Africa-Press – Uganda. Business leaders and governance experts have launched the LEAD Convention 2026, setting the tone for a regional conversation on how institutions can navigate uncertainty and build long-term resilience.
The Convention, organised by the League of East African Directors (LEAD), was unveiled on Thursday at Arirang Restaurant in Kampala, bringing together media, corporate executives and development partners.
Scheduled for April 30, the high-level forum will convene directors, chief executives, policymakers, regulators and investors from across East Africa.
It will run under the theme, “Future Proofing Business: Risk, Resilience and Responsibility – Leading Through Uncertainty,” reflecting the growing pressure on institutions to adapt to a rapidly changing global and local environment.
Organisers say the Convention is designed to provide a platform for dialogue on governance, leadership and strategic decision-making at a time when businesses face multiple and interconnected risks.
Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Executive Director Joseph Kiwanuka said the institution partnered with LEAD as lead sponsor to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance and sustainability.
“We are gathered here to launch a Convention that speaks directly to the future of our organisations. Today, businesses are operating in an environment shaped by both local and global risks, from conflicts and climate change to the fast pace of technological advancement,” Kiwanuka said.
“What is often less emphasised, yet remains critical, is governance. Without strong governance systems, it becomes difficult for institutions to remain sustainable and resilient over time,” he added.
He noted that Centenary Bank’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship, noting that the bank has consistently invested in sectors that drive inclusive growth.
“As a bank, we believe in the communities in which we operate. That is why we support SMEs, agriculture, youth, women and other key sectors of the economy. Our focus is to ensure that growth starts from the grassroots so that as the economy expands, everyone is carried along. Supporting platforms like the LEAD Convention is part of our broader commitment to building a stable and sustainable future,” he said.
ABI Finance Chief Executive Officer Mona Muguma Sebuliba emphasised the central role of governance in managing risk and ensuring institutional resilience.
“At the heart of sustainability is good governance. It is what enables organisations to manage risk effectively, remain accountable and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. We are operating in a very volatile and fast-changing world, which means leaders must continuously learn, adapt and stay agile in how they respond to emerging challenges,” she said.
She noted that the Convention will offer a space for knowledge sharing and collaboration among leaders.
“This platform brings together industry captains, innovators and decision-makers to exchange ideas, learn from one another and explore practical solutions. It is also an opportunity to build partnerships, which are increasingly important because no institution can succeed in isolation in today’s environment,” Muguma added.
Kenbright Africa Uganda Chief Executive Officer Ernest Magezi said risk remains a constant reality that organisations must deliberately plan for rather than react to.
“Risk is part of our everyday lives. Whether it is floods, fires in markets, or the inability to meet healthcare costs, these are real challenges that affect individuals and businesses alike. What this Convention is doing is creating a space for leaders, especially boards, to reflect on how to better anticipate and prepare for such risks,” Magezi said.
He stressed the importance of proactive leadership at board level.
“Strong boards do not wait for risk to happen. They take time to understand it, plan for it and build the right frameworks to manage it. If we strengthen governance at the top, we are able to create systems that protect businesses and, ultimately, make life easier for ordinary people who depend on these institutions,” he added.
Zachary Mugisha, Head of Marketing at VAAL Real Estate Uganda, said the Convention presents an important opportunity for businesses to engage in conversations that shape the direction of the economy.
“We are interested in being part of this Convention because it brings together the people who influence capital and make key decisions about the future of the economy. These are the conversations that determine where investment flows and how businesses position themselves for growth,” he said.
He added that the timing of the Convention is significant given Uganda’s economic prospects.
“As a country, we are entering a critical phase of growth, including developments in sectors like oil and real estate. Being part of this platform allows us to understand these shifts better and contribute to discussions on how businesses can grow sustainably while managing the risks that come with such transitions,” Mugisha said.
The LEAD Convention 2026 will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking sessions, positioning it as a key platform for thought leadership and cross-sector engagement in East Africa.
