MTN Uganda Board Chairman Charles Mbire has urged Ugandans, particularly young entrepreneurs and aspiring investors, to prioritize building their character and integrity before venturing into business, saying a good reputation is one of the most valuable assets anyone can possess.
Mbire made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Investor Day Forum organised by SBG Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The event was held under the theme “From Saving to Investment.”
SBG Securities is a licensed investment firm offering brokerage, asset management and financial advisory services. The company also manages unit trusts and facilitates trading in stocks and government securities on the Uganda Securities Exchange and other regional markets.
Addressing investors, policymakers and business leaders, Mbire noted that today’s business environment has shifted significantly due to rapid technological advancements, making reputation and trust more valuable than physical assets.
“Invest in your character and integrity before you invest in business,” Mbire said. “Financial institutions such as Stanbic Bank will always be willing to support individuals with a good reputation, a sound business plan and strong governance.”
He explained that credible organisations and investors are increasingly looking beyond financial performance and placing greater emphasis on ethics, governance and accountability.
“The way business is conducted has changed. Institutions are no longer relying only on physical assets; they are increasingly relying on data, trust and the character of the people they do business with,” he said.
Mbire cautioned investors against pursuing high-risk ventures that promise unrealistic returns, noting that many people have lost fortunes and even their freedom by chasing quick profits.
“Many of my friends have lost a lot of money, and some have even ended up in jail because they pursued seemingly lucrative deals without considering the risks. My advice, especially to young investors, is to invest in well-governed and regulated portfolios that offer stable, long-term returns rather than chasing quick money,” he said.
He added that wealth creation is evolving, with financial instruments such as unit trusts, treasury bonds and shares becoming increasingly attractive compared to traditional investments.
“Life today is no longer just about buying more land. It is about investing in safe, secure and compounding financial instruments. The world is changing rapidly. Telecom companies are becoming banks, banks are embracing technology, and the question is how you position yourself so you are not left behind.”
Grace Semakula, Chief Executive Officer of SBG Securities, said the Investor Day Forum aligns with Stanbic Uganda’s purpose of “Uganda is our Home, We Drive Her Growth” by promoting financial inclusion, encouraging investment and supporting economic development through greater participation in Uganda’s capital markets.
He said the event also forms part of activities marking 35 years of Stanbic’s positive contribution to Uganda under its parent company, Standard Bank Group.
“With growing interest in government securities, unit trusts, equities and other investment products, Uganda is witnessing a gradual shift from a culture of saving alone to one that increasingly embraces investing as a pathway to financial independence,” Semakula said.
“Investor Day provides a platform for people to learn from experts, engage with industry leaders and discover investment opportunities that can help them achieve their long-term financial goals.”
He noted that Uganda’s economy grew by 6.4% in the 2025/26 financial year, while the country’s collective investment scheme industry expanded by 47%, reaching UGX 5.6 trillion in assets under management.
“Our Umbrella Fund recorded an impressive 391% growth, reflecting the confidence that clients continue to place in us. These milestones reinforce our commitment to making investment opportunities more accessible for every Ugandan,” He added.
Pumla Nabachwa, Lead Economist at the Bank of Uganda, encouraged Ugandans, particularly young people, to cultivate disciplined saving habits and avoid impulsive spending.
“The greatest advantage young people have is time,” he said. “There has never been easier access to financial information than today. Develop the habit of setting money aside consistently and remember that wealth is not built through quick-money schemes.”
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.
“Time is your greatest asset. Start saving early so that retirement does not become a financial burden later in life. However, it is never too late to begin,” she said.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Executive Director Sam Mwogeza said the bank continues to invest in digital innovation to simplify investing and improve customer experience by enabling clients to access investment services conveniently without the need to visit multiple branches.
The inaugural Investor Day Forum brought together investors, business executives, policymakers and financial experts to discuss practical strategies for growing wealth, strengthening Uganda’s investment culture and increasing participation in regulated financial markets.
