Capital One Group’s ESG Summit Series 2025 Propels Uganda’s Sustainable Growth Agenda

Uganda took a major step toward aligning business growth with sustainability as Capital One Group (COG) convened some of the country’s most influential voices in business, governance, and civil society for the 2025 ESG Summit Series, held Thursday at Protea Hotel in Kololo.

Under the theme “Driving Sustainable Growth Through ESG Integration,” the summit spotlighted the urgent need for Ugandan companies to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the core of their operations. The one-day event featured expert-led masterclasses, the launch of a pioneering ESG Impact Report, and practical discussions designed to bridge the gap between policy and private-sector action.

In his keynote address, Douglas Kativu, Director at the Global Reporting Initiative, urged Ugandan businesses to move ESG from the periphery to the center of their strategies.

“ESG must not be treated as an afterthought but rather a business imperative in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth in Uganda. Events like these are critical in fostering that transition,” Kativu stated.

The summit attracted a diverse lineup of industry experts and institutional leaders who shared insights and case studies on how ESG is shaping the future of business in East Africa. Among the notable speakers were Nickson Mugalula of Mobcast Media and Rotary, John Ernest Ssekisonge of Kasi Insights, Samuel Hooper of Hariss International, Charity Winnie Kamusiime of the Uganda Marketers Society, Irene Nakasita of the Public Relations Association of Uganda, Trevor Ariho of LEAD, and Jaime Amoedo Lucas, Executive Director at The ESG Institute. Tree Adoption Uganda also participated in the discussions, emphasizing the role of environmental stewardship in enterprise development.

“This summit fosters meaningful dialogue that will shape the next generation of corporate leadership in East Africa through ESG,” noted Lucas.

Central to the summit was the release of the ESG Impact Report, developed in collaboration with leading researchers and private sector partners. The report provides actionable frameworks for local businesses seeking to embed ESG into their strategic plans.

“This report will be a reference point for professionals navigating the ESG landscape. It reflects our collective commitment to elevating business practices through responsible leadership,” said Charity Winnie Kamusiime, President of the Uganda Marketers Society.

The summit was designed around three key objectives:

• Facilitating Business Learning: Expert panels explored leadership, innovation, and global ESG trends.
• Enhancing Professional Networking: Structured engagements helped build partnerships across industries.
• Supporting Regional Development: The event showcased ESG-driven opportunities and reinforced cross-border business collaborations.

According to Paul Mwirigi Muriungi, Managing Director of Capital One Group, the summit represents more than just a conversation it signals a pivot toward long-term sustainability in Uganda’s business environment.

“While Uganda’s business ecosystem continues to evolve, the ESG summit is a platform that will inspire, educate, and drive change. We look forward to building on this momentum through continued engagements,” he said.

With growing interest in ESG-aligned investments and regional partnerships, the summit is expected to catalyze more responsible corporate practices and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in sustainable enterprise.