Equity Bank Uganda has appointed veteran communications and corporate affairs strategist Henry Rugamba as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, effective June 15, 2026, succeeding Mark Ocitti who has retired after nine years of service.
The appointment signals a leadership transition at one of Uganda’s leading lenders as it seeks to deepen financial inclusion and support enterprise growth across the country.
In a statement, Equity said Rugamba brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs and governance across the public and private sectors.
“Mr. Rugamba brings over three decades of distinguished leadership in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs and governance. His extensive experience across the public and private sectors, coupled with his commitment to excellence and sustainable impact, will be instrumental as Equity Bank Uganda continues to deepen financial inclusion, support enterprise growth and create shared prosperity for communities across Uganda,” the bank said.
Rugamba is a graduate of Politics and International Law from Makerere University and currently serves as Chairman of BAT Uganda and Harris International Uganda.
He has also served on several boards and is involved in community initiatives, including HIV/AIDS care programmes in Karamoja.
Equity Group Holdings Chairman Prof. Isaac Macharia said Rugamba’s experience would strengthen the bank’s strategic direction. “We are delighted with the appointment of Mr. Henry Rugamba as the Chairperson of the Board of Equity Bank Uganda. His diverse background in Public Relations, Communications, stakeholder engagement and strategic advisory services brings a wealth of experience that will support the Bank’s strategic direction,” Macharia said.
The bank also paid tribute to outgoing chairperson Mark Ocitti, under whose stewardship Equity Uganda strengthened its institutional capacity and expanded its market position.
“During his tenure, the company recorded significant milestones including consolidated market position, institutional capacity growth and sustainable growth as evidenced by its strong performance thereby delivering sustainable long-term value creation for its shareholders,” the bank said.
Macharia added: “We extend our deep gratitude to Mr. Mark Ocitti for his distinguished service, dedication, professionalism and invaluable contribution to the Board over the past nine years.”
The leadership change comes as Equity Bank Uganda continues to expand its footprint in retail banking, SME financing, agriculture and digital financial services, areas that have become central to the bank’s financial inclusion strategy.
According to the bank, the transition “reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and leveraging Uganda’s economic potential within the regional and continental landscape.”
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