Mbarara: At the recently concluded 3-day 2025 Pearl of Africa rally in Mbarara, Nikhil Sachania, Africa’s only paraplegic rally driver, came in 3rd place in the African Rally Championship after impressing at the 2025 Pearl of Africa Rally. Driving a specially adapted Ford Fiesta Rally3, Sachania once again proved that everything is possible once opportunity meets determination.
Sachania, who was partnered with his long-time navigator Deep Patel, tackled the Western Ugandan terrain using hand controls and advanced safety systems in his rally car. Competing in the WRC3 category, the Kenyan driver demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the event.
In his interview after the rally, the thrilled Sachania spoke about his performance as a remarkable statement that anything is possible, “This win is for everyone who has ever been told they can’t. Motorsport has room for everyone, and today we proved that once again. I’m incredibly thankful to my team, my navigator Deep, and to our KCB Bank sponsors who’ve believed in this journey from day one.”
Nikhil Sachania,(L),poses for a photo with his co-driver Deep Patel,(R), after the Pearl of Africa Rally
Deep Patel, equally energized by the win, added, “Navigating alongside Nikhil is always a masterclass in focus and resilience. He drives with heart, and this rally was no exception. We fought hard for every second, and it paid off.”
Sachania’s participation and success are part of a growing push for inclusion in motorsport, supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which is working to make rallying more accessible through adaptive technology and inclusive regulations.
Sheila Awori, Ag. Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, commended Sachania’s landmark achievement.
She said, “Nikhil’s performance at the Pearl of Africa Rally is phenomenal. He is not only a champion on the track but also a trailblazer in the movement toward inclusion and diversity in sport. At KCB Bank, we are proud to back athletes who break barriers and redefine what is possible.”
From his return to rallying in 2014 using hand controls to becoming one of the winners in one of Africa’s most competitive rallies, Nikhil Sachania’s third-place win provides a roadmap for how sport can evolve to include and uplift every kind of athlete. His presence in the rallies is a narrative change moment for disability inclusion in Africa and globally.
Kampala: KCB Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of KCB Bank Uganda, held a graduation ceremony for over 58 youth from the Central Region who have completed their modular skilling in vocational training under the 2024 Twekozese Programme. The graduation event took place at Lugogo Vocational Training Institute (VTI), one of the Foundation’s key skilling partners.
This milestone is part of KCB Foundation’s broader initiative to promote self-employment, skills development, and job creation among youth and women across Uganda. The Twekozese Skilling Class 2024, launched in June 2024, is fully funded by KCB Bank Uganda and is implemented through six partner institutions countrywide.
Of the 58 graduates honoured today, 28 were trained in Domestic Electrical Installation with Solar Systems at Lugogo VTI, while 30 studied Hair and Beauty at Zziwa Hair Academy in Nansana. These young professionals now join the 225 graduates across Uganda who have completed the 2024 Skilling Class of Twekozese programme.
Some of the leaders from Zziwa Hair Academy, Lugogo Vocational Institute and Steven Kibuuka,(1st R) a representative of KCB Bank pose for a photo with some of the graduates
Speaking at the event, a representative from KCB Bank Uganda reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering underserved communities through education, sustainability and enterprise development. “We believe that vocational training is a critical tool in combating youth unemployment and driving sustainable economic development,” said Stephen Kibuuka.
The Head of Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, Tumuhamye Wilson, commended the partnership and the positive impact of the Twekozese Programme on the youth. “KCB Foundation’s support has been transformative. These graduates are not just walking away with certificates, they are walking into the future with real, employable skills and we are proud to be part of this mission,” he said.
Likewise, the Principal of Zziwa Hair Academy, Gloria Musiime appreciated the graduates for their hard work and resilience and encouraged them to go become more of job creators than job seekers. “Thank you for your great resilience and love to study. Go out and become job creators and not job seekers.”
One of the graduates, Kazibwe Shaban, who completed her training in hairdressing at the Zziwa Hair Academy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m truly amazed at how far I’ve come. Having a skill that allows me to earn a living and envision starting my own business was something I never thought possible. My deepest thanks to KCB and Zziwa Hair Academy for their belief in us and this invaluable second chance,” she said.
In addition to the Central Region, graduation ceremonies have been held in Western, Eastern, and Northern Uganda at partner institutions including Nyamitanga Technical Institute, Nile Vocational Institute in Njeru, Daniel Comboni Vocational Institute in Gulu, and St. Joseph Vocational Training Institute in Hoima. The program offers modular training in trades such as Hair Beauty, Fashion Design, Carpentry, Welding and Fabrication, and Domestic Electrical Installation with Solar.
