Standard Bank Group has reaffirmed its confidence in Ugandan leadership on the Pan-African stage, announcing a strategic reshuffle that sees two of the country’s top banking executives take on new influential roles within the continent’s largest financial services group.
In a significant leadership transition, the Group has appointed Francis Karuhanga as the new Regional Chief Executive (RCE) for South and Central Africa, effective 1 September 2025, while Patrick Mweheire concludes his successful five-year tenure as RCE for East Africa at the end of August 2025.
The move underscores Standard Bank’s commitment to leveraging homegrown talent to drive growth and integration across Africa’s banking markets.
Patrick Mweheire, who has led the East African portfolio since 2020, has been widely credited with transforming the region into one of Standard Bank’s strongest performers.
Under his leadership, which spanned six key markets Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan, and Ethiopia East Africa rose to become the second most profitable region within the Group.
“Patrick has been instrumental in organically growing our East African franchise while driving collaboration and providing executive sponsorship of our multinational and regional clients,” the Group said in an internal statement.
Before his regional elevation, Mweheire served as Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda from 2015 to 2020, overseeing one of the bank’s most remarkable turnarounds that cemented its market leadership and record profitability.
A Harvard MBA graduate and seasoned investment banker, Mweheire brought global expertise and Pan-African vision to his leadership approach.
While stepping down from his East African RCE role, Mweheire will remain a senior executive within Standard Bank Group and continues to serve as Chief Executive of Stanbic Kenya Holdings, ensuring his wealth of regional experience continues to shape the Group’s growth strategy.
Meanwhile, Francis Karuhanga’s appointment as RCE for South and Central Africa marks a rapid ascent within the Group’s leadership ranks.
Having taken over as Chief Executive of Stanbic Uganda Holdings in January 2024, Karuhanga has demonstrated exceptional capability in steering the business through a competitive market environment.
A Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA UK) with a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting and over 23 years of experience in banking and financial services, Karuhanga previously served as Chief Audit Officer for Standard Bank Group, where he oversaw Group Internal Audit with strategic foresight and operational excellence.
“Francis has demonstrated outstanding leadership in every role he has held within the Group,” Standard Bank said. “We are confident that his regional insights, people-focused leadership, and deep understanding of our business will drive sustainable growth across South and Central Africa.”
Karuhanga will continue leading Stanbic Uganda Holdings during the transition period, ensuring operational continuity as he assumes his new continental role.
The appointments mark a major milestone for Uganda’s representation in Pan-African banking leadership, underscoring the country’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s financial services landscape.
By entrusting two Ugandan executives with multi-market portfolios, Standard Bank Group is signalling a deliberate investment in nurturing African talent and leveraging regional expertise to drive continental growth.