Renowned Ugandan Economist, Dr. Fred Atwooki Muhumuza has been appointed as the new Board Chairperson of VisionFund Uganda.
Dr. Muhumuza takes over from Frederick Edward Mwesigye, a veteran of Uganda’s Cooperative movement with over 30 years of experience in cooperative development and governance. Mr. Mwesigye, who retired from civil service in 2014, has been credited with strengthening VisionFund Uganda’s governance systems and ensuring compliance with national regulatory standards. He will be remembered for his dedication to cooperative development and microfinance advancement.
The announcement was made alongside the opening of the institution’s new head office and 26th branch in Kamwokya on October 3rd, 2025, marking yet another milestone in the growth of one of Uganda’s leading microfinance institutions.
A Seasoned Economist at the Helm
Dr. Muhumuza brings a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in economics, governance, and financial sector development. He is a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Director of the MUBS Economic Forum. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester, a Master’s in Economic Policy and Planning, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Makerere University, as well as a Certificate in Development Evaluation from Carleton University/World Bank.
His professional career has seen him serve as an Economic Advisor at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Senior Manager at KPMG Uganda, and consultant for international development partners including DFID, USAID, UNDP, and the World Bank. At the board level, he has previously served on the boards of PostBank Uganda, World Vision Uganda, Uganda Christian University, Bank of India Uganda, Bank of Baroda Uganda, and Habitat for Humanity Uganda.
A Growing Institution
The leadership transition comes at a time when VisionFund Uganda is expanding its footprint. The new Kamwokya branch, located at Plot 45 Kiira Road, brings the institution’s network to 26 branches and several field offices across Uganda. The move from Kavule to Kamwokya signals a deliberate push into urban markets, complementing VisionFund Uganda’s traditional focus on rural communities and refugee settlements.
Today, VisionFund Uganda serves approximately 80,000 clients, 63% of whom are women and 95% based in rural communities. Through its individual and group lending methodologies, microinsurance, and financial literacy trainings, the institution indirectly impacts close to 400,000 children.
The organisation has also distinguished itself as a pioneer in refugee financial inclusion. Since 2019, VisionFund Uganda has opened branches in Moyo, Yumbe, Lamwo and is planning to open in Adjumani district, offering microfinance solutions to both refugees and host communities—a world-first initiative in the sector.
A Renewed and Transformational Board Driving Strategic Impact and Sustainable Growth
Dr. Muhumuza will chair a refreshed Board that combines regional, international, and local expertise in microfinance, banking, financial management, governance, audit, compliance, development policy, strategic communications, and corporate leadership—bringing together decades of experience in steering financial institutions, development agencies, and social enterprises across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Together with CEO Mercy Sande Ainomugisha and her executive team, this collective leadership is well-positioned to guide VisionFund Uganda into its next chapter of growth, strengthening its ability to expand financial inclusion, empower families, and transform communities across Uganda through sustainable, child-focused impact. They are:
Patson Wilbroad Arinaitwe, FCIArb — Legal Mind and Governance Strategist
Mr. Patson Wilbroad Arinaitwe stands out as a highly accomplished legal professional and governance expert whose career bridges corporate law, arbitration, oil and gas, and intergovernmental advisory. As Senior Partner at Signum Advocates and Company Secretary to ASARECA (the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa), he exemplifies the fusion of deep legal acumen and a steadfast commitment to ethical governance and regional integration.
In addition to leading a top-tier Ugandan law firm, Patson contributes to VisionFund Uganda’s Board as Chair of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, where he provides strategic oversight on governance, policy formulation, and institutional capacity building. His standing as a Member of the International Court of Arbitration (ICC) underscores his recognition as an authority in international dispute resolution. At the Law Development Centre (LDC), he heads the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department, mentoring the next generation of legal practitioners and advancing arbitration education across the region.
Patson’s academic foundation is as distinguished as his professional journey. He holds a Master’s in Oil and Gas Law (with Distinction) from Robert Gordon University (Scotland), a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, a Diploma in International Arbitration, a Special Diploma in Trial Advocacy, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Uganda Christian University.
