Banks compete on speed as digital banking takes hold

What the report says

The Independent Uganda published a commentary on November 9, 2026 arguing that Uganda’s banking sector is shifting from branch-based competition to digital convenience. The piece says customers increasingly value fast, simple access to services such as mobile payments, instant credit and account management, rather than judging banks mainly on fees, rates or the size of their branch networks. It notes that physical branches still matter for advisory work and complex transactions, but are no longer the main centre of financial activity.

The article says this change is being driven by a younger, more urban and digitally connected population, alongside a growing economy with active agriculture, services, manufacturing and trade. It highlights the role of mobile apps, USSD platforms and broader digital ecosystems in reducing delays and paperwork, and suggests that banks able to save customers time are more likely to win loyalty.

Using NCBA Bank as an example, the commentary points to digital services such as MoKash, as well as SME products including asset finance and working capital support. It also mentions the bank’s advisory and financial literacy efforts for small businesses. More broadly, the piece says digital banking is helping expand access for women entrepreneurs, young people and informal-sector users, and that convenience is becoming a key driver of inclusion and enterprise growth in Uganda.