Please tell us about your career path so far. What led you to a career in central banking and financial policy, and how has your role evolved within the Bank of Uganda and other related institutions?

MC at the dissemination workshop for the Central Bank Digital Currency Survey 2025

My professional journey began in the private sector, where I worked in telecommunications and donor-funded projects before joining the Bank of Uganda in 2012. I was drawn to central banking by a desire to contribute to meaningful, policy-driven transformation in Uganda's financial sector. Over the past 13 years, I have worked across various departments--ranging from accounting for the Deposit Protection Fund to working with the Accounts Payables team. In 2017, I transitioned to financial inclusion work, where I served as Head of the Financial Innovations Unit, spearheading efforts to promote innovations in the payments ecosystem and later led the Financial Literacy Secretariat. I am currently serving as Manager for the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) Coordination and Monitoring, a role that brings together my experience in policy, innovation, payments, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

At the Launch of the second National Financial Inclusion Strategy for Uganda, November 2023

You are currently serving as Senior Financial Inclusion Policy Specialist at the Bank of Uganda. Please tell us about your main roles and responsibilities.

As the Manager for NFIS Coordination and Monitoring, I oversee the implementation of Uganda's second National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023-2028). My core responsibilities include coordinating stakeholder activities across government agencies, regulators, financial service providers, and development partners; monitoring key performance indicators; and ensuring that strategic actions are evidence-based and inclusive. I also support the development and rollout of enabling policies, tools, and infrastructure--including supply-side data collection, analysis, dissemination and the National Switch project--to deepen financial inclusion and scale up digital financial services in Uganda.

You've been actively involved in advancing financial inclusion and innovation in Uganda and beyond. Can you tell us more about your work in this field and what impact it has had on the financial ecosystem in Uganda?

MC organized by the UNCDF and Bank of Uganda on Digital Financial Services beyond Payments

My work has focused on building an ecosystem where more Ugandans--especially the underserved--can access and use quality financial services. I've been privileged to contribute to the development and execution of key national strategies such as NFIS I & II, the Financial Literacy Strategy, and the E-Payments Strategy. I've been instrumental in national surveys like FinScope (2018 and 2023) and the Financial Capability Survey (2020), which have informed impactful policies and product innovations. I also played a pivotal role in establishing Uganda's Regulatory Sandbox, which has supported innovative financial technology firms like Wave Transfer to scale responsibly from testing to market. These efforts have improved the inclusiveness, safety, and resilience of Uganda's financial sector. I have participated in various working groups with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion including the Data Working Group, Consumer Empowerment & Market Conduct, and currently the Financial Inclusion Working Group. Through these, I have been able to showcase the progress Uganda has made towards access to finance for all and also learning from other central banks how they have achieved their progress over the years.

You are also engaged in promoting gender-inclusive finance. Could you share more about your efforts to make financial systems more inclusive, especially for women?

After conducting a Financial Literacy Training of Trainers program at Mountains of the Moon University

Gender inclusion is at the heart of my work. I supported the gender diagnostics that informed the integration of a gender-specific objective in NFIS II. I've also advocated for the regular collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data to inform policies that are responsive to the unique financial needs of women and support the development of gender-centric products. Currently I am part of a team working on a policy tool to develop a National Financial Inclusion Dashboard that will be a one-stop center for all financial inclusion data that is granular, and sex disaggregated. This will be available to all stakeholders in Uganda and beyond to be able to make the right interventions through polices and product development that are gendered to increase the update of financial products and services by women, youth, refugees, people with disabilities, & the elderly. I have personally conducted financial literacy training of trainers (TOT) sessions across Uganda, equipping over 600 local trainers--including many women--with financial literacy skills. In 2018, I co-led a national campaign to raise awareness about credit reference bureaus, with a special focus on improving women's credit access. These efforts are helping close persistent gender gaps in access, usage, and quality of financial services.

