The two-year tenure of Julius Kakeeto as chairman of the Uganda Bankers’ Association has been defined by sweeping reforms, strategic foresight, and efforts to position the banking sector at the centre of Uganda’s economic transformation.
Serving from May 2024 to May 2026, Kakeeto guided the industry through a period marked by regulatory shifts and global financial uncertainty, leaving behind what sector players describe as a more coordinated, resilient, and forward-looking banking ecosystem.
Reflecting on his tenure, Kakeeto said the association focused on repositioning the sector beyond its traditional financial intermediation role.
“Over the past two years, our focus has been to reposition the banking sector not just as a financial intermediary, but as a strategic partner in Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation,” he said.
At the centre of his leadership was a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration between banks and regulators. Under his guidance, the association deepened engagements with the Bank of Uganda, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and the Financial Intelligence Authority to streamline licensing processes and strengthen compliance frameworks.
“We prioritised regulatory synergy because a stable and predictable environment is critical for growth, innovation, and public trust in the financial system,” Kakeeto noted.
He also elevated the banking industry’s role in national economic planning through engagements with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development aimed at aligning banking priorities with Uganda’s macroeconomic agenda.
“The banking sector must sit at the table where national economic decisions are made. That is how we ensure our contribution to GDP growth is both meaningful and measurable,” he said.
One of the major highlights of his tenure was the introduction of high-level CEO workstreams focusing on the economy, sustainability, regulatory reforms, dispute resolution, and emerging technologies.
“These workstreams have created a platform for industry leaders to think collectively, act decisively, and anticipate the future of banking in a rapidly changing global environment,” Kakeeto said.
Beyond governance reforms, he championed long-term economic growth initiatives, including efforts to mobilise capital for small and medium enterprises under Uganda’s broader economic expansion strategy.
“If Uganda is to achieve its vision of a tenfold economic expansion, then access to finance for SMEs and the private sector must be significantly scaled up,” he added.
Sustainability and inclusion also featured prominently during his tenure, with the rollout of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework emerging as a key milestone.
“Sustainability is no longer optional. Integrating ESG principles into banking ensures that growth is responsible, inclusive, and future-proof,” Kakeeto said.
On gender inclusion, he pointed to progress made under the Women Economic Empowerment Initiative.
“Empowering women economically is not just a social imperative—it is smart economics. The growth we are seeing in female participation within the sector is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Kakeeto also highlighted collective industry efforts to combat cybercrime following the launch of the Anti-Fraud Consortium.
“Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, and no single institution can tackle it alone. The Anti-Fraud Consortium represents our commitment to a unified, intelligence-led approach to safeguarding the financial ecosystem,” he said.
As he exits office, Kakeeto leaves behind a sector that is more aligned, digitally secure, and strategically positioned, with a roadmap anchored in the industry’s 2025–2027 strategy.
“I am confident that the foundation we have laid will enable the industry to continue driving Uganda’s economic ambitions while remaining resilient in the face of emerging challenges,” he said.
The association’s achievements during his tenure have also attracted recognition from institutions such as aBi Finance and the Uganda Revenue Authority, reflecting the banking sector’s growing contribution to national development.
