The impact of financial crisis on commercial banks in Uganda: a case study of housing finance bank

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to investigate the impact of financial crisis on commercial banks in Uganda basing on a case study of Housing Finance Bank. The objectives of this study were; to establish the factors that can facilitate a financial crisis in Uganda, examine the effect of financial crisis on Uganda’s commercial banking sector and suggest possible intervention measures to mitigate financial crisis in Uganda. In order to find out what the active stakeholders of the Bank had to say before conclusions were drawn, the researcher used different methods like questionnaires and interviews to carry out the research which enabled him to get the data that was required to accomplish the study. The researcher was able to find out that changes in regulations and industry, the changing economic environment, poorly managed financial sector, internal and external pressures on banks and stiff competition and interest rate risks were the major factors that can facilitating financial crises in Uganda. The researcher was able to find out that withdrawal, foreign currency deposited in banks reduced, reduced financial transfers, impact on loan portfolios and foreign owned banks threatened the industry were the most influential results of financial crisis in Uganda’s commercial banking sector. The researcher was able to find out that the most significant intervention measures to mitigate financial crisis in Uganda were among others; financial surveillance and regulations, direct state interventions like controlling the monetary policy, diversification of trading partners and source of capital, realignment of fiscal policy and management and regional integration and industrial dynamism. From the analysis, the researcher recommended that; there is need to increase support for domestic growth drivers to counter the financial downturns within the economy. Increasing investment in infrastructure is critically important so that the country can keep an adequate level of infrastructure investment to support private sector activity. Preparedness and targeted responses by the banking sector is significantly recommended. Ensuring adequate flows of development aid is needed. Despite the economic downturn in developed and emerging countries, it is important that donors honor their aid commitments.