The Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) is set to hold the 4th Annual Bankers Conference on the 26th and 27th July 2021, under the theme: Bend but don’t break: How the financial sector can thrive in the era of the 4th Industrial revolution.
Speaking at a Press Conference held both Virtual and at the UBA Head Offices in Muyenga this afternoon, Mathias Katamba, UBA Chairman said, “This year’s event will be delivered virtually and aim to facilitate a focused discussion among key players and Industry stakeholders regarding the 4th Industrial revolution and highlight among others emerging trends /developments and future outlook in the payments space, confronting fraud & cyber security risks, redefining financial inclusion & deepening access to financial services, and harnessing opportunities from the unprecedented processing power & storage capacity in 4IR” (4th Industrial Revolution)
This year’s conference will include a keynote address to be delivered by the Governor Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Patrick Njoroge. Other key conference speakers will include the Governor of Central Bank of Uganda and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance who will preside over the opening ceremonies; The conference will feature high level panel discussions covering topical issues facing the industry at both global & domestic level including developments in the payment space, financial inclusion & cyber security among others.
“We expect that the output from the conference to include forward looking insights that will inform current and future industry decisions on deployment of technology & the much-needed collaboration,” said Katamba, the Chairman UBA.
Wilbrod Owor, the UBA Executive Director said, “this year’s Annual banker’s conference aims at analyzing the key issues affecting the banking sector and offer recommendations to shape how the sector runs and the interventions required. Over the years, we have referred to feedback sessions taken from these conferences to develop policies and regulations to help grow the banking sector. Government has provided a number of policy frameworks that enable embracing technology. The financial sector has embarked on partnerships with Fintechs, telecoms to serve their customers better through digital/technology led platforms. We have continued to dialogue with government to change policies and taxes that hinder the adoption digital changes.”
He added that the banking sector has witnessed new innovations and technologies such as Online Banking, Mobile banking, Contactless ATM cards, among other which have been embraced by the public. The Covid19 crisis more than ever has brought to the fore the necessity and possibilities of digital economy.
MasterCard, the official sponsor for this event was represented by Mr. Shehryar Ali, Country Manager East Africa, who pledged continuous support as a key partner in the growth, development and transformation of the financial ecosystem in Uganda. “Covid has taught us that we are all interconnected and our wellbeing as individuals is only as effective as a community. Today, millions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Women entrepreneurs and those who are financially excluded have been badly impacted, it is upon us as leaders of the financial sector to collaborate and solve the problems facing our country and communities. UBA is playing the primary role as a corporate body to bridge the gap between public and private sectors to help, solve financial problems. MasterCard is delighted to be the main sponsor for this collaboration and solution driven Annual Bankers Conference. “
He added: “We are committed to bringing one billion people into the digital economy by 2025, including 50 million SMEs and focus on 25 million Women entrepreneurs, creating pathways toward increased financial security for people, communities and businesses around the world. Ensuring digital access for everyday transactions is a key step in including those currently outside the digital economy.” He called upon the government, private sector, Fintechs, NGOs, and the entire financial sector to lend a hand to those impacted by Covid-19 pandemic and drive the agenda of the financial inclusion.
The Bankers’ Conference is a key activity in UBA’s annual calendar that brings together regulators, practitioners and various industry experts from domestic, regional, international and national spheres involved in delivering financial/banking services.
The fourth Annual Bankers’ Conference has been organized by Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) and sponsored by MasterCard, Raxio Data Center, FINCA, Experian, Stanbic Bank, Financial Sector Deepening Uganda and KCB Bank.
