In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and increasing public scrutiny, the power of effective communication has never been more critical for the banking sector.
This pressing need has been squarely addressed by the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA), which has appointed Kenneth Agutamba, Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Country Manager for Reputation and Corporate Communication, as the new Chairman of its Peer Committee on Marketing and Communication.
His appointment signals a clear strategic move to strengthen how the industry connects with the public and rebuilds trust.
Agutamba takes the helm at a crucial juncture, succeeding Jude Kansiime of Dfcu Bank and serving alongside Vice Chairperson Agnes Mubiru of Cairo Bank.
In his acceptance remarks, he didn’t shy away from the challenges. He underscored that the banking industry is grappling with “significant reputation pressures driven by rising incidents of financial fraud, growing customer scepticism, and misinformation.”
These aren’t just minor hurdles; they represent fundamental threats to the sector’s stability and public confidence.
This is precisely where the communication committee, under Agutamba’s leadership, becomes indispensable. He articulated a powerful vision: “This platform allows us to collectively reshape the narrative by building trust, communicating value, and fostering transparency.”
His commitment is unwavering; to elevate the sector’s reputation and foster a “healthier, more robust financial ecosystem for all stakeholders.” It’s about ensuring the industry speaks with “clarity, credibility, and confidence,” a mission that directly impacts every bank and every customer.
As Chairman, Agutamba’s role is pivotal. He will guide the collective communication strategies and drive sector-wide reputation management efforts across Uganda’s licensed commercial banks and financial institutions. This isn’t just about PR; it’s about shaping public perception, educating consumers, and proactively addressing crises to safeguard the industry’s integrity.
Patricia Amito, Head of Communications at UBA, warmly welcomed Agutamba’s appointment, recognising his exceptional qualifications. “We are delighted to have Ken take on this leadership role,” Amito stated. She highlighted his “commendable work as the leader of our media engagement subcommittee” and his “deep understanding of strategic communication and proven track record in reputation management.”
With over a decade of experience in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs, Agutamba brings the necessary expertise to navigate these complex communication landscapes. Amito’s confidence is clear: “Under his stewardship, we will become more dynamic, responsive, and impactful in addressing the sector’s evolving communication needs.”
The UBA Peer Committee on Marketing and Communication is charged with an expansive mandate: coordinating industry-wide communication efforts, setting best practices, and collaborating on initiatives vital for the banking sector’s reputation, customer education, and crisis response.
With Agutamba at the forefront, the committee is poised to not just react to challenges but to proactively champion a narrative of trust, transparency, and value for the entire Ugandan banking industry.
His leadership marks a new chapter where strategic communication isn’t just a function, but a core pillar for the sector’s success and public confidence.