Standard Chartered Uganda has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic transformation following the appointment of Kin Kariisa as an Independent Non-Executive Director to the bank’s Board.
The appointment comes as the bank sharpens its strategic focus on governance, Corporate & Investment Banking, and support for Uganda’s long-term growth agenda.
Speaking during the announcement in Kampala, Standard Chartered Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Rughani said Uganda’s ambitious economic aspirations require institutions capable of supporting sustainable transformation through investment, planning, and strong governance.
“We live in a period where the economy is asking more of every major institution,” Rughani said.
“Uganda is pursuing an ambitious growth path through the tenfold growth agenda, which demands planning, investment, discipline, and institutions willing to play a supportive role in enabling that transformation.”
He added that the bank’s focus on Corporate and Investment Banking remains central to supporting productive sectors critical to Uganda’s future growth.
Rughani described Kariisa’s appointment as a strategic move aimed at strengthening institutional governance and ensuring continuity as the bank transitions toward a deeper Corporate & Investment Banking model.
“Strong institutions attract strong leaders,” he said. “This appointment is about stewardship, continuity, and oversight. It signals that as a bank, we are investing in governance today to protect and enable long-term value for the public and our stakeholders.”
Speaking after his appointment, Kariisa said joining the board of Standard Chartered was both a personal milestone and an opportunity to contribute to Uganda’s financial future.
“I grew up watching banking from a distance, back in Mbarara. To now sit on the Standard Chartered Board is not something I take lightly,” he said.
Kariisa praised the bank’s legacy and institutional strength, noting that Uganda needs credible institutions capable of shaping the country’s economic future.
“At Next Media, we have spent years building brands, and we know what a great brand looks and feels like. Standard Chartered is a great brand. A serious bank,” he said. “Standard Chartered is positioned to shape Uganda’s financial future, not just respond to it.”
The bank said its Board remains central to safeguarding institutional integrity, providing oversight, and ensuring sustainable growth as it prepares for the future.
Standard Chartered PLC operates in 53 markets worldwide and is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The bank says its purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through diversity and long-standing global expertise.
Meanwhile, Kariisa is widely recognised as the founder and CEO of Next Media, one of East Africa’s fastest-growing multimedia companies, with a portfolio spanning television, radio, and digital platforms across the region.