By Our Reporter
Bank of Uganda which regulates commercial banks has said messages circulating on Whatsapp instructing depositors to withdraw their money from Crane Bank were not issued by the central bank.
“It has been brought to our attention that messages have been circulating on Whatsapp instructing depositors to withdraw their money from Crane Bank within the next week. We wish to categorically state that these messages were not issued by Bank of Uganda,” a statement from Bank of Uganda said Thursday afternoon.
Today, social media has been awash with rumors quoting an inside source at the central bank encouraging the commercial bank’s customer to go and withdraw their money before next week.
The message which circulated on social media reads: “Guys if u know anyone with money in Crane Bank tell them to remove it …. Within the next week.”
When contacted, a Crane Bank official said this cannot happen because they have big plans for the bank and its operations in the country.
Crane Bank, founded in the year 1995, now in its 21st year of operations has grown to become one of Uganda’s largest locally owned Ugandan commercial banks. In the mentioned period, it has supported traders, farmers and SMES to realize their potential.
The central bank also said they have received several inquiries about Crane Bank (U) Limited regarding their intended sale of shares. The central bank said, “The shareholders of commercial banks have the option of selling shares to new investors as they deem appropriate. However, any new investor in a commercial bank must satisfy the regulator that they are fit and proper. If a commercial bank wishes to dispose of equity worth 5 percent or more of its shares, the sale must be approved by the Bank of Uganda.”
