Kampala / Nairobi / Johannesburg – Standard Bank Group has announced two significant leadership transitions involving distinguished Ugandan executives, underlining the Group’s continued confidence in Ugandan talent and its commitment to strengthening its pan-African leadership pipeline.
As part of these changes, Patrick Mweheire, who has served as Regional Chief Executive (RCE) for East Africa since 2020, will conclude his impactful five-year term at the end of August 2025. At the same time, Francis Karuhanga, currently the Chief Executive of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, has been appointed RCE for South and Central Africa, effective 1 September 2025.
These appointments underscore the Group’s strategic focus on leveraging homegrown leadership to drive growth, innovation, and integration across the continent.
Celebrating Mweheire’s Transformational Legacy
Patrick Mweheire’s five-year tenure as RCE East Africa is widely credited for transforming the region into a high-performing franchise within Standard Bank Group. Under his leadership, the East Africa portfolio—comprising Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan, and Ethiopia—emerged as the second most profitable region in the Group.
“Patrick has been instrumental in organically growing our East African franchise while actively driving collaboration and providing executive sponsorship of our multinational and regional clients,” the Group said in its internal communication.
Before his regional elevation, Mr. Mweheire served as Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda (2015–2020), where he led one of the bank’s most successful turnarounds, propelling it to market leadership and record profitability. A Harvard MBA graduate and seasoned investment banker, Patrick brought global perspective and pan-African ambition to his leadership style.
While stepping down from his RCE role, Mr. Mweheire remains a Senior Executive within Standard Bank Group and continues to serve as Chief Executive of Stanbic Kenya Holdings. His deep knowledge, regional experience, and leadership will continue to be key assets within the Group’s broader strategy.
Francis Karuhanga to Helm South & Central Africa as Regional Chief Executive
Joining the executive leadership of the continent’s largest banking group is Francis Karuhanga, whose elevation to Regional Chief Executive for South and Central Africa comes barely two years after taking over the leadership of Stanbic Uganda Holdings in January 2024.
Mr. Karuhanga is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA UK) and holds an MSc in Finance and Accounting. With over 23 years of experience in banking and financial services, he previously served as Chief Audit Officer for Standard Bank Group—overseeing Group Internal Audit with distinction and strategic foresight—before assuming the CEO role at Stanbic Uganda Holdings.
His appointment signals the Group’s recognition of his deep institutional knowledge, pan-African exposure, and proven ability to lead with clarity, ethics, and strategic focus.
“Francis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in every role he has held within the Group. 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,” the Group said.
During the transition period, Mr. Karuhanga will continue to lead Stanbic Uganda Holdings.
Ugandan Talent in Pan-African Leadership
These appointments mark a proud moment for Uganda’s representation in pan-African banking leadership. Both Patrick and Francis exemplify the calibre of professionals being developed within Uganda and entrusted with steering multi-market portfolios for the continent’s largest banking group.
Their achievements highlight Uganda’s growing contribution to the African financial services landscape and Standard Bank Group’s deliberate investment in nurturing African talent.
