Standard Chartered strengthens Uganda strategy with Kin Kariisa board appointment
The appointment of Kariisa, founder and Group CEO of Next Media, was presented as part of a broader governance strategy aimed at strengthening board oversight and safeguarding institutional stability as the bank evolves its business focus.
Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic transformation, using the appointment of media executive Kin Kariisa as an Independent Non-Executive Director to signal a renewed focus on governance, institutional continuity, and Corporate & Investment Banking.
Speaking during the announcement, Standard Chartered Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Rughani said the bank sees itself as a strategic partner in Uganda’s ambitious economic growth agenda, particularly as the country pursues industrialisation, infrastructure expansion, and private sector-led development.
“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 support that transformation.”
He noted that the bank’s cross-border capabilities and growing emphasis on Corporate and Investment Banking position it to support sectors critical to Uganda’s long-term growth trajectory.
The appointment of Kariisa, founder and Group CEO of Next Media, was presented as part of a broader governance strategy aimed at strengthening board oversight and safeguarding institutional stability as the bank evolves its business focus.
“Strong institutions attract strong leaders,” Rughani 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.”
Kariisa described his appointment as both personal and strategic, reflecting the importance of trusted financial institutions in Uganda’s development journey.
“I grew up watching banking from a distance in Mbarara. To now sit on the Standard Chartered Board is not something I take lightly,” he said. “At Next Media, we have spent years building brands, and we understand what a great brand looks and feels like. Standard Chartered is a serious bank, and Uganda needs institutions like this.”
He added that the bank is well-positioned not merely to respond to Uganda’s economic future, but to actively shape it.
The appointment comes at a time when financial institutions are under increasing pressure to balance profitability with long-term developmental impact, particularly in fast-growing African markets where demand for infrastructure financing, trade facilitation, and investment capital continues to rise.
Standard Chartered said its Board remains central to ensuring strategic continuity, institutional integrity, and sustainable growth as the bank positions itself for the next phase of Uganda’s economic expansion.
