In a significant step for Uganda’s banking sector, Cathy Adengo, the Head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Uganda, has been elected as the inaugural Chairperson of the Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA) Sustainability Committee. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement for Cathy but also signals a growing commitment across Uganda’s financial institutions to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the core of their operations.
With over a decade of leadership in sustainability and strategic communications, Cathy’s appointment couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. ESG is no longer a side note—it’s fast becoming the blueprint for financial resilience and inclusive economic growth.
“It is an honour to be appointed the Chairperson of the UBA Sustainability Committee,” she shared after her election. “The financial services sector plays a critical role in driving Sustainability and ESG priorities across the economy. My vision is to ensure that ESG factors are embedded in financial decisions that lead to sustainable economic growth and positively impact the lives of Ugandans.”
Cathy later echoed this passion on her LinkedIn, writing:
“Looking forward to creating meaningful impact that will transform our economy and improve the lives of all Ugandans.”
A Career Built on Purpose
Ugandan enterprises urged to explore regional oil and gas opportunitiesCathy’s professional journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Since 2012, she has led Stanbic Bank Uganda’s ESG and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, and prior to that, headed Corporate Communications at the bank.
Her international experience includes six years at Tullow Oil, where she held senior communications roles across London, Accra, and Kampala, driving stakeholder engagement and corporate responsibility across geographies.
Her earlier career includes strategic roles at Uganda Communications Commission, BAT Uganda, and the global advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi.
Cathy is a graduate of the University of Kent (BA, Business Management) and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Sustainability from the University of Cambridge—credentials that reflect both her academic and practical mastery of sustainability in business.
As ESG rapidly moves from buzzword to boardroom imperative, Cathy Adengo’s appointment sets a bold new standard for what leadership in finance looks like—not just for Uganda, but for the region.