With an impressive portfolio of roles and expertise, Patson brings a multidimensional perspective to any boardroom. His core competencies span corporate governance and board leadership, legal advisory and secretarial practice, international arbitration, oil and gas law, and legal education. His rare combination of legal mastery, governance insight, and international exposure positions him as a strategic asset—strengthening institutional integrity, driving governance excellence, and ensuring alignment with global best practices. In every capacity, Patson exemplifies ethical leadership, intellectual rigour, and an enduring commitment to advancing professional and institutional excellence in Uganda and beyond.
Jeremiah Nyagah Maina — Transformational Development Leader and Governance Strategist
Mr. Jeremiah Nyagah Maina is a seasoned and visionary development executive with over two decades of leadership experience across East Africa. His distinguished career is rooted in transformational development, grant management, and governance, reflecting a consistent commitment to advancing child well-being and institutional resilience. Currently serving as National Director of World Vision Uganda, he oversees one of the region’s most dynamic humanitarian and development portfolios, valued at over $60 million.
Throughout his leadership journey, Mr. Maina has successfully guided complex, multi-sectoral programs spanning health, education, child protection, and livelihoods, while managing high-stakes humanitarian responses during emergencies such as Ebola, COVID-19, and regional refugee crises. His expertise extends to operational excellence, donor relations, risk management, policy engagement, and organisational reform, positioning him as a strategic leader who seamlessly blends mission-driven passion with pragmatic execution.
Having served in both Kenya and Uganda as Programs Director, Acting National Director, and Strategic Advisor, Mr. Maina brings a cross-country perspective that enriches his governance insight. His earlier experience at Child Fund and Egerton University further shaped his capacity to align development interventions with sustainable community impact and institutional growth.
An advocate of ethical leadership and inclusive governance, Mr. Maina has provided board-level guidance to several organizations. He has served as Board Chair of the Uganda Water Hygiene and Sanitation Network (UWASNET)from 2019 to 2022, Board Chair of the Global Bag Project (2010–2016), and Board Member of VisionFund Kenya(2016–2019).
Academically, he holds a Master of Arts in Organisational Leadership and Management from Africa International University (Kenya), an Honours Degree in Development Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA), and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Egerton University.
With demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and execution, governance and compliance, emergency response, and organizational development, Mr. Maina brings a high-impact blend of strategic governance, policy engagement, and financial accountability to the boardroom. His ability to lead large-scale initiatives and navigate institutional change makes him a trusted advisor and an invaluable contributor to organisations seeking visionary leadership, practical governance insight, and transformative impact.
Jane Namuddu Kigundu — Champion of People, Purpose, and Governance
Ms. Jane Namuddu Kigundu is a Ugandan professional of Christian heritage whose career embodies purpose-driven leadership, ethical governance, and human-centred transformation. With over a decade of experience in Human Resource Management, Employment Relations, and Organisational Development, she has distinguished herself as a trusted advisor and transformative leader across Uganda’s financial, faith-based, and development sectors.
Jane holds a Master’s Degree in Employment Studies and Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management and Geography (majoring in Human Geography)—a combination that reflects her holistic understanding of people, institutions, and sustainability.
She currently serves as a Board Member of VisionFund Uganda Limited, where she provides strategic input on human capital development, governance, and organisational direction. She also sits on the Board of World Vision Uganda, contributing to workforce strategy, organisational culture, and leadership development at one of the country’s most influential development organisations.
In her substantive role as Provincial Human Resources Manager at the Provincial Secretariat of the Church of the Province of Uganda, Jane oversees policy formulation, people strategy, and institutional capacity building for one of Uganda’s largest and most complex faith-based organisations. Prior to this, she served as Manager, Human Resources and Administration at ABC Capital Bank Limited, where she spearheaded talent management initiatives, strengthened performance systems, and aligned HR practices with corporate growth objectives.
Her professional training includes certifications in Pension Management and Training of Trainers (ToT), complementing her practical expertise in HR strategy and employee welfare. Deeply passionate about child rights advocacy, she actively promotes the well-being and empowerment of children through her engagement in child-focused and community development organisations.
