FINCA Uganda Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings a breadth of expertise and dedication to providing access to responsible financial services
Olive Lumonya Birungi
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Olive Lumonya
Olive brings over 22 years of Brand Marketing, public relations, corporate communication and customer service experience working and training several corporate organizations in Uganda to FINCA Uganda. She has extensive experience with stakeholder engagement, and media management, She has had a powerful mark focusing on Brand management, positioning and personal branding. She has been involved in several landmark branding and re-branding projects in some of the leading corporate companies which include Nile Breweries Limited, a subsidiary of SAB Miller and the National Social Security Fund where she successfully launched a new brand after 27 years of existence with over 80% acceptance rate in the first 6 months. Her marketing experience includes planning and developing marketing strategies, brand plans, communication strategies, Corporate Social Responsibility policies and balanced scorecard. Currently, Olive is the Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, a leading child focused International NGO which focuses on providing comprehensive care and education for the children while strengthening the financial growth and sustainability of the families in the communities.
Olive is a holder of a Bachelor of Mass Communications from the Makerere University Kampala and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute ESAMI. She is a chartered Marketer, from the Chartered institute of Marketing and has studied several short certificate courses including the Market driving forces from the London Business School, and the Balanced Score Card champion I USA, Branding from South Africa, Social Security financing in Italy and several others that have strengthened and broadened her knowledge and understanding on several areas.
Alejandro Jakubowicz
DIRECTOR
Alejandro Jakubowicz
Mr. Alejandro Jakubowicz is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of banking experience. At FINCA, Mr. Jakubowicz served as the Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and for Africa. He has also been the CEO for FINCA subsidiaries in DRC, Uganda, and Nicaragua. Mr. Jakubowicz is currently a board member for FINCA Uganda, FINCA Nigeria and FINCA Guatemala. He also is a former board member for FINCA DRC and a former board chairman for FINCA Ecuador.
Before joining FINCA, Mr. Jakubowicz held leadership roles for Citibank in Latin America and is a former board member of Visa Argentina.
Richard S. Bbale Mugera
DIRECTOR
Richard S. Bbale Mugera
Richard brings on board over 21 years of experience in various sectors like fuels, telecommunications, and real estate and investment funds. Richard has notable achievements like growing the Non Fuel retail section of Shell Uganda to include non-Fuel dealers to a considerable business Unit. Later contributing over $ 5m a month in new initiatives. Richard spearheaded the set-up of the Marketing Communications Department and strategy and managed the company re-launch project at Celtel Uganda and has special interests in B2B Business Strategies. Richard interests include Start Up entrepreneurship for Small to Medium enterprises, Team modeling and Coaching, Leadership coaching and Time management, Conflict resolution, relationship building and Diplomacy.
Currently Richard is working for Ascent Capital an investment fund as Country Director
Collin Mugasha Babirukamu
DIRECTOR
Collin Mugasha
Collin has 20 years of experience in the I.T industry in East Africa. He worked for a regional systems integrator LANTECH Africa where he was involved in numerous projects including the initial ATM rollout for Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of Uganda network (LAN) and applications as well as the UN Head Office LAN.
in 2003, he went on to work for the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) a World Bank Project at the Ministry of Finance which automated payments Ministries, Local Governments and Agencies as well as the RTGS network to the Bank of Uganda.
Collin moved on to the National Social Security Fund in 2007 as the Deputy Chief Information Officer and later Chief Information Officer for a period of 5 years to March 2015 where the Fund underwent process automation and was transformed using digital channels for member and employer access.
He is currently working with the Oracle Corporation leading their cloud business and territory manager to-date.
He is a graduate of Computer Science (MUST), Business Administration (University of Leicester) & Masters in Leadership in ICT & Knowledge Society (Dublin City University and University of Mauritius) with various professional certifications in Business Continuity, Security and Strategy.
Keith Gary Sandbloom
DIRECTOR
Keith Gary Sandbloom
Keith is a banking professional with more than twenty years of experience in banking and business environments around the globe including Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean as well as the U.S.A. Keith is trained in functional areas such as credit and risk management, operations, accounting, treasury, corporate finance, capital markets, regulatory compliance and product development.
