Uganda Finance Summit ends with music and celebration

The Uganda Development Finance Summit concluded in grand style at Speke Resort Munyonyo, following two days of high-level dialogue that brought together global policymakers, financiers, and thought leaders to reimagine Africa’s financial future.

Held from September 1–2 under the theme “Transforming Africa Through National Development Finance Architecture,” the summit focused on building sustainable, homegrown financial systems amid shrinking aid and tightening global capital.

President Yoweri Museveni, the Chief Guest, underscored the critical role of national development banks such as Uganda Development Bank (UDB) in unlocking long-term, affordable financing.

He emphasized that institutions like UDB are essential for catalyzing growth in agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services, sectors he described as the engines of Uganda’s economic transformation.

Other notable speakers included UDB Managing Director Dr. Patricia Ojangole and Arshad Rab of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development. Both urged African nations to move beyond short-term private capital and instead foster ecosystems that blend public and private resources, with a focus on productivity, resilience, and inclusive growth.

The summit culminated in a lively celebration dubbed “Uganda Night,” a cocktail party that offered delegates a chance to unwind after days of intense discussion. The atmosphere shifted from formal to festive as the Fauti Band took the stage at 6:00 PM, opening with soulful hits from the 1980s that stirred nostalgia and got guests singing and dancing. The band later transitioned to beloved Afrigo Band classics, igniting the crowd with familiar rhythms and infectious energy.

UDB’s Head of Business Advisory, Barbara Kasekende, emerged as the unofficial host of the evening, leading the charge on the dance floor and encouraging guests to let loose and enjoy the moment. Her spirited presence helped transform the gathering into a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and camaraderie.

Throughout the evening, clusters of dignitaries and executives engaged in animated conversations over cocktails, wines, and Ugandan brews, while sampling a rich spread of local and continental cuisine. The relaxed setting offered a rare opportunity for informal networking, allowing leaders to forge personal bonds beyond the confines of policy and finance.

As the music played on and the night wore down, the summit left behind more than just policy recommendations—it delivered a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and optimism for Africa’s financial future.