UIBFS graduates tasked to lead finance sector with ethics, innovation

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Graduates of the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) have been urged to be ethical, creative, and innovative in order to transform the country’s financial sector.

The call was made by the chairman of the board of directors at UIBFS and chief executive officer of Housing Finance Bank, Michael Mugabi. He said the graduates should use the knowledge and skills gained as a foundation to innovate, be creative, and avoid corrupt practices, in order to drive financial inclusion and foster economic transformation.

"Have the spirit of transformation, be bold in pursuit of excellence, be ethical in decision making, be curious to learn, to innovate and transform the space you occupy," Mugabi told graduates and guests.

He added that it was a call to action to remain professional and stay relevant.

(L-R): The chairman board of directors UIBFS and chief executive officer Housing Finance Bank Michael Mugabi, the director of Finance Bank of Uganda Richard Byarugaba and the chief executive officer of Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) Goretti Masadde holding a portrait of new company's logo during its unveiling in Kampala. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Mugabi made his remarks during the twelfth graduation ceremony held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on July 25, 2025.

He advised graduates to remain optimistic in their pursuit of success in the financial sector, noting that there are numerous opportunities to build networks.

He emphasised that for the country to realise the full benefits of financial inclusion, there is a need for continuous knowledge enhancement and capacity building, especially given the rapidly changing environment in which the banking and financial industry operates. "This requires agility to cause impact in the country's economy," he stated.

The council president of UIBFS and chief executive officer of Centenary Bank, Dr Fabian Kasi, echoed the same call, urging graduates to embrace innovation and uphold ethics to advance the financial and banking sector.

"Keep the desire to learn, being ethical and innovative. Let your works speak for yourself and carry the institute with pride," Dr Kasi said.

He assured the audience that the council remains committed to upholding high standards of professionalism to drive the banking and financial services industry.

The Patron of UIBFS and Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, also encouraged graduates to embody a spirit of transformation in order to support financial inclusion.

"The industry you are entering in is always evolving, shaped by technology, data sustainability concerns and new consumer expectations, your task is to lead that evolution with integrity, creativity and courage," Atingi-Ego said. He was represented by the director of finance at the Bank of Uganda, Richard Byarugaba.

The Governor commended the institute for being at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion and equipping Ugandans with financial knowledge.

UIBFS unveils new logo

Meanwhile, during the graduation ceremony, the institute unveiled its new visual identity, featuring a crane flying over its acronym in lower-case letters, accompanied by the motto “learn, transform and lead”.

According to the chief executive officer of UIBFS, Gorretti Masadde, the new look aligns with the institute’s mission of embracing research to address challenges in the financial sector.

"This new look is more than just a new logo or look—it’s a statement of intent. We are stepping into a future where UIBFS is not only the custodian of industry knowledge but also a driver of innovation, sustainability, research and consultancy,” Masadde told guests.

She added that the organisation will now focus on research aimed at tackling challenges facing the financial industry.

“We are launching a research agenda on matters affecting the banking industry, and not to do as academics. We are committed to promote, protect and advance knowledge and education in the principles and practices of banking and financial services,” she said.