After more than 16 years as Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Fabian Kasi is leaving behind a stronger institution than the one he inherited. During his tenure, the bank expanded its footprint, grew its financial performance, embraced digital banking, and strengthened financial inclusion across Uganda.
As he hands over leadership to incoming Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso, Kasi departs after overseeing one of the bank’s most significant periods of growth.
Expanding the Bank’s Reach
When Kasi took over in 2010, Centenary Bank had 37 branches, a loan portfolio of about UGX400 billion and approximately 850,000 customers.
Today, the bank has 81 branches, more than 9,000 agent banking outlets and serves over 3.4 million customers. It has maintained its position as Uganda’s leading commercial microfinance bank while extending financial services to more communities across the country.
The bank also strengthened governance, expanded support to agriculture, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and households, and continued investing in services that respond to customers’ needs.
Strong Financial Growth
Centenary Bank also recorded significant growth during Kasi’s leadership. Customer deposits increased from UGX700 billion to more than UGX5.2 trillion, while the loan book grew to over UGX4.1 trillion.
By December 2025, the bank’s total assets had exceeded UGX8.6 trillion, with profit after tax reaching UGX424.2 billion.
The growth saw Centenary Bank move from being Uganda’s seventh-largest bank when Kasi took office to the country’s second-largest financial institution.
Advancing Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion remained one of Kasi’s priorities throughout his leadership. The bank introduced programmes aimed at reaching underserved communities, including the Supa Woman initiative launched in 2014 to support women entrepreneurs. The programme increased the proportion of women customers from 28 percent to 44.7 percent.
Centenary Bank also strengthened community financing through Linkage Banking, serving 17,821 SACCOs across the country.
Investing in Digital Banking.
Kasi also oversaw the bank’s digital transformation. Today, about 90 percent of transactions are conducted through digital channels, including mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, agent banking and merchant point-of-sale services.
The investment in technology has improved convenience for customers while supporting the bank’s nationwide branch network.
Supporting Communities
Beyond banking, Centenary Bank continued to invest in community development during Kasi’s tenure.
Each year, the bank allocated two percent of the previous year’s profits to Corporate Social Responsibility programmes focusing on education, health, environmental conservation, church missions and community development.
Among the initiatives supported is the Rotary-led cancer care programme, which has received more than UGX4 billion from the bank over the years.
Leadership Beyond Numbers
Colleagues describe Kasi as a disciplined and focused leader who encouraged teamwork, preparation and accountability. His leadership style helped build a strong management team and prepared the institution for a smooth leadership transition.
As he hands over to Godfrey Byekwaso, Kasi leaves Centenary Bank with a wider national presence, stronger financial performance, greater digital capability and a broader customer base.
His tenure will be remembered not only for the bank’s growth but also for expanding access to financial services and strengthening Centenary Bank’s role in Uganda’s economic development.