Jane’s professional strengths span strategic HR management, corporate governance, institutional capacity building, performance management, and change leadership. She is widely recognised for her empathetic, principled, and purpose-driven leadership style. In every role, she brings an authentic blend of integrity, empathy, and strategic vision, helping organisations build strong people systems, ethical cultures, and sustainable impact. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering individuals, advancing child rights, and shaping institutions that honour both excellence and humanity.
Pearl Bank Celebrates Customers in Festive Campaign Dubbed Pearl SantaBenoni Katende — Digital Innovator and Transformation Strategist
Mr. Benoni Katende is a versatile and forward-thinking business transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience driving innovation, operational efficiency, and digital excellence across Africa. His career, spanning multiple industries and countries, reflects a rare blend of technical mastery, strategic insight, and leadership agility in steering organisations through complex technological and operational transitions.
Currently serving as Chief Technology and Enterprise Solutions Officer at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Benoni leads large-scale transformation initiatives that leverage digital platforms, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery and organisational performance. His work focuses on building customer-centric systems, improving operational efficiency, and embedding a culture of innovation within large institutions.
Before joining NSSF, Benoni played a pivotal role at Absa Bank Uganda, where he served as Head of Digital, Data and Service Transformation and earlier as Regional Alternative Delivery Channel Manager for Africa, overseeing the modernisation of customer delivery systems across multiple markets. His career also includes leadership roles at Finca International as Head of Digital Channels and at Stanbic Bank Uganda, where he helped drive the bank’s transition toward digitised customer experiences and automated processes. Earlier in his career, he held technical and project roles with Shell Africa and Coca-Cola Uganda, and later supported consultancy projects in East and Southern Africa, focusing on digital financial services and business process reengineering.
Benoni holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Six Sigma Black Belt and certified in Data Science and Project Management, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at Eastern University—a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
His professional expertise encompasses business transformation and change management, digital financial services, big data analytics, AI, customer experience, project management, business process reengineering, and cybersecurity strategy.
At the governance level, Benoni serves as a Board Member of Aquila Recycling, where he contributes to strategic innovation and sustainability initiatives. His extensive experience across finance, technology, and social security sectors positions him as a strategic asset to boards navigating digital disruption and organisational transformation.
With a proven track record of leading impactful change, building strategic partnerships, and delivering measurable results, Benoni brings a unique perspective that bridges technology and governance. His forward-looking approach and results-driven leadership continue to redefine how institutions embrace innovation, enhance customer value, and sustain operational excellence in an increasingly digital world.
Chilala Hakooma Royen — Regional Financial Inclusion Leader and Governance Reformer
Mr. Chilala is a Zambian national and seasoned financial inclusion leader with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including 14 years at a senior executive level across Southern and East Africa. He holds an MBA in International Business from the University of Greenwich, UK, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Zambia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Cavendish University, and advanced training in Corporate Governance and Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance from Harvard Business School. He is also an alumnus of the Africa Board Fellowship (Cape Town, South Africa).
Mr. Hakooma has a proven track record of transforming underperforming companies into world-class institutions. He has served as Managing Director of VisionFund Malawi and VisionFund Tanzania, where he led strategic turnarounds and positioned the institutions as leaders in microfinance service delivery. In addition, he has served as Board Chair of the Malawi Microfinance Network, contributing to sectoral reforms and strengthening governance frameworks for financial service providers.
His expertise spans strategic planning, governance, financial management, project execution, and stakeholder engagement. A skilled network-builder, he has worked with governments, regulators, international development agencies, and the private sector to expand access to inclusive finance, improve institutional resilience, and strengthen community impact.
With multicultural experience across Africa, Mr. Hakooma brings a strategic and analytical approach to problem-solving, ensuring sustainable and inclusive solutions. His combination of governance depth, operational leadership, and cross-country microfinance expertise enhances VisionFund Uganda’s ability to scale its mission of financial inclusion and child-focused impact.
Mr. Keton Sankale — Strategic Finance Leader and Cross-Border Governance Professional
Keton is a seasoned Kenyan finance professional with extensive experience in microfinance and financial management across Africa. He currently serves as the Regional Finance Director for Africa 2 at VisionFund International, where he provides strategic financial leadership and oversight to multiple country operations.
