After 16 years as Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Dr Fabian Kasi is preparing to hand over leadership of Uganda’s largest indigenous commercial bank.
During his tenure, the bank grew from a balance sheet from Shs944 billion to Shs 8.61 trillion, expanded its branch network across the country and deepened financial inclusion for millions of Ugandans.
In this interview, Dr Kasi reflects on his 16-year journey leading Centenary Bank, the milestones achieved, the challenges navigated, lessons in leadership, and his vision for the future of Uganda’s banking sector.
Question: When you first saw the advertisement for the Managing Director position, what went through your mind? What do you remember most about your first days in office?
Dr Fabian Kasi: What comes to mind is the day I saw the advertisement for the position of Managing Director of the bank. At first, it felt like a very big opportunity—perhaps one I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for. But I had always been told that when you’re starting out, you should aim high. If you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll still land among the stars.
That motivated me to apply. I went through the interview process, and fortunately the Board considered me suitable to lead the bank.
When I started work, one of the strongest memories is walking into the institution and meeting the team. At that time, our headquarters were still located in a building that today houses one of our largest branches.
The immediate task was to articulate a vision—what we wanted to achieve and how we would move the institution forward. It was not an easy task, but with determination and commitment from the team, I believed we could take the bank to another level.
At the time, the bank was largely known for long queues. Some people referred to it as a bank for farmers, which was actually consistent with its founding purpose. The challenge was how to make those customers happier while accessing banking services.
Today, I am proud that we have transformed service delivery. We have mobile banking, internet banking, agent banking, and one of the largest branch networks in the country. Customers can access services from Mbarara to Kotido, from Yumbe to virtually every part of Uganda.
It has been a long journey, but one that has been worthwhile in terms of growth, transformation and service delivery.
Question: If you were to describe your 16-year journey at the bank in three words, what would they be?
Dr Fabian Kasi: The three words would be: Growth. Transformation. Impact.
When I joined, the bank had about 37 branches. Today we have 82 branches.
At that time, our loan portfolio stood at approximately UGX 400 billion. Today it exceeds UGX 4.5 trillion.
Customer deposits were around UGX 700 billion. Today they are several times higher. But beyond the numbers lies purpose.
The purpose of the institution has always been to improve the social and economic wellbeing of the people we serve. When customers borrow and successfully repay loans, it means their businesses are growing and their lives are improving.
For me, growth, transformation and impact best describe the journey.
Question: What were those first years like as Managing Director?
Dr Fabian Kasi: When I joined, I saw enormous potential. The institution had a capable team, but one that needed additional motivation, empowerment and technological support.
We invested heavily in technology and infrastructure. Today customers can transact through mobile banking, internet banking, branches and over 9,000 banking agents across the country.
None of that existed at the scale it does today when I joined.
The vision was to make the bank bigger, better and bolder, and I believe we have achieved significant progress on that journey.
Question: What major milestones stand out for you?
Dr Fabian Kasi: The most important milestone has been earning and maintaining public trust.
In banking, the most valuable commodity we sell is trust. If customers lose trust in us, we lose everything.
The fact that millions of Ugandans continue to trust us with their savings and investments is our greatest achievement.
That trust has enabled us to grow our customer base, expand our branch network, mobilise deposits and extend credit to communities across the country.
Partnerships have also been a major milestone. We have worked with government, development partners, international organisations and financial institutions to amplify our impact.
Those partnerships have contributed significantly to the growth we’ve witnessed.
Question: What achievement are you personally most proud of?
Dr Fabian Kasi: For me, it is the trust that customers have placed in the institution.
The numbers are important, but behind every number is a human story and a purpose.
One of the founding objectives of the bank was financial inclusion—bringing banking services to people who had previously been excluded from the formal financial system.
We have remained committed to that mission.
We have dedicated programs for women, youth and other underserved groups because we believe inclusion is central to our purpose.
That, more than any financial metric, is what gives me the greatest satisfaction.
Question: What leadership challenges have you faced during your tenure?
Dr Fabian Kasi: Leadership is full of challenges.
One of the biggest is understanding the people you lead.
You need patience to understand people’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations and circumstances. Only then can you place them in roles where they can succeed.
Another challenge is building trust.
Leadership is impossible without trust. People need confidence in your integrity, your competence and your vision before they can follow you.
Decision-making is another major challenge.
Leaders are expected to create solutions. You cannot simply identify problems; you must find ways to solve them.
I always encourage people to make decisions. If the decision turns out right, that’s excellent. If it turns out wrong, it becomes an opportunity to learn.
To make good decisions, you must continually seek information, understand situations thoroughly and then act decisively.
Another challenge is balancing vulnerability with confidence. Leaders do not have all the answers, but they must still inspire confidence in those they lead.
Question: How did employees influence your leadership style?
Dr Fabian Kasi: Leadership is shaped by the people you lead.
Over the years, I have led teams spanning multiple generations—from senior professionals to Millennials and Gen Z employees.
Each generation responds differently to leadership.
The way you motivate a young graduate may not be the same way you motivate a seasoned executive.
A leader must understand these differences and adapt accordingly.
With more than 3,400 employees, that flexibility becomes essential if you are to unite everyone behind a common purpose.
Question: Who inspired your leadership style?
Dr Fabian Kasi: There have been many influences throughout my life.
I have drawn inspiration from leaders globally, nationally and within the Church.
One quality I have consistently admired is humility.
If you observe great leaders—whether in government, business or faith institutions—you often find humility at the centre of their leadership.
That is a quality I have always tried to emulate.
Question: What advice would you give young professionals aspiring to lead organisations one day?
Dr Fabian Kasi: When I first started working, like many young people, I was primarily concerned about salary.
Over time, I learned that success comes from focusing on the value you bring rather than what you earn.
My advice is simple:
First, look beyond the salary.
Ask yourself what contribution you are making to the organisation.
Second, show up.
Many people remain invisible because they never step forward, never contribute and never make themselves known.
If everyone is standing up, find a way to stand out.
Third, prepare yourself continuously.
Graduating with a degree is only the beginning.
Keep learning, keep developing your skills and keep improving yourself.
Preparation creates opportunities.
When opportunities come, prepared people are ready to seize them.
And finally, be outstanding.
People notice excellence, and excellence creates opportunities.
Question: What personal habits have helped shape your leadership journey?
Dr Fabian Kasi: One word: Consistency.
Once I commit to doing something, I try to do it consistently.
Consistency builds credibility, trust and results over time.
Many people are looking for shortcuts, but sustainable success comes from showing up every day and doing the right things repeatedly.
That has been one of the guiding principles throughout my career.