As January 2026 draws to a close, Israel Arinaitwe, the Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, has urged Ugandans to prioritize saving if they are to achieve their long-term financial goals and aspirations.
In an exclusive interview, Arinaitwe emphasized that saving before spending is crucial to building personal wealth and fostering economic development. Drawing from the teachings of economist Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations, he stressed that “the development of an economy depends on the stock of its capital,” a philosophy that should guide every Ugandan in their financial journey.
Arinaitwe shared this message through the lens of Stanbic Bank’s new brand campaign, Keep Growing. According to him, the campaign is not just a corporate slogan, but a call to action for all Ugandans to contribute to the nation’s growth. “At Stanbic, we say Uganda is our home, and we drive her growth,” Arinaitwe remarked.
“We are responsible for the continued growth of the country.” He called on individuals, especially the youth, to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and take tangible steps toward financial growth.
Central to Arinaitwe’s message was the importance of saving. He explained that saving is foundational to living a better life, as it enables individuals to acquire essential resources, whether it’s money, tools, or land.
However, he also pointed out a common misconception within communities: many people wait to save whatever is left after spending. Arinaitwe noted that this approach is flawed, as spending often leaves little or nothing to save. He likened saving to an old practice where mothers would set aside food for the next day before serving dinner, demonstrating that saving must come first.
For Arinaitwe, cultivating a saving culture is essential for Uganda’s economic growth. He encouraged Ugandans to be intentional about saving, whether they are employed, running a business, or just starting out. He also emphasized that saving is not just for the wealthy, but for everyone who aims to improve their financial situation.
Arinaitwe highlighted the growing accessibility of financial services in Uganda, particularly through digital banking platforms and agent banking, which allow people to open bank accounts easily. Despite this progress, he noted that around 30% of Ugandans still keep their money at home, where it earns no interest. He urged the public to take advantage of secure, interest-bearing savings accounts to ensure their money grows over time.
Beyond traditional savings, Arinaitwe encouraged Ugandans to explore investment options, such as Stanbic Bank’s unit trusts, money market funds, and treasury bills. He explained that “the best thing in life is not you working for money, but money working for you.” He also pointed out that Stanbic supports clients in growing their wealth through property investments, enabling them to earn from land and rental income.
Arinaitwe’s advice extended even to parents, urging them to start saving for their children’s future from birth. Stanbic Bank offers child accounts that earn interest, which Arinaitwe believes is a great opportunity for families to build wealth for the next generation.
In addition to promoting financial discipline, Arinaitwe reminded clients to safeguard their financial information by keeping passwords secure and reporting any suspicious activity. He assured them that Stanbic Bank is committed to protecting their assets.
As Uganda works toward economic growth, Arinaitwe’s message serves as a reminder that personal financial growth—through saving, investing, and securing wealth—plays a key role in the broader development of the country.
