The appointment of Godfrey Byekwaso as the new Managing Director of Centenary Bank marks more than a leadership transition at Uganda’s largest commercial microfinance bank. It signals continuity, institutional confidence and a deliberate succession strategy aimed at sustaining one of the country’s most remarkable banking growth stories. Effective 1st July 2026, Byekwaso took over from Kasi whose 16-year tenure has transformed Centenary Bank from an indigenous financial institution into a dominant force in Uganda’s banking sector.
Under Kasi’s leadership, Centenary Bank has expanded its footprint, deepened financial inclusion, strengthened digital banking and grown into a financial powerhouse with assets exceeding UGX 8.6 trillion, profit after tax of UGX 424.2 billion, over 3.4 million customers, customer deposits of UGX 5.27 trillion and a loan book of UGX 4.16 trillion as of December 2025.
This growth has been built on strong governance, prudent risk and financial management, customer trust and a clear mission of serving communities across Uganda especially the underserved.
Byekwaso’s appointment reflects the bank’s commitment to continuity, institutional stability and sustainable growth. Having served within the Centenary family since 2012, he brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership experience and a strong understanding of the bank’s mission, purpose, culture and strategic priorities.
During his tenure as General Manager Finance and Chief Financial Officer, he played a central role in strengthening the bank’s financial performance, operational resilience and growth strategy. He worked closely with the executive leadership team during a period when the bank expanded its national footprint, strengthened digital banking services and consolidated its position as Uganda’s leading microfinance and retail bank.
In April 2023, Byekwaso was appointed as the Deputy Managing Director, Centenary Bank Malawi following the Group’s acquisition there; the first cross border expansion by a Ugandan bank. He was later in October 2024 elevated to Managing Director where he led the bank through a turnaround to profitability. His return to Uganda therefore comes with valuable regional experience, broader strategic exposure and tested leadership credentials that position him well to guide Centenary Bank Uganda into the next phase of growth. One of the most significant aspects of this transition is the long-standing relationship between Kasi and Byekwaso. The two leaders first worked together at FINCA Uganda before reuniting at Centenary Bank.
This long-standing professional relationship has helped shape a shared commitment to financial discipline, customer-centric service, innovation and institutional excellence. As a result, the transition has been seamless, preserving the values and strategic focus that have defined the bank’s success over the years.
Byekwaso is recipient of several industry accolades, including the Finance Transformation Award (2018), Strategy Execution Award (2019) and CFO of the Year (2020) at the ACCA Uganda CFO Awards. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Makerere University and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).
He has served on several Boards and governance committees, including as: Board Member and Chairperson of the Operations Committee, Bankers Association of Malawi, Board Member, National Switch of Malawi, Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Inter-University Council for East Africa, Chairman of the Board, St. Lucia Namagooma Secondary School, Member of the Finance and Investment Committees of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
In addition to his executive banking career, he is a Partner at DATIVA & Associates Certified Public Accountants, providing quality assurance, audit, financial review and strategic advisory services.Beyond the boardroom, Byekwaso is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and community development, having served on numerous corporate, professional and faith-based boards across the region. He has provided leadership in professional and community organizations, serving as: Pioneer President, CEO Apprenticeship Program Alumni Association, Pioneer Chairman, Uganda Bankers CFO Forum, District Treasurer, Rotary District 9213 and he is a past President, Rotary Club of Kiwatule.
The story of Centenary Bank over the decades has largely been defined by consistent growth, prudent management and an unwavering focus on financial inclusion. The transition from Fabian Kasi to Godfrey Byekwaso is designed to ensure that that story continues. In many ways, the moment represents not an end of an era, but the evolution of one. As the Bank enters this new chapter, customers, shareholders, partners, regulators, and staff can remain confident in the institution’s strategic direction, operational strength and long-term commitment to transforming lives through inclusive and innovative financial solutions especially in rural areas sustainably.
