[2008-07-09]  Stanbic aids northern farmers
STANBIC Bank is to promote commercial farming in northern Uganda. The giant commercial bank by assets and branch network has already donated 17 ploughs to farmers in Dokolo and Pader districts.

JB Okello, the Dokolo LV chief over the weekend asked Stanbic Bank to help the people with agricultural implements rather than relief handouts, which he said encouraged laziness.

“We have had 100% of our people returning home after the instability in the region and now we want Stanbic to partner with us and help us work and earn incomes. Relief cannot help us develop,” said Okello.

The ploughs would be complemented with other agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.

This is aimed at helping the locals utilise the fertile but underutilised land.

Phillip Odera, the Stanbic managing director, said the offer was an initial donation to see how the locals would utilise the facilities. He pledged more help.

The bank also promised to donate 10 sewing machines to Dokolo women to boost household incomes.

“We have been challenged to assist you in creating sustainable sources of income so that in turn you can open accounts, save money and also get loans that will help bring development,” Odera said in Dokolo where the bank launched the first Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in the district.

Accompanied by a top management team, Odera also launched an ATM in Sironko town. The team also opened a branch in Pader during the week-long tour of eastern and northern regions.
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