KAMPALA, Uganda — Absa Bank Uganda’s Board of Directors has appointed Keith Kalyegira as its new chairman, effective March 1, bringing on board a seasoned expert with a wealth of experience in strategy, investments and capital markets.
Kalyegira’s appointment is expected to boost the bank’s growth momentum, leveraging his expertise in steering institutional reforms across East Africa.
“Keith’s impressive track record and passion align perfectly with our goals at Absa Bank Uganda,” said Interim Managing Director David Wandera. “We are confident that his leadership will further accelerate Absa’s growth momentum and enhance stakeholder value.”
Kalyegira has over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles, including serving as CEO of Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority from 2013 to 2023. During his tenure, Uganda became an Appendix A member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Prior to joining the Capital Markets Authority, Kalyegira worked as a consultant, advisor and executive, conducting institutional reforms in the electricity, financial and water sectors of Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Kalyegira also served as Head of the Parastatal Monitoring Unit under the Public Enterprises Reform & Divestiture project (the Privatization Unit) from 2003 to 2008, improving the performance of public enterprises in Uganda.
From 1993 to 2003, Kalyegira worked as an executive in Shell Uganda and in Shell South Africa’s aviation fuel division.
Kalyegira holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. He is also a member of the Chartered Governance Institute, United Kingdom.
“I am honored to be appointed as the chairman of Absa Bank Uganda,” Kalyegira said. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and management to drive the bank’s vision and deliver exceptional value to our clients and the community.”
Kalyegira succeeds Nadine Byarugaba, who played a key role in shaping the bank’s direction following its rebranding to Absa. Byarugaba steered the bank through unprecedented times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected most sectors of Uganda’s economy.
