MTN MoMo Uganda Eyes New Era: Okwi Steps Up to Lead the Transition

MTN Group Fintech has announced big changes at the top of its Uganda operations. Richard Yego is stepping down as CEO of MTN Mobile Money, known as MoMo, in Uganda. He will leave his role on February 28, 2026, to chase new opportunities.

Taking over from him is Sarah Bateta Okwi, who is currently the Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, of the company. She will become Acting CEO starting March 1, 2026. This smooth handover aims to keep things running well during the shift.

The news came on Monday, and it marks the end of Yego’s four-year run leading MTN MoMo Uganda. During his time, the business saw strong growth. It built a solid spot in Uganda’s busy fintech market. MoMo has become a key player, helping millions of people send money, pay bills, and handle daily finances through their phones.

Serigne Dioum, the CEO of MTN Group Fintech, praised Yego’s work. He said Yego helped set up strong foundations for the business. “Richard has led with vision and drive,” Dioum noted. Under Yego, MTN MoMo Uganda grew its services and reached more customers. This made it a trusted name in mobile money across East Africa.

Yego joined MTN MoMo four years ago at a time when digital payments were booming in Uganda. He focused on making services faster, safer, and easier to use. His team expanded partnerships with shops, banks, and government services. This helped more people, especially in rural areas, join the cashless world. Today, MTN MoMo handles billions in transactions each year, powering Uganda’s push toward financial inclusion.

Now, Sarah Bateta Okwi steps into the spotlight. As CFO, she has a deep understanding of the company’s money matters and operations. Her new role as Acting CEO means she will guide the team through this transition. Okwi brings sharp financial skills and years of experience inside MTN. She knows the challenges of growing fintech in a fast-changing market.

MTN Group Fintech says this change comes at a good time. Uganda’s mobile money sector is hot right now. More people use phones for banking than ever before. Competitors are pushing hard, but MTN MoMo has key strengths like its huge network and trusted brand. Okwi’s leadership will build on Yego’s work, aiming for even more growth.

What does this mean for customers? Everyday users of MoMo can expect steady service. The company promises no big disruptions. In fact, plans are in place to roll out new features soon, like better savings options and quicker cross-border payments. Uganda’s government also supports this growth, with rules that encourage safe digital finance.

For MTN Group Fintech, Uganda is a big part of its Africa-wide story. The group runs MoMo in many countries, serving over 300 million users on the continent. Strong leadership in places like Uganda helps the whole operation succeed.

As Okwi takes the wheel, all eyes are on MTN MoMo Uganda. Will she keep the growth going? Experts say yes, thanks to the solid base Yego left behind. This transition shows MTN’s smart way of handling change, picking from within to keep momentum.

In a statement, MTN thanked Yego for his four years of hard work. They wished him well in his next steps. For Okwi, it’s a chance to shine and lead Uganda’s MoMo into a bright new era.

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