Grace Muliisa stands out as one of Uganda’s most influential banking leaders, with over 20 years of experience spanning local and international markets.

In September 2021, she made history as the first female Ugandan to be appointed Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, stepping into the role during one of the bank’s most challenging periods.

Under her stewardship, Ecobank Uganda has achieved one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country’s banking sector. By 2025, the bank’s total assets surged to UGX 1.27 trillion ,an 84% year-on-year expansion propelling Ecobank into Uganda’s prestigious “Trillionaires Club.” Profit after tax also soared to UGX 24.3 billion, more than doubling from the previous year.

Career Highlights

• 1998: Graduated from Makerere University (BA Social Sciences) and joined Standard Chartered Bank Uganda.
• 2011: Became the first Ugandan woman to serve as Country Manager, Retail Clients at Standard Chartered Uganda.
• 2017: Relocated to Singapore as Operational Risk Manager at Standard Chartered Group HQ.
• 2018: Earned a Chartered Banker MBA from Bangor University.
• 2019: Returned to Uganda, joining Stanbic Bank to drive retail growth.
• 2021–Present: Appointed Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, leading a transformation from a UGX 11B loss to record-breaking profitability.

Vision & Impact

Muliisa’s stated ambition is to position Ecobank among Uganda’s top 10 financial institutions within five years, anchored on innovation, customer trust, and Pan-African identity. A vocal advocate for digital transformation, she emphasizes that mobile-first banking is not just a trend but a necessity for serving younger generations.

Beyond financial performance, she champions social impact initiatives:

• Vice Board Chairman of Malaria Free Uganda.
• Advocate for girls’ education.
• Driving Ecobank’s commitment to community development alongside strong financial results.

Legacy in the Making

Grace Muliisa’s leadership is redefining what it means to run a purpose-driven bank in Uganda. By combining sharp financial acumen with a deep commitment to social progress, she is not only reshaping Ecobank Uganda but also setting a benchmark for inclusive, transformative leadership in Africa’s banking industry