On Wednesday 12th September 2012, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu officiated at the opening of a new branch for Crane Bank at Makerere University, Senate Building.

The opening of the Crane Bank branch presents an opportunity to staff and students to access banking services at extended working hours, a forex bureau, an exclusive counter for members of staff and two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the Managing Director of Crane Bank Ltd, Mr. A.R. Kalan congratulated Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu upon his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and informed the audience that Crane Bank will provide innovative products and timely services at affordable rates to the University community and the surrounding population.

“From Monday to Friday, the branch will provide banking services from 8:30am to 6:00pm. On Saturday, the branch will open at 9:00am and close at 3:00pm. The bank will also offer scholarship to students along with other innovative programmes,” said Mr. Kalan.

The University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi commended Crane Bank Ltd for coming up with a schedule that will enable the students who study on the evening programme to access banking services after 5:00pm.

Officiating at the Launch, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu appealed to Crane Bank to examine the needs of the University community and come up with a sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility programme to benefit students, staff and the wider University community. Professor Ddumba Ssentamu also extended an invitation to Crane Bank and other banks to take part in the activities lined up in the year-long celebrations to mark 90 years of Makerere University‘s existence.

He advised the Crane Bank team to design marketing and promotional campaigns which do not disrupt the academic operations of the university as well as the need to follow the prescribed standards and authorization when using the Makerere University name and logo.

After his speech, the Guest of Honour, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu together with the Managing Director, Mr. A.R. Kalan, Branch Manager, Mr. Avdesh and Deputy Branch Manager, Ms Merab Kansiime proceeded to the entrance of the bank premises where he cut the ribbon and declared the Makerere University Crane Bank Branch officially open.

The Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and Students present then received a guided tour of the Makerere University Crane Bank Branch premises from the Bank staff.

Story by: Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University