Ezra Suruma
| Ezra Suruma | |
|---|---|
| Born |
11 November 1945 Uganda |
| Residence | Washington, DC, USA |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Ethnicity | Mukiga |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Alma mater |
Fordham University (Bachelor of Science in Finance) (Master of Arts in Economics) University Not Disclosed (Master of Science in Computer Science) University Not Disclosed (Master of Science in International Banking) University of Connecticut (Doctor of Philosophy in Economics) |
| Occupation | Economist |
| Years active | 1980 — present |
| Known for | Economics |
| Home town | Kabale |
| Religion | Christian |
| Spouse(s) | Mrs. Suruma |
Dr. Ezra Suruma (born 1945) is a Ugandan economist and banker. He is a Senior Adviser to the President of Uganda on Finance and Economic Planning, a position he has held since 16 February 2009.[1] Previously, he was a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution, in Washington, DC, at the Africa Growth Initiative division of the Institute. He was appointed to that position in April 2010.[2]
Background and education
He was born in Kabale District in 1945. Ezra Suruma holds the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Finance, from Fordham University, in New York City, obtained in 1969. His degree of Master of Arts (MA) in Economics was obtained in 1972, also from Fordham University. His Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics was obtained in 1976, from the University of Connecticut. He also has a Master's degree in Computer Science and one in International Banking.[2]
Work History
Prior to his government and private sector work, Dr. Suruma worked as a Professor of Economics & Management at Makerere University and at Florida A&M University. In 1987, he joined the Bank of Uganda, the country's Central Bank, as the Director of Research, serving in that capacity until 1990. From 1990 until 1993, he served as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda. In 1993 he left the Bank of Uganda and joined Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB) as the Chairman and Managing Director, serving in that capacity until 1996.[2] UCB, the largest commercial bank in Uganda, formerly owned by the government, was acquired by the Standard Bank of South Africa in 2002, and merged with Stanbic Bank Uganda, in 2002.
In 2005, he was appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. He served in that capacity until 16 February 2009, when he was appointed Senior Presidential Adviser on Finance & Economic Planning.[3] The international banking magazine, "The Banker," chose Dr. Suruma to receive the "Best Finance Minister of Africa Award," for 2008.[4] During his time as Minister of Finance he was a strong promoter of Uganda's banking industry and was instrumental in the planning and initiation of Uganda's Micro Finance project which helps small farmers and businesses obtain low interest loans. While a cabinet minister, he served as an Ex-officio Member of Parliament, on account of his cabinet appointment.
Personal details
Dr. Suruma is married and has three children. He is also raising the orphaned children of his two younger brothers. He was a shareholder in National Bank of Commerce (Uganda) (NBCU), and was a Director of the bank.[5] NBCU was a small indigenous commercial bank that was closed by Bank of Uganda on 27 September 2012.[6] Its customer deposits were sold to Crane Bank.[7]
References
- ↑ Edward Ssekika, and Sadab Kittata Kaaya (19 August 2014). "Uganda: Ex Minister Suruma Slams Government Policies". The Observer (Uganda) via AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Vision Reporter, . (24 April 2010). "Suruma Joins US Think Tank Brookings". New Vision (Kampala). Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ Newvision Archive, . (18 February 2009). "Full Cabinet List As At 18 February 2009". New Vision (Kampala). Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ Juuko, Sylvia (10 February 2009). "Suruma Wins African Minister Award". New Vision (Kampala). Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ Among, Barbara (15 March 2010). "Politicians Fight Over City Bank". New Vision (Kampala). Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ Louis Kasekende, . (27 September 2012). "Bank of Uganda Take Over of The Management of National Bank of Commerce Uganda Limited". Bank of Uganda. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ↑ Rupiny, David (1 October 2012). "It's Business as Usual as Crane Bank Assumes Control of NBC". Uganda Radio Network (URN). Retrieved 9 March 2015.