KAMPALA, Uganda — Equity Bank Uganda has named Henry Rugamba as its new board chairman, the company announced. Rugamba, a veteran communications strategist and corporate governance leader, succeeds Mark Ocitti Ongom.
Ocitti stepped down to become the chief executive and director of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, the parent company of Stanbic Bank Uganda. Stanbic is a primary competitor of Equity Bank. Both institutions are among the top six lenders in the country and are classified as domestic systemically important banks, meaning their financial stability is critical to the broader economy.
Rugamba assumes the role with more than three decades of experience in public relations, crisis management, stakeholder engagement and strategic advisory. He holds a degree in politics and international law from Makerere University and has built a reputation advising organizations on brand positioning and public affairs.
His background includes significant boardroom leadership in highly regulated sectors. Rugamba currently serves as chairman for BAT Uganda, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, and Hariss International Uganda, a major food and beverage manufacturer known for the Riham brand.
In his new position at Equity Bank, Rugamba will guide the board in setting strategic direction, enhancing governance standards and balancing growth targets with risk management. He will also oversee relations with regulators, shareholders and the public.
The transition highlights a shift in the local banking sector toward more active, non-executive leadership. Board chairs in Uganda are increasingly expected to drive institutional culture, succession planning and risk oversight rather than serving in a purely ceremonial capacity.
Rugamba is also involved in civic and charitable initiatives, serving on the board of the medical charity ANECCA, which provides HIV/AIDS care in the Karamoja region, and participating as a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala.
