Women of Steel: Female Chief Marketing Officers Redefining Uganda’s Brand Landscape

In Uganda’s rapidly evolving 2026 economy, brand equity has become the new currency for growth. Leading this shift is a visionary group of women who are transforming marketing from a traditional cost center into a strategic engine of nation-building.

From telecom giants to banking pioneers, these leaders are blending data-driven precision with human-centered storytelling.

Telecom And E-Commerce Titans:

Sylvia Elsheikh

She is the Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Uganda, appointed in July 2025. Elsheikh brings a wealth of experience from MTN Sudan and Airtel Zambia. Her focus on digital innovation and telecom strategy is positioning MTN as more than a utility; it is a digital lifestyle partner.

Maria Katumba Nabaliisa

She is the Chief Marketing Officer, Jumia Uganda, and as the head of marketing for Uganda’s leading online retailer, Nabaliisa is at the forefront of the e-commerce revolution, driving market share through deep digital expertise and customer-centric strategies.

Banking Strategists:

Nakiyaga Annette

She is the Chief Marketing Officer at I&M Bank Uganda. Nakiyaga was recently recognised by Marketing World Magazine as a top CMO. She has been instrumental in building brand equity and driving market share through bold, disruptive banking strategies.

Doreen Nyiramugisha

The Head of Marketing and Communications at Housing Finance Bank is a Chartered Marketer who blends strategic vision with empathy. Under her leadership, marketing at Uganda’s leading mortgage bank has become a narrative of empowerment and national development.

Immaculate Ngulumi Nabatte

This one is the Chief Manager, Marketing and Branding at Centenary Bank, where she oversees branding, product development, and advertising for Uganda’s largest indigenous bank. As part of her key roles, Nabatte ensures that