Blockchain Association of Uganda gets new leadership

Kampala, Uganda – The Blockchain Association of Uganda (BAU) has welcomed new leadership, with Reginald Tumusiime taking over as chairman from founding chairman Kwame Rugunda.

BAU, an industry body comprising blockchain professionals, has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s blockchain agenda since its establishment in 2018.

At a handover dinner, Rugunda reflected on the association’s journey, highlighting its milestones and challenges.

He noted that when BAU was founded, blockchain was poorly understood in Uganda, and the association played a crucial role in defending the industry, guiding the public, and ensuring correct understanding.

Under Rugunda’s leadership, BAU organized Africa’s largest blockchain conference, which received support from the President and credibility from the Central Bank and other stakeholders.

The association has since demystified blockchain, which is now being used by key government agencies and private sector players.

Rugunda emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies to create an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tumusiime, the new chairman, hailed Rugunda and the outgoing team for providing a firm foundation and promised to foster collaboration and expand the association’s pertinency.

Tumusiime announced plans to transform BAU into an emerging technologies association, encompassing big data, robotics, and other innovative technologies. He acknowledged the need to support and mentor young innovators.

Josephine Okui Ossiya, CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, commended the outgoing leadership for steering blockchain technology in Uganda to a transformative point. She reiterated her agency’s commitment to supporting the association and creating a regulatory sandbox for innovation.

Tumusiime will be deputized by Edline Murungi, with Sulaiman Murunga and Daniel Mulondo serving as other members of the association.