The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), has successfully hosted the East Africa Capital Markets Conference (EACMC 2025) at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel under the theme: “Shaping East Africa’s Capital Markets through Digital Transformation and Sustainable Finance.”
The two-day regional conference, held from October 16–17, 2025, brought together policymakers, regulators, CEOs of regional securities exchanges and regulators, fund managers, issuers, investors, and thought leaders from across the East African Community to discuss emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in capital market development.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Josephine Okui Ossiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Authority Uganda, emphasized the region’s shared commitment to innovation and integration. She mentioned that through the recent launch of the regulatory sandbox, CMA is harnessing technology to test new products and create smarter investor-capital linkages under adaptive regulation.
“This conference is more than a meeting of markets; it is a convergence of ideas, innovation, and ambition. Digital transformation and sustainability are not optional; they are the pillars on which the future of East Africa’s capital markets will be built. Through collaboration, we can unlock new avenues for investment, inclusion, and long-term growth,” said Mrs. Ossiya.
She further highlighted the impact of the Deal Flow Facility, a partnership with FSD Uganda and the European Union, which has matched 52 companies with investors, representing potential deals exceeding USD 30 million, with four companies already closing USD 6.1 million in funding.
In his remarks, Mr. Paul Bwiso, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Securities Exchange and Chairperson of the East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA), emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and harmonization of standards:
“Technology is transforming how capital markets operate across East Africa, making investment more inclusive and accessible than ever before. The USE Easy portal and digital account opening through MTN and Airtel are bringing markets directly to the palm of the citizenry. Regional integration also remains central to building resilient and liquid capital markets across East Africa. By leveraging technology and sustainable finance, we can strengthen investor confidence and position East Africa as a competitive investment destination on the continent,” said Mr. Bwiso.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, represented by Mr. Moses Ogwapus, Commissioner Financial Services Department, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commended CMA their leadership in advancing the capital markets ecosystem. He mentioned that capital markets play a crucial role in mobilizing long-term financing for our development agenda as well as contributing to Uganda’s tenfold growth agenda and the fourth National Development Plan.
The East African Securities Exchanges Association together with the Capital Markets Authority Uganda launched the East African Exchanges (EAE) 20 Share Index, a regional initiative aimed at enhancing market visibility, promoting cross-listing, and deepening integration among East African securities exchanges.
The conference featured high-level panels and fireside chats addressing the key trends shaping the future of the region’s capital markets. Topics included: The future of East Africa’s capital markets and regional integration, Digital transformation and sustainable finance, success stories and investment opportunities in the capital markets, .Why ESG & Sustainability Reporting is Critical to East African Capital Markets” among others, bringing together an esteemed panel of regional leaders: such as Frank Mwiti, CEO, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Peter Nalitolela, CEO, Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO, Rwanda Stock Exchange & Chairman, ASEA, Jesse Kagoma, CEO, Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC) Kenya, David Wainaina, Chairman of the EASEA Technical Committee, among others.
The discussion highlighted progress, challenges, and opportunities shaping the region’s capital markets, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and regional integration as catalysts for growth.
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Uganda is a statutory body established in 1996 under the Capital Markets Authority Act (Cap 64) to promote, develop, and regulate the capital markets industry in Uganda.
CMA executes its legal mandate with the following objectives:
- Promoting confidence in the capital markets
- Ensuring honesty and transparency in capital markets transactions
- Carrying out investor education
- Protecting investors; and
- Reducing systemic riskin the financial system
The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) is Uganda’s principal securities exchange, providing a platform for trading equities and bonds while fostering investment and capital formation.
