Many multinationals like to brand along the lines of Africa, but in their ways do little to live the African values.
But recently I saw an exception. Ecobank trades as the pan African bank.
At the unfortunate death of their company Secretary (Annette Mwiriza Mukunda) and an amazing friend to many of us, I happened to attend the requiem mass at Namugongo [Catholic Shrine].
The entire Ecobank family from the CEO, ED, Directors, executives and staff demonstrated a level of respect for their deceased colleague that can only be seen in Africa.
In his speech Ecobank Uganda Chairman (Henry Lubwama) announced the Bank would employ a family member of the deceased.
The widower [Julius Mukunda] also acknowledged the support the family had got from the employer.
I thought this was a very respectable way a corporate entity demonstrates responsible citizenship-by doing what responsible citizens do, not just always sprinkling droplets of cheap paint on defunct zebra crossing lines.
In one sad moment Ecobank lived up to its brand and corporate social responsibility calling.
Additional Reporting
Annette Mwiriza Mukunda was the long serving Ecobank Uganda Head Legal & Company Secretary. She passed on August 10, 2017 in India. She was battling Cervical Cancer. Mwiriza was buried at Rwerere in Rukungiri on August14, 2017.
Mwiriza had been working at Ecobank Uganda since 2008 when the bank joined the Ugandan market. Before joining Ecobank, she worked with Barclays Bank of Uganda as Legal Counsel.
At Ecobank she has been responsible for all the legal related activities including compliance and regulatory requirements.
She was also an advisor to the Board and Management on a variety of legal and financial issues. Mwiriza held an LLB (Hons) Degree from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, an Executive MBA from ESAMI and has been an enrolled advocate since 2002.
Written by Nicholas Sennungi
