Fabian Kasi has reflected on a 16-year leadership journey at Centenary Bank, highlighting growth, innovation and financial inclusion as he prepares to transition from his role as Managing Director to become Group CEO of Centenary Group.

Speaking during a breakfast engagement with members of the media at Kampala Serena Hotel, Kasi expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his tenure and shared lessons from his leadership experience.

He encouraged young professionals to focus on creating value rather than concentrating solely on financial rewards.

"Professionals who create value stand out, earn trust and open doors to bigger responsibilities," he said.

Kasi's tenure has coincided with significant growth for Centenary Bank, which has strengthened its position as Uganda's leading commercial microfinance bank.

According to figures shared during the event, the bank's assets have grown from approximately UGX 944 billion in 2010 to about UGX 8.6 trillion today. The institution's customer base has also expanded from around 850,000 customers to more than 3.4 million.

"Our customers are the reason for our success," Kasi said, noting that customer trust has remained the foundation of the bank's growth.

The bank's footprint across Uganda has also expanded considerably. Branches have increased from 37 in 2010 to 87 today, while the agent banking network has grown to nearly 9,000 agents, extending access to financial services in communities across the country.

Reflecting on the bank's transformation, Kasi emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with purpose.

"We embraced innovation without abandoning our purpose," he said, pointing to investments in digital banking and expanded service delivery.

Financial inclusion remained a recurring theme throughout his remarks. Under his leadership, Centenary Bank has implemented initiatives aimed at serving women, youth, refugees, farmers and entrepreneurs, many of whom have historically faced barriers to accessing formal financial services.

"Financial inclusion must remain at the heart of banking," Kasi said.

He added that the bank's greatest achievement goes beyond financial performance.

"Our greatest achievement is not the size of the bank, but the opportunities we've created for millions of Ugandans, from farmers and entrepreneurs to youth and women across the country," he said.

Centenary Bank also reported substantial growth in profitability during Kasi's tenure, with profits rising from UGX 47.9 billion to more than UGX 424 billion.

As he prepares to assume his new role as Group CEO of Centenary Group, Kasi expressed confidence in the institution's future, saying the bank is well-positioned for continued growth and success.

"The foundation is rock-solid and the future is bright," he said.

His transition marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Centenary Bank and the beginning of a new leadership role within the wider Centenary Group structure.