Equity Bank’s Technology Solutions Are Designed to Unlock SMEs Potential – James Olany
To overcome the current transformative or disruptive business environment, SMEs have this morning been encouraged to take up more technology-based banking and financing solutions from Equity Bank Uganda.
These remarks were made by Mr. James Olany the Strategy & Business Manager at Equity Bank Uganda at a Top 100 SME networking forum held at the Sheraton Kampala where Technology was the main theme for the event.
“As a result of emerging technologies such as blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, these advancements have not only shaped the operational strategies but also set new standards of how customers are to be served and the experience that customers expect to receive”, said Mr James Olany.
In his presentation, Mr. James Olany revealed that 96% of all customer transactions at Equity Bank Uganda were through digital channels. He also revealed that about 50% of all our Equity Bank Uganda customers were tele-connected and could access their accounts at their convenience wherever they were using the Equity Bank Mobile App or online banking platforms such as EazzyBiz.
During the breakfast event, Mr. James Olany appreciated SMEs for their support in banking with Equity which has been at the forefront of supporting SME growth in not only Uganda but also East Africa and beyond.
He advised SMEs that to scale their businesses and extend their market reach beyond Uganda, adoption and leveraging of the latest technology was inevitable.
Mr. James Olany also revealed that Equity Bank provides financial education to their customers and runs technology-based upskilling to assist them in commercializing and digitizing their businesses.
Some of the technologies making breakthroughs for Equity Bank SME customers include retailing their goods and services on their websites, being part of online marketplaces like Kikubo Online, Jumia and integrating e-commerce payment such as Eazzy biz, Eazzy stock, card payments and digital transactions via mobile app, that are all offered by Equity Bank Uganda.
James Olany, Head of Strategy at Equity Bank Uganda Limited addresses the audience
Today’s remarks on technology aligned with the Bank’s mission to champion financial inclusion by offering integrated financial solutions that socially and economically empower its customers using innovative solutions.
Some of these innovative solutions include Equity Online, EazzyBiz and Eazzy Stock which offer SMEs easy and comprehensive banking experiences that support their financial needs, cash management, liquidity management, bill payments and cashless transaction settlements that eventually make banking easy.
Mr. James Olany also thanked the Top 100 partners KPMG and National Media Group for allowing Equity Bank to be their financial and banking partner.
In July 2024, Equity Bank Uganda announced that it had partnered with KPMG and the Nation Media Group as the main sponsor of Uganda’s Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies Survey and Awards for the next three years.
The Top 100 mid-sized companies is a survey-based campaign that has been ongoing for over a decade and organized by Nation Media Group (Daily Monitor, K-FM and NTV) in partnership with KPMG, a leading international auditing firm. Other partners include the Uganda Securities Exchange, Huawei and The Innovation Village.
At the launch, Anthony Kituuka the MD of Equity Bank Uganda stated that Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies Survey and Awards presented a significant opportunity for Equity Bank to showcase their SME offerings and solidify their position as a key financial partner in the sector.
Other technology-based solutions from Equity Bank Uganda include the Equity Group Innovation Hub, a technology project that supports the transformative Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) to digitize value chains for over 100 million customers.
The initiative was developed by E&M Technology, a software development company specializing in financial industry innovations across East Africa. E&M Technology was founded and is run by Equity Leader Program alumni.
The Equity Group Innovation Hub participate in physical innovation hub settings, workshops, idea sharing, collaborating on projects and developing new solutions for socio-economic transformation including complex banking industry problems and cyber fraud.
Other speakers at the event included Mr. Gerald Oola, Industry Solutions Manager, Huawei Technologies Uganda, who gave the key note presentation.
Gerald highlighted the crucial role of digital transformation in enhancing SME growth, particularly in Uganda, where SMEs contribute 70% of GDP and 80% of employment. His session covered key concepts of digitization, digilalization, and digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of data driven strategies and automation to optimize business processes.
The presentation also addressed the significance of supply chain management, the benefits of cloud computing, and the necessity of cybersecurity tailored to various industries.
“Initially, adapting to technology was an option, but with the changing trends of the world, it is a necessity. You have to adapt to the changing market, the changing scope and the changing world,” he said.
https://theinsider.ug/index.php/2024/09/19/equity-banks-technology-solutions-are-designed-to-unlock-smes-potential-james-olany/
News
Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
By Amiri Wabusimba.
In recent years, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has gained notoriety for a series of provocative remarks posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. These tweets, often laced with humor, have sparked controversy and made headlines for their alarming content, including claims of capturing neighboring cities such as Nairobi in Kenya within 24 hours. More recently, his rhetoric has extended to threats against South Sudan, raising significant concerns about Uganda’s diplomatic future and its role on the global stage.
