Fabian Kasi Concludes 16-Year Stint as Centenary Bank MD, Hands Over to Byekwaso

Fabian Kasi has officially stepped down as the Managing Director of Centenary Bank, concluding a 16-year period of leadership. The transition saw Godfrey Byekwaso take over the reins of Uganda’s largest commercial bank by customer base. Kasi’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by substantial expansion in the bank’s reach and financial capabilities, alongside a deepened commitment to promoting financial inclusion.

When Kasi assumed leadership in 2010, Centenary Bank served approximately 850,000 customers and operated 37 branches. By the time of his handover, the bank had grown to serve over 3.4 million customers, boasting 81 branches and more than 9,000 agent banking points across Uganda. This expansion has made financial services more accessible, particularly to ordinary Ugandans.

Financially, the bank experienced remarkable growth. Customer deposits soared from around shs700 billion to over shs5.2 trillion. The loan portfolio expanded significantly to more than shs4.1 trillion, with total assets now exceeding shs8.6 trillion. In 2025, the bank reported a profit after tax of shs424.2 billion, solidifying its position as a leading financial institution.

Kasi emphasized that the leadership change reflects the bank’s institutional strength and long-term vision, stating, “the continuation of the vision of the institution… The bank is here to stay.” His leadership focused on technological advancements to improve customer experience, moving away from the ‘long queues’ reputation of the past. Significant investments in digital and agent banking have resulted in nearly half of all transactions being processed through the agent network, enhancing convenience, especially in rural areas.

Despite the impressive financial metrics, Kasi highlighted trust as the bank’s most valuable asset. This trust has enabled Centenary Bank to deepen financial inclusion, with a significant portion of its customer base belonging to underserved communities. The bank’s Mission Critical Portfolio continues to support smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and rural businesses.

Reflecting on his tenure, Kasi cited “growth, transformation, and impact” as the key takeaways. He advised young professionals to prioritize competence, continuous learning, and problem-solving, while also stressing the importance of humility and open-mindedness in leadership.

This information is based on a report from Nile Post.