Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
As a global microfinance and financial inclusion leader with over 23 years of executive experience, I have dedicated my career to expanding access to finance for underserved communities across Africa and Asia. I currently serve as Group Chief Operations Officer at Umoja International, overseeing operations across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, and leading strategic initiatives in digital transformation, governance, and inclusive growth. Previously, I was the founding CEO of ASA International Kenya, where I built a national branch network from the ground up and scaled the portfolio to USD 12M+ with strong credit discipline (PAR <1%). I have also held executive and advisory roles in Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Bangladesh—driving innovation, regulatory engagement, and sustainable operational models across frontier markets. Alongside my sector expertise, I gained entrepreneurial experience as a franchise partner in the USA, operating a residential service business and deepening my commercial understanding. Throughout my journey, I’ve served on multiple microfinance boards and contributed to international discourse as a speaker, trainer, and author. I bring a strategic yet hands-on approach to leadership, with a passion for building capacity, driving digital inclusion, and delivering measurable impact. 🎯 Now open to executive or advisory opportunities in the UK and internationally in microfinance, financial inclusion, and impact investing. Let’s connect if you’re looking for a strategic partner to help drive inclusive growth in complex markets.
• Oversee group operations currently across 4 countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, leading strategic initiatives, governance, and operational excellence. • Drive digital transformation and financial inclusion for underserved communities. • Liaise with regulators, donors, and investors to align operations with regional policies and global impact standards. • Successfully expanded Umoja’s footprint and optimized performance through performance management and risk oversight.
• Owned and operated a franchise business focused on residential services, including home detailing and seasonal installations (e.g. Christmas lighting). • Managed day-to-day operations, client service, staffing, and local marketing. • Gained entrepreneurial insight and operational experience in a U.S.-based service business environment.
• Launched and scaled ASA’s microfinance operations in Kenya, building a national network of branches. • Achieved portfolio growth to USD12M+ from zero over a period of 8 years while maintaining a PAR < 1.0% through strong credit and risk controls. • Recruited and developed local leadership teams, ensuring sustainable capacity-building. • Built productive relationships with the Central Bank of Kenya and other key financial sector stakeholders.
• Designed ASA’s first SME lending product. • Oversaw divisional operations, trained staff, contributed to microfinance policies. • Managed day-to-day financial operations including bookkeeping, budgeting, reconciliation, and reporting and contributed to accurate and timely financial statements.
• Assessed operational challenges; led strategic wind-down of program with compliance and risk mitigation.