Standard Bank Group has announced two significant leadership transitions involving distinguished Ugandan executives. 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 this month. Simultaneously, Francis Karuhanga, currently the CEO of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, will assume the position of RCE for South and Central Africa, effective September 1, 2025.
These appointments underscore the Group’s strategic focus on leveraging homegrown leadership to drive growth, innovation, and integration across the continent.
Mweheire’s five-year tenure as RCE East Africa is widely credited for turning 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.
While stepping down from his role as RCE, Mweheire remains a Senior Executive within the Standard Bank Group and continues to serve as CEO of Stanbic Kenya Holdings.
Meanwhile, Karuhanga’s appointment as the Regional Chief Executive for South and Central Africa joins the executive leadership of the continent’s largest banking group. His elevation comes less than two years after assuming leadership of Stanbic Uganda Holdings in January 2024, marking a swift and significant progression in his career.
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.
“Karuhanga 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, Karuhanga will continue to lead Stanbic Uganda Holdings.
These appointments mark a proud moment for Uganda’s representation in Pan-African banking leadership. Both Mweheire and Karuhanga 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.
