Africa-Press – Uganda. Stanbic Bank Uganda has been recognised as the Best Financial Institution in Environmental Protection and Sustainability for the second year in a row, cementing its position as a leader in green financing and environmental stewardship.
The accolade was presented during the National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA), an initiative by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to reward outstanding efforts in promoting sustainable development.
The award was received by Cathy Adengo, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Sustainability, who reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“We are thrilled to receive this award again. It validates our deliberate efforts to protect Uganda’s environment and support climate resilience initiatives through sustainable finance,” Adengo said.
As part of its sustainability drive, Stanbic has partnered with Coca-Cola’s recycling facility to implement a national plastic waste collection campaign.
The initiative has led to the recycling of over 9,000 kilograms of plastic waste, reducing pollution from non-biodegradable materials.
The bank has also expanded its financial support to environmentally conscious enterprises. Funding to green businesses such as solar energy providers, recyclers, and waste management firms has increased from Shs 34 billion in 2024 to Shs 62 billion in 2025.
Adengo said this boost in green financing is crucial to helping environmental entrepreneurs scale up.
“These green businesses are helping to solve Uganda’s environmental problems, and they need financial backing to scale up. That’s where we come in,” she noted.
In a bid to cut down paper use, Stanbic has embraced digital banking by encouraging customers to switch to electronic transactions.
Internally, the bank recycles paper waste through a partnership with Africa Paper Company, which transforms used paper into products such as gift bags and industrial packaging.
Adengo urged other Ugandan enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized innovators, to collaborate with Stanbic in advancing sustainability.
“We’re here to support Ugandan entrepreneurs solving environmental issues. We want more companies innovating in this space to come forward, because the future of our environment depends on collective action,” she said.
NEMA Board Chairperson Prof. James Okot, speaking at the same event, noted that the award reflects a national shift toward cleaner production methods that reduce waste and optimize resource use.
“When you convert most of the input into the product, it means that very little or no waste is generated. That’s what efficiency means resource saving and a clean, tidy approach,” Prof. Okot explained.
He said the NEMA awards, launched in 2024, aim to elevate bold environmental champions from across Uganda. The first edition attracted over 230 nominations, including individuals, institutions, schools, local governments, community groups, and innovators.
“These champions need support and visibility. Recognition acts as encouragement for them to continue improving year after year,” Prof. Okot said.
He described the range of submissions from sustainable agriculture and clean energy projects to community waste management and school-based environmental education as a sign of a vibrant nationwide movement working toward a greener, more sustainable Uganda.
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