The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) have launched World Investor Week 2025, bringing together investors, brokers, regulators, and media to celebrate and promote investor education and protection.
The annual global initiative, held in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda, and supported by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), aims to empower investors with knowledge on market opportunities, digital finance, and financial literacy.
While addressing the press at USE offices in Nakawa Business Park on Friday, Paul Bwiso, CEO of the Uganda Securities Exchange, emphasised the role of technology and informed investing in building resilient markets.
“World Investor Week is a vital reminder of our collective mission to champion investor education and protection,” Bwiso said. “Globally, this year’s focus is on technology and digital finance, artificial intelligence, and fraud and scam prevention—a timely focus for the Ugandan market.”
Bwiso also announced a historic milestone for the Exchange, noting that on 13th June 2025, the Capital Markets Authority granted the Uganda Securities Exchange Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) status.
“This means that some of the roles previously handled directly by the regulator are now delegated to the Exchange,” he explained. “This status increases efficiency, strengthens market governance, and better protects investors. We are now the primary guardians of a secure, transparent, and fair market in Uganda.”
The CEO highlighted some of the Exchange’s new responsibilities, including setting and enforcing market rules, monitoring market activities, and taking disciplinary action when rules are not followed. He also noted that the Exchange is exploring delegated approvals for new financial products such as commercial paper and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which could accelerate market access for companies and investors alike.
Investor Education
For her part, Josephine Okui Ossiya, CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, underscored the significance of investor education as a tool for financial inclusion and empowerment.
“Financial literacy is not an end in itself—it is a pathway to empowerment, inclusion, and prosperity,” Ossiya said. “During Investor Week, we will engage communities across Uganda through social media campaigns, roadshows, and direct interactions with investors. Every Ugandan—from teachers to traders—can participate in the capital markets and build their financial future.”
There will be a two-day investor roadshow downtown Kampala (in Kikuubo) in partnership with Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), engaging traders and demonstrating capital market opportunities.
Ossiya also highlighted the growth of Uganda’s capital markets, noting that collective investments now total $5.6 trillion, with 253,000 securities central depository accounts opened, including 180,000 accounts holding collective investments.
Dale Sendagire, Manager, Investor Relations at Stanbic Bank Uganda, praised the collaboration between financial institutions and regulators.
“As a publicly listed company, we are grateful for the trust investors place in us,” Sendagire said. “Informed investors lead to strong markets, and strong markets contribute to a strong nation. This is why we have supported World Investor Week for two consecutive years.”
The week-long activities will feature workshops, conferences, technology sessions, and outreach programs targeting both seasoned and new investors. Bwiso encouraged participants to fully engage with the planned events, noting, “Let us ring the bell today—not just to open the week, but to raise awareness and begin a new chapter for informed and secure investment in Uganda.”