Keith is currently the Vice President with FINCA Impact Finance /FINCA International a shareholder of FINCA Uganda. Keith is responsible for creating, implementing the operating strategy and providing corporate governance leadership for multiple FINCA subsidiaries. Keith has worked within the FINCA network since 2007 in different leadership positions across the globe. He served as the CEO for FINCA Zambia for four and a half years where he managed the transformation of the entity from a non-governmental organization to a regulated commercial microfinance. Keith also served as the CEO Kosovo and has in the recent past been charged with overseeing and supporting the digitalization of FINCA’s business model across five countries. Before joining FINCA Keith worked for SunTrust Banks, Washington DC and Citi Bank International in New York where he undertook multiple international assignments.
Keith brings to FINCA’s Board his extensive experience and skills in Retail banking, Credit risk Management, Human Resource Management, and Business digital transformation among other competences.
Safiye Ozyugun Sahin
DIRECTOR
SAFIYE OZUYGUN SAHIN
Safiye is a seasoned international banker with vast experience across many banking functions, geographies, and client segments. Over the last 20 years at Citibank, she worked in different capacities as; Regional Head for Citi’s Internal Audit and Risk Management Group, responsible for Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) covering 52 countries, as Senior Investment Banker both in Turkey and in London covering several FTSE 100 multinational corporates and underwriting complex financing transactions. She also played a senior advisory role for Asia Pacific region as Global Liaison for corporate credit.
Safiye also worked under Citi Microfinance (now known as Citi Inclusive Business) as a Global Business Director which is a ‘for profit’ business segment of Citigroup.
Currently, Safiye works independently as a Consultant in Banking, Financial inclusion and in Microfinance industry. Safiye also serves as an independent director on multiple boards globally including Oxfam KEDV, FINCA Jordan and FINCA Kosovo.
Safiye is passionate and committed to women’s economic empowerment, has since worked to address the issues of access to finance for micro entrepreneurs focusing on building scalable solutions and bringing the capabilities to microfinance institutions, banks and corporate clients that work with unbanked and underserved low-income communities.
She is very passionate about having more female representation on Boards, in senior management and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
In 2014, Safiye was awarded ‘Champion for Women Award’ by Women in Banking and Finance UK Network (WIBF).
Safiye holds a MSc in International Banking and Finance 1992-1993 University of Nottingham UK and a B.A in Economics from Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey.
FINCA Uganda Management Team
Our management team brings vast experience, professional skills and expertise from various industry backgrounds
James Onyutta
MANAGING DIRECTOR
James Onyutta
James Onyutta is the Managing Director of FINCA Uganda Limited (MDI). As Managing Director, James leads an Executive Leadership Team focused on FINCA’s vision to build a network of sustainable and scalable social enterprises that improve lives. Under his leadership, FINCA Uganda is empowering its customers through access to sustainable financial solutions.
Prior to joining FINCA Uganda, James was the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Musoni Kenya Limited, the world’s first institution to provide a cashless/branchless banking concept. He was in charge of supervising the institution’s transformation to a paperless, cashless, and data-driven microfinance banking model, establishing it as a pioneer in financial services innovation in the Kenyan market.
Prior to joining Musoni, he spent 13 years with FINCA Africa subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi, most notably as Chief Finance Officer in Uganda and Tanzania. He was a key member of the finance team that revised FINCA International’s Global Subsidiaries Policy, led the project design and implementation team of FINCA Uganda’s Orbit Core Banking system prior to an Africa Region roll out, assisted in the transformation of FINCA Tanzania to a Microfinance Bank, and oversaw the post implementation, training, and support of SIEM core banking in FINCA Malawi.
James is a graduate of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and a Certified Expert in Risk Management. He possesses a First Class Honors degree in Bachelors of Business and Management from Uganda Martyrs University in Nkozi, Uganda, and is an ACCA-UK Certified Chartered Accountant. James is a sports enthusiast who actively promotes the growth of volleyball in Uganda.
Robert Kakande
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robert Kakande
Robert is the Executive Director of FINCA Uganda. He has over 20 years of practical experience in Accounting, Finance, Banking, and Leadership, 15 of which have been at the C-Suite level. Prior to joining FINCA Uganda, Robert served as Chief Executive Officer of Quality Chemicals Ltd, where he was responsible for key positive changes in strategic direction and grew the company to the point of attracting a USD 30 million equity investment after previously serving as Chief Finance Officer with the same organization. Prior to that, he was the Head of Finance and Administration at Uganda Finance Trust Ltd (MDI), (now Finance Trust Bank), where he was instrumental in bringing the firm around and charting a new strategic path to its present status as a commercial bank. Robert began his career as a banking officer at Centenary Bank, then went on to become a lecturer at Makerere University Business School and an accountant.
