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Tag: KCB Uganda

  • KCB Bank Uganda Launches Uganda Leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour under the Theme “Roar on the Green”

    KCB Bank Uganda Launches Uganda Leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour under the Theme “Roar on the Green”

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda this week launched the Uganda leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, ushering in the next phase of regional competition, national pride, and community engagement under the 2025 theme, “Roar on the Green.”

    The launch brought together corporate partners, and regional stakeholders, alongside members of the media. Present at the event were Agnes N. Mayanja (Executive Director, KCB Bank Uganda), Theodor Van Rooyen (Golf Director – Uganda Leg), and representatives from our partners ICEA Lion and Kenya Airways.

    The Ugandan Leg is set to take place on 28 June 2025 at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa. Four-ball teams will compete under the Stafford format, where the best three scores per hole contribute to the team total. The winning team will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Uganda at the Grand Finale of the East Africa Golf Tour in Nairobi this December, where they will compete against top qualifiers from across East Africa.

    Agnes N. Mayanja, Executive Director, KCB Bank Uganda, remarked:
    “At KCB, we view sport as a catalyst for growth. Our continued investment in golf reflects our belief in nurturing excellence, building regional partnerships, and driving lasting value in the communities we serve. We are proud to fly the Ugandan flag high as part of this prestigious Tour.”

    Over the past year, KCB Bank Uganda has supported several national golf events including the Jinja Ladies Open, West Nile Quarterly Mug, Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open, Arua Open, Mbarara Monthly Mug, and Lira Ladies Open. The Bank has reaffirmed support for upcoming 2025 tournaments such as the Jinja Ladies Open, Mbarara Quarterly Mug, West Nile Quarterly Mug, and Arua Open, emphasising its dedication to nurturing talent and grassroots development.

    Sheila Awori, Acting Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, noted:
    “Sport creates platforms where potential can thrive. Our support for golf is more about expanding access, nurturing discipline and uniting communities around shared ambition. We’re proud to stand behind this Tour and what it represents.”

    Uganda’s track record at the East Africa Golf Tour remains impressive. In 2024, Cywaai Joseph (HCP 5), Peace Kabasweka (HCP 2), Babirye Martha (HCP 4), and Abdul Nasser Kakeeto (HCP 3) clinched the Grand Finale in Sigona, Kenya with a team score of 109 points, edging past Tanzania’s 106. Their victory came with a KES 1 million prize to support a sustainability initiative. They also earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the Rwanda Open Golf Tournament, chosen as their winners’ tournament of choice.
    Theodor Van Rooyen, Golf Director, East Africa Golf Tour – Uganda Leg, added:
    “This tournament brings out the finest elements of the game—precision, teamwork, and competitive spirit. We believe our players will rise to the occasion with integrity and strategy, reflecting the growing strength of Ugandan golf. We look forward to seeing the winning team represent the country in Nairobi and carry forward this remarkable journey.”

    As part of the day’s activities, KCB Bank Uganda planted 300 trees at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, continuing its Go Green Campaign. This is part of a wider commitment to plant 15,000 trees nationwide by the end of 2025, in alignment with the Bank’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with golf clubs, schools, local authorities and community groups across Uganda.
    KCB Bank Uganda continues to champion opportunities that bridge sport, sustainability, and regional cohesion, driven by its brand promise: For People. For Better.

  • KCB Bank, Energy Sector Stakeholders Dialogue on Achieving Development in the Future of Oil and Gas in Uganda

    KCB Bank, Energy Sector Stakeholders Dialogue on Achieving Development in the Future of Oil and Gas in Uganda

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda, a financial service provider, held a high-level breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Hotel under the theme “The Future of Oil & Gas in Uganda: A Call to Empower a New Era.” This engagement gathered key stakeholders in the energy sector to explore opportunities, challenges, and funding requirements as Uganda aims to become a significant player in the global oil and gas market.

    This timely discussion coincides with Uganda’s preparations for its first oil production from the Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields, as well as the development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which represents the largest infrastructure investment in the region.

    At the event, Mr. Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s energy transition and the entire oil and gas value chain.

    Edgar Byamah, Managing Director KCB Bank gives opening remarks during the KCB Power Talk at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala

    “The oil and gas sector offers a transformative opportunity for Uganda’s economic advancement. At KCB, we are strategically equipped to provide financing, treasury management, and advisory services to businesses aspiring to succeed in this field. We also understand the importance of promoting sustainability through investments in renewable energy and green financing initiatives,” Byamah stated.

