KAMPALA. Businessman and chief executive officer of Next Media Services, Mr Kin Kariisa has been appointed an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda.
The bank says the move is aimed at strengthening governance and supporting its long-term strategic direction in Uganda.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday as the bank reaffirmed its commitment to Uganda’s economy and its growing focus on Corporate and Investment Banking.
Speaking during the announcement in Kampala, Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer, Sanjay Rughani, described Kariisa’s appointment as part of an institution-first strategy focused on stewardship, continuity and long-term value creation.
“Strong institutions attract strong leaders. 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 in the future,” Rughani said.
He added that Uganda’s ambitious economic growth agenda requires financial institutions capable of supporting large-scale investment, trade and private sector expansion.
“We live in a period where the economy is asking more of every major institution. Uganda is pursuing an ambitious growth path through the tenfold growth agenda which demands planning, investment, discipline and institutions that are willing to play a supportive role in enabling that transformation,” he said.
Kariisa, one of Uganda’s most prominent media executives, said joining the board of Standard Chartered marked a major personal and professional milestone.
“I grew up watching banking from a distance, back in Mbarara. To now sit on the Standard Chartered Board is not something I take lightly,” Kariisa said.
“At Next Media we have spent years building brands, and we know what a great brand looks and feels like. Standard Chartered is a great brand. A serious bank. Uganda needs an institution like this, and I am happy to be here to contribute to its transformational journey,” he added.
Kariisa said the bank has the potential to play a bigger role in shaping Uganda’s financial future as demand rises for sophisticated banking solutions, infrastructure financing and regional trade support.
“Standard Chartered is positioned to shape Uganda’s financial future, not just respond to it,” he said.