthly management fees and four free ATM withdrawals.
She added that qualifying women-led village savings and loan association (VSLA) groups can access fee-free accounts and loans at an interest rate of 12.5 per cent per annum, subject to the bank’s terms and conditions.
Alwoch estimated that the initiative serves about 2,000 women across East Acholi, adding that the programme was introduced in 2022.
Kitgum Municipality MP Denis Onekalit Amere, who was the chief guest at the event, welcomed the investment, describing the relationship between the bank and the community as mutually beneficial.
He urged Stanbic to expand financial literacy programmes and support local businesses to grow alongside the bank.
Amere also called on bank staff to maintain professional standards and treat all customers with respect, regardless of their financial status.
“I want to urge you to support the business community of Kitgum Municipality to grow with you, Stanbic Bank,” he said.
He described Kitgum Municipality as an important commercial centre for East Acholi, serving communities across Kitgum, Lamwo, Agago and Pader districts.
He urged the bank to maintain accessible and reliable services as it expands its presence in the region.
The Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara, who dedicated the new facility, urged bank employees and customers to uphold honesty, integrity and accountability in their dealings.
Drawing from Proverbs 11:1–6, Kitara cautioned against dishonest practices, saying wealth should not be pursued at the expense of righteousness. He said people in every profession had a responsibility to use their skills and positions for good, adding that integrity was essential in banking and other institutions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
