CMA’s Josephine Okui reaffirms commitment to leveraging innovation , digital transformation , Launches WIW 2025

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA), in partnership with the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), has officially launched World Investor Week 2025 (WIW 2025), a global campaign initiated by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to promote investor education, awareness, and protection.

The week-long campaign, running from 27th to 31st October 2025, will be held under the theme “From Savings to Smart Investments: Building Your Financial Future with Technology.”

This year’s theme highlights the journey from traditional saving habits to intentional, technology-enabled investing.

It underscores how digital platforms are transforming investment access, safety, and transparency, encouraging Ugandans to move from informal savings to active participation in the capital markets through innovations such as the USE Easy Portal, Unit Trust mobile applications, online trading platforms, and other fintech solutions that simplify the investment process.

The launch was marked by a symbolic bell-ringing moment, a gesture that traditionally signifies the opening of trading sessions and, in this case, the start of a week dedicated to promoting investor empowerment and financial inclusion.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Josephine Okui Ossiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Authority Uganda, reaffirmed CMA’s commitment to leveraging innovation and digital transformation to make Uganda’s capital markets more efficient, transparent, and inclusive.

She urged investors to take advantage of opportunities within regulated markets and remain vigilant against fraudulent investment schemes. Ms. Ossiya further highlighted the Regulatory Sandbox as a demonstration of CMA’s forward-looking approach to fintech regulation, a controlled environment where innovators can safely test new products and services under the Authority’s oversight.

Mr. Paul Bwiso, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Securities Exchange, reiterated USE’s dedication to using technology to simplify market access and enhance participation. He noted that platforms such as the USE Easy Portal now enable any Ugandan with a mobile phone to open a trading account, buy and sell shares, and build their investment portfolios from anywhere in the country.

“This year’s campaign focuses on translating savings into smart investments through digital transformation,” said Mr. Bwiso. “Technology is the bridge connecting Ugandans to new opportunities for growth and wealth creation.”

The launch of World Investor Week 2025 activities follows the successful conclusion of the East Africa Capital Markets Conference (EACMAC), a two-day regional forum that brought together securities exchanges, regulators, and market players from across East Africa.

The conference served as a platform for dialogue on deepening regional integration, strengthening cross-border investments, and harnessing technology to grow East Africa’s capital markets ecosystem.

Throughout the week, CMA and USE will host a range of educational and interactive activities, including: A Press Conference and Bell Ringing Ceremony to officially open the week’s engagements on 24th October 2025,  Social Media X Space Discussion themed “Beyond the Savings Box: Moving from Saving to Investing, Investor Outreach Sessions targeting SACCOs on Tuesday, 28th October 2025,  Radio and TV Campaigns focusing on investor protection and digital investment platforms, a Two-Day Investor Roadshow in downtown Kampala, organized in partnership with the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) on 29th and 30th October 2025, aimed at engaging traders and promoting participation in Uganda’s capital markets.

Through these initiatives, CMA and USE aim to raise public awareness, deepen financial literacy, and inspire more Ugandans to harness technology as a pathway to sustainable investment and long-term wealth creation.

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: 1. Promoting confidence in the capital markets 2. Ensuring honesty and transparency in capital markets transactions 3. Carrying out investor education 4. Protecting investors; and 5. Reducing systemic risk in the financial system .

The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) is Uganda’s principal stock exchange, providing a platform for buying and selling securities and facilitating capital raising for businesses while promoting financial inclusion through digital investment solutions.