The Uganda Advertising Association has unveiled a new Executive Council, signaling a strategic leadership transition that could redefine Uganda’s advertising and creative communications industry. With acclaimed creative leader Peter Kazibwe taking over as Chairman, the association is positioning itself for a new era focused on industry reform, professionalization, and East African competitiveness. The leadership shift comes at a critical time as Uganda’s creative economy increasingly gains recognition as a driver of business growth, investment, and regional influence.
The appointment of Peter Kazibwe marks more than a routine governance change, it represents a strategic recalibration for one of Uganda’s most influential professional bodies. Widely recognized for his creative excellence, including his Silverback Creative Director of the Year 2025 accolade, Kazibwe’s elevation reflects UAA’s ambition to strengthen Uganda’s position in the regional advertising landscape.
Joining him is Vice Chairman Allen Suubi Ssempa, whose extensive background in strategic communications and public relations brings additional institutional depth. Together, the duo is expected to guide the industry through a transformative phase centered on advocacy, standards, and expanded stakeholder engagement.
New Council Blends Creative Excellence with Governance Depth
The broader Executive Council reflects a diverse cross-section of Uganda’s agency ecosystem, combining creative, strategic, and operational expertise.
Key appointments include:
- John Nkore (General Secretary)
- Sidney Nganda (Deputy Secretary)
- Christine Nakabuye (Treasurer)
- Leticia Nakito (Deputy Treasurer)
- Susan Ahabwe and Francis Kasura (Council Members)
This composition positions UAA to better represent both established and emerging voices across Uganda’s Advertising sector.
Outgoing Chairman Rommel Jasi emphasized the major priorities facing the new council, including statutory recognition for advertising professionals, stronger self-regulation, and broader industry collaboration.
These reforms are particularly significant as Uganda’s advertising industry seeks greater legitimacy, policy influence, and integration with related sectors such as media, marketing, and public relations.
By pushing for professional recognition and standardized practices, UAA aims to create a more structured and competitive ecosystem capable of attracting greater investment and fostering sustainable growth.
Speaking on behalf of the new Executive Council, Chairman Peter Kazibwe described the mandate as one of elevating both creativity and industry value.
“We are stepping into this role with a clear sense of purpose; to strengthen UAA as a platform for advocacy, innovation and professional excellence. Our industry has the talent, the ideas and the ambition. This moment demands for collective action to secure recognition, raise standards and position Uganda’s creative economy to compete globally,” Kazibwe said.
A major pillar of the new council’s strategy will be the continued growth of the Silverback Awards UAA’s flagship platform for celebrating creative excellence.
Already regarded as Uganda’s benchmark for advertising innovation, the Silverback Awards are increasingly shaping conversations beyond Uganda’s borders, with growing relevance across East Africa. Under the new leadership, expanding the platform’s regional footprint could unlock new sponsorship, networking, and talent development opportunities.
Why This Matters for Business and Investment
Advertising is no longer just a support function, it is a central pillar of brand growth, market competitiveness, and economic development.
As businesses across East Africa invest more heavily in storytelling, digital campaigns, and strategic communications, Uganda’s advertising sector has an opportunity to become a regional powerhouse. UAA’s new leadership is therefore stepping into a role that extends beyond industry administration, it could influence how Uganda competes for creative capital, brand partnerships, and regional market share.
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