KAMPALA – The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) successfully hosted the second Annual Microfinance and SACCOs Governance Forum at Mt. Zion Hotel in Kampala. The event, which took place on December 5th, 2024, brought together stakeholders from the microfinance and SACCOs sectors to discuss the theme “Digital Transformation & Sustainability in Microfinance”.
The forum aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of how Microfinance institutions can adopt sustainable financial practices in their daily operations. The event featured a lineup of prominent speakers, including Mrs. Masadde Goretti, CEO of UIBFS, who emphasized the importance of Microfinance and SACCOs in fostering financial inclusion and community development.
“Microfinance and SACCOs play a critical role in fostering financial inclusion and uplifting communities. However, the demands of modern governance and sustainability require us to continually rethink and improve our approaches,” Mrs. Goretti stated. “Today’s discussions on digital transformation, ESG principles, and operational efficiency will provide valuable insights to help us align our strategies with global standards while addressing local realities.”
Other notable speakers at the event included Mr. James Onyuta, Managing Director of FINCA Uganda, who delivered an insightful session on “The role of Microfinance in achieving sustainable development goals.” He explained the ways in which Microfinance institutions can adopt practices that foster the SDGs in their day-to-day operations.
The keynote speaker, Ms. Jackie Kitiibwa, Digital Economy Lead of FSD Uganda, shared her remarks on the topic: “Leveraging digital tools for operational efficiency and environmental impact.” Her presentation highlighted the importance of digital transformation in the microfinance sector and provided practical examples of how institutions can leverage digital tools to improve their operations and reduce their environmental impact.
Other speakers at the event included Ms. Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager Corporate Communication and Marketing at Centenary Bank, who spoke on the topic: “Definition and Pillars of Sustainability: Environment, Social and Governance.” Mr. John Peter Mujuni, Executive Director of the Microfinance Support Centre, also presented on the topic: “Emerging Trends and Regulatory pressure on Sustainability.”
The event was sponsored by Centenary Bank and Zimba Technologies, and attendance fees were UGX 300,000 for physical attendance and UGX 200,000 for online attendance.
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) is a leading provider of training and certification programs for the banking and financial services industry in Uganda. The Institute offers a range of programs, including professional courses, specialized programs, short skills programs, and academic courses.
The UIBFS is affiliated with several institutions and bodies involved in the provision, promotion, and regulation of banking and finance education. These include the Alliance of African Institutes of Bankers (AAIOB), Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBESTB), and collaborations with several training institutions, including Makerere University, the London Institute of Banking & Finance, and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, among others.
