Absa Uganda has appointed Keith Kalyegira as the new chairman of the bank’s board, effective 1 March 2025.
Kalyegira previously served as the CEO of Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority and is currently a consultant on strategy and investments.
He is also a highly respected and seasoned advisor on strategy, investments, and capital markets, with a wealth of experience cutting across both the public and private sectors.
He has contributed to key capital markets and financial sector reforms in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
According to Absa, Kalyegira’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable to the bank’s growth and transformation.
The bank’s interim Managing Director, David Wandera, welcomed the appointment.
“Keith’s impressive track record and passion align perfectly with our goals at Absa Bank Uganda. We are confident that his
leadership will further accelerate Absa’s growth momentum and enhance stakeholder value,” Wandera said.
Kalyegira succeeds Nadine Byarugaba, who contributed greatly to shaping the direction of the bank, following the rebrand to Absa and steered the bank during the unprecedented times particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic that affected most sectors of Uganda’s economy.
Kalyegira welcomed the appointment.
“I am honoured to be appointed as the chairman of Absa Bank Uganda. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and management to drive the bank’s vision. Together, we will deliver exceptional value to our clients and the community,” he said.
Biography
Keith Kalyegira has over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University and an MBA from University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business.
He is a member of the Chartered Governance Institute, United Kingdom.
From 2013 to 2023 he was the CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, when Uganda became an Appendix A member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
From 2008 to 2013, he conducted institutional reforms in the electricity, financial and water sectors of Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania as a consultant, advisor and executive.
He improved the performance of public enterprises in Uganda from 2003 to 2008 as Head of the Parastatal Monitoring Unit under the Public Enterprises Reform and Divestiture project (the Privatization Unit).
From 1993 to 2003 he was an executive in Shell Uganda and in Shell South Africa’s aviation fuel division.
Kalyegira has demonstrated expertise in steering institutional reforms across East Africa.
