Absa Bank Uganda has appointed David Wandera as its new managing director, following regulatory approval from the Bank of Uganda. The appointment, effective May 5, 2025, marks a historic milestone as David becomes the first Ugandan to hold this position in the bank’s over 90-year history in the country.
David Wandera is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of extensive experience in business leadership, financial management, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Before this appointment, he served as executive director at Absa Bank Uganda, where he was responsible for driving operational efficiencies and leading the bank’s Financial Markets division.
David is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA – UK) and holds a Master’s degree in International Finance from the University of Leeds. His academic credentials and practical experience have reinforced the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the bank’s next phase of growth.
David played a critical role in expanding Absa Bank Uganda’s market share, helping it secure a position among the top three banks in the country by revenue and profitability.
Keith Kalyegira, Board Chairman, expressed strong confidence in David’s leadership:
“David brings to this role a deep understanding of the evolving needs of our customers, coupled with a proven track record of leadership, integrity, and innovation. The Board is confident that under his stewardship, Absa Bank Uganda will continue to strengthen its market position, drive meaningful growth, and deliver long-term value to all our stakeholders.”
In his first statement as Managing Director, David outlined his vision: “It is a great honour to be appointed Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda at such a pivotal time in our growth journey. I am inspired by the strength of our legacy and excited about the opportunities ahead. Together with our exceptional team, I am committed to deepening customer trust, accelerating innovation, and driving inclusive growth. My leadership will be anchored on integrity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on delivering shared value to our customers, communities, and shareholders.”
He emphasised that his appointment aligns with Absa Uganda’s strategic ambitions to accelerate growth in key areas such as digital banking, SME support, customer-centric innovation, and inclusive finance.
“The bank remains focused on leveraging its strong capital position, local expertise, and regional strength to drive long-term value creation in Uganda’s dynamic financial services landscape,” he said.