Absa Bank has strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of two seasoned professionals—Hassan Saleh, Managing Director of MultiChoice Uganda, and Gloria Byamugisha, Group Chief Human Resource Officer at Dangote Cement.
The two have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors, in a move set to strengthen the bank’s governance and drive its next phase of strategic growth and innovation.
The new appointments, announced on Thursday, bring to the board a combined wealth of expertise in commercial leadership, digital transformation, and human capital development across regional and international markets.
“We are pleased to welcome Hassan and Gloria to the Board of Absa Uganda,” said Keith Kalyegira, Board Chairman.
“Their diverse expertise will be instrumental as we pursue our strategic priorities, including growth, digital transformation, building a winning and inclusive team, and delivering consistent, value-driven returns.”
He noted that the appointments underscore the bank’s long-term commitment to strengthening governance, championing sustainability, and fostering inclusive leadership at the highest levels.
The expanded board now comprises Keith Kalyegira (Board Chairman), David Wandera (Executive Director), Michael Segwaya (Executive Director), Sophie Nkuutu (Non-Executive Director), Philip Aliker (Non-Executive Director), Rajal Vaidya (Non-Executive Director), George Opiyo (Non-Executive Director), Alex Rugamba (Non-Executive Director) and Edward Ocen (Company Secretary).
David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, hailed the appointments as timely.
“We welcome the new board members at a pivotal time for our business. Their expertise in talent development, commercial transformation, and regional market leadership aligns with our vision for the next phase of growth,” he said.
“As management, we look forward to working closely with them to continue delivering innovative solutions and long-term value for our customers, shareholders, and communities.”
Who Are the New Appointees?
Hassan Saleh brings over two decades of cross-sectoral leadership experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), telecommunications, and broadcasting.
From Luuka to the Netherlands: The Rise of a Farmer Redefining Agribusiness in UgandaHassan Saleh is an alumnus of Makerere University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a Master’s in International Business from Reutlingen University in Germany.
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA).
His previous leadership roles include positions at MTN Sudan, Vodacom Tanzania and South Africa, Airtel Kenya, and Coca-Cola’s East and Central Africa Division.
He currently serves as managing Director MultiChoice Uganda and GoTv.
Gloria Byamugisha is the Group Chief Human Resource Officer at Dangote Cement.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Uganda Martyrs University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from the University of Bedfordshire, and an MBA in Finance and Management from the University of Westminster.
She has also undertaken Strategic Business Analysis training at the London Business School and is a certified trainer of the Extraordinary Leader Program by Louis Allen.
Board Strength for the Future
The dual appointments arrive at a critical juncture for Absa Bank Uganda, as the bank intensifies its efforts to deepen digital adoption, unlock new customer segments, and invest in sustainable growth.
With a renewed focus on digital innovation, talent excellence, and market expansion, the bank’s board—now further strengthened with Saleh and Byamugisha—signals a clear intention to remain at the forefront of Uganda’s fast-evolving banking landscape.
