Absa Bank Uganda has handed over cash prizes to five customers, amounting to Shs50 million, at the tail end of their ongoing card usage campaign, “Shs200 million can change your story,” as part of celebrating customers for adopting the safety and convenience brought about by Absa debit and credit cards for daily transactions.

Celebrating Winners in November

The five winners, who were selected after they had used their Absa cards for at least five transactions in November, had demonstrated the convenience of going cashless as they paid for goods and services such as shopping and travel. The prizes were handed over during a ceremony where the bank’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Michael Segwaya, congratulated the winners for their participation.

“To our winners today, thank you for embracing the use of Absa cards. At your convenience, customers can pay in-store or online for goods and services, subscriptions, or travels both in-country or abroad using any of the Absa debit or credit cards,” Segwaya said. “This campaign reflects our commitment toward being a customer-centric bank, aligned to our brand promise, ‘Your Story Matters.’ Indeed, to us, everyone’s story matters.

Encouraging Cashless Transactions

Segwaya emphasized the advantages of the use of Absa cards in the current Christmas and New Year holiday, where more people are out shopping or traveling. “The holiday season is characterized by increased travel and shopping. Our card payments give customers a smooth and secure payment experience. With our point-of-sale machines readily available at supermarkets, restaurants, eateries, and other outlets nationwide, we encourage customers to embrace the convenience of card payments. By doing so, they also stand a chance to win under this ongoing campaign,” he said.

Advanced Security for Card Users

Sam Kiyaga, the Head of Alternate Channels at Absa Bank Uganda, reiterated that Absa debit and credit cards are designed with the highest security features to ensure that the customers’ transactions are always safe. “We will continue to enhance our cybersecurity to stay ahead and protect customer investments through the adoption of advanced technologies to meet today’s standards while preparing for future challenges,” Kiyaga said.

A Winner’s Perspective

One of the lucky winners, Lisa Kandere, thanked Absa for rewarding loyal customers. “I have been using my debit card to pay for everything, from shopping to bills, and I am delighted to receive this festive reward from Absa. I encourage fellow customers to keep using these cards because they are safe, easy to use, and you could also win rewards like this before the January drought hits,” Kandere said.

Growing Digital Payment Trends in Uganda

The Banking Sector Report by the Uganda Bankers Association for the year 2023 indicates a considerable rise in the usage of various digital payment systems such as point-of-sale machines, debit cards, mobile banking, and internet banking. The report showed that the value of debit card transactions increased from Shs532.9 billion in the third quarter to Shs581.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023.

This growth indicates an increased uptake of digital banking solutions as more Ugandans embrace cashless transactions. Absa Bank’s card usage drive is well-placed to capture this trend, ensuring that customers enjoy the convenience and security of digital payments.

Absa’s Commitment to Innovation and Security

As part of its digital transformation strategy, Absa Bank Uganda is committed to offering innovative solutions that enhance customer experience. Kiyaga emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the digital landscape. “We are continuously improving our encryption measures and security systems to ensure they are robust for today’s standards and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.

The ongoing “Shs200 million can change your story” campaign speaks volumes about Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to rewarding its customers and empowering them to success. By encouraging the use of debit and credit cards, the bank is fostering cashless transactions while giving customers the opportunity to win exciting prizes. With digital payment trends continuing to go up, Absa keeps a leading position in providing the people of Uganda with secure, innovative, customer-centric solutions.