“Throughout their training, students benefited from hands-on instruction, private sector internships, and mentorship from seasoned professionals, equipping them with the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s job market,” Kibuuka concluded.
Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda has today reaffirmed its commitment to KOBs Rugby Club by unveiling the team’s new kit for the 2025 season and announcing a cash boost of UGX 195 million to support their title ambitions.
The announcement was made during a press engagement at Legends Rugby Club in Kampala.
The sponsorship is part of an ongoing partnership between KCB and KOBs and will see the bank provide financial backing alongside the new kit to help KOBs’ push for the league title, which they last won in 2021. The support is geared towards strengthening the team’s preparations and competitiveness.
Diana Komukama ( L), Head of Marketing KCB Bank, Dr. Stone Luggya, (C) Chairman KCB KOBs
Speaking at an event to launch the new kit, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa the head of marketing at KCB Bank emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting KOBs in fulfilling their ambitions for the 2025 rugby season.
“I am proud to stand before you as we reaffirm our commitment to this great team in their pursuit of success this season. The partnership between KCB Bank and KOBs is one we deeply value, as both brands share a commitment to excellence and community impact through sports and finance. As the team pushes forward in their quest for glory, I want to assure them that they are not alone and that there is strength in numbers. With our support behind them, I have no doubt they will achieve success by the end of the season,” she said.
“At KCB, we believe in going beyond traditional banking to support the aspirations of individuals and communities. Just as teamwork is crucial in rugby, collaboration is key in finance. Through our tailored financial solutions, we continue to empower businesses, sports teams, and individuals to reach their full potential. Our partnership with KOBs is proof of our promise to foster growth, resilience, and excellence both on and off the field,” Komukama added.
Dr. Stone Luggya, Chairman of KCB KOBs, expressed gratitude for the continued support and urged the players to step up and deliver results.
“I want to thank KCB for standing with us since they took on this sponsorship in 2023. It has not been easy for rugby clubs to secure sponsorship in the current economic climate, but KCB has remained committed to us even through challenges. This financial injection will go a long way in helping the club manage the various logistics needed for success, both on and off the field. Their support is truly appreciated, and we are grateful for this partnership that continues to strengthen our team’s ambitions” Luggya said.
“I am even more excited about the new kit. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as we have been facing some challenges in that area. With this new jersey, I am confident that the players will step onto the field in high spirits, ready to deliver the results we need to bring success back to this great club,” he added.
In 2023, KCB partnered with the 13-time Uganda Rugby Championship winners in a UGX 95 million agreement that saw the team rebranded as ‘KCB KOBs. This year, the focus is on helping the club reclaim its former glory.
The Minister for Tourism and Heritage Busoga Kingdom Hon. Hellen Namutamba lauded financial giants KCB for supporting golf in Busoga Region. The Minister said this while awarding The best lady golf winners with claret jugs, Trophies and other equipments used in golf games as the Guest of Honor at the 2nd Jinja Lady Open Golf awarding ceremony.
Hon. Hellen Namutamba thanked the sponsors such as KCB bank, Lilian imperial Resort Kamuli, and Jinja Golf Club for the tremendous efforts.
She also acknowledged the organisers and advocated for development at golf club to make it shine as face of Jinja City Tourism heart since the real pearl of Africa emanates from Busoga Kingdom (Jinja in particular).
The Minister also promised to do all possible endeavors to lobby for an aquarium, five star hotel, expansion of games and AI games among others.
She extended to the golfers greetings from their patron HRH The Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Gabula IV.
Hon. Hellen also joined the Golf Club as a fully paid up member.
Mbarara; A total of 434 youth have today graduated from the KCB Bank Uganda and GIZ funded KCB-GIZ Twekozese Programme at the Nyamitanga Technical Institute in Mbarara City.
The new graduates bring to 2,165 the total number of students who have successfully completed the vocational skills programme.
The graduation ceremony, which was presided over by Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Her Excellency Janet Kataha Museveni, was attended by KCB Bank officials, representatives from GIZ, the Shema Woman MP, Mbarara local government officials, religious, local and community leaders.
KCB Bank Mbarara Graduation
In her speech read by Hon. Rwamirama, the First Lady congratulated the graduands, their parents and wished them the best as they go out to transform their communities using the acquired skills. She emphasized the importance of honesty and patriotism as they join the employment world.
“The Twekozese program is a welcome effort to channel skills to the appropriate employment. I encourage you to be exemplary in your services to the nation. Be faithful and loyal to your clients and be willing to work hard for a better life. In all you do be honest and patriotic”, the speech read.
