UAA Unveils New Executive Council as Industry Sets Sights on Reform and Growth

The Uganda Advertising Association has announced its new Executive Council, ushering in a leadership team widely seen as a strong blend of creative excellence, strategic communications depth and industry stewardship, as the association enters a pivotal chapter in its growth and advocacy agenda.

Taking over leadership of the association as Chairman is Peter Kazibwe, Creative Director at Maad McCann and one of the region’s most celebrated creative leaders, recently recognized as Silverback Creative Director of the Year 2025 and serving as Jury President for Young Silverbacks, in addition to his role as a juror for the Luum Awards. He is joined by Vice Chairman Allen Suubi Ssempa, a seasoned communications strategist and industry leader with sixteen years’ experience across public and international relations, having previously served two terms as Secretary General of the Public Relations Association of Uganda.

The new council also comprises General Secretary John Nkore of Fireworks Advertising, who rises from his previous role as Deputy Secretary General on the outgoing council; Deputy Secretary Sidney Nganda of The Partnership; Treasurer Christine Nakabuye of Metropolitan Republic; Deputy Treasurer Leticia Nakito of Grindstone Advertising; alongside council members Susan Ahabwe and Francis Kasura representing a broad cross-section of Uganda’s creative agency ecosystem.

In his handover remarks, outgoing Chairman Rommel Jasi stressed the strategic priorities the new leadership inherits, notably advancing statutory recognition for the advertising profession, deepening industry self-regulation, strengthening standards and professionalization, and expanding partnerships with sister bodies across marketing, media and public relations. He urged the new council to prioritize coalition building as a pathway to securing the sector’s long-term influence and legitimacy.

Speaking on behalf of the new Executive Council, Chairman Peter Kazibwe described the mandate as one of elevating both creativity and industry value.

“We are stepping into this role with a clear sense of purpose; to strengthen UAA as a platform for advocacy, innovation and professional excellence. Our industry has the talent, the ideas and the ambition. This moment demands for collective action to secure recognition, raise standards and position Uganda’s creative economy to compete globally,” Kazibwe said.

He added that the new council would prioritize collaboration, member value and growth of flagship industry platforms including the renowned Silverback Awards, a signature property of UAA that has become a benchmark for recognizing and nurturing creative excellence in Uganda and increasingly across East Africa.

The new Executive Council now assumes office with high expectations and a shared pledge to advance the next phase of professionalization, advocacy and creative leadership for Uganda’s advertising industry.

For more information contact: +256 792 914244/ +256 741 076741 | programmanager@uaa.ug

About the Uganda Advertising Association (UAA)

The Uganda Advertising Association (UAA) is the umbrella professional body for Uganda’s advertising and creative communications industry, bringing together agencies, practitioners and industry stakeholders committed to advancing excellence, professionalism and responsible industry growth.

As the voice of the advertising fraternity, UAA champions advocacy, industry standards, capacity development and collaboration across the marketing communications ecosystem. The Association plays a critical role in promoting creativity as a driver of business growth and national development, while fostering ethical practice and professional recognition for the industry.

UAA is the home of the acclaimed Silverback Awards, Uganda’s premier platform for celebrating and rewarding creative excellence, innovation and impactful brand communication. Through initiatives such as the Silverback Awards, industry engagements and strategic partnerships, the Association continues to elevate Uganda’s creative industry on the regional and global stage.

The Association remains committed to strengthening the industry through thought leadership, member value creation, policy engagement and nurturing the next generation of creative talent.