Uganda Marketers Society prepare marketers for the boardroom at CMO breakfast

Recently, 200 marketing leaders and practitioners met in Kampala for a CMO breakfast, hosted by the Uganda Marketers Society (UMS), an international partner of CIM.

Based on the theme “The leadership leap: positioning yourself for the boardroom”, keynote speaker Gloria Evelyn Byamugisha, Group Chief HR Officer at Dangote Cement Plc, delivered a speech to more than 50 brands on the evolving demands of leadership, what marketers need to do to advance their careers and the ways they can succeed when they move up to the boardroom level.

Byamugisha went on to discuss the challenges that those in leadership positions face in today’s volatile business environment, using her experience of the Covid-19 pandemic to express the importance of her decisions as a leader, which had “far-reaching implications” for the lives of thousands of people.

The event also featured a panel session, with Goretti Masadde (CEO, Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services), Hasan Saleh (Managing Director, Multichoice Uganda) and Remmie Kisakye (CEO, Majestic Brands) providing insight into the leadership journeys they embarked on.

All three speakers took different paths in their journeys to senior roles, but the trio echoed the message that marketers must move from being "doers" to being "drivers", and from campaign execution to corporate influence.

Speaking at the event, Charity Winnie Kamusiime Asiimwe, Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) President said: "I am who I am today because I stand on the shoulders of so many who came before me. Thank you to every shoulder I’ve leaned on. I am not done yet. But everything I am — and everything this Society is — comes from the power of the market, the power of community."

"We each carry a light. Let no one pass you without feeling its warmth. Let’s be bold in this transition. Let’s transform the lions of our industry — and roar with purpose. Every marketer here matters. You are not just a voice. You are a force. And together, we are rewriting the story of marketing in Uganda."

Commenting on the event, Maggie Jones, director of qualifications and partnerships at CIM, added: "We are delighted to see the Uganda Marketers Society host another successful CMO breakfast, delivering wisdom to key brands via their amazing speakers.

"As part of our Memorandum of Understanding, CIM is committed to supporting events in the interests of both organisations and we can achieve our joint goal of advancing the marketing profession in Uganda by hosting events like this, which focus on the importance of upskilling and preparing marketers for the boardroom."

The partnership between CIM and the UMS, which was renewed in February, focuses on key areas to advance the marketing profession, including the alignment of pathways for marketers to obtain membership of both organisations.

The renewed partnership between CIM and UMS represents a shared commitment to elevating marketing standards and fostering professional growth across borders. By aligning membership pathways, sharing research and insights, and adopting the Global Professional Marketing Framework, both organisations are creating a robust platform for collaboration and innovation. Initiatives like the UMS CMO breakfast exemplify how this alliance will continue to empower marketers in both the UK and Uganda—championing excellence, driving knowledge exchange, and shaping the future of the profession.

If you would like to elevate your marketing career, why not review our training courses or speak to our team: training@cim.co.uk.