In his speech, Hon. Rwamirama emphasized the importance of vocational training in driving economic development and encouraged the graduates to seize the opportunities available to them.
“I congratulate the graduates of the KCB-GIZ Twekoseze Programme that are being celebrated today. The government supports such programs and we are committed to transforming communities from peasantry to middle income status”’, Hon. Rwamirama said and commended KCB and GIZ for the initiative.
“As you embark on this journey of job creation and employment, remember that you hold the key to unlocking the potential of our community. Your
success will not only transform your lives but also contribute to the overall prosperity of our district and region. I urge you to continue harnessing your newfound skills and create innovative solutions that will shape a brighter future for us all,” he advised the graduands.
The 434 youth who are the last batch of the first phase of the programme join other young Ugandans that have graduated from 13 Vocational Institutes across the country.
The programme which kicked off in July 2021 was a collaboration between the two organizations to curb the increasing unemployment in the country by aiming at creating 25,000 jobs. The vocational skilling program, aimed at equipping young Ugandans with vocational and comprehensive training
in skills in building & construction, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electric installation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Edgar Byamah, the Managing Director KCB Bank Uganda, congratulated the graduands upon the milestone and reiterated KCB’s commitment in supporting their continued growth and development in their careers.
“We will continue to provide you with the financial solutions and support you need to achieve your goals and take your businesses to the next level,” Byamah said.
During their respective courses, the graduates received practical guidance and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, equipping them with the tools to compete effectively both in Uganda and the East African region.
GIZ Country Director, Mr. James Macbeth was represented by the E4D Project Manager Jegan. He congratulated the graduands and advised them to use attained skills to change their communities.
He said, “The skills acquired through this course won’t get you the jobs. Go out and look for employment or create your own opportunities”, he urged.
The graduands and their accompanying family members couldn’t hide their joy as they proudly showed off their certificates, hugged and congratulated each other. They expressed their appreciation to KCB and GIZ for the life changing opportunity.
“As someone who was working for Shs 30,000 monthly before I enrolled in the Programme, I’m excited that I can also go and earn decent money using the acquired skills”, said Atamba Romas.
“My life has been transformed and I look forward to a better self-sustaining future. I urge my fellow graduands not to sit on the acquired skills but to go out and get or create jobs”, said Nampijja Shadida a graduands with a hearing disability from Mbale School of the deaf.
93 start up tool kits for masonry, carpentry, wielding, Electrical and plumbing were given to the best performing graduands.
The ceremony was filled with bliss, as participants were awarded certificates of completion, symbolizing their accomplishments and commitment in the various training fields.
KCB Bank, through the KCB Foundation and GIZ remain steadfast in their dedication to empowering vocational skills training in Uganda and fostering sustainable economic development. The success of the KCB-GIZ entrepreneurship Programme in Western Uganda, serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and creating opportunities for aspiring job creators.
KCB Bank Uganda, through its revamped online banking platform, has provided a mobile loan of up to UGX 5 million that can be accessed by parents as they prepare for school fees payment.
The KCB Mobi loan is a collateral free financial solution offered on the Bank’s mobile-based banking through the Unstructured Supplementary Service data (USSD) by dialing *244# and the KCBU Mobi App.
Announcing the innovative mobile loan and the newly revamped mobile banking platform, Charles Kevin Ssemambo the Acting Head of retail banking noted that, “KCB Bank is cognizant of the financial hardships that parents and guardians face in paying school fees every term. We have revised the KCB Mobile loan, which is affordable and convenient, and offers parents a timely solution in facilitating the education journey of their children who double as our future leaders and professionals. To access the KCB Mobi loan, parents or guardians need to have an active KCB bank account with a minimum of 6 months of activity and have a financial card for amounts more than UGX 500,000.
“The KCB Mobi loan is paperless and quick to access with ability to transact anywhere at any time through the KCBU Mobi app or using the USSD code of *244# in the comfort of one’s home.” Ssemambo added.KCB Bank mobile banking enables customers to seamlessly pay school fess directly to the school’s account through *244# or the KCBU Mobi App.
Other benefits of the Bank’s mobile banking include, utility payments for water and electricity, airtime purchase across all networks, inbound and outbound international money transfers as well as ability to send money from the KCB Account to MTN/Airtel mobile wallet.
Customers can also request for KCB loans, check loan limits, and view financial statements, among others.“As enablers of the education sector in this country, it is up to us to ensure that we aid parents take their children on the first day of school to avoid having to deal with compensation for the time lost and many other administrative issues. Investing in human capital development ultimately spikes economic growth,” Charles Kevin Ssemambo concluded.
