Kampala, Uganda – Absa Bank Uganda has distributed 40 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $10,700 US) in cash prizes to the first set of winners in its “Play Your Cards Right” campaign, which encourages the use of its debit and credit cards.
Four customers, two from personal banking and two from business banking, received 10 million shillings each in a ceremony held today in Kampala.
The campaign, which began in June and will run until August 2025, is open to all Absa debit and credit cardholders. To qualify, customers need to complete at least five transactions using their Absa cards within the specified period.
Moses Rutahigwa, Absa Bank Uganda’s Retail and Business Banking Director, explained that the initiative is part of the bank’s strategy to enhance its customer-centric approach, aligning with its recently refreshed brand promise, ‘Your Story Matters’.
“When we launched this campaign on 29 May 2025, we promised that each month, we would award four winners,” Mr Rutahigwa said. “I am glad that today, we are fulfilling our promise. I hope that the financial rewards will help you sort out some needs in life.”
The move comes as digital payments continue to gain traction in Uganda. The Bank of Uganda’s 2023 Financial Stability Report noted that debit card transactions reached UGX561.5 billion, with over 3.8 million active debit cards. Credit card usage also saw significant growth, with transaction values hitting UGX30.9 billion from nearly 10,000 active credit cards.
Absa Bank Uganda has seen substantial growth in its card payment sector, with volumes increasing by 18.5% in 2024, outperforming the market average. Active usage of Absa cards also grew by 15%, significantly higher than the market’s 2% growth.
“Under this campaign, we are rewarding customers for choosing convenience with our seamless card solutions,” Mr Rutahigwa added, emphasising the bank’s commitment to integrating modern digital experiences for its customers. “‘Play Your Cards Right’ is more than a campaign; we are celebrating progress and our belief that digital banking should be rewarding.”
Mr Pafra Mulambuzi, Director at ABM Investments, one of the winning business entities, praised Absa’s initiative. “As ABM Investments, we are excited to be among the winners in this campaign,” he said. “All I can tell Absa Bank Uganda clients is that the campaign is real, and they should embrace using the cards; they might be the next lucky winners.”
Mr Rutahigwa encouraged more customers to participate in the remaining months of the campaign, assuring them of the bank’s continuous efforts to refresh cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer investments.
