Uganda’s marketing body elects a new Chairperson and Board

As always, the AGM provided an opportunity to celebrate the society’s journey, acknowledge the contributions of members and leadership, and reaffirm a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant and impactful marketing profession in the country. 

A defining moment of the meeting, which was held at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz, was the official handover of leadership to the incoming UMS Board, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for the society. 

The new Board Chairperson is Robert Victor Nsibirwa, a seasoned marketing strategist with more than 15 years of experience across professional services, telecommunications, beverages and communications.  

Nsibirwa currently serves as Strategy Director at Perspective Consultancy Limited, a full-service communications firm. He helps shape its strategic direction and growth agenda while translating complex client challenges into practical communications and institutional-development programmes. 

His previous marketing experience includes MTN Uganda, Nile Breweries/AB InBev, Uganda Breweries and East Africa Breweries. 

On the shoulders of giants 

In an article published by CEO East Africa, Nsibirwa is quoted as saying his chairmanship will pursue stronger governance, institutional sustainability and greater credibility for the marketing profession. 

“We are very fortunate to be standing on the shoulders of giants,” he said, acknowledging the contribution of previous UMS leaders. 

He believes his administration must demonstrate meaningful value to individual and corporate members. This will be essential if UMS is to convert the large number of people on its database into active, paying and participating members. 

Nsibirwa also wants marketers to exercise greater influence in company boardrooms and national discussions. However, he recognises that professional influence cannot simply be demanded. 

“We do have the right to sit on tables that make decisions that guide institutions and a country at large, but we have to earn it,” he stated in the CEO East Africa article. 

Strategic alliances will form another part of his agenda. UMS will need stronger relationships with businesses, universities, professional associations, sponsors and public institutions if it is to expand its reach and financial sustainability. 

“Meaningful and strong partnerships will go a long way and will be also a fundamental basis for our leadership and stewardship of the organisation,” Nsibirwa said. 

Other members of the UMS Board 

The new Vice Board Chairperson is Agnes Mubiru. She is a distinguished marketing and communications professional with over 20 years of experience spanning banking, product management, strategic marketing, communications and public relations. 

She currently serves as Head of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations at Cairo Bank Uganda and is also a CIM tutor, contributing to the next generation of marketing professionals. 

As Vice Board Chairperson, she seeks to champion professional development, strengthen member engagement, foster strategic partnerships and uphold the highest standards of marketing practice while helping position UMS as the leading voice for the marketing profession in Uganda. 

The other members of the board are Diana K. Ssempebwa (Board Treasurer), Lorraine Tukahirwa (Board Member) and Dr Sarah Bimbona (Board Member).