President Museveni’s directive to shut down private and public transport and invoke a curfew affected some banks from operating to their schedule due to staff transport means issues influenced by locality in some areas and safety of he staff from the spread of coronavirus.
The Ugandan banking sector didn’t fully close as a result but some of their branches are locked.
Given the rising cases of COVID-19, the fact remains that people will still need the financial services in any way.
Therefore, we bring to you the list of a selected banks with some branches not operational in the areas of Kampala and Wakiso during this period.
Centenary Bank:
“Please be informed that some of our branches will remain closed till further notice effective 31 st March 2020. This is due to the current lockdown. These are: Makerere, Nakivubo, Namirembe, Kikuubo A, Kikuubo B, Entebbe road Main and Platinum Mapeera. Branches in and around Kampala that are open are: Mapeera, Kireka, Natete, Ntinda, Najjanankumbi, Lugogo, Entebbe Road Annex, Kabalagala, Rubaga, Bwaise, Kawempe & Nansana. All our upcountry branches are open.” noted Centenary Bank.
The rural development bank advised its clients that they can also access services through their digital channels: CenteMobile, CenteVisa, CenteAgent and CenteOnline.
Absa Bank Uganda;
“This is to inform all Absa customers that the branches listed below will be closed and nonoperational, effective Wednesday, 01 April 2020 until Tuesday, 14 April 2020. Abaita, Acacia Mall, Corporate Service Centre, Garden City, Lubowa, Luwum Street, Nakulabye, Ndeeba, Parliament Avenue, Premier Centre, Rwenzori, Shauriyako, Tankhill, and UN Base and Wandegeya.” The notice read in parts.
They advised their clients in the meantime, to continue using their digital channels (online banking, mobile and intelligent ATMs) which are available 24/7 and their Agent Banking locations country wide.
Stanbic bank, which was fully operational on Tuesday last week, sent a notice to its customers that it was temporarily closing 15 branches spread across the country.
“…We have taken various measures to ensure safe management of this situation while continuing to effectively serve you,” the notice reads in part, highlighting temporary closure of branches such as Lugogo, Mulago, Makerere in Kampala, Kumi and Pakwach from the upcountry.
Most of the banks country-wide adjusted their working hours from 9am – 3pm compared to the common working time of 9am – 5/6pm and Saturday from 9:00am – mid day.