Throughout his career, Robert has received Advanced Executive Leadership training at Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania), as well as a variety of additional trainings in Accounting, Finance, Banking, and leadership. He has also participated in the CEO Apprenticeship Programme, which was co-hosted by the CEO Summit and Strathmore Business School. He graduated from Makerere University with a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce. In addition to being a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)-UK, Robert has a Higher Diploma in Marketing from MUBS.
Claire Akampulira Ochienghs
HEAD OF LEGAL AND COMPANY SECRETARY
Claire Akampulira Ochienghs
Claire started as the Head Legal and Company Secretary at FINCA Uganda Limited (MDI) in October 2019. Claire is a proactive and seasoned Legal practitioner with 10 years of relevant experience, focusing on Banking. Claire served for six years as the Head of Legal and Company Secretary of Cairo International Bank Ltd (CIB), where she was responsible for handling the Corporate Governance portfolio. Her most significant professional achievement at CIB was the formation of the Legal and Compliance divisions. Claire has hands-on expertise as a corporate legal practitioner in the interpretation of laws and regulations, as well as assisting their implementation. She also has practical understanding on the application of Corporate Governance Principles and the provision of general in-house counsel.
Claire worked as an Advocate with Tinyinondi.G. Legal Consultants & Advocates for numerous years before joining Cairo International Bank Ltd.
Claire has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Makerere University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Center, as well as several professional trainings in Governance, Leadership, Compliance, and Risk Management. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society, and an ICSA student member (UK).
Primrose Kobusingye
HEAD OF MARKETING
Primrose Kobusingye
Kobusingye Primrose joined FINCA Uganda as the Head of Marketing overlooking marketing, communications, research and customer service
She has experience in Corporate Marketing Communications and a biased history of working in the banking industry.
Prior to joining FINCA, she served as the Head of Marketing, Communication, Brand and product development at Ecobank Uganda.
Primrose Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass communication from Makerere University and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in Public Relations, advertising and applied communication. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
David Muheirwe
HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
David Muheirwe
David is an I.T & Project Management Professional with over 15 years’ experience in implementing and managing technology projects & solutions in the financial services and public sector. Prior to joining FINCA Uganda he worked for Mantra Technologies as a Project Manager for key Public sector Projects at NITA-U, UNRA, Parliament of Uganda.
He previously served as Head of IT at FINCA DRC, and UGAFODE Microfinance Ltd.
David also previously served with FINCA Impact as a Regional Project Manager handling IT & digital financial services projects in DRC, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda & Zambia.
David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, an MBA majoring in Project Management from Makerere University, a PMP Credential and ITIL Certificate in IT Service Management.
David also a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), and volunteers as a Board director of the PMI Uganda Local Chapter.
Nantamu Ritah Oyoga
HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT
Ritah Nantamu Oyoga
Ritah joined FINCA Uganda Limited in June 2018 as a Senior Internal Auditor and appointed as Head of Internal Audit in July 2020. She has a wealth of practical experience in Internal Auditing, Internal Audit Quality Assessment (Auditor of Auditors), Credit Management, Micro-finance, Banking, Operations for over 10 years.
Before joining FINCA Uganda Ltd, Ritah worked with Centenary Bank as a Supervisor Internal Audit,
Ritah is a graduate of BSc. Quantitative Economics from Makerere University, MBA from Amity University of India, a Certified Public Accountant of Uganda (CPA-U), a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda and the Global Institute of Internal Auditors,(IIA).
She values Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.
Edward Ssenoga
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Edward Ssenoga
Edward Senoga joins FINCA Uganda as the Chief Commercial Officer – effective January 2022.
With over 13 years of banking experience, Edward’s proficiency ranges from Sales, Credit, Digital Commercialization, with a keen focus on Customer Experience and Customer Service.
Before joining FINCA, Edward worked at Entrepreneur Financial Centre (EFC) as the Head of Sales, Service and Distribution establishing remarkable growth in the portfolio and profitability.
Prior to this, Edward had worked with two renowned Commercial banks as Personal Financial Consultant, Sales Manager (Direct Sales) and Regional Sales and Service Manager. He was also recognized by staff and management of these two commercial banks as the Best Sales Manager Best Regional Sales and Service Manager due to his great performance culture, dedication and outstanding leadership skills.
Edward is Certified Professional Banker with Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial services and also holds a degree of Bachelor’s Science in Quantitative Economics from Makerere University, a Certificate in Digital Money from Digital Frontiers Institute South Africa and a Certificate of Proficiency in insurance.
