Elevating Your Brand: Insights from Uganda’s Marketing Leaders
On April 25, 2025, Uganda’s top marketing professionals converged at the Serena Hotel for a captivating edition of the Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) CMO Breakfast. Titled “The Leadership Leap: Positioning Yourself for the Boardroom,” this engaging event transcended typical networking, transforming into a platform bursting with insight, motivation, and actionable strategies for aspiring leaders.
The Power of Intentional Leadership
Moderated by the dynamic Remmie Kisakye, CEO of Majestic Brands, the breakfast prompted attendees to rethink leadership and challenge the status quo regarding the marketer’s role in corporate strategy. Kisakye’s compelling statement set the tone:
“Leadership isn’t about waiting to be invited. It’s about preparing, showing up, and claiming your space with confidence and competence. The boardroom isn’t for the timid—it’s for the intentional.”
The lineup of speakers brought a wealth of experience, featuring Goretti Masadde, CEO of the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services, and Hassan Saleh, Managing Director of Multichoice Uganda. Their candid narratives about their leadership journeys offered invaluable lessons woven with emotion and resilience.
Navigating the Corporate Seas: Masadde’s Journey
Goretti Masadde, a trailblazer in her field, shared her formidable journey through traditionally male-dominated sectors.
“As a female Brewer at Uganda Breweries Limited, I led teams of 6 to 10 men,” she recounted. “I kept showing up, armed with results that spoke louder than any stereotype.”
Masadde emphasized that leadership is not stumbled upon; it’s built through consistent effort, clarity, courage, and character. Her robust journey through corporate challenges underscores a vital truth:
“You don’t stumble into leadership; you build towards it, step by step.”
Saleh’s Bold Leadership Choices
In contrast, Hassan Saleh painted a portrait of leadership defined by unconventional paths and courageous decisions.
“I’ve had to take downward moves to move forward,” he shared. “Everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew what I was building.”
Saleh’s experiences highlight the significance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, illustrated by his participation in the Africa Mobility Programme, where he accepted challenges for long-term gains. His journey reminds us that sometimes, the hard road leads to the richest rewards.
Marketing as the Growth Engine
A resonant theme emerged: marketers must evolve from being "doers" to "drivers." The speakers emphasized the vital role of marketing in shaping corporate outcomes. Kisakye noted:
“Marketing is not a back-office function; it is the engine of growth.”
If marketers fail to see themselves as leaders influencing business results, then neither will others.
The Art of Personal Branding
In addition to professional insights, the breakfast stirred profound conversations about personal branding and executive presence. Masadde challenged attendees:
“Sometimes, we wait for someone to hand us a seat. But you must build your own table—or at least bring your own chair.”
Highlighting the importance of appearances and networking, Kisakye reiterated that executive presence plays a crucial role in making lasting first impressions.
A Charge to Future Leaders
As the event drew to a close, Saleh left the audience with an empowering message:
“The future belongs to those who are bold enough to reimagine their role.”
Charity Asiimwe Kamusiime, President of the Uganda Marketers Society, reinforced the value of community and connection. She poignantly stated:
“I am who I am today because I stand on the shoulders of so many who came before me.”
Kamusiime’s call to action encouraged attendees to be bold in their ambitions:
“Let each of us carry a light. You are not just a voice; you are a force.”
The 2025 UMS CMO Breakfast emerged as more than just a series of speeches; it signified a transformative moment for Uganda’s marketing leaders, who are ready to leave behind outdated notions of their roles and step confidently into the boardroom.
Conclusion: Rewriting the Story of Marketing in Uganda
This extraordinary gathering served as a pivotal nod to the evolving landscape of marketing in Uganda. Attendees left inspired, equipped with not just ideas but a renewed sense of purpose. Marketers are not merely brand stewards; they are formidable contenders poised to shape future business narratives. As they reignite their passions and embrace new challenges, one thing is clear—Uganda’s marketing landscape is ready for a revolutionary transformation.
For further reading on market leadership and personal branding, check these resources at HubSpot and Forbes.