He has built a distinguished career within the VisionFund network, having previously served as Regional Finance Director for Africa and Finance Director at VisionFund Kenya Ltd. In these roles, he played a pivotal part in strengthening financial systems, ensuring compliance, and advancing risk management practices to support institutional growth and sustainability.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Jackson has contributed significantly to governance in the sector. Since 2021, he has served as a Board Member of VisionFund Rwanda, where he sits on the ALCO & Risk Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In 2025, he joined the Board of VisionFund Uganda, further reinforcing the cross-country integration and collaborative growth of the VisionFund network.
He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance, building on his strong professional background with advanced academic expertise. With a career anchored in strategic financial planning, governance, and risk oversight, Jackson continues to play a vital role in advancing VisionFund’s mission of expanding financial inclusion and transforming livelihoods across Africa.
Mercy Sande Ainomugisha — Transformational CEO and Champion of Inclusive Finance
Mrs. Mercy is the Chief Executive Officer of VisionFund Uganda, with over 20 years of leadership experience in commercial banking and microfinance, having held senior roles with Stanbic Bank, Equity Bank, FINCA Uganda, Finance Trust Bank, and UGAFODE Microfinance (MDI).
Mercy holds an MBA in Strategic Planning from Edinburgh Business School (UK), a Master’s in Management Studies from the Uganda Management Institute, a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Marketing and a Diploma in Sustainability Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK). She has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School (Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance), The Wharton School (Leadership and Management Certificate), and Strathmore Business School (Women Director Leadership Program). She serves on the Board of AMFIU and is an Associate Member of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), a member of The Boardroom Africa, the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda (ICGU) and the Uganda Marketers Society.
Deeply passionate about empowering women and youth, promoting inclusive and sustainable livelihoods, and championing innovation and ethical leadership in financial services, Mercy continues to inspire transformation and drive social impact through finance that uplifts families and strengthens communities across Uganda.
Mrs Faith Achadu-Muliisa, FCCA, CPA— Financial Integrity Champion and Governance Advocate
Faith is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA-UK) as well as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-Uganda). She also holds a Master of Science in International Banking and Finance from the University of Salford, UK, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Makerere University.
With over 15 years of professional experience, Faith has built a career spanning external and internal audit, compliance, risk management, taxation, financial management, and forensic investigations. She began her career at Ernst & Young Uganda, rising to Senior Auditor before pursuing postgraduate studies. Since then, she has held senior consultancy roles in Uganda and across Africa, handling complex assignments for international organisations such as the Global Fund, GAVI, Save the Children, UN agencies, and various governments.
Currently, she serves as a Senior Fraud Specialist with GFA Consulting Group GmbH, where she provides fraud risk management expertise on the Global Fund’s Nigeria project. In this role, she designs and implements fraud mitigation strategies, delivers training, and provides investigative support to ensure donor funds are safeguarded.
Faith has led or participated in numerous high-level assignments, including forensic audits, fraud investigations, hospital gap analyses, fiduciary reviews, donor-funded programme audits, and financial management services for major development projects. Her expertise extends across multiple countries, including Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
She is also an experienced trainer in fraud awareness and prevention, delivering capacity-building programmes for governments, NGOs, and donor-funded project implementers.
Faith’s unique blend of technical expertise, governance experience, and integrity makes her a valuable addition to the VisionFund Uganda Board, where she brings a strong lens on accountability, financial stewardship, and risk management.
Looking Ahead
Incoming Board Chair Dr. Muhumuza says his vision is aligned with VisionFund’s mission of holistic transformation. “Our vision remains clear: to enable children to live life in all its fullness through financial inclusion. We are not just in the business of lending money; we change lives. Every action we take must reflect that purpose. By 2028, our target is to reach Tier 3 status, achieved through teamwork, innovation, and strong partnerships,” he noted.
With a strengthened Board, growing digital and physical customer channels, a proven compliance record, and a strong culture of innovation and customer centricity, VisionFund Uganda is positioning itself as both a financial services provider and a development actor—linking economic empowerment with community resilience and child well-being.
