BY D KASULE: Pride Bank Limited has appointed experienced banker Beatrice Lugalambi as its new Executive Director, bringing more than 30 years of banking experience to an institution undergoing a major transformation.
Her appointment comes at an important time for the bank, which recently transitioned from microfinance to a fully licensed Tier II banking institution. With her wealth of experience, Lugalambi is expected to help the bank strengthen its products, expand its reach and position itself for sustainable growth.
Lugalambi has spent over three decades in the banking industry, holding senior positions in corporate banking, business development, marketing, customer experience and institutional management. Pride Bank believes her experience and leadership will be valuable as the institution enters a new chapter.
The appointment follows the Bank of Uganda’s decision on November 26, 2025, to grant Tier II status to Pride Microfinance (MDI), paving the way for its transition into Pride Bank Limited.
The change in regulatory status gives the institution greater room to grow. It can now mobilise more deposits, offer a wider range of financial products and serve a broader customer base, including individuals, entrepreneurs and established businesses.
However, the bank’s next challenge will be turning this new opportunity into tangible growth while competing in an increasingly crowded financial services market. Before joining Pride Bank, Lugalambi held several senior management positions at Centenary Bank, including General Manager for Corporate Communications and Marketing and General Manager for Business Development and Marketing.
She also previously held leadership roles at Barclays Bank Uganda and Bank of Africa. Her experience across these institutions has given her a broad understanding of Uganda’s banking industry and the changing needs of its customers. Pride Bank Managing Director Veronicah Namagembe said Lugalambi’s appointment comes at a critical stage in the institution’s growth.
“Beatrice joins us at a particularly exciting time when we have built a strong foundation in financial inclusion, earned the trust of communities across Uganda and taken important steps towards becoming a more competitive and diversified financial institution,” Namagembe said.
She added that the bank needs experienced leadership to guide its next phase of growth. “Beatrice brings a deep understanding of the market, a strong commercial perspective and a proven ability to build relationships that drive business. We look forward to the contribution she will make as we pursue our ambitions,” she said.
Education and Community Involvement
Lugalambi holds a Master of Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI), a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Makerere University.
Beyond her professional career, she is actively involved in community service and mentorship, including leadership responsibilities within Rotary. Pride Bank says her commitment to community development reflects the institution’s own mission of supporting individuals and communities to achieve sustainable economic progress.
Her appointment is part of the bank’s broader effort to strengthen its leadership as it moves beyond its traditional microfinance operations and establishes itself as a more diversified financial services provider. Despite the transition, Pride Bank says it remains committed to its founding mission of making financial services accessible to Ugandans, while adapting to changing customer needs and pursuing new growth opportunities.
Formerly known as Pride Microfinance (MDI), Pride Bank Limited is a Tier II financial institution serving individuals and businesses across Uganda. It provides a range of financial products and services aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.