Centenary Bank has officially accepted the retirement of its long-serving Managing Director, Dr. Fabian Kasi, marking the end of a 16-year leadership period in which the institution expanded into one of Uganda’s leading commercial microfinance banks.
Speaking during a farewell breakfast with journalists in Kampala on Thursday, Dr. Kasi reflected on what he described as a successful tenure, highlighting major strides in customer growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation across the bank.
Under his leadership, Centenary Bank grew its customer base from one million to more than three million clients.
More than 77 percent of these customers were drawn from underserved communities, including rural farmers, women, and youth, reinforcing the bank’s mission of inclusive finance.
The bank also expanded its footprint significantly, increasing its branch network to 83 outlets nationwide.
At the same time, it strengthened its digital banking ecosystem, with nearly half of all transactions now conducted through digital platforms and agent banking channels.
Dr. Kasi noted that the bank’s network of over 8,750 CenteAgents played a crucial role in extending financial services to remote communities, helping bridge the gap between formal banking and rural populations.
On the financial front, Centenary Bank recorded substantial growth during his tenure.
The loan portfolio rose from 400 billion shillings to 4.5 trillion shillings, while customer deposits grew from 700 billion shillings to six trillion shillings. Overall customer numbers also tripled over the same period.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Kasi acknowledged challenges along the way, including fraud risks, slow adoption of digital banking among some customers, and the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He described his departure as the close of a transformative era for Centenary Bank, which has strengthened its position as a key driver of financial inclusion and socio-economic development in Uganda.
Dr. Kasi advised his successor to build on the strong foundation laid over the past 16 years to ensure continued growth and sustainability of the institution.
He will be succeeded by CPA Godfrey Byekwaso, an experienced executive within the Centenary Group.
Byekwaso previously served as Chief Financial Officer for over a decade under Dr. Kasi before taking on the role of Managing Director of Centenary Bank in Malawi, where he is credited with turning the institution around to profitability.
By Charles Katabalwa
18th June 2026
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