From your perspective, what are some of the key challenges and opportunities for advancing financial inclusion and digital financial services in Uganda and in the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region?

Some of the key challenges include limited access to digital infrastructure in rural areas, low financial and digital literacy, cybersecurity risks, and high service costs due to taxes and market fragmentation. On the other hand, the opportunities are immense: mobile money penetration is high, fintech is growing rapidly, and there's a strong push for regional integration and interoperability. Initiatives like the East African Cross-Border Payments System, the National Switch, and digital ID programs present exciting opportunities to accelerate access, lower costs, and expand usage of digital financial services.

TV interview on the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers Program 2024

What are some of the biggest professional challenges you've faced in your career? Have there been specific initiatives or milestones that you found especially meaningful or rewarding?

A key challenge has been keeping pace with the rapid evolution of financial technology while ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain relevant and inclusive. Establishing Uganda's Regulatory Sandbox during a period of rapid digital innovation was both demanding and rewarding. I also found deep satisfaction in coordinating the development of Uganda's first and second NFIS--a complex, stakeholder-heavy process that resulted in a more targeted and gender-responsive strategies that are cognizant of the key role green finance plays in the global environmental sustainability efforts. Another proud moment was seeing the impact of our financial literacy campaigns on the ground where communities began to take practical steps toward better financial management and more empowered women.

Meeting a Village Savings and Loan Association group in rural Uganda, Kamwenge District

What motivated you to pursue your master's degree at GRIPS, and what was your focus of study? How has your education at GRIPS contributed to your professional growth and work in public policy?

I chose GRIPS because of its unique focus on policy-oriented education in a global setting. My Master's was in Public Policy with a specialization in International Development, and my coursework emphasized policy analysis, governance, and institutional reform. The GRIPS experience broadened my global outlook and deepened my appreciation for data-driven and citizen-centered policymaking. The skills I gained in economic policy analysis and strategic planning have been instrumental in my role as a policy specialist and coordinator of national strategies in Uganda.

Since graduating from GRIPS, have you maintained any connections with Japan--either professionally or personally?

Yes, I've maintained professional connections with GRIPS alumni and Japanese colleagues through knowledge-sharing platforms, social media and policy networks. Personally, I remain connected with friends from my time in Japan, and I continue to be inspired by Japan's emphasis on discipline, efficiency, and innovation in governance.

You've worked on complex and cross-cutting issues like financial technology, regulation, and gender-inclusive finance. How do you manage the demands of such a dynamic field while maintaining work-life balance? What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Attempting to play golf celebrating my grandfather at 99 years

Balancing a dynamic career requires intentional planning and support systems. I prioritize clear goals, delegate where possible, and remain passionate about my work. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, travelling to new cities and making new connections, and participating in community outreach programs focused on financial literacy. These personal spaces give me energy and clarity.

Looking back, what are some of your fondest memories of your time at GRIPS and in Japan? Is there anything in particular that left a lasting impression?

One of my fondest memories was the rich intercultural exchange--engaging with classmates from all over the world. I also fondly remember Japan's cherry blossom season, cleanliness and the deep respect for order and excellence in everyday life. The experience left a lasting impression on how I view leadership, public service, and policy implementation.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS, what would it be?

Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage beyond the classroom. GRIPS offers more than academic knowledge--it's a platform to build lifelong networks, sharpen your critical thinking, and shape your leadership voice in the global policy space.

How would you like to stay involved with GRIPS going forward? Do you have any ideas on how the GRIPS alumni network can better support professional collaboration and knowledge exchange?

I would be delighted to contribute to GRIPS through mentorship, policy dialogues, and joint research--particularly around inclusive finance and development policy in Africa. The alumni network could be strengthened through thematic webinars, regional hubs, and joint knowledge products that showcase alumni impact and encourage collaboration across regions and sectors. A major reunion of GRIPS alumni in Tokyo would also be a great initiative, as would regional reunions. I personally have attended one in the Philippines but have not heard of any in Africa.