In a night filled with elegance, inspiration, and high-level networking, the Journey to the Boardroom Cohort II graduation ceremony unfolded in grand style at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala last evening. The A-Class event attracted top executives and representatives from Uganda’s leading companies, including MultiChoice Uganda, PostBank Uganda, Centenary Bank, and MTN Uganda, among others.
The atmosphere was electric with hope, pride, and ambition, as the second cohort of graduates were celebrated for their hard work and future leadership potential. The ceremony marked not just a graduation, but a significant milestone in Uganda’s ongoing effort to groom the next generation of transformative leaders.
The keynote address was delivered by none other than Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, the dynamic CEO of MTN Uganda, whose life story and leadership wisdom captivated the audience. In an inspiring speech, Mulinge traced her journey from humble beginnings, through global giants like Unilever and Safaricom, to now leading Uganda’s largest telecom company.
“Never despise the days of your beginnings because they do matter in the end,” Mulinge advised, encouraging attendees to embrace every stage of their journey. She stressed the importance of purpose-driven leadership, reminding the guests that “purpose is the fuel that keeps not just the company, but people going.”
Mulinge also spoke passionately about the importance of parental support, urging parents not to confine their children to career paths dictated solely by their academic degrees. Instead, she advocated for nurturing children’s passions and talents.
Touching on the theme of networking, Mulinge shared,“Your network shouldn’t be about the number of contacts you know; it’s about creating a cycle that truly matters.”
She left the audience reflecting deeply with a powerful challenge:
“As leaders, what are your daily habits? Are they good or bad? Are they harmful to others or only favoring you?”
Adding depth to her address, Mulinge emphasized lifelong learning and personal growth:
“The more you know, the more you can do, and the more you develop.”
“Privilege is invisible to those who have it — make your journey memorable by celebrating every moment,” she concluded, leaving the audience in awe.
The night also saw the recognition of outstanding individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and innovation throughout the program. The winners were:
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Ambassadors Award: Silvester Bwetabure
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Founders Award: Tina Wamala
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Founders Award 1st Runner-Up: Samuel Jjuuko
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Founders Award 2nd Runner-Up: Joseph Kigozi
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Boardroom Award Winner: Fernandez Circle
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Boardroom Award 1st Runner-Up: Chiefs Vanguard
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MultiChoice Award Winner: Aliker Inc
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MultiChoice Award 1st Runner-Up: Chiefs Vanguard
Their achievements were met with loud applause and admiration, as each award symbolized a beacon of hope for the future of leadership in Uganda.
In her speech, Ms. Janet N. Bugembe, founder of Journey to the Boardroom, paid glowing tribute to Mr. Hassan Saleh, Managing Director of MultiChoice Uganda.
“If it wasn’t for Mr. Hassan Saleh, we wouldn’t have been able to have the Journey to the Boardroom,” Bugembe declared, drawing resounding applause from the audience of business leaders, mentors, and graduates.
In his remarks, Mr. Saleh applauded the graduates and the entire organizing team for the remarkable work done. He also pledged even greater support from MultiChoice Uganda to the Journey to the Boardroom initiative, ensuring that the program continues to impact more young leaders across the country.
The event crowned an evening that will be etched in the memories of all who attended — a celebration not just of achievement, but of vision, leadership, and hope for Uganda’s corporate future
