Stanbic Bank Uganda Goes All-In on Digital with Kya Double with Supa Dupa campaign: Instant Accounts, Quick Loans, and Big Promises for Small businesses

Stanbic Bank Uganda is going full throttle on digital transformation. The bank just launched an ambitious new campaign — Kya Double with Supa Dupa — which aims to rewire how Ugandans open accounts, access loans, and interact with banking services. From instant onboarding to rapid loans and digital business accounts, the initiative looks like Stanbic’s most aggressive move yet to stake its claim in Uganda’s fast-evolving fintech space.

Forget standing in line or dealing with paperwork. With this rollout, Stanbic customers can now open a fully functional bank account entirely online in under five minutes. The process is paperless, free, and — in theory — frictionless.

“Listening carefully through social media, feedback sessions, and personal engagements, the bank has developed features that align with modern banking needs. This includes speed, simplicity, and tangible rewards to those that will be depositing on their accounts regularly,” said Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic.

From Signup to Spending — All in Five Minutes

With the new system, customers can register via the Stanbic App, mobile banking (USSD), or the web. Once verified, the account becomes instantly operational — allowing for deposits, transfers, and payments in real time. It’s a bold shift that puts Stanbic closer to the likes of mobile money giants in terms of accessibility.

“The process is accessible via the Stanbic app, mobile banking, or online banking. Once registered, customers can immediately send, receive, or deposit money, making banking truly instant and frictionless,” Arinaitwe added.

Need a Quick Loan? Stanbic Now Says “Yes” in Minutes

The bank is also upgrading its digital credit offerings. Personal loan approval now takes less than two minutes for qualifying customers. Stanbic is offering instant access to loans of up to UGX 5 million, and digital loans of up to UGX 250 million — a substantial bump compared to legacy lending timelines.

This move is clearly designed for a mobile-first generation and small business owners who often need working capital quickly.

Introducing the Pamoja Account for small businesses

Recognizing the role of small businesses — especially sole proprietors — Stanbic has launched the Pamoja Account, a new product designed specifically for small businesses and one-person businesses. It’s 100% digital, free to open, and requires only an average balance of UGX 2 million.

“Our Pamoja account offers unique benefits tailored for this segment. It’s free to open, with an average balance requirement of just UGX 2 million; meaning no charges whatsoever. You can borrow up to UGX 200 million, thus opening new horizons for growth. It’s entirely digital, providing a seamless experience for small businesses to operate more professionally and efficiently,” said Aaron Akampa, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic.

The account appears to be a direct response to reports showing many SMEs are left out of formal banking systems due to lack of partners or credit history. Akampa said Stanbic took note of the gap.

“Not only do the owners struggle with formalization, but also lack a good credit profile to enable them to qualify for loans,” he said.

A Rewards Program That Pays You Back

To encourage usage, Stanbic has rolled out a reward system tied to its “Supa Dupa” campaign. Every transaction — savings, deposits, or bill payments — gives customers entries into weekly draws. The big incentive? The chance to double your deposit.

“Every transaction, be it savings, deposits, or bill payments earns customers entries into weekly draws. Participants, whether new or existing, are eligible to-win-double their deposit amounts directly into their accounts. This is banking that pays you back instantly,” said Sonia Karamagi, Head of Customer Experience.

Can This Help Stanbic Win the Fintech Arms Race?

Stanbic’s push isn’t just about modernizing its backend — it’s clearly a move to stay competitive in a rapidly digitizing financial landscape. With Uganda’s fintech startups gaining traction and mobile money still dominating daily financial activity, banks are being forced to innovate or risk being left behind.

With over 83 branches and 7,000 agent bankers already in place, Stanbic is also leaning on its physical infrastructure to support this digital push — giving it a potential edge over fintech-only operators.

“With a heritage spanning over 100 years, Stanbic Bank remains a market leader with a nationwide footprint… which is a clear assurance on customer experience,” Karamagi said.

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As Uganda continues to digitize its economy, Stanbic is clearly betting that the future of banking lies in being more than just a place to store money.

Feature image: L-R Israel Arinaitwe Head Personal Banking, Sonia Karamagi Head Customer Experience and Aaron Akampa, Head Enterprise Banking during launch in Kampala.