‘Simbuka na Bank Populaire’ show goes to Ngoma

Not even last Saturday afternoon’s scotching sun would stop residents of Kibungo town, Ngoma District from showing up in big numbers as the ‘Simbuka na Banque Populaire’ (BPR) road show hit the Eastern Province town.The show was part of the ongoing ‘Banque Populaire du Rwanda’ countrywide campaign aimed at sensitising its clients to embrace e-banking. Adults and children alike turned up in large numbers, perhaps after being attracted to the blaring loud music especially as Riderman and upcoming sensational singer Soso took to the stage.During the performances, 14-year homeboy, Fred Tumushime, confidently shared the stage with his renowned counterparts to thrill the crowd with his single “Turwanye Ibiyobyabwenge”, a song about the fight against drug abuse. Riderman, whose song “Bombori Bombori” is the trademark of the campaign, banked on his countrywide popularity to draw the biggest of applause from the hundreds that had turned up. Born Emely Gatsinzi, Riderman’s Hip-hop influenced songs have drawn him multitudes of fans across the country, and it was clearly visible in Ngoma. He performed several tracks to his name, including his latest hit “Igihano”, “Bombori Bombori”, “Ndota”, “Igicaniro” and “‘Umwana w’ Umuhanda”.Despite being moderately popular, promising musician, Soso, convinced the crowd that she has what it takes to have an impact on the Rwandan music scene. The R‘n’B crooner is known more for live performances both at Kigali Serena Hotel and Lemigo.According to John Agaba, from the Marketing Department of BPR, ‘Simbuka na Bank Populaire’ campaign is aimed at taking Banque Populaire du Rwanda from one ‘level to another’. ‘Simbuka’ literally means jumping from one level to another, and the bank’s clients are being encouraged to embrace e-banking.“We have foot soldiers moving around registering people and through these shows, we reduce the cost and time by sensitising and educating people on the advantages of using e-banking, at the same time having fun. Our first launch was in Nyagatare,” Agaba commented. “We have also been in Kigali where the show took place in Kimironko and Nyamirambo. From here, we will go to the Northern Province and thereafter return to Kigali.”He noted that the campaign will last for four months, having started in November last year; it was cut short in January but has now resumed. Agaba revealed that the campaign has registered a good turn up since its inauguration, noting that it has had an impact, with many people registering for online banking.He mentioned that BPR intends to work with network providers to ensure that citizens from every corner of the country access their accounts electronically. Agaba said that 50 percent of BPR’s clients countrywide have mobile phones with another 20 percent expected to join mobile networks.Speaking to The New Times , the BPR Chief Accountant in Kibungo, Theoneste Niyomukiza, said that embracing e-banking will not only boost doing business but also save citizens a lot of time.“People spend a lot of valuable time in queues trying to access their money, sometimes missing out on important business appointments. It will also save the bank time by diverting the time we spend on serving clients on the teller into other services of the bank,” Niyomukiza stated.Rashid Senaniye, 27, a resident of Kibungo town, said he was impressed by electronic banking.“It saves time, no queues, no hassle and it also helps conserve the environment since it ensures people don’t use too many papers in the process – which later litters the environment. I would like to encourage all people to acquire ATM cards to save time and resources,” Senaniye urged.“Electronic banking is helpful. The transactions are conducted rapidly and to me, that is something everyone should embrace. However, it also has some disadvantages. For example, when the system breaks down and you want to access your money,” observed John Habyara, a student of INATEK observed.According to Charles Ngabo, a marketing agent in the ‘Simbuka na Bank Populaire’ campaign, clients are also informed about the disadvantages of electronic banking, including unexpected system breakdowns, and other risks such as being a disincentive to saving.“It becomes difficult to convince an illiterate person that they can use e-banking. Some believe you have to be educated first to use ATM but we do manage to convince them to adopt electronic banking because it saves them from lining up in banks,” Ngabo said.

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‘Simbuka na Bank Populaire’ show goes to Ngoma