Uganda, as a UN member state, is bound by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which upholds the sovereignty of all nations and prohibits threats or acts of aggression. Despite the informal nature of Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks, they undermine these principles, jeopardizing Uganda’s relations with neighboring countries. Such statements, even when presented in jest, have the potential to destabilize diplomatic ties and provoke unnecessary tensions, especially if left unaddressed.
Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets may not constitute formal declarations of war, but they breach several international laws and Uganda’s own Constitution. The United Nations Charter Article 2(4), prohibits threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 3 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution obliges government to safeguard the nation’s independence and territorial integrity while respecting other states sovereignty. His comments suggest military action against neighboring countries, which directly contravenes these constitutional and international obligations. Persistent threats against neighboring countries could trigger a diplomatic crisis, eroding trust and damaging Uganda’s ability to foster strong relationships regionally and internationally.
Diplomatic engagement relies on mutual respect, adherence to norms, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Gen. Muhoozi’s rhetoric creates an image of Uganda as a volatile and unpredictable state, deterring potential investors and straining international cooperation. Recently, the United States issued a warning after one of Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. Although the tweet was later deleted, the damage to Uganda’s reputation was already done. This incident exemplifies the dangers of public officials using social media irresponsibly. Strained relations, sanctions, or even diplomatic expulsions could result from such behavior.
In 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made public threats against Canada over a waste disposal dispute. Although his remarks were intended to pressure Canada diplomatically, they were widely perceived as undermining international norms and relations. While the conflict did not escalate militarily, it created a diplomatic rift and tarnished the Philippines’ global reputation. A parallel can be drawn with Gen. Muhoozi’s provocative tweets, which risk creating a lasting diplomatic fallout and damaging Uganda’s standing with its neighbors and broader international community. The global landscape increasingly demands adherence to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
Reckless rhetoric not only isolates nations from international forums, trade opportunities, and collaborative ventures but also fosters a perception of unpredictability among officials, which can lead to severe economic and political consequences. To safeguard Uganda’s future, diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries should be urgently initiated to clarify Uganda’s stance and prevent misunderstandings. Gen. Muhoozi’s aggression rhetoric contravene international laws, breach Uganda’s Constitution, and threaten the country’s diplomatic standing. Government must prioritize peaceful diplomacy and respect for sovereignty as outlined in the Vienna Convention and Uganda’s Constitution. By addressing these issues decisively, Uganda can secure a stable and prosperous future on the global stage.
Author is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist
Tel: +56775103895 email: [email protected]
Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
News
NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned an alleged attack on its headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, reportedly orchestrated by controversial singer Alien Skin and his associates. According to a statement released by the party, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at approximately 3:15 a.m.
The statement alleges that Alien Skin’s group unlawfully entered the party’s premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and vandalized the walls with provocative graffiti. NUP expressed deep regret over these actions, describing them as reminiscent of tactics used by individuals deployed in the past to destabilize efforts for political reform in Uganda.
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learned nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others,” the statement read.
The party noted that such incidents tend to spike as Uganda approaches elections, suggesting that certain groups are allegedly being used to derail the opposition’s agenda through acts of provocation and violence.
NUP urged Alien Skin and his associates to reflect on their actions, warning that history has repeatedly shown how individuals used to disrupt political struggles often face repercussions and lose public favor over time.
“The struggle for a better Uganda cannot be derailed by such antics. We call upon all Ugandans to remain vigilant and united in the face of intimidation and provocation,” the statement concluded.
This attack has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition supporters and human rights activists, who see it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. Meanwhile, calls for accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident are growing louder.
Alien Skin has yet to comment on the allegations, and efforts to reach him for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
NUP STATEMENT
This morning at 3:15am, a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls. It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.
NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
News
NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused popular musician Alien Skin of leading an attack on its headquarters in Kavule early Saturday morning.
“This morning at 3:15 a.m., a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls,” read the statement issued by NUP.
NUP released a cctv video footage showing Alien Skin’s gang emerging from three cars to attack the party’s offices.
The party condemned the attack, describing it as a recurring tactic used by detractors to destabilize opposition activities, particularly during election periods.
Drawing parallels to controversial figures associated with past political violence, NUP stated:
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.”
Incidents
The alleged vandalism comes just weeks after Alien Skin and his entourage were accused of storming Nsambya Hospital.
In that incident, hospital operations were disrupted, and staff reportedly faced threats and intimidation, sparking widespread condemnation.
Alien Skin was jailed over the violence meted out against doctors at the hospital before being released on bail.
Alien Skin, once celebrated for his contribution to Uganda’s music industry, has increasingly been linked to politically motivated aggression.
While Alien Skin has not responded to the allegations, the incident has reignited debate about the role of artists in Uganda’s politics.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter, but pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent investigation.
As the 2026 general elections approach, incidents like this raise concerns about the political climate and the potential for heightened tensions in the coming months.
NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
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