Standard Bank Group has reassigned two of its most distinguished Ugandan executives, underscoring its commitment to building a strong Pan-African leadership pipeline.
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 Chief Executive of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, has been appointed as RCE for South and Central Africa, effective 1 September 2025.
Mweheire’s Legacy
Widely recognised for reshaping Standard Bank’s East Africa operations, Mr. Mweheire leaves behind a legacy of growth and profitability. Under his leadership, the East Africa portfolio which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan, and Ethiopia emerged as the Group’s second most profitable region.
“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,” Standard Bank Group said in its internal communication.
Before taking on the regional role, Mweheire was Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda (2015–2020), where he steered one of the bank’s most successful turnarounds, lifting it to record profitability. A Harvard MBA graduate and seasoned investment banker, he brought global perspective and Pan-African ambition to his leadership.
Although stepping down as RCE East Africa, Mr. Mweheire will remain a Senior Executive within Standard Bank Group and continue serving as Chief Executive of Stanbic Kenya Holdings.
Karuhanga to Lead South & Central Africa
Francis Karuhanga’s rise to the Group’s executive leadership marks another milestone for Ugandan talent. His appointment as RCE for South and Central Africa comes less than two years after he assumed the CEO role at Stanbic Uganda Holdings in January 2024.
Mr. Karuhanga, a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA UK) with a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting, has more than 23 years of experience in banking and financial services. He previously served as Standard Bank Group’s Chief Audit Officer, where he oversaw Group Internal Audit with distinction before taking the helm at Stanbic Uganda Holdings.
“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 noted.
During the transition, Mr. Karuhanga will continue to lead Stanbic Uganda Holdings while taking on his expanded regional responsibilities.
Ugandan Talent in Continental Leadership
These twin appointments highlight Uganda’s growing influence in Pan-African financial services. Both Mweheire and Karuhanga embody the depth of leadership emerging from Uganda, trusted with multi-market portfolios within the continent’s largest banking group.
Their progress illustrates Standard Bank Group’s deliberate investment in nurturing homegrown African leadership to spearhead innovation, growth, and integration across the continent.
