In a bold move that signals rising confidence in Ugandan leadership, Emmy Hashakimana, a seasoned commercial leader and until recently Head of Sales and Marketing at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), has been appointed the new General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU).
This appointment isn’t just good news for Hashakimana or Coca-Cola. It’s a game-changing moment for Ugandan professionals, especially in the fiercely competitive FMCG sector.
Ugandan Talent is Global Talent
For years, multinational brands operating in Uganda relied heavily on expatriates to fill senior roles. But Hashakimana’s ascent is a powerful reversal of that trend. It speaks volumes: global brands are not only operating in Uganda, they’re now being led by Ugandans.
With over 14 years of experience at UBL and Diageo, Hashakimana has earned his stripes by driving market strategy, building strong brands, and proving that Ugandan insight can scale global brands to new heights. His leadership of Coca-Cola Uganda is expected to bring the same vigour, local market intelligence, and excellence.
A Career Milestone with National Symbolism
Hashakimana’s elevation is more than just a personal success; it is a mirror to Uganda’s growing professional class. It shows that commitment, skill, and values-driven leadership can break ceilings, even in multinational systems.
His story will likely spark boardroom ambitions among young professionals across industries, from marketing executives to brand strategists, from sales managers to supply chain leaders. If Hashakimana did it, why not the next wave of Ugandan professionals?
Implications for the Business Landscape
As General Manager, Hashakimana will oversee one of Uganda’s most dynamic FMCG ecosystems, responsible for thousands of jobs, extensive supply chains, and national-level stakeholder engagement.
This appointment could potentially:
Enhance youth mentorship and talent pipeline development
Promote greater inclusion of local suppliers and SMEs in Coca-Cola’s ecosystem
Influence corporate strategies to be more attuned to Ugandan realities
This is leadership with experience, makes Hashakimana a leader who understands both the consumer on the street and the boardroom at Kololo.
Turning Point for FMCG Culture in Uganda
In a time where leadership perception shapes brand loyalty, Hashakimana’s appointment gives Coca-Cola something priceless: legitimacy and cultural alignment. Consumers and stakeholders alike are more likely to resonate with a leader who gets Uganda, its people, its rhythms, and its ambition.
As more multinationals look to localise leadership, Hashakimana’s rise sets a precedent. It shows that Uganda is not just a market; it’s a source of strategic leadership that can compete globally.
For the Dreamers and Doers
If you’re a young Ugandan working late nights at a marketing agency, strategising over Excel sheets, or coordinating last-mile distribution, you now have a new standard to aim for. Hashakimana’s journey tells us: the world’s most iconic brands are ready to trust us with the keys.
And that, perhaps, is the most powerful message of all.