'National impact': Standard Chartered Bank celebrates Vision Group’s 40th anniversary

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Executives from Standard Chartered Bank have paid tribute to Vision Group for its role in shaping national conversation and documenting Uganda’s journey, as the media house celebrates 40 years of existence.

Leading the bank’s delegation to New Vision's head office in Kampala city's Industrial Area, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda chief executive officer Sanjay Rughani described the milestone as more than just a passage of time.

“Forty years is not a measure of time when we look at Vision,” he said. “It is a measure of trust, influence and, most importantly, national impact.”

While meeting Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama in his office, Rughani added that the bank, which has operated in Uganda for over a century, values its partnership with the Group. He added that the media house has helped amplify stories about Uganda’s growth, culture and aspirations while strengthening public discourse.

“Media plays a vital role in shaping societies. It informs minds, challenges perspectives and strengthens institutions. [New] Vision has done this consistently and done it well. And Don [Wanyama], under your leadership, the organisation continues to evolve while remaining true to that purpose,” he said.

The media house has kicked off celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary of existence with various activities, including republishing stories of impact published in the last 40 years and holding a concert involving famous gospel artistes, Makoma.

To mark the occasion, he shared a poem he had written in honour of Vision Group’s four-decade journey.

Rughani said the poem was inspired by the influence Vision Group has had in telling Uganda’s story and connecting the country to the world.

Longstanding partnership

Wanyama thanked the bank for its longstanding partnership and support.

He said the media house has, over the years, deliberately invested in conversations that shape Uganda’s development.

“At the heart of these 40 years has been our commitment to move with the country,” he said.

“Uganda’s wins have been our wins and its pains have also been our pains.”

He noted that Vision Group has dedicated substantial resources to national conversations around agriculture, education, health, entrepreneurship and the economy, areas he described as critical to the country’s future.

Among its flagship initiatives, he highlighted the organisation’s agriculture expos, which bring together farmers, experts and international partners to promote modern farming practices.

“We believe a media house should go beyond reporting a story here and there,” Wanyama said. “It must be part of the country’s journey and help influence that journey in a positive direction.”

He added that while technology and the media environment continue to evolve, Vision Group remains committed to its founding principles.

“The environment has changed with technology and new platforms, and we will adapt to that,” he said. “But it will not alter our DNA.”

As Vision Group marks its 40th anniversary, Wanyama expressed optimism about the future, saying the organisation aims to continue playing a central role in informing, educating and connecting Ugandans.

“We hope the nation will celebrate our 50th, our 75th and even our 100th anniversary,” he said. “Because Uganda will continue to grow and we will continue telling its story.”

Poem in honour of Vision Group:

Forty Years of Vision

Forty years of ink and light,

Of stories told through day and night

Of voices rising, truths made clear

A nation’s pulse, year after year.

Through changing times, through hope and test

You carried forward Uganda’s best

Not just headlines, not just news

But windows into different views.

And Don, with steady heart and sight

You guide the path with calm and light

Reminding all who lead and serve

That vision is the courage to observe.

And like the anthem strong and known,

That lifts the heart - you’ll never walk alone

Your leadership reminds us too

That shared purpose carries us through.

So here’s to forty - strong and true,

To those who built, and those who grew

And to the road that lies ahead,

Where Vision’s light will always spread.

By Sanjay Rughani,

CEO Standard Chartered Uganda