Stanbic Uganda Holdings reports robust 18% profit growth in strong half-year 2025 performance
As Uganda’s largest financial services group, SUHL’s robust half-year results underscore its capacity to continue driving growth, fostering innovation, and championing inclusive development across the nation in the years to come.
Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL) has announced impressive financial results for the first half of 2025, reporting an 18% surge in profit after tax to UShs 278 billion.
The strong performance, spanning the six months ended June 30, 2025, underscores the group’s resilience and reinforces its position as a market leader in Uganda’s dynamic economic landscape.
The significant profit increase from UShs 236 billion in the same period last year was complemented by exceptional operational efficiency indicators.
Return on equity (ROE) soared to a remarkable 27%, comfortably exceeding the targeted 20%, while the cost-to-income ratio remained disciplined at under 50%. Credit losses were also meticulously managed, contained at a low 0.2%, reflecting SUHL’s robust risk management framework.
Strong Balance Sheet and Diversified Income Growth
SUHL’s balance sheet demonstrated robust expansion, with total assets growing to UShs 11.8 trillion, up from UShs 9.8 trillion in June 2024.
This growth was largely fuelled by a remarkable 29% increase in customer deposits, reaching UShs 8.4 trillion, alongside a 13% expansion in the loan book to nearly UShs 5 trillion.
The group’s income streams also diversified effectively, with net interest income climbing to UShs 372 billion and non-interest revenue jumping to UShs 314 billion, driven by higher trading income, commissions, and fees.
The Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) segment was a standout performer, with lending up 17% and deposits surging 52%.
Beyond traditional banking, SUHL’s diversification strategy proved highly successful. SBG Securities, the group’s brokerage arm, posted outstanding results, with Assets Under Management (AUM) skyrocketing by 327% year-on-year to UShs 216 billion.
Its unit trust client base also saw explosive growth, expanding by 320%, illustrating the group’s success in broadening its income streams.
Key Partner in National Development
Reinforcing its role as a key partner in Uganda’s fiscal sustainability and economic development, SUHL remitted UShs 273 billion in taxes, marking a 37% increase from the previous year. The group also facilitated UShs 5.8 trillion in taxpayer remittances through its banking channels.
In a strong commitment to inclusive growth, SUHL disbursed UShs 398 billion in loans to the agriculture sector, including UShs 65 billion to farmer SACCOs.
The group further injected UShs 288 billion into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), bringing the total SME loan book to nearly UShs 1 trillion. Notably, over 4,000 women entrepreneurs accessed loans worth UShs 40 billion, benefiting women and youth-led businesses.
Rewarding Shareholders and Positive Outlook
The impressive financial performance also translated into significant shareholder returns, with the Board approving an interim dividend of UShs 140 billion, equivalent to UShs 2.73 per share, subject to regulatory approval. This payout underscores management’s confidence in the bank’s strong capital position and sustained earnings capability.
Looking ahead, with Uganda’s GDP projected to grow at 6.5% in 2025, SUHL is strategically positioned to maintain its momentum. The group plans to leverage its diversified business model, strong customer engagement, and targeted social investments, particularly under its “WYF Growth Agenda”—a UShs 1 trillion initiative targeting women, youth, and farmers by 2028.
Chief Executive Francis Karuhanga expressed optimism regarding the results, stating, “Our strong performance and community impact reflect not only financial success but also our role as a catalyst for Uganda’s economic transformation.”
As Uganda’s largest financial services group, SUHL’s robust half-year results underscore its capacity to continue driving growth, fostering innovation, and championing inclusive development across the nation in the years to come.