KCB Group Plc has announced the completion of Trust Merchant Bank SA (TMB) after receiving all the regulatory approvals. The Group now owns 85% stake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) based lender.
KCB Group obtained the regulatory green light in Kenya, the Democratic Republic
of Congo and COMESA Competition Commission, setting the stage for the Group to acquire the 85% of the shares in TMB.
KCB Group PLC CEO Paul Russo (L), KCB Group Chairman Andrew Wambari Kairu (C), and Oliver Meisenberg (R), the Chief Executive Officer of Trust Merchant Bank (TMB) pose for a photo during a ceremony where KCB signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake at TMB. TMB is a commercial bank based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said the transaction will positively contribute towards KCB’s increased scale of operations by establishing its presence in new markets and providing income diversification from a geographical perspective.
Further, the Transaction will enable KCB to accelerate its market presence in the
DRC in the near term by leveraging on TMB’s 18-year operational history, vast
branch network, valuable local customer relationships and deep knowledge of
local business dynamics. In addition to the core banking business of TMB, the
existence of an insurance subsidiary Afrissur SA will provide opportunity for KCB to diversify its offerings in DRC’s insurance sector. This Transaction will provide KCB a strategic foundation to capitalize on cross-border trade from the Indian to the Atlantic Oceans.
Through KCB’s expertise and experience, this presents a good opportunity for
KCB to provide to the existing customers of TMB and new customers to be
acquired as a result of the Transaction, enhanced banking products that is
expected to grow and embed KCB’s brand in the DRC market and beyond.
“We have found a partner with a proven and trusted history of serving and
supporting customers, businesses, and communities. Combining our common legacies and our complementary footprints will strengthen our ability to serve our communities and regional customers and provide solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. The acquisition extends our reach by providing customers access
to a larger banking network and an expanded array of services. Our shared
banking philosophies will provide significant long-term value for our shareholders, employees, and customers. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and look
forward to welcoming new customers and team members to the KCB family,” said
Mr. Russo.
KCB Group will operate TMB with its current brand and will enhance the current
business operating model with the capabilities KCB has built over time in systems
and processes. This will build on the strengths of TMB and enable TMB to deliver
significant incremental value by being part of KCB.
“We see significant business opportunities from this acquisition arising from delivering innovative financial services to customers, growing linkages between customers in our region and realizing operational efficiencies which will deliver
tangible value to key stakeholders” said Mr Russo.
In the nine months ending September 2022, KCB Group Plc’s net profit rose 21.4% to KShs.30.6 billion on the back of sustained growth from both Net interest and non-funded income lines. This was a jump from KShs.25.2 billion reported for the same period last year.
TMB is one of DRC’s largest banks, with US$1.7 billion in total assets and a strong offering in Retail, SME, Corporate and Digital banking channels. TMB’s bank branch network of 109 branches is supported by a substantial agency banking network, alongside a representative office in Belgium. In the DRC, the Bank commands an 11 percent market share as measured by total assets and is home to more than one in five banks accounts in the country.
KCB Bank Uganda in cooperation with German International Development Agency (GIZ) have rolled out a youth skilling program where 700 Ugandan youth have been recruited to take up courses in the construction sector.
KCB in partnership with GIZ are offering full scholarships to the students at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The partnership has been extended under the Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, and KCB Bank Uganda’s Twekozese Programme, that seeks to create self-employment and establish enterprises among unskilled and semi-skilled youth in Uganda.
The classes commenced on 24th January 2022 at selected vocational training institutions where the youth will be trained in various fields of expertise that include; Masonry and Brickwork, Plumbing and Fitting, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Carpentry and Joinery, and Electrical Installation.
Commenting on the development, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Uganda noted that the bank is pleased to have the project officially kicked off and revealed that there will be other training cohorts.
Komukama revealed that, “KCB Bank Uganda called for entries into the skilling program, and over 4000 applications were received by the partner vocational centers, of these 700 successfully went through the selection process and qualified for the training.
This showed the great need for the skilling program. ” The shock to the economy caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected small businesses setting back the country’s job creation efforts for the youth. We are looking at sustainable solutions to remedy the situation, as such this project will upskill the youth in the construction sector, which has demonstrated significant job creation potential based on industry trends.
According to United Nations Development Program (UNDP) 2021 Report on Youth initiatives in Uganda, 78% of Uganda’s population is below the age of 30 years, an indication that youth are the future of this country.
The report also highlighted that more than 1 million young people enter the job market each year.
The training will be conducted at Jinja Vocational Training Institute, Datamine Vocational Business Institute, Ntinda Vocational Training Institute, Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, Nyamitanga Technical Institute, and Daniel Comboni Vocational Institute.
