Standard Bank Group announces leadership changes for two Ugandan executives

KAMPALA, Uganda — Standard Bank Group announced Friday the reassignment of two prominent Ugandan executives, Patrick Mweheire and Francis Karuhanga, in a move that highlights the group’s investment in African talent.

Patrick Mweheire, who has served as the Regional Chief Executive for East Africa since 2020, will conclude his five-year term at the end of August. Francis Karuhanga, the current chief executive of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, has been appointed as the new regional chief executive for South and Central Africa, effective Sept. 1.

Mweheire’s tenure as regional chief executive for East Africa is widely recognized for transforming the region into a highly profitable division. Under his leadership, the East African portfolio, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan and Ethiopia, became the group’s second most profitable region.

“Patrick has been instrumental in organically growing our East African franchise,” the group said in a statement.

Before his regional role, Mweheire was the chief executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda from 2015 to 2020, where he led a successful turnaround that propelled the bank to market leadership and record profitability. Mweheire will remain a senior executive within Standard Bank Group and will continue to serve as the chief executive of Stanbic Kenya Holdings.

Karuhanga’s appointment comes less than two years after he took over the leadership of Stanbic Uganda Holdings in January 2024. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and holds a master’s degree in finance and accounting. He has more than 23 years of experience in banking and financial services and previously served as the group’s chief audit officer.

“Francis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in every role he has held within the Group,” the bank said. “We are confident that his understanding of our business, his regional insight, and people-focused leadership will drive continued growth in the South and Central Africa region.”

Karuhanga will continue to lead Stanbic Uganda Holdings during the transition period.

The appointments highlight Uganda’s growing contribution to the African financial services landscape and the group’s strategic focus on nurturing African leadership.