In a dazzling celebration of innovation and excellence, the Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEAs) for 2023 unfolded at the prestigious Kampala Serena Hotel. This year’s theme, “Celebrating ideas that work,” set the stage for an evening of recognition and triumph in the marketing industry. Among the luminaries, Uganda Breweries Ltd (UBL) brands Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker emerged as the triumphant stars, clinching significant victories.
The event, spanning 12 categories encompassing sustainability, communications, branding, advertising, digital, and public relations, showcased a strategic symphony of marketing brilliance. Notably, John Paul Okwi, the jury president, highlighted that the laureates were chosen based on their alignment with strategy, execution, and return on investment.
Okwi emphasized the intrinsic connection between creativity and strategy in marketing, underscoring the pivotal role marketers play in propelling every aspect of a corporate engine. This nexus was vividly demonstrated through campaigns that not only exhibited creativity but also delivered tangible impacts on target audiences and businesses.
A standout moment of the night was Johnnie Walker’s win for Best Use of Partnership Marketing. Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, expressed elation, attributing the success to consumer enthusiasm. She emphasized that the victory signified not only the appreciation of the whisky but also the overwhelming support from consumers.
A Strategic Alliance with Evolve Africa
Kyokunda shed light on Johnnie Walker’s strategic decision to partner with Evolve Africa, the organizers of UMEAs. This alliance, she affirmed, symbolized the brand’s commitment to celebrating victories and milestones, positioning Johnnie Walker at the forefront of the profession’s diverse landscape.
First-time sponsors I&M Bank Uganda echoed the importance of celebrating individuals reshaping the marketing landscape. Racheal Kulanyi, the Communications and Outreach Programs Officer, emphasized their belief in supporting game-changers and expressed pride in associating with an event that honors the industry’s transformative spirit.
The event’s vibrancy was amplified by the dynamic hosting duo, Sandra Twimoburyo from NTV and Faith Murungi from Radiocity. Their charismatic presence kept the energy high throughout the gala, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
As the night concluded, it became evident that the UMEAs serve as a vital platform for recognizing and celebrating the exceptional work of marketers in Uganda. The 2023 UMEAs not only marked a resounding success but also painted a vibrant picture of the future of marketing in Uganda—a future brimming with innovation, creativity, and strategic brilliance.
The Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards 2023 showcased the zenith of marketing brilliance. From strategic triumphs to innovative campaigns, the night celebrated the industry’s luminaries. Johnnie Walker’s victory and I&M Bank Uganda’s debut sponsorship added to the gala’s allure. As the curtains fell on this extraordinary event, it is clear that the UMEAs have become an indispensable beacon illuminating the path for marketers in Uganda, guiding them towards a future defined by excellence and ingenuity.
The winners:
1. Advertising Campaign Of The Year-Whiskey Desire by Johnnie Walker
2. Best Use Of Partnership Marketing-Hospital Sente by Airtel Mobile Commerce
3. Best Use Of Digital Marketing -Leave Eat To KFC by KFC Uganda
4. PR Campaign Of The Year-KCB-Giz Twekozese Programme by KCB Bank Uganda
5. Best Innovation-Hospital Sente by Airtel Mobile Commerce
6. Best use of Experiential Marketing -Smirnoff Fiestas
7. Best Not For Profit/Social Good Campaign-Rotary Cancer Run 2023
8. Best ESG Campaign-Growing Together Campaign by Treescape Planet Organization
9. Rising Agency Of The Year-Zeus The Agency
10. Agency Of The Year-Metropolitan Republic
11. Marketing Campaign Of The Year-Smirnoff Fiestas
12. UMEAS Marketing Pioneer Award-Mr. Baker Magunda
