Assessment of corporate governance practices among Commercial Banks in Kampala

Abstract

The study examined corporate governance practices among commercial banks in Kampala. The study was guide by three objectives; to assess the corporate governance practices in commercial banks in Kampala, to examine the challenges to corporate governance practices in commercial banks in Kampala and to establish the strategies that would improve corporate governance practices in commercial banks in Kampala. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study employed a quantitative approach where questionnaires were the main tool used in data collection. In this study, the population was comprised of staff and managers of commercial banks in Kampala. The study found several outstanding aspects of corporate governance practices in commercial banks in Kampala. Transparency is highly valued, with a mean score of 4.50, and independent directors' active participation in committee meetings is strongly affirmed, receiving a mean of 4.83. Effective communication within the organization is positively viewed, with a mean score of 3.63. The frequency of board meetings is also seen favorably, with a mean of 3.93 The study identified major concerns in corporate governance practices. Inadequate communication between executive and non-executive board members is a significant issue, with a mean score of 4.31. The lack of uniform shareholder rights in electing or removing board members also received substantial agreement, with a mean of 4.23. The study revealed that improving communication between executive and non-executive board members and ensuring uniform shareholder rights are critical strategies. Both issues received high mean scores of 4.31 and 4.23, respectively, indicating strong agreement on their importance. The study recommends enhancing corporate governance in commercial banks by implementing structured communication protocols between executive and non-executive board members, ensuring regular and formal meetings. It also advises revising policies to grant all shareholders equal rights in board elections and improving transparency in conflict of interest and disclosure procedures. Additionally, it suggests reevaluating the board's composition, including separating the CEO and board chair roles, and ensuring balanced representation and effective board committees to strengthen governance practices