Uganda’s appetite for investment is on the rise, with Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) reporting a remarkable 67% increase in unit trust holders over the past financial year.
The total number of investors grew from 30,165 to 50,416, an achievement the firm attributes to enhanced financial literacy and easier access to collective investment schemes across the country.
“We are especially proud that over 20,000 new investors joined our unit trust products in just one year. This speaks to the growing awareness and accessibility of investment solutions in Uganda,” said Zac Kisesi, Managing Director at OMIG.
In addition to the expanding investor base, OMIG posted strong financial results. Total assets under management (AUM) surged by 43%, reaching Shs 2.407 trillion, according to Chief Financial Officer John Golooba.
Each of the firm’s key investment vehicles outperformed expectations. The umbrella fund returned 11.77%, the money market fund 11.28%, and the balanced fund an impressive 12.64%—each surpassing its benchmark.
The dollar fund stood out with remarkable growth, tripling in size to $39.22 million and generating a net return of 5.03%. This was credited to strategic investments in fixed income instruments and longer-term government bonds.
Amid rising domestic financing needs and higher interest rates across the yield curve, OMIG adjusted its strategy to capitalize on long-term opportunities. Bond exposure within the umbrella fund increased by Shs 264 billion, reaching a total of Shs 760 billion. Notably, nearly half (47.4%) of bond investments were allocated to instruments with maturities exceeding 10 years, reflecting a deliberate focus on long-term value.
“Despite elevated interest rates, we maintained both liquidity and a disciplined approach to risk management across all our portfolios,” Golooba said.
“For instance, the balanced fund held a strong mix of fixed deposits and government securities, while keeping moderate equity positions in listed firms showing positive earnings momentum.”
OMIG’s sustained growth and strategic performance point to the growing influence of unit trusts and collective investment schemes in shaping Uganda’s financial landscape.