Stanbic Bank Uganda has called for a more strategic approach to project financing, stressing the need to match different types of capital with the level of risk and stage of development of an investment. The bank says this approach can help unlock more projects, strengthen businesses and support Uganda’s long-term economic growth.The message was delivered by Grace Semakula, Chief Executive, during the 9th Annual Bankers Conference 2026, where financial sector leaders, policymakers and other industry players gathered to discuss how Uganda’s financial institutions can contribute to faster economic transformation.
Semakula explained that projects do not have the same financing needs throughout their entire life cycle. In the early stages, when a project is still undergoing feasibility studies and development, specialised or dedicated capital may be required because the investment carries greater uncertainty and risk.She noted that once projects move beyond the early stages and become commercially viable, they can increasingly access financing from established institutions such as commercial banks and capital markets. This transition allows mature and profitable ventures to obtain larger and more sustainable sources of funding.The approach could also help businesses avoid relying on one form of financing regardless of their stage of growth.
By connecting projects with the appropriate source of capital at the right time, financial institutions can create better conditions for investments to develop from ideas into productive commercial ventures.The discussions at the conference come as Uganda continues to pursue stronger economic growth, increased investment and greater private-sector participation. Banks and other financial institutions have an important role to play in providing businesses and investors with the financial support needed to expand operations, increase production and create employment.The 9th Annual Bankers Conference 2026 was held under the theme, “The Role of Uganda’s Financial Institutions in Facilitating Tenfold GDP Growth.” The theme placed the financial sector at the centre of discussions about how Uganda can mobilise capital and support sustainable economic transformation.Stanbic Bank Uganda said its participation in the conference reflects its commitment to contributing to conversations that can shape Uganda’s economic future. The bank’s message was that effective financing should evolve alongside a project, ensuring that early-stage investments receive appropriate support while mature and profitable ventures can access commercial and capital-market funding to expand further.
