The Brand Africa Awards ceremony at the Kampala Serena Hotel held on August 15, 2025, honoured the most admired brands in Uganda, with MTN taking home the prestigious Grand Prix as the country’s overall most admired brand.
The event, which also celebrated key figures and local brands, underscored a critical disconnect: while Ugandans are patriotic about Africa’s potential, their brand loyalty still favours non-African brands.
The awards event, hosted by Publics Africa Communications, featured a powerful keynote address from MTN Uganda CEO, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, and was officially presided over by Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, who represented Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.
In his address, Minister Kabyanga lauded the winning brands as “epitomising trust, innovation, and economic prowess.”
He called upon Ugandan entrepreneurs to leverage digital platforms to expand and strengthen their brands, aligning with the government’s Digital Uganda Vision.
“Our Digital Uganda Vision elevates brands through cutting-edge ICT, fostering a sophisticated, inclusive society,” Hon. Kabyanga stated.
He emphasised that digital transformation is crucial for boosting Uganda’s economic competitiveness and challenged brands to “pioneer sustainability and empower youth, crafting enduring legacies for Uganda and Africa.”
Echoing the call for a new mindset, MTN Uganda CEO Ms. Mulinge urged Ugandans to embrace and support local brands with a sense of patriotism.
“Where is that dissonance between celebrating that which is inherently ours as Africans versus what we aspire to be?” she questioned, cautioning against the notion that the “grass is always greener” on the European or Asian side.
Mulinge highlighted how other economies, such as China, have successfully built strong brands through national pride, a model Africa should emulate.
Triumphant Night for MTN and Homegrown Champions
MTN Uganda’s victory was a highlight of the night, with the brand securing the number one spot across multiple categories for overall brand excellence.
The awards also recognised several other Ugandan brands for their significant achievements, with Movit, Centenary Bank, and NBS TV leading their respective categories for brand excellence.
The Brand Africa awards extended beyond corporate accolades, honouring individuals and companies that have made a profound impact.
Sarah Kagingo received the Award for Distinguished Leadership in the Private Sector, while Amos Wekesa was recognised for his distinguished leadership in the tourism industry.
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga was honoured for her excellence as a transformational leader in public service. Additionally, Uganda Baati Limited was celebrated as a homegrown and heritage brand champion.
Disconnect Between Belief and Brand Loyalty
It was observed during the awards that while 60% of Ugandans believe that African brands contribute to a better Africa, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark reality: only 23% of the top 100 most admired brands in Uganda are locally made.
The situation is even more pronounced when considering brands from other African countries, which make up a mere 7% of the rankings.
This reflects a broader continental challenge, where brands like Nike and Coca-Cola continue to dominate consumer admiration. Nike, in fact, retained its position as the number one most admired brand in Africa for the eighth consecutive year.
While Coca-Cola remains the most admired brand among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, Audi has captured the hearts of Baby Boomers, whereas Unilever emerged as the Most Admired Brand: Consumer Non-Cyclical and Non-African
In the media, NBS TV leads as the most admired Ugandan brand, while BBC takes the top spot for non-Ugandan media. Similarly, in financial services, Centenary Bank is the most admired Ugandan brand, with Prudential leading the non-Ugandan market.
Call to Action for Local Growth
Thebe Ikalafeng, the Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, emphasised that while Uganda has shown its ability to create strong local brands, the challenge is now to convert that belief into tangible brand loyalty and support. “The challenge now is converting belief in the country and continent into tangible brand loyalty and support,” he stated.
Joseph Kanyamunyu, CEO of Publics Africa, echoed this sentiment, urging a collective responsibility to support local brands.
“These brands represent more than just products and services; they embody Uganda’s ingenuity, creativity, and resilience,” Kanyamunyu said.
He stressed the importance of nurturing these local champions into continental and global powerhouses through collective effort.
Since its inception in 2011, the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands has grown to become the most comprehensive barometer of consumer brand preference in Africa, covering 31 countries representing over 85% of the continent’s population and GDP; research-based rankings conducted by independent and globally respected research partners including GeoPoll and Kantar, supported by regional partners; and brand-neutral methodology with no commercial influence ensuring trusted and credible results.
SEE FULL LIST OF WINNERS