The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda has recognised excellence within the Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) industry at the 2025 CIS Awards, held under the forward-looking theme: “Innovate. Trust. Grow: Driving Financial Inclusion through Unit Trusts.”
The prestigious event, hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, brought together stakeholders from across Uganda’s capital markets — including unit trust managers, trustees, investor educators, and regulatory bodies — to celebrate strides made toward greater financial inclusion and to spotlight the importance of regulated investment opportunities.
A Vision for Smarter Investing
In his keynote address, Moses Ogwapus, Commissioner for Financial Services at the Ministry of Finance, sounded a timely warning on the growing risks of unregulated schemes targeting young Ugandans. He emphasised the need to move away from sports betting and Ponzi schemes and into safer, regulated investment vehicles such as Collective Investment Schemes.
“We’ve seen a dangerous rise in Ponzi schemes and betting habits that rob our youth of their savings. These are not investments — they’re speculative gambles,” Ogwapus said. “CISs offer a trusted alternative for capital growth, helping individuals and the nation build a more stable financial future.”
Recognising Industry Leaders
Several organisations and individuals were recognised for their outstanding performance and innovation in Uganda’s fast-growing CIS sector.
The list of award winners includes:
CIS Manager of the Year – Old Mutual Investment Group
Best Performing CIS Manager – Sanlam & SBG Securities Uganda Ltd (Standard Bank Group)
Most Innovative Manager of the Year – Sanlam
Industry Engagement Excellence Award – Cornerstone Asset Managers
Best CIS Agent – Grace Kabahukya Nyakaana (OMIG)
Best Performing Investor Resource Person – Andrew Mwima
CIS Excellence Award – Sanlam
Old Mutual Uganda expressed pride in receiving three accolades, reinforcing its commitment to customer-centric investment solutions.
Growing the Sector: Numbers That Matter
According to Josephine Okui Ossiya, CEO of CMA Uganda, the CIS sector continues to show strong growth with a market Size of UGX 4.2 trillion as of March 2025, up from UGX 2.8 trillion the previous year.
“Fund Accounts increased 12.8% from 114,400 (December 2024) to 129,000 (March 2025),” she noted, adding that Licensed Fund Managers have since gone up from 9 to 12 while Unit Trust Schemes expanded from 17 to 22.
“We want every Ugandan, regardless of income, education, or location, to access the capital markets. With just UGX 100,000, you can begin your investment journey,” said Ossiya. “Growth in investor numbers is a clear sign of rising trust and awareness in our sector.”
The Road Ahead
Protazio Begumisa, CMA Board Chairman, praised the sector’s growth but cautioned against the risks posed by unlicensed operators.
“We urge Ugandans to invest only in regulated, licensed schemes. The growing competition among CIS providers will continue to improve service quality, reduce fees, and increase product innovation.”
As Uganda pushes forward with financial inclusion and a smarter savings culture, the 2025 CIS Awards mark a pivotal step in building a more secure and informed investment environment.