Team size: Three

Jurisdictions your role covers: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda

Q&A

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?  

The Legal Team at NCBA Bank Uganda Limited has provided strategic legal leadership on several high-value, business-critical matters contributing to the Company’s value creation, financial resilience, and strategic growth. A key achievement was the successful management of a complex tax dispute involving regulatory and tax law issues, resolved through a coordinated legal strategy, stakeholder engagement, and risk management, resulting in an approximately 85% reduction in the Company’s potential exposure and safeguarding substantial enterprise value. 

The team has also supported the structuring and execution of an aircraft financing transaction in compliance with aviation, financing, and security requirements, as well as the coordination of a syndicated lending facility involving multiple lenders. These transactions involved negotiation of complex documentation, stakeholder management, and regulatory oversight, strengthening the Company’s balance sheet and capital structure.

What strategies has your legal team adopted to mitigate legal and regulatory risks in a rapidly evolving business and political environment? 

In managing legal and regulatory risk, the Legal Team has adopted a proactive, risk-based approach, including continuous monitoring of legal, regulatory, and political developments to anticipate risks and ensure timely compliance responses. The team has strengthened internal governance frameworks and controls to align with evolving regulatory requirements and conducts regular training and awareness programmes to enhance company-wide compliance. These initiatives reinforce a strong culture of compliance and position the Legal Team as a strategic business partner protecting enterprise value.

How is the role of the General Counsel evolving in East Africa as organisations place greater emphasis on governance, transparency and ESG considerations? 

The role of the General Counsel in East Africa has evolved from a traditional legal advisor into a strategic business leader and trusted advisor to boards and executive management. This shift is driven by increased regulatory complexity, governance expectations, and stakeholder scrutiny, positioning General Counsel as key contributors to corporate strategy, risk management, and sustainable growth. 

The growing emphasis on ESG has expanded the role to include oversight of sustainability strategy, ESG disclosures, alongside management of environmental, social, and reputational risks. The modern General Counsel plays a central role in strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and enabling long-term value creation aligned with investor expectations.

What trends are you seeing in foreign investment into the region, and how does your role support or facilitate these opportunities? 

East Africa continues to attract foreign investment driven by demographic growth, infrastructure development, and expanding regional markets, particularly in financial services, energy, and telecommunications. However, investors increasingly prioritize governance standards, regulatory certainty, ESG performance, and transparency, making strong legal and compliance frameworks a key differentiator. 

In my role, I support foreign investment by strengthening legal and governance structures that build investor confidence. This includes leading complex financing and investment transactions, advising on corporate structuring, securing regulatory approvals, and managing multi-stakeholder engagements. These efforts bridge legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations, enabling a stable investment environment that supports sustainable growth and long-term value creation.