Banker Barbra Kasekende lights up the stage as an actress and director. PHOT/EDGAR R BATTE
Banker Barbra Kasekende says pursuing different passions has made her life more fulfilling. PHOT/EDGAR R BATTE
Barbara Kasekende is driven by a powerful purpose to amplify women’s voices and empower young people to thrive in the business world. As the head of business advisory at Uganda Development Bank (UDB), she focuses on supporting youth-led enterprises.
Her role, which she finds deeply rewarding, involves training entrepreneurs to become financially ready and operate sustainably. While Uganda ranks among the most entrepreneurial countries globally, Kasekende recognises a critical gap; many young innovators have brilliant ideas but struggle due to limited access to financing and mentorship. Through her work, she bridges this divide, helping turn potential into tangible success.
At first glance, Kasekende’s professional life seems neatly divided between two worlds. By day, she is the head of business advisory at Uganda Development Bank (UDB), where she equips young entrepreneurs with the financial literacy and operational skills needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.
By night (and weekends), she transforms into a vibrant performer and director with Kampala Amateur Dramatic Society (KADS). But for Kasekende, these are not separate identities; they are interconnected passions that fuel each other. “Acting is not an escape from my banking work; it is what sustains me for it,” she explains.
Read her full story here: Barbara Kasekende: The multitalented banker