Mary Lilian Nabunya Manyonga
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Mary Lilian Nabunya Manyonga
Mary is a multi-sectoral Human Resources (HR) and an Organizational Development (OD) expert, a Certified Trainer and Coach, grounded in business development; and has over ten years’ experience of successfully designing, leading and implementing Human Resources Business.
Mary joined FINCA Uganda as the Head of Human Resources and has over 16 years experience in Banking, Training and Human Resources Management. Prior to joining FINCA she was Head of Human Resources at Guaranty Trust Bank – Uganda. She also worked with Stanbic Bank in various Human Resources roles of an HR Business Partner, Learning and Development Business Partner and Training Facilitator.
Mary holds a Masters in Management Science, Human Resources, Uganda Management Institute, Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources, Uganda Management Institute, Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications, Makerere University, Uganda,Master in Business Administration, Africa University, Zimbabwe,Post Graduate Diploma, Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom , and Bachelor of Commerce, (Marketing) Makerere University, Uganda.
Robinah Siima
HEAD OF FINANCE
Robinah Siima
Robinah Siima, an experienced and highly accomplished accountant, joined FINCA Uganda as the organization’s first female Head of Finance. She possesses a wealth of knowledge in internal controls, compliance, financial analysis, enforcement of legal and regulatory frameworks for financial institutions, and strategic advisory. Her expertise encompasses external audits with Ernst & Young, accounting, banking, and finance. Robinah holds an MBA from the Amity University of India and is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), the Corporate Finance Institute (FMVA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She also holds a First class honors degree in Bachelor of Commerce (B.COM) from Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
With her strong analytical skills, extensive network, and wealth of experience in the industry, Robinah is well-equipped to lead FINCA Uganda’s finance department and drive the organization’s financial success. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the financial industry and her commitment to compliance and internal controls make her an invaluable asset to the organization. Additionally, her strategic thinking and ability to provide advisory services will significantly benefit the organization’s long-term financial planning. Robinah is poised to make a significant impact in her role at FINCA Uganda and is poised to lead the organization to greater financial success.
Michael Tony Mbusa
HEAD OF INNOVATIONS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Michael Tony Mbusa
Michael Tony Mbusa is a transformational leader with over 15 years of experience working with Banking and Financial Technology companies (Fintech). He is widely experienced in Business Development, innovation strategy, strategic governance, digital financial services, product development, Project management, marketing channels development, organizational cultural transformation, Business process-reengineering, and Risk and Operational Control Management.
Prior to joining FINCA Uganda, he served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Head of Channels Management at Africa’s first interoperable Agent Banking platform – Agent Banking Company of Uganda Limited (ABC).
Prior to joining ABC, Michael worked at DFCU Bank, as the inaugural Senior Manager-Agency Banking. He has also previously served as Branch Manager for DFCU’s flagship branches, among other several roles. Michael is an Award-winning leader, among his several Awards are the recipient of the prestigious Employee of the Year Award at DFCU Bank-2017 and several certificates of recognition from the DFCU Board of Directors for excellent performance.
Michael holds a First Class MBA from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute -ESAMI. He has also studied project Management and Finance at the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. He has undertaken executive Education programs at Strathmore Business School. He is also an alumnus of programs at the Digital Frontiers Institute-South Africa among others. As an undergraduate, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education (Economics Major) from Makerere University.
Michael is passionate about organizational innovation, financial inclusion, and digital transformation for all.
Mary Mpirirwe
HEAD OF RISK
Mary Mpirirwe
Mary is a result driven and detail-oriented risk management professional with over 14 years of extensive banking experience. She has handled various facets of risk management including- Enterprise risk management, Liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk and Basel II among others. Prior to her current appointment, she was managing Credit and Market Risk at Housing Finance Bank Limited where she diligently served in various capacities at the bank for the last 13 years with 8 years in Risk Management.
She is a Certified Expert in Risk Management awarded by Frankfurt school of Finance & Management, Certified AML specialist, holds an International Certificate in Banking Risk and Regulation by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and holds an ACI dealing certificate facilitated by ACI-Financial Markets Association. She holds a Master’s degree of Management Studies with a bias in Financial Management from Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from Makerere University. Furthermore, Mary is an alumnus of Strathmore University Business School having completed the Women In Leadership Program. Through her passion for risk management, she is committed to helping organisations achieve their strategic objectives.
FINCA IMPACT FINANCE Global Leadership
The FMH leadership team manages a global organization of more than 12,000 employees