Peter Ssenyange, Pearl Bank’s Chief Financial Officer (4th L), receives the Gold Award for Integrated Report of the Year from ICPAU President, CPA Timothy Ediomu (C), as the Pearl Bank Finance team looks on. The award was presented at the 2026 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards, organised by ICPAU in partnership with the Capital Markets Authority and the Uganda Securities Exchange, which recognise excellence in financial reporting, governance and sustainability disclosure
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Pearl Bank has strengthened its position as one of Uganda’s leading financial institutions in corporate accountability and transparency after scooping two prestigious Gold Awards at the 2026 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards.
The bank won the Gold Award for Integrated Report of the Year and the Gold Award in the Financial Services Reporting for Banking Services Tier 1 category, marking a significant milestone in its corporate reporting journey following its transition from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank.
The awards, handed over during a colorful ceremony held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Wednesday, November 5, serve as independent affirmation of the institution’s commitment to high standards of financial disclosure, accountability, corporate governance and sustainability reporting.
The Gold Award for Excellence in Integrated Reporting is particularly significant because it recognises the bank’s ability to demonstrate how it creates value for its stakeholders through its financial performance, business strategy, governance structures and sustainability initiatives.
It is also the first time Pearl Bank has received Integrated Reporting recognition under its new corporate identity, making the double victory an important endorsement of its transformation and five-year strategic agenda.
Profound milestone
Peter Ssenyange, Pearl Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, described the double recognition as a profound milestone for the institution, saying it demonstrated that the bank’s commitment to quality reporting had remained strong despite its transition to a new brand.
“Winning both the Gold Award for Integrated Report of the Year and the Tier 1 Financial Services Award under the Pearl Bank identity is a profound milestone,” Ssenyange said.
He explained that the bank’s integrated report provides stakeholders with a comprehensive picture of its financial performance, strategic direction, governance and sustainability impact.
“Our integrated report presents a complete picture of financial performance, strategy, governance and sustainability impact. These accolades motivate us to continue leveraging technology and innovation to produce reports that meet international standards and serve all our stakeholders,” he said.
Ssenyange added that the bank would continue pursuing its high-impact goals of driving sustainable financial inclusion and stimulating entrepreneurship and service delivery across Uganda.
The 2026 FiRe Awards were organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), in partnership with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE).
International reporting standards
The awards recognise organisations that demonstrate excellence in financial reporting, corporate governance, sustainability disclosure and the application of technology in meeting international reporting standards.
This year’s ceremony was held under the theme, “Driving Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation”, reflecting the growing importance of technology in improving the quality, accessibility and reliability of corporate disclosures.
ICPAU President, CPA Timothy Ediomu, emphasised the need for Ugandan organisations to embrace emerging sustainability reporting requirements, noting that transparency and accountability were increasingly important in building investor confidence.
He commended the Uganda Communications Commission and the Government of Uganda for their efforts in advancing the country’s information and communications technology transformation.
Institutional accountability
Ediomu noted that following the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards in 2024 and the launch of the national implementation roadmap in 2025, voluntary adoption begins this year, ahead of mandatory enforcement for key entities by 2028.
“The importance of adopting sustainability disclosure standards cannot be overlooked, and I urge organisations to embrace technology, innovation and early adoption to strengthen transparency, accountability and investor confidence as we prepare for the 2028 mandatory enactment,” he said.
The chief guest, Hon. George William Nyombi, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, also underscored the importance of technology in enabling credible sustainability reporting.
He supported calls for organisations to prepare early for the new reporting requirements, emphasising the role of innovation in strengthening institutional accountability and compliance with international standards.
For Pearl Bank, the awards come at an important stage in its institutional transformation, which has involved maintaining continuity for customers while refreshing its corporate identity, digital platforms and sustainability agenda.
The bank’s transition from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank is part of a five-year strategic plan launched in 2023, guided by its purpose of “Fostering Prosperity for Ugandans” and its tagline, “Grow. Prosper.”
The strategy is anchored on two high-impact goals: driving sustainable financial inclusion and stimulating entrepreneurship and service delivery.
Through these priorities, the bank seeks to expand access to affordable financial services while supporting individuals, households, businesses and entrepreneurs to participate more meaningfully in the economy.
Pearl Bank continues to extend its services through its nationwide branch network, agent banking channels, Wendi mobile wallet and other digital financial solutions.
The institution believes that sustainable financial inclusion requires more than simply opening bank accounts. It involves developing accessible financial products, strengthening digital delivery channels and ensuring that individuals and businesses can use financial services to improve their livelihoods and grow their enterprises.
History of recognition
The latest FiRe Awards also build on a history of recognition for the bank at the annual financial reporting competition.
In 2025, the institution emerged as the winner in the Banking Services General category, having previously secured first runner-up recognition in the same category. It also received Bronze Awards for Integrated Reporting in 2023 and 2024.
At the individual level, Ssenyange was named CFO of the Year in 2025, further demonstrating the institution’s commitment to strengthening its financial management and reporting standards.
Pearl Bank’s institutional history dates back to 1926, when it operated as the Post Office Savings Department before evolving into PostBank Uganda Limited in 1998. It subsequently developed into a government-owned financial institution focused on expanding access to affordable savings and credit services.
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