Former Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Chief Executive Officer, Keith Kalyegira, has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Absa Bank Uganda, effective 1 March 2025.
Kalyegira brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning both the public and private sectors, with deep expertise in strategy, investments, and capital markets across East Africa. His appointment marks a significant leadership shift at one of Uganda’s top-tier financial institutions.
Before this role, Kalyegira led Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority from 2013 to 2023, overseeing reforms that saw Uganda gain Appendix A membership in the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). He has also been instrumental in shaping financial and institutional reforms in Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
Welcoming his appointment, Absa Uganda’s Interim Managing Director David Wandera described Kalyegira as a seasoned leader with a “remarkable track record and passion that aligns perfectly with Absa’s strategic direction.”
“We are confident that his leadership will further accelerate Absa’s growth momentum and enhance stakeholder value,” Wandera said.
Kalyegira replaces Nadine Byarugaba, who is credited with leading the bank through a transformative rebrand and providing steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I&M Bank joins thousands in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the 2025 Kabaka Birthday RunReflecting on his new role, Kalyegira expressed optimism about the journey ahead:
“I am honoured to be appointed Chairman of Absa Bank Uganda. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and management to drive the bank’s vision and deliver exceptional value to our clients and communities.”
Kalyegira holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. He is also a member of the Chartered Governance Institute (UK). His career includes previous stints at Shell Uganda and Shell South Africa, leadership of the Parastatal Monitoring Unit during Uganda’s privatization era, and advisory roles in energy, water, and finance sector reforms across the region.
With a footprint of 39 branches and 79 ATMs across the country, Absa Bank Uganda—part of Absa Group Limited—is a major player in Uganda’s financial services sector. The bank says Kalyegira’s appointment underscores its commitment to strong governance and growth-oriented leadership.