Stanbic Uganda made an average of about Shs 1.62 billion in profit every day in 2025, underlining the scale of earnings at the country’s largest bank at a time when many businesses and households are struggling to stay afloat.
This figure is derived from the group’s annual net profit of Shs 591 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, which is a 23% increase from Shs 478 billion recorded in 2024.
Stanbic announced that because of this strong performance, shareholders will receive a dividend payout of Shs 360 billion.
Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL) delivered the results against a backdrop of moderate economic growth. Uganda’s economy expanded by 6.3% in 2025, while inflation averaged 3.6%.
However, for many ordinary Ugandans, the macroeconomic stability has not translated into a better life. In 2025, many witnessed high living costs, limited job opportunities and slow income growth especially for small businesses.
Against this backdrop, Stanbic’s daily earnings shows there is a big divide between large financial institutions and the rest of the economy.
The group said its profitability was driven by growth in deposits and lending. Customer deposits rose by 13% to Shs 8.0 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 16.4% to Shs 5.1 trillion.
Revenue grew by 11% to Shs 1.4 trillion, supported by interest income and fees, while cost discipline improved with the cost-to-income ratio falling to 47.1%.
Return on equity rose to 26.8%, well above the group’s benchmark, indicating strong returns for investors.
The chief executive of SUHL, Francis Karuhanga, who is exiting the role soon, said the results reflect a resilient strategy and focus on shareholder value.
Mumba Kalifungwa, chief executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the performance was driven by customer trust and operational efficiency.
Chief financial officer Ronald Makata said the bank remains financially strong, with capital and liquidity levels well above regulatory requirements.
A regional comparison shows that strong bank profits in 2025 were not limited to Uganda.
Kenya’s Equity Group Holdings reported a profit after tax of about Kshs 75.5 billion in 2025, equivalent to roughly Shs 2.1 trillion.
This means that on a daily basis, Equity Group earned about Shs 5.8 billion in profits , nearly four times Stanbic Uganda’s daily earnings.
Stanbic said it will continue to pursue inclusive growth through its Positive Impact agenda, focusing on financial inclusion, enterprise development and social investment.
Kalifungwa said the bank remains committed to supporting Uganda’s long-term development in a sustainable and inclusive way.
