Kwame Rugunda hands over Blockchain Association of Uganda leadership

• Reginald Tumusiime becomes the new chairman of the Blockchain Association of Uganda, succeeding Kwame Rugunda
• BAU has played a crucial role in shaping Uganda's blockchain agenda since its inception in 2018
• The new chairman aims to expand the association's scope to support innovations in big data, robotics, and other emerging technologies

At the handover dinner, Rugunda reflected on the association's journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs. "When we started in 2018, blockchain was hardly understood in Uganda. We faced an onslaught of crypto scams, but with support from the Central Bank and the President, we gained credibility and demystified blockchain," he said. "We organized ourselves and held a large event, which received support from the President, giving us a lot of credibility. Since then, we've done a lot of work to demystify blockchain and attract key players in the private sector, including large corporates like Nile Breweries, which started experimenting with the technology."

Rugunda emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies like the Bank of Uganda, Capital Markets Authority, and Financial Intelligence Authority.

"Working closely with these agencies is crucial for the growth of blockchain in Uganda," he said. He handed over the reins to Tumusiime, who praised the outgoing team for laying a solid foundation.

Tumusiime promised to foster collaboration and expand the association's scope. "Our growth will be driven by the number of stakeholders we work with. We plan to transform BAU into an emerging technologies association, supporting innovations in big data, robotics, and more," he said. "We believe that beyond blockchain, there are other new technologies that need support and mentorship. We want to create a platform for young innovators to grow and develop their ideas."

Government commits supports

Josephine Okui Ossiya, CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, commended the outgoing leadership for steering blockchain technology in Uganda to a transformative point. "You've stayed the course and made blockchain a key player in finance and healthcare," she said. "We're committed to supporting innovation and creating a regulatory sandbox where you can test your products and help us understand them. We'll work together to mitigate risks and create a conducive environment for growth."

Tumusiime will be deputized by Edline Murungi, with Sulaiman Murunga and Daniel Mulondo as other members of the new leadership team. The association has made significant strides in promoting blockchain technology in Uganda, and the new leadership is poised to take it to the next level.

The handover ceremony was attended by industry players, government officials, and stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem. It marked a new chapter for BAU, which has been instrumental in shaping Uganda's blockchain agenda. With the new leadership, the association is expected to expand its scope and promote emerging technologies, further cementing Uganda's position as a hub for innovation and technological growth.