The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with The Kenya Institute of Bankers and The Tanzania Institute of Bankers, hosted the 21st East African Banking School (EABS) Conference from July 9th to July 12th, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
This premier event brought together banking and financial services professionals from across East Africa and beyond to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.
Under the theme “The Role of Financial Services in Building Sustainable Regional Economies,” the conference provided a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development, focusing on emerging topics such as Ethics and Integrity in the banking sector, ESG, Opportunities for Oil and Gas in the finance and so much more.
The conference was graced by the presence of the Executive Director Supervion, Bank of Uganda, Dr, Tumubweine Twinemanzi, representing the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi- Ego who was the guest of honor at the conference.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, CEO of UIBFS, welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of the EABS Conference. She emphasized the importance of cross-border collaborations in the banking sector, citing recent partnerships such as the MOU signed with Women in Finance Rwanda to offer Credit and Microfinance training.
Mrs. Masadde encouraged participants to actively engage in the conference sessions, network, and build strategic connections. She also expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors and partners for their invaluable support.
Mr. Mugabi Michael, Board Chair of UIBFS, delivered a keynote address, underscoring Uganda’s honor in hosting the 21st EABS Conference. He discussed the role of the conference in fostering dialogue, innovation, and strategic partnerships within the banking sector.
“For Uganda, hosting this 21st conference is a momentous occasion. It reflects our nation’s strides in becoming a central hub for financial thought leadership and innovation.
This opportunity allows us to showcase our advancements and the dynamic growth of our financial sector. It is a proud moment for us to host such a distinguished assembly and to facilitate discussions that will shape the future of banking in our region” he said.
The council president, Mr. Fabian Kasi also shared his remarks during the conference.
He stated that this is the 7th time that Uganda is hosting the East African Banking School Conference, and this is a milestone in itself that stands as a testament to our commitment to advance the banking and finance industry in the East African region. He encouraged the participants to take advantage of this opportunity to network and foster strategic engagements during this conference.
The conference was divided into two main events i.e., the main conference event happening at Sheraton on the 9th and 10th July and the excursion to Buliisa which involves an Energy Sector Tour to Kingfisher Oil Fields on the 11th July and an Environmental Impact Assessment Tour to Murchison Falls on the 12th of July.
The conference commenced with a series of insightful sessions and presentations:
Ethics, Integrity, and Professionalism in the Financial Sector by Dr. Twinemanzi Tumubweine, ED Bank Supervision, Bank of Uganda.
Building an Ethical Culture: Employee Training and Development by Ms. Solomy N Luyombo, General Manager, Human Resource, Centenary Bank.
Ethics, Integrity, and Professionalism in the Technological Era by Mustafa Mugisa, CEO, Summit Consulting Ltd.
Dealing with Frauds and Forgeries by Francis Yiga, Head of Audit, Diamond Trust Bank.
A panel discussion on the Code of Conduct featured esteemed speakers including Wilbrod Humphreys Owor, Executive Director, Uganda Bankers’ Association, Peter Gitau, Head of Membership & Partnership, Kenya Institute of Banking (KIB), Patrick Mususa, Executive Director, The Tanzania Institute of Bankers (TIOB), and Mrs. Goretti Masadde, CEO, UIBFS.
The day concluded with the launch of the Code of Conduct Curriculum, a paper presentation on Regulating Banking Practice and its Impact on Ethics and Integrity by Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, who joined us all the way from Nigeria, and various other presentations on sustainable financing and climate risk financing.
Day Two Highlights – July 10, 2024
The second day featured presentations on:
Geopolitical Influences on the Financial Services Sector by Moses Ogwapus, Commissioner Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Debunking the Carbon Market by Peter Muthaura, CEO, Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI).
Financial Inclusion: The Role of Pension Funds in Developing Sustainable Economies by Mr. Peter Kimbowa
ESG Framework and Implementation: A Practical Perspective by Ms. Eva Sewagudde Jjagwe.
Status of the Oil and Gas Sector in the East African Region by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
The day culminated with a panel discussion on the future of the banking sector in relation to the oil and gas industry, followed by a cocktail night and award ceremony.
Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners UIBFS extended its heartfelt thanks to its partners: The Kenya Institute of Bankers and The Tanzania Institute of Bankers, and to its sponsors: Bank of Uganda, ABSA Bank, NCBA Bank, Centenary Bank, DFCU Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, Finance Trust Bank, Housing Finance Bank Ltd., UGAFODE Microfinance, Wazalendo, NMB Bank Tanzania, and Pride Micro Finance. Their commitment to the development of the banking and financial services sector is truly commendable.
