Stanbic Bank Uganda Goes Online, Contributes Ushs 100 Million Towards Fighting COVID19

Stanbic Bank Uganda has gone online temporarily closing 15 branches spread across the country.

This has been done to curb the spread of COVID 19, which now stands at 52 infected persons. The bank has also contributed Ushs 100 million, encouraging customers to transact online, in addition to utilizing ATM machines, to reduce overcrowding.

“We have taken various measures to ensure safe management of this situation while continuing to effectively serve you,” the notice reads in part, highlighting temporary closure of branches such as Lugogo, Mulago, Makerere, Kumi and Pakwach. According to Cathy Adengo, Stanbic Bank Head of Corporate Communications, the closed branches are located in areas that have been closed such as malls or schools. The branches, she says will be closed following timelines in line with government directives until further advice is provided.

Stanbic Bank CEO Anne Juuko said, “Uganda’s wellbeing and that of the Banks are interdependent. As such our humble contribution is the ultimate expression of our national responsibility and commitment to Uganda’s growth. We are partnering with the Ministry of Healthand other private sector players to support government efforts to curb the spread and risk of the COVID-19 with a contribution of Ushs100 million.

She added, “The contribution will support the much-needed public awareness on safety and funding of personal protective equipment and medical supplies for frontline medical staff working with patients. In addition, we are providing fuel for logistics for the Ministry of Health officials to undertake tracing and contact outreach in the local communities and villages to ensure patients are attended to.” 

Stanbic Corporate Social Investments Manager Barbara Kasekende said, “As a good corporate citizen, Stanbic Bank is playing its part in helping government overcome the challenge that we are facing today. We call upon the public to play its part and follow the preventive measures put in place by the ministry of health and the World Health Organisation.” She added that the bank’s contribution will go a long way in helping government manage the pandemic.

Aside from the contribution to government’s efforts, Stanbic Bank has also put in place a set of measures to support the private sector and its customers overcome the challenges and impacts of the global pandemic. The bank is offering a bespoke customer credit relief programme to our business customers that will be tailored to their circumstances. Customers concerned that they face, or will soon face financial distress, are encouraged to reach out to their relationship managers for relief. Juuko explained that the bank’s aim is to ensure that businesses are sustained and the impact on the economy is minimized.

“Pandemics such as what we are going through today create huge economic costs, and we cannot predict what lies ahead. But we want to reassure you that we are resilient and well capitalised as a bank. We shall continue to assist you and we believe it is our duty to ensure we support our clients to keep their businesses and lives on track,” she explained.
She called upon the public to keep the faith and follow the guidelines put in place by the Ministry of Health. This would aid in the community playing their part in flattening the curve.