Business leader Charles Mbire has urged Ugandans to make integrity and good character the foundation of their financial and business success, saying trust has become one of the most valuable assets in today’s economy.
Mbire made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural SBG Securities Investor Day in Kampala.
The event was organised by SBG Securities, a subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings, and brought together investors, policymakers, regulators and business leaders to discuss opportunities in Uganda’s capital markets.
He said entrepreneurs should understand that investors and financial institutions are increasingly looking beyond physical assets when making investment decisions.
“Invest in your character and integrity before you invest in business,” Mbire said. “Financial institutions such as Stanbic Bank will always support individuals with a good reputation, a sound business plan and strong governance.”
He explained that rapid technological change has transformed the business environment, making trust, credibility and good governance more valuable than traditional forms of collateral.
Mbire also warned Ugandans against chasing investment schemes that promise unusually high returns within a short period.
He said many people have lost their savings, while others have even ended up in legal trouble after investing in unregulated schemes that promised quick profits.
Instead, he encouraged especially young investors to put their money in well-governed and regulated investment products that offer stable, long-term growth.
The Investor Day, the first of its kind organised by SBG Securities, was aimed at helping Ugandans move beyond simply saving money and begin making informed investment decisions.
Grace Semakula, the chief executive officer of SBG Securities said the initiative supports Stanbic Uganda’s purpose of driving Uganda’s economic growth by giving people the knowledge and confidence to invest.
She said the company has recorded strong growth in its investment business, with its Umbrella Fund growing by 391 percent. She added that Uganda’s collective investment schemes industry now manages assets worth Shs5.6 trillion.
“Uganda is gradually shifting from saving alone to embracing investment as a pathway to financial independence,” Semakula said.
“Investor Day gives people access to experts, practical insights and investment opportunities that can help shape their financial future.”
Financial experts who addressed the gathering echoed Mbire’s message, calling on Ugandans to develop disciplined financial habits and plan for the future from an early age.
Lead Economist at the Bank of Uganda, Pumla Nabachwa, advised young people to take advantage of their greatest financial asset, time, by saving and investing consistently instead of spending impulsively.
Daisy Lynda Nabakooza, Director of Supervision and Market Conduct at the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), urged Ugandans to begin planning for retirement as soon as they start earning an income.
“It is never too early, and never too late, to start planning for retirement,” she said.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Executive Director and Head of Personal and Private Banking, Sam Mwogeza, said the bank is investing heavily in digital technology to make investment services more accessible.
He said customers can now access many investment services conveniently through digital channels without having to visit several bank branches.
“Our goal is to remove barriers and make investing simple for every Ugandan,” Mwogeza said.
The inaugural SBG Securities Investor Day marked an important step in promoting financial literacy and encouraging more Ugandans to diversify their investments through regulated financial products that offer stable and secure long-term returns.
