The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services UIBFS, in partnership with the Uganda Bankers Association, has hosted the inaugural Talent Convention 2026, bringing industry leaders together to strengthen talent development across Uganda’s banking and financial services sector.
The high level engagement convened regulators, human resource professionals, and emerging talent to explore strategies for building a resilient, future ready workforce capable of supporting Uganda’s ambitious economic transformation agenda, including the government’s 10 fold growth strategy.
Held at Mestil Hotel, the convention provided a platform for critical dialogue on the evolving role of human capital in an industry increasingly shaped by digital transformation, shifting workforce dynamics, and global competitiveness.
UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde underscored the central role of talent in driving the sector forward.
“As the sector continues to evolve, driven by digital transformation, changing customer expectations, and global shifts, we are reminded that our greatest asset is not technology, nor capital, but people, that is talent,” she said.
Masadde emphasised the urgency of aligning talent development with Uganda’s long term economic ambitions, particularly the 15 year plan to grow the economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
“Human capital lies at the heart of this ambitious 10 fold strategy, and this conversation is critical for the growth of the banking and financial services industry,” she added.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi Ego, Executive Director for Banking Supervision David Kalyango highlighted the importance of building human capability to sustain economic transformation.
“Every economy that has achieved a decisive and durable transformation has done so through the deliberate, systematic cultivation of human capability,” he said.
Kalyango noted that achieving Uganda’s growth ambitions will require a corresponding increase in the scale and complexity of financial intermediation, making talent development a central challenge for the sector.
“This implies the need for deep, sector specific expertise and a workforce equipped with the right skills ahead of time,” he added.
The convention featured panel discussions addressing key industry challenges and opportunities.
One panel examined how to future proof talent in the face of digital disruption and generational shifts. Rachael Dumba spoke on preparing for Gen Z and technology driven talent, while Dr Canon Ruth Senyonyi emphasised the importance of balancing organisational growth with employee wellness. The session was moderated by Daphne Ntegyereize Oboth.
Another panel focused on succession planning as a governance priority, with Zedi Muyingo stressing that succession planning must begin at the board level and be treated as a strategic governance issue rather than a routine operational task. The session was moderated by Mary Lillian Manyonga.
A key theme emerging from the discussions was the urgent need for institutions to intentionally invest in talent development amid rapidly changing workforce dynamics.
Fatuma Namatovu, Head of Culture Transformation at dfcu Bank, highlighted the risks posed by the growing gap between rapid career progression and employee readiness.
“Organisations must address the mismatch between advancement and preparedness, as it threatens leadership depth and institutional stability,” she noted.
Speakers also emphasised the strong link between talent development and national economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Bankers Association, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs Patricia Amitto said the sector’s future hinges on how well it develops its people.
“Strategic plans do not create growth, people do. The success of our industry’s ambitions rests entirely on the talent we develop and manage,” she said.
The convention concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among industry players, regulators, and training institutions to ensure Uganda builds a workforce capable of supporting a modern, competitive, and inclusive financial sector.
