David Wandera is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. His career spans expertise in banking, financial markets, and project financing. On 16th December 2024, Wandera was appointed as the Interim Managing Director of ABSA Bank Uganda, succeeding Mumba Kalifungwa, who was reassigned to a different role within the ABSA Group
WoA takes a look at his education and professional journey.
Academic Background
The interim ABSA MD has a rock-solid foundation in finance and management. Wandera completed his undergraduate studies at Makerere University, Uganda, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree, graduating with a Second Class Upper division, which laid the groundwork for his successful career in banking.
His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. After completing his undergraduate degree, Wandera furthered his education by pursuing a Master of Science in International Finance at the University of Leeds in the UK between 2005 and 2006. This advanced qualification equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complex world of global finance.
The ABSA interim MD commitment to learning continued with his enrollment at the University of Bradford School of Management, where he earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning, Appraisal, and Financing.
Professional Journey
David Wandera’s illustrious career is evident in his steady rise through the corporate ranks. According to his LinkedIn profile, his career journey began at Deloitte, where he worked for four months before joining Bank of Uganda. At the central bank, he held senior positions that provided a solid foundation in financial policy and banking operations.
After his time at the Bank of Uganda, Wandera transitioned to the East African Development Bank (EADB), where he worked for nearly two years, gaining valuable experience in regional development banking.
From EADB, he moved to Citibank, where he expanded his expertise in corporate banking. Wandera’s career continued to flourish at Stanbic Bank Uganda, where he held key roles before moving to ABSA Bank Uganda.
At ABSA, Wandera served as Executive Director and Head of Financial Markets, where his leadership in market strategy was instrumental in shaping the bank’s operations. His career culminated in his recent appointment as the Interim Managing Director of ABSA Bank Uganda.
