GULU — Upcountry communities asked, and Pearl Santa responded—this time riding not on reindeer, but on the elephant, a powerful cultural symbol deeply rooted in Acholi identity.
To the Acholi, an elephant is a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, one that has been proudly adopted as their totem over time, with its legacy visibly etched into the city’s landscape, most notably through the giant elephant monument at the entrance to Gulu City.
With festive goodies in tow, Pearl Santa is heading to Gulu, blending Christmas cheer with a celebration of culture, unity, and heritage.
“Our people in Gulu, the wait is over! Pearl Santa is on his way with festive cheers and surprises for you,” Pearl Bank Uganda announced, signalling the northern leg of the bank’s nationwide Christmas activation.
The Gulu visit follows a vibrant December trail across Kampala, where Pearl Santa delighted staff and customers at multiple Pearl Bank branches and partner locations.
From Kingdom Kampala to Forest Mall, Kampala Road, Ntinda, and William Street, Pearl Santa turned routine banking halls into lively festive spaces filled with song, laughter, and surprise moments.
“Together, we celebrated the year’s journey. Pearl Santa joined our team, creating moments that reflect our shared values and spirit,” Pearl Bank said after a staff celebration that marked the bank’s wins and milestones throughout the year.
Speaking earlier on NRG Radio, Priscilla Akora, Head of Marketing and Communications at Pearl Bank, said the Pearl Santa campaign reflects the bank’s new identity and its commitment to connecting with communities beyond banking. She noted that the festive outreach is designed to spread joy while reinforcing strong relationships with customers across the country.
At branch visits, customers welcomed Pearl Santa with excitement, describing the experience as warm and personal. “Moments like these reinforce our promise of service rooted in heart and excellence,” the bank said after the Kampala Road activation.
Now, with the elephant headed north, all eyes are on Gulu, where Pearl Santa is expected to deliver Christmas goodies, smiles, and memorable interactions for customers and the wider community.
