KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) has launched an electronic platform for the purchase of Treasury bills and bonds, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and simplify investment processes.
The e-platform, dubbed the USE Easy Portal, allows investors to buy and sell government securities online, reducing the need for physical documentation and increasing accessibility.
Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Henry Musasizi commended the initiative, stating, “Bank financing is increasingly becoming sufficient support for investment and savings. Capital markets remain untapped by many investors. Technology has facilitated efficient, real-time access to markets.”
Musasizi emphasized the importance of aligning investor demands with product offerings. “We must automate our operations to harness the dividends of technology development.”
Josephine Okui Ossiya, CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, highlighted the platform’s potential for democratizing access to financial markets. “Financial services is one of the sectors that quickly adopted the use of technology. Digital platforms provide transparency, reduce transaction costs, and expand capital reach to underserved markets.”
Uganda Securities Exchange CEO Paul Bwiso noted, “Our portal simplifies transactions, allowing investors to buy and sell securities effortlessly. Prior to the easy portal, you had to walk to a broker to place your order, fill in a form and the like. Today, you can use your phone to open an account, amend your details, place an order, view your holdings, and get notifications.”
The Uganda Securities Exchange has 251,000 registered investors, with 46,000 actively holding shares in listed companies. Ugandan participation in Initial Public Offerings has shown steady growth since 2020.
The launch aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan, aiming to increase financial inclusion and mobilize domestic savings.
