Corporate governance and financial performance in the banking sector: a study of commercial banks in Uganda

Abstract

This study was set to investigate the effect of corporate governance on financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the effect of board composition on financial performance, assessed the effect of audit committees on financial performance, and analyzed the effect of separation of ownership from control on financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. The study utilized panel data generated for 4 years (2014- 2017) among 23 commercial banks. The findings of the study unveiled the following key insights. First, financial performance was found to be dependent on size of the board, board independence, firm leverage and number of employees. Secondary, the data revealed that audit committee variables significantly explained the variations in ROA and ROE. A similar connection was established for the case of the effect of separation of ownership from control on financial performance of commercial banks. In terms of policy, this study; emphases the need to pay attention towards sensitizing all commercial banks to register their membership with Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, Board of Directors advising directors in banks which are listed on USE to buy more shares as this makes them work towards maximizing objectives of all stakeholders. Overall, the findings in this study will nurture commercial banks on how to foster their financial performance to remain competitive in the banking sector.