- R: Dr. Frank Mentrup (Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe), Mr. David G. Opiokello (Board Chairperson, Housing Finance Bank), H.E Kuteesa (Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany), Mr. Micheal Mugabi (Managing Director, Housing Finance Bank) and Mr. Arshad Rab (CEO of the European Organization for Sustainable Development, and the Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards)
Housing Finance Bank (HFB) has announced the receipt of the Certificate of Acceptance to the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI) during the 10th Global Sustainable Finance Conference recently held in Karlsruhe, Germany. This recognition underscores HFB’s steadfast dedication to sustainability, responsible business practices and alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals and national development agenda.
The journey towards becoming a sustainability-certified bank began earlier this year, with HFB proactively subjecting its Environmental, Social, and Governance practices to a rigorous benchmarking process and comprehensive evaluation with the overall aim of providing sustainable financing to enable home ownership across all segments of the population, including low-income earners and aspiring first-time owners, at a time when Uganda’s housing deficit estimated at 2.4 million houses, and growing at a rate of 200,000 housing units per annum.
The Certificate of Acceptance was received by Board Chairperson David G. Opiokello on behalf of the Bank in a delegation he led, which comprised the Managing Director, Micheal Mugabi, and other executive team members. The delegation was joined by esteemed dignitaries, including Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Kuteesa, The Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe, Dr. Frank Mentrup, Mr. Arshad Rab, CEO of the European Organization for Sustainable Development, and the Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards.
David G. Opiokello, Board Chairperson, HFB expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, “At Housing Finance Bank, our vision for a sustainable future goes beyond words; it is a tangible commitment that we have engrained within our new strategic plan to shape our solutions to customers and stakeholder activities at large. This recognition solidifies our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable financial independence and transforming homeownership dreams into reality for our fellow Ugandans while being resolute in ensuring a better future for generations to come.”
Micheal Mugabi, HFB Managing Director and a driving force behind the Bank’s sustainability initiatives, also shared his thoughts on the accomplishment. “This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable future for our customers, employees, and communities in a process that started earlier this year. Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy, and we firmly believe that responsible banking is not only vital for the well-being of our society but also crucial for the long-term success of our institution. This recognition encourages us to continue leading the way in sustainable finance, innovate for a greener tomorrow, and empower Ugandans with the tools and solutions they need to achieve their housing and financial goals.”
As Housing Finance Bank continues its journey towards a more sustainable future, it remains steadfast in fostering positive change and contributing to the betterment of Ugandan society by encouraging the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and resilient economy and aiding social inclusion.
