Datamine to Host the inaugural Brand Leadership Summit in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s marketing and creative industries are set to converge in a high-level gathering next week, as Datamine Centre for Professional Studies hosts the inaugural Datamine ASC Summit 2025. The event, designed to challenge conventional brand thinking and spotlight emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of brand success, will be held on Friday, June 27 at Hotel Africana, Kampala.

Themed “The Art and Science of Emotional Connections in a Competitive World,” the summit is being billed as a milestone for Uganda’s branding and marketing fraternity. It will feature keynote presentations, strategic discussions, and curated networking sessions, with the day’s programming anchored by Graham Robertson, Canadian brand strategist and founder of Beloved Brands. Known for his work with global giants such as Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and the NFL, Robertson will make his East African debut at the summit.

“Brand building is no longer about pushing messages—it’s about forming deep, emotional connections that inspire loyalty and trust,” said Robertson ahead of his arrival. “I look forward to sharing insights that will empower Ugandan professionals to elevate their branding strategies to global standards.”

The summit has garnered enthusiastic support from across Uganda’s corporate and media sectors.

Hajara Ddagire Batuuka, Head of Marketing at Nation Media Group (NMG), expressed optimism about the summit’s focus on emotionally intelligent branding.

“This is exactly what we strive for at NMG,” she said. “The summit presents a valuable opportunity to engage with peers on how emotional connection is shaping the future of our industry.”

Caroline Ampaire, Digital and Media Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), echoed this sentiment, calling it “a perfect opportunity” for leading brands to exchange ideas and reflect on their own journeys.

“We represent some of the most beloved brands in Uganda,” she said. “This is an important platform for both learning and sharing.”

According to Festo Mwebaze Syalhasha, Marketing Manager at Quality Chemical Industries and a CIM tutor, the summit has been structured for high-impact engagement through three core sessions:

• C-Suite Session (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): A closed-door, invite-only discussion for senior executives on brand strategy and organizational alignment.
• Main Session (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Open to all registered participants, this session will feature keynotes, expert talks, and a flagship panel discussion.
• Networking Session (from 6:00 PM): An informal engagement space to connect professionals across industries.

“This summit is not just timely, it is essential,” said Syalhasha. “We aim to equip marketers with the tools to build agile, emotionally intelligent brands that will stand the test of time.”

Influential Voices, Cross-Sector Insight

The speaker lineup features prominent names in media, advertising, music, and experiential marketing:

• Cinderella Sanyu Okuyo, President, Uganda Musicians Association – on authenticity and influence
• Jeffrey Amani, CEO, Zeus Group – on cultural storytelling and brand intimacy
• Laura Muhumuza, Country Manager, Buzz Activate Uganda – on memory-driven youth engagement
• Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director, NMG Uganda – on rebuilding media trust and audience relevance

The main panel discussion, moderated by Johnpaul Okwi, Brand Sponsorships & Events Manager at MTN Uganda, will focus on embedding emotional relevance into brand strategy. Panelists include:

• Catherine Ndungu, Marketing Director, UBL
• Daniel Kayongo, Brand Manager, Kansai Plascon
• Charity Kamusiime, Marketing Manager, dfcu Bank
• Romel Jasi, Executive, Saladin Media
• Juliana Kagwa, Director of Marketing, Uganda Tourism Board

“This is more than a summit—it’s a transformative moment for our profession,” said Okwi. “We’ll be exploring how brands can thrive by connecting meaningfully with today’s emotionally intelligent consumers.”

Access and Participation

Individual tickets are priced at UGX 150,000, with an option for organizations to reserve a table of eight at UGX 2,000,000. Participants will receive exclusive access to curated materials developed in partnership with Beloved Brands.

Payments can be made via:

• Airtel Money Pay: 4379648
• MTN MoMo Pay: 303914
  (Registered under Basewood Consult Uganda Ltd)

The summit is supported by an impressive coalition of sponsors and partners, including Nation Media Group, Pepsi, VisionFund Uganda, Zeus Group, Stabex International, Kansai Plascon, Uganda Breweries, and the Uganda Tourism Board.

With its focus on emotional resonance, cultural insight, and strategic storytelling, the Datamine ASC Summit 2025 aims to redefine brand leadership in Uganda—setting a new benchmark for how brands connect, compete, and thrive.