Israel Arinaitwe, Stanbic bank's head of personal banking, echoes Adam Smith's timeless wisdom from The Wealth of Nations: "The foundation of an economy rests on its capital stock." This philosophy he believes every Ugandan should embrace as they strive to build better lives for themselves and future generations. In a recent interview with The Observer, Israel shares his insights on this principle through the lens of Stanbic Bank's new brand campaign, Keep Growing.
He views the campaign as more than just a corporate slogan, but rather a national call to action that resonates deeply with Ugandans. At Stanbic, they say "Uganda is our home; we drive her growth," and Israel notes that this mindset is crucial for the country's continued development.
"We are responsible for Uganda's growth," he emphasizes, highlighting the importance of adopting a continuous progress mindset. Saving is central to this growth, according to Israel. By setting aside a portion of their income before spending, individuals can create a safety net and unlock productivity.
Israel stresses that saving is not exclusive to the wealthy; it's a practice within reach for anyone who desires a good life. However, many people struggle with attitudes toward saving, often prioritizing short-term needs over long-term goals.
"The problem is people think they save what's left after spending," he notes, "but that's not correct because there's always something left over." To illustrate this concept, Israel shares a nostalgic image of older generations setting aside their children's breakfast for the next day before serving dinner.
He calls this approach "saving" and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing it. By doing so, individuals can create a foundation for growth, unlock productivity, and transform their circumstances.