    The event included a panel discussion featuring leading industry experts, such as Tom Ayebare Rukundo, Manager Economic and Financial analysis at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) who discussed Uganda’s considerable achievements in establishing a regulatory and operational framework for the sector.

    “We are at a pivotal moment in Uganda’s oil journey. As the first oil is anticipated this year, we must encourage collaboration among regulators, operators, financiers, and service providers to ensure value generation for Ugandans,” Rukundo remarked. “Partnerships, such as the one with KCB, are essential for bridging financing gaps and enhancing local engagement in the industry.”

    Tony Serubiri, Commissioner, Directorate of Petroleum, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in his speech, advocated for strategic partnerships and responsible investments in Uganda’s energy future. “Oil and gas should focus on extraction while emphasizing empowerment as well,” Sserubiri declared. We appreciate the proactive contributions of financial institutions like KCB Bank in enabling businesses, particularly local firms, to engage meaningfully in the value chain. This is how we strengthen national capacity and promote inclusive growth while creating employment opportunities for many.”

    During the event, KCB Bank introduced and launched the KCB tax bridge loan, an unsecured short-term solution designed to keep the oil and gas business moving, no matter the tax demands ahead. All oil and gas business can now acquire unsecured loans to pay URA directly to boost liquidity and production capacity with flexible terms. Businesses can get up to four billion Ugandan shillings at 16.5% annual interest, 30-day tenure and no collateral or delays.

    The other product launched was the commodity finance, a collateral management solution that is very essential for oil marketing companies because it will enable bulk purchases and enable upfront payment (zero credit extension from UNOC) for the downstream sector which is currently the biggest pain point.

    Other prominent attendees included representatives from Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, and the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum and Mining Division.

    The event served as a valuable platform for facilitating dialogue, unlocking investment prospects, and establishing partnerships that will influence the next chapter of Uganda’s oil and gas sector.

  • KCB Bank Uganda unveils the Unsecured School Bridge Loan of Up to UGX 500 million to Support Education Institutions

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda, a financial service provider that focuses on providing innovative banking solutions in Uganda has unveiled the Unsecured School Bridge Loan, a tailored financial solution designed to address the unique working capital and medium-term capital expenditure needs of education institutions.

    This offering reaffirms KCB’s commitment to empowering the education sector and driving access to quality education across Uganda.
    The Unsecured School Bridge Loan is a financing solution for educational institutions. This product offers loan amount UGX 5 million to 500 million shillings designed to cater to immediate short-term operational needs. The loan tenor ranges from 90 days to 12 months and is strictly unsecured, enabling institutions access to the funds without the need for collateral.

    Diana Komukama Ssempebwa, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda highlighted, “The loan is open to all registered educational institutions, including early childhood development centres, primary and secondary schools, technical institutes, community colleges, and universities. Both new and existing KCB customers are eligible, provided their school fees are collected through KCB Bank’s systems and the institution holds a valid license from the Ministry of Education and Sports.”

    The Unsecured School Bridge loan offers the following benefits.

    Operational Support: Funds to pay teacher salary arrears, purchase food stock, procure essential materials, and complete immediate repairs.
    Capital Expenditure: Financing for medium-term needs such as classroom or dormitory expansions, sewage system repairs, and perimeter wall reinstatement.

    Quick Turnaround: Loan approvals are completed within 48 hours, ensuring timely access to funds.
    Flexible Repayment: Repayment schedules align with institutional cash flow cycles, such as during term or semester fee collection peaks.

    Educational institutions interested in this solution can visit any KCB Bank branch or access more information on the KCB Bank website. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
    Be a registered education institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

    Collect school fees through KCB Bank.
    “At KCB Bank, we understand the critical role that education plays in shaping the future. The Unsecured School Bridge Loan is designed to provide education institutions with the financial flexibility they need to meet immediate operational challenges and support growth. This product underscores our promise to building resilient and sustainable educational ecosystems in Uganda,” concluded Ssempebwa.

  • KCB Bank Uganda Announces Sponsorship for KOBs Rugby Club

    KCB Bank Uganda Announces Sponsorship for KOBs Rugby Club

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda has announced a Ushs. 95 million cash sponsorship package for Kampala Old Boys (KOBs) Rugby Club, one of Uganda’s best rugby clubs, in an effort to promote the growth and development of the sport among the youth in Uganda.

