Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited has posted a strong financial performance for the year ended December 2025, reporting a profit after tax of Shs591 billion, underlining its continued dominance in Uganda’s banking sector and the strength of its growth strategy.
The bank’s total revenue climbed to Shs1.44 trillion, supported by sustained growth in non-interest income and increased client activity across its business segments.
The performance comes amid a dynamic economic environment, reflecting the Group’s ability to scale operations while maintaining efficiency.
Group Chief Executive Francis Karuhanga attributed the results to deliberate efforts to drive inclusive growth through targeted lending.
“We have been intentional about where we deploy capital. Crossing the Shs1 trillion mark in lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is not just a number—it reflects a commitment to building businesses, strengthening value chains, and unlocking productivity in sectors that are critical to Uganda’s economic transformation,” Karuhanga said.
The Group’s balance sheet expanded significantly, with total assets growing by 10.9% to Shs11.5 trillion, while customer deposits rose by 12.9% to Shs8 trillion, signaling strong customer confidence.
Lending activity accelerated, with loans and advances increasing by 16.4% to Shs5.1 trillion, pointing to a more assertive credit strategy.
According to Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, the bank’s lending was deliberately channeled into high-impact sectors of the economy.
“Our approach is to align capital with national priorities. The Shs700 billion deployed under Buy Uganda Build Uganda, alongside investments in energy, oil and gas, and science and technology, reflects our role as a partner in Uganda’s long-term development. These are sectors that drive industrialisation, create jobs, and expand the country’s productive capacity,” he explained.
Despite a 10.8% increase in operating costs, profitability remained strong, suggesting improved scale efficiencies and better revenue quality. Importantly, asset quality held firm even as the loan book expanded.
Chief Finance Officer Ronald Makata noted that the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.7%, slightly up from 1.5% in 2024, but still within prudent levels.
“Maintaining a low NPL ratio in a high-growth environment speaks to the discipline in our credit processes. It means the assets we are creating are performing, generating income, and not eroding capital. That stability gives us room to continue supporting growth without taking on excessive risk,” Makata said.
The Board has proposed a Shs360 billion dividend, a 20% increase, highlighting confidence in the bank’s earnings outlook while preserving capital to sustain future expansion.