MTN Group Fintech announced a appointment of Sarah Bateta Okwi as Acting CEO MTN MoMo Uganda, as Richard Yego will be stepping down from the role on February 28, 2026, to pursue other opportunities.
Okwi, who is currently the company’s CFO, who will assume the rthe position on March 1, 2026.
With nearly two decades of progressive leadership within the MTN Group and broader financial services sector, she brings unparalleled expertise in financial governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth to steer one of East Africa’s most dynamic fintech platforms at a transformative juncture.
Since May 2022, Sarah has served as Chief Financial Officer of MTN Mobile Money Uganda, where she has masterfully aligned financial strategies with ambitious business objectives. She has championed robust risk mitigation frameworks, ensured unwavering adherence to regulatory standards, and cultivated high-impact partnerships across stakeholder ecosystems. Her fintech-centric leadership has driven operational resilience, enhanced profitability, and positioned the organization for sustained expansion in Uganda’s rapidly evolving mobile financial services landscape.
Prior to her CFO tenure, Sarah spent over nine years at MTN Uganda as Senior Manager Finance Operations (2013–2022), where she directed the preparation and consolidation of financial statements, optimized working capital management, and led high-performing teams to deliver operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Earlier roles within MTN included Project Manager for Controls Documentation and foundational positions in Rwanda, where she managed audits, treasury operations, inventory, accounts payable/receivable, and budgeting processes while enforcing International Financial Reporting Standards.
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Sarah’s career foundation reflects deep versatility. At Deloitte Consulting, she coordinated grant-making for a multi-donor Civil Society Fund, ensuring precise disbursements and compliance. She managed financial oversight for an $86 million USAID health, education, and HIV/AIDS initiative at JSI Research and Training Inc., delivering training, proposal reviews, and rigorous accountability mechanisms. Her early career included voluntary internal auditing and accounting leadership at MTN Rwanda, where she built efficient systems, supervised teams, and strengthened controls.
A decisive, forward-thinking executive renowned for her engaging and transparent leadership style, Sarah excels in stakeholder management, financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and people leadership. As Acting CEO, she assumes responsibility at a pivotal moment, guiding MTN MoMo Uganda toward greater independence, innovation, and inclusive financial impact across the market.
