UBA Uganda refutes management crisis allegations

Contrary to reports in some online publications, UBA Uganda has announced that Mrs. Chioma A. Mang has not been recalled due to a management crisis or performance issues. Instead, she has been elevated to a higher position within the UBA Group, effective 1st October 2024, in recognition of her growth and contributions to the bank. The bank has emphasised that the change is a strategic elevation within the UBA Group, underscoring their commitment to progress and development.

The statement reassures that UBA Uganda, which prides itself on its strong corporate governance practices, will announce a new Managing Director/CEO in due course. The bank acknowledges Mrs. Mang’s efforts during her tenure, which were marked by growth and exemplary leadership, and wishes her continued success in her new role within the broader UBA network.

The press statement also encourages media outlets to seek accurate information from official bank channels to prevent the spread of misinformation. UBA Uganda thanked its customers and stakeholders for their continued trust and confidence in the institution.

Background of Allegations

The bank’s clarification follows reports suggesting internal turmoil within UBA Uganda's management. The stories, which surfaced on various online platforms, claimed that Mrs. Mang’s transfer was related to "negative media reports" about the bank’s business performance in Uganda. These reports also suggested that her leadership was under scrutiny due to the slow growth of business and internal operational challenges.

Speculation around Mrs. Mang’s successor has also been rife, with claims about a potential appointment of the current Executive Director, Kenneth Kisambira, as the next Managing Director. The reports raised concerns about Mr. Kisambira’s suitability for the role, referencing alleged past controversies and questioning his leadership qualities.

The reports further alluded to internal friction between Mrs. Mang and Mr. Kisambira, which, according to the allegations, resulted in dissatisfaction among staff and a significant turnover in the bank’s workforce. Additionally, the stories highlighted issues such as loan defaulting, electronic fraud, and money laundering, suggesting these were contributing to a downturn in the bank’s operational performance.

UBA Uganda’s Rebuttal

The statement from UBA Uganda categorically denies the existence of a management crisis and instead frames Mrs. Mang’s move as part of a structured leadership transition within the UBA Group. The bank reiterates that the transfer is a testament to Mrs. Mang’s effective leadership and progress within UBA Uganda.

While the bank acknowledges the recent leadership changes, it strongly refutes the characterisation of the situation as a “crisis” and commits to upholding transparency and integrity in all its dealings. UBA Uganda asserts that its operations, customer service, and internal processes are fully aligned with the bank’s standards for corporate governance and operational excellence.

UBA Uganda also took the opportunity to clarify the process for the upcoming appointment of its new Managing Director, reinforcing that it will be conducted in accordance with established corporate governance principles. The bank’s commitment to transparency and strong leadership remains paramount, and the institution is keen to ensure a smooth transition during this period.