UIBFS reports growth, graduates 423 banking professionals

The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) has reported a year of recovery and institutional growth, even as it moved to strengthen professional standards in Uganda’s financial sector.

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the year ended 2025, held in Kampala, the institute brought together members, regulators, industry leaders and partners to review performance and chart the way forward. The meeting was followed by the institute’s 13th graduation ceremony, where hundreds of banking professionals were recognised.

Board chairman Michael K. Mugabi said the institute had remained focused on its mandate despite operating in what he described as a “dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.”

He pointed to a number of milestones achieved during the year, including the institute’s rebranding under the new promise, “Learn, Transform, Lead,” as well as expanded training programmes that reached 4,062 professionals across the sector.

Mugabi also highlighted the launch of the Industry Competence Framework Project, which is expected to standardise skills and professional benchmarks within Uganda’s banking industry. Other initiatives included the development of a Green Finance curriculum, aimed at aligning the sector with emerging sustainability priorities.

The institute also deepened its research agenda, holding its inaugural research conference in partnership with Makerere University, and introduced the first-ever Bankers’ Awards, which attracted more than 300 industry leaders.

Financially, the institute posted a turnaround, recording a profit after tax of Shs 8.4 million, compared to a loss of Shs 195 million in 2024.

“This performance reflects resilience and a deliberate effort to reposition the institute,” Mugabi said.

UIBFS chief executive officer Goretti Masadde said 2025 marked a defining period, driven by innovation, partnerships and a renewed focus on professional development.

“We are grateful for the continued support from our members, regulators and development partners,” she said. “The progress we have made reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Uganda’s financial services sector.”

Following the AGM, the institute held its 13th graduation ceremony, where 423 graduands were awarded certificates and diplomas in various banking and financial services disciplines.

The qualifications covered a wide range of areas, including credit management, risk management, compliance, trade finance, microfinance, anti-money laundering and sustainable finance.

The awards were conferred by the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, represented by the director of commercial banking, Hannington Wasswa, who emphasised the importance of professionalism and continuous learning in maintaining stability within the financial system.

UIBFS has also continued to expand its academic partnerships. In collaboration with Makerere University and Mountains of the Moon University, the institute offers a Master of Arts in Financial Services and a Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Risk Management and Finance.

These programmes are aimed at bridging the gap between academic training and industry needs, particularly in specialised areas of financial services.

The outgoing council president, Fabian Kasi, who also serves as managing director of Centenary Bank, was commended for his contribution to the institute during his tenure.

Speakers at the event urged graduates to uphold ethical standards and apply their skills to support growth within the financial sector.

As Uganda’s financial industry continues to evolve, the institute said its focus will remain on building a competent workforce capable of responding to emerging challenges, including digital transformation, regulatory changes and sustainable financing.

For UIBFS, the twin events of the AGM and graduation ceremony underscored a broader shift—one centred on rebuilding institutional strength while preparing professionals to take on a more complex and demanding financial landscape.

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