Absa Bank Uganda has earned international recognition for its human resource practices after being named a Top Employer for 2026, scoring 97.96 per cent in an assessment that evaluates workplace culture, talent development, employee wellbeing and organisational performance
According to the bank, it supported more than 136 employees through leadership development, coaching and mentorship programmes between 2025 and 2026, with some training opportunities delivered in partnership with institutions such as Harvard Business School, IMD and Strathmore University Business School.
The bank has also expanded professional training and certification opportunities in specialised fields, including investment management, credit risk, lending, data management, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
Henry Tumusiime, Absa Bank Uganda’s Human Capital Director, said the recognition reflected the institution’s efforts to create opportunities for career development while improving employee welfare.
“Our people are central to our success, and we recognise that creating a great workplace goes beyond attracting talent but also providing opportunities for growth, supporting employee wellbeing and building a culture where people feel valued and empowered to perform. We believe that when our people thrive, they are better positioned to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers,” Tumusiime said.
The bank’s latest Colleague Experience Survey recorded 83 per cent trust in leadership and 82 per cent trust in organisational culture.
Absa said feedback from employees had informed several workplace improvements, including enhanced medical insurance benefits, changes to staff onboarding processes and additional leadership coaching.
The bank has also introduced initiatives targeting female career development, including the Women in Leadership programme and the Women’s Network Forum, which provide opportunities for mentorship, professional development and leadership preparation.
Employee welfare programmes have also been expanded to cover physical, mental and financial health. These include round-the-clock wellness and counselling services for employees and their families, financial wellness initiatives and mental health awareness programmes.
The recognition comes as Absa continues to strengthen its organisational capacity to support business expansion, including the integration of employees joining from Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s retail and wealth banking operations.
The bank scored 97.96 per cent in the Top Employer certification assessment, with its employee recognition initiatives, including the Excellence Awards, contributing to its workplace practices.
The awards recognise individual and team achievements, with the bank saying the programme is intended to encourage employee motivation and strengthen a culture of appreciation.
Tumusiime said recognising employees’ contributions was important in building a workplace where staff feel valued and motivated.
“People want to know that their hard work is seen and valued. For us, recognition is not simply about rewarding exceptional performance; it is about building a culture of appreciation where every colleague feels that their contribution matters. We believe this creates a sense of belonging, motivates our people and encourages them to take pride in the work they do,” he said.
The Top Employers Institute evaluates organisations across six areas: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
The institute operates in 131 countries and regions, providing participating organisations with internationally benchmarked assessments and recommendations aimed at improving human resource management and workplace practices.
Absa’s certification highlights the increasing emphasis organisations are placing on employee development, workplace inclusion and staff wellbeing as part of efforts to strengthen organisational performance.