    This sponsorship, earns KCB Bank the Club’s name and title rights and gives the club a new name; KCB-KOBS Rugby Club, going forward.

    The announcement was made by the KCB Bank Uganda, Head of Marketing and Communications, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa, today, at the team’s home Legends Rugby Grounds. Komukama, expressed her optimism about the sponsorship and pledged the bank’s support towards the game, and Ugandan sports in general.

    “I am pleased to announce that KCB Bank Uganda is committing shs95 million to KOBs Rugby Club as part of our support for the growth of the club and promotion of rugby talent among the youth in Uganda. This sponsorship will enable the Club to effectively prepare, participate and win in competitive sports in the country and the region,” Mrs. Ssempebwa said at the handover ceremony.

    KCB is a strong supporter at a regional level, and we are looking at extending those synergies to our teams here.
    She added that effective today, KCB Bank Uganda will celebrate every victory with you and stand firm with you at the end of every local and international game.

    “Last year, KCB Bank Uganda embraced a new brand promise; For People For Better, as part of our commitment to deliver shared value to the people and communities we serve and whose lives we positively impact. “What better way to further that commitment than through supporting a sport that has garnered the support and love of Ugandans over the years?” She asked.
    Komukama urged the club members to strive to excel, and reiterated the bank’s commitment towards team excellence and pledged support that goes beyond monetary.

    “KOBs Rugby Club is one of the most revered teams in the game. Let us strive to keep it that way. It might not always be smooth sailing but with every challenge comes equal lessons as with every opportunity. Let us embrace this partnership as a gateway to a sea of opportunities for us both.” she concluded.
    Godfrey Ssekajja, the KOBS Head Coach applauded KCB Bank Uganda for choosing the Kobs family as their club of choice.
    He remarked, “This partnership is more than business relationship for us, but also a big opportunity that marks a bond for us as a family. Thank you for believing in us and taking this step with us. We hope to deliver an experience better than your expectations.”
    Derrick Tukwasibwe, the Kobs Rugby Club Captain added his voice of gratitude to KCB Bank Uganda, saying the partnership is a game changer for the team and the rugby sport as a whole.
    Tukwasibwe commented, “My clubmates and I, look at this partnership as the boost we have prayed and hoped for, for a long time. Association with a prestigious brand like KCB pushes us to excel and be good ambassadors.”
    KCB Bank Uganda has been at the forefront of supporting various sports in the country. In the past, the bank has sponsored the Pearl of Africa Rally, KCB Nkumba Women’s Volleyball Team, the 4th golf edition of Victoria Cup games, among others.

  • 575 Youth Graduate from the KCB-GIZ Twekozese Programme

    575 Youth Graduate from the KCB-GIZ Twekozese Programme

    KCB Bank Uganda and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), have today passed out 575 graduates and beneficiaries of the KCB-GIZ Twekozese Programme, further boosting Uganda’s available skilled human capital.

    The youth who attended vocational training at Datamine, Lugogo and Ntinda vocational training institutes, graduated today at a ceremony held at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Kampala. The beneficiaries were skilled in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, welding and electric installation.

    Constant Othieno Mayende, KCB Uganda Board Chairman, Dr. Patrick Byakatonda, Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training, Caroline Wanjeri Kihara, Chief of Party, KCB Foundation – KCB Bank Group, James Macbeth GIZ Country Director, KCB Bank Uganda Managing Director, Edgar Byamah, and E4D Team Leader, Donald Agaba pose for a photo during the graduation of the beneficiaries of the KCB-GIZ Twekozese Programme

    The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including; Dr. Patrick Byakatonda, Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training, Constant Othieno Mayende, KCB Uganda Board Chairman, James Macbeth GIZ Country Director, KCB Bank Uganda Managing Director, Edgar Byamah, E4D Team Leader, Donald Agaba, GIZ representatives, private sector and other stakeholders who have been involved in the program.

    Speaking during graduation ceremony, Byamah said, “We are delighted to have partnered with GIZ to start the programme to empower the youth in Uganda with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. We believe that the skills and knowledge they have gained will enable them to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the growth of the Ugandan economy and transform their lives.”

    The Twekozese program under KCB Foundation seeks to create self-employment and establish enterprises among unskilled and semi-skilled youth in Uganda. The programme focuses on growing youth micro-businesses in the informal sector and bring them to a place where they can employ at least five other young people with an aim of creating 250,000 jobs over five years. It is expected to further support the government agenda of solving the youth unemployment in Uganda as well as promoting the Sustainable Development goals on Gender Equality & Decent work and economic growth.

    The KCB-GIZ programme was launched in July 2021 when KCB Bank through KCB Foundation and the German International Cooperation (GIZ) joined forces to increase the employability and income generation of youth in the construction sector.

    Both partners committed a combined Ugx. 6 billion (EUR 1,572,419) towards the Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) Programme that was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and is implemented by GIZ to make the KCB-GIZ Twekozese programme a reality and give Ugandan youth an opportunity to better their lives.

    As a result, 2,165 youth enrolled for the programme and were up skilled in 3 Cohorts administered by 13 vocational training institutions across Uganda. Of the 2,165 beneficiaries, 32% are female and 5% are people living with disabilities.
    GIZ E4D Uganda team leader, Mr. Donald Agaba, noted that this partnership seeks to promote employment by improving the skillset of youth working in the construction sector, in addition to providing them with toolkits to start their own businesses. “This project is part of an integrated approach working on both the supply and demand sides of the labour market, through skills and enterprise development.

    On enterprise development, E4D works to boost competitiveness and growth of small and medium-sized businesses so they can enter lucrative supply and value chains and employ more youth along the way. On skills development, E4D works to bring the local workforce with demand-driven and up-to-date skills. Ultimately, our goal is to promote the creation of more decent and sustainable jobs and improve the employment situation in Uganda,” he added.

    GIZ Country Director, Mr James Macbeth stated that under the private sector cooperation portfolio, GIZ engages in partnerships with the private sector in Uganda to foster innovation, close skill gaps in the labor market, and promote inclusive business models, among others. Further he added “We have for example through E4D programme partnered KCB Bank to contribute towards reducing the skills gap in Uganda’s construction sector through demand-oriented and practical technical and vocational skills training”.

    The Guest of Honor, Dr. Patrick Byakatonda, Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training commended KCB Bank and GIZ for training the youth with hands-on skills and preparing them for the job market. “The Government of Uganda will continue to support such initiatives because they will lead to the social-economic transformation of our country.”

    “I commend KCB Bank Uganda and GIZ for taking on and accomplishing this project that commenced in 2021. Your commitment to bettering the lives of Ugandans has been evidenced today with the graduation of the beneficiaries here today. I hope we can continue to have events such as these in the future,” he added.

  • KCB Bank Uganda Announces Shs. 80 million Sponsorship for the 2023 Pearl of Africa Rally

    KCB Bank Uganda Announces Shs. 80 million Sponsorship for the 2023 Pearl of Africa Rally

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda has announced its sponsorship of Shs. 80 million for the upcoming Pearl of Africa Motor Rally, one of the biggest sporting events on Africa’s motorsport calendar.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference held at KCB Bank Head offices in Kampala.

    The Pearl of Africa Rally, the 4th African Rally Championship which is also the National Rally Championship is organized by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda and will take place from 5th – 7th May 2023, in parts of Jinja, Kakira, Source of the Nile, Bujagali and Kamuli road.

    It is expected to attract motorsport enthusiasts, officials, international media and competitors from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, Ivory coast, and South Africa.

    Speaking about the bank’s sponsorship, KCB Bank Uganda Head of Marketing and Communications, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa said, “I am happy to announce that KCB Bank is contributing towards the Pearl of Africa rally, one of the most exciting and prestigious sports events on the African motorsports’ calendar.”

    “KCB Bank has, for many years supported sports and other people centric initiatives that uplift communities in our country and the East African region. We believe that this sport has a unique way of bringing people together and fostering unity. As such, we saw an opportunity to partner with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda to host the exciting Pearl of Africa Rally as a Co-sponsor.”

    In a bid to promote local sport in Uganda, KCB Bank is also sponsoring two highly talented Ugandan rally drivers; Oscar Ntambi and Micheal George Mukula Jr. I want to encourage everyone to come out in large numbers and support the rally. Let us make this year’s event a success,” Komukama concluded.

    Speaking at the press conference, Dipu Ruparelia, President of FMU said “we appreciate our continued partnership with KCB Bank for these years and together, we hope to develop motorsport in Uganda.”

    The KCB Pearl of Africa Motor Rally is an annual event that has been hosted for over a decade, attracting drivers and spectators from all over East Africa and the rest of the world. The rally is also a significant boost to Uganda’s tourism industry, with spectators and participants visiting various parts of the country.

  • KCB Bank Uganda Partners with UWEAL to Promote Women in Business

    KCB Bank Uganda Partners with UWEAL to Promote Women in Business

    Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda has partnered with the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) to celebrate women in business, promote economic empowerment and gender equality through the KCB-UWEAL Bazaar that took place between the 30th of March to the 1st of April 2023 at the Uganda Railway Grounds in Kampala.

    During her opening remarks, Agnes Mayanja Namyalo, Executive Director, KCB Bank Uganda highlighted the significance of supporting female entrepreneurs. “As KCB Bank, we are committed to supporting women in all areas of their lives. We believe that when women succeed, everyone succeeds. That is why we are proud to partner with UWEAL to ensure the success of this event, and we will continue to support events and initiatives like these in the future,” she said.

    Agnes Mayanja Namyalo, (L), Executive Director, KCB Bank Uganda, Sarah Kitakule, (L), Chairperson UWEAL, Connie Kekihembo, (C), CEO UWEAL, together with other UWEAL members pose for a photo during the KCB-UWEAL annual women’s trade fair at Uganda Railway Grounds in Kampala

    “Events like the KCB Bank-UWEAL Bazaar 2023 are of great importance to the women in the business ecosystem and a step in the right direction for our country. They provide a platform for women to showcase their talents, network with each other, and share their experiences. They also create opportunities for us to support and to learn from each other,” Agnes added.

    In contrast to 45% of men, 60% of women in Uganda are not financially included, meaning they do not have registered accounts at formal, full-service financial institutions. This is according to the 2019/2020 Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) Report on the status of financial inclusion in Uganda.
    Therefore, more women need to have access to financial literacy to close the gender pay gap. Men perform better than women at every stage of the financial inclusion journey, from having financial accounts to owning them to actively using full-service and digital value accounts.

    “We are thrilled to co-host this year’s women’s bazaar with KCB Bank to provide a platform for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services,” said Constance Kekihembo, the CEO UWEAL. “We believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is key to promoting economic growth and development in Uganda.”

    “The partnership between KCB Bank and UWEAL is of great significance to both organizations and through working together, we are able to provide even more support to women entrepreneurs in Uganda.”

    In addition, the exhibition featured a series of workshops and seminars on topics such as finance, marketing, and technology. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in networking sessions and one-on-one consultations with business experts.

    The trade fair provided an opportunity for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential customers and partners, and gain exposure to new markets. The event featured over 150 exhibitors from a wide range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, confectionery services, and technology.

  • Verve Cards are now accepted at KCB Point of Sale Merchant Locations

    Verve Cards are now accepted at KCB Point of Sale Merchant Locations

    Kampala; Verve and KCB Bank Uganda Limited (KCB Bank) have announced a new phase of their partnership which will see KCB Bank become one of the first commercial banks to accept the Verve Card on its widespread and strategically distributed Point of Sale (POS) merchant network.

    Damalie Sajjabi, the Head of Products and Operations at Interswitch East Africa Uganda Limited, speaking about the new development in the partnership said “The Verve Payment Scheme entered the Ugandan market to provide flexible, customized and cost-effective tokens to financial institutions. Verve Card acceptance at KCBPOS locations is the next phase in our journey of easing accessibility of payment services for all Verve Card holders and the other financial institutions which join the Verve family”.

    Also speaking at the launch of the partnership, Mr. Michael Ssekyondwa, KCB Bank Uganda’s Head of Retail Banking, noted that the partnership is aligned with KCB’s agenda to drive digitally led products and services to ease the lives of customers.

    This arrangement further highlights KCB Bank’s focus to provide innovative banking solutions across Uganda.

    Verve is a pan-African payment scheme owned by the Interswitch Group; Africa’s leading technology-driven company focused on the digitization of payments in Africa. The Verve card is tailored to cater to financial institutions and customers across different segments, considering lifestyle usage, security, and cost management among other important qualities.

    The synergy will ease payments for Verve card holders countrywide, leveraging the vast footprint of KCB Bank across Uganda. In Uganda, the Verve payment scheme has multiple banks, SACCOs, MDIs and exhibits a strong potential for expansion. Verve remains committed to pushing the bounds in terms of customer experience and payment possibilities in Uganda and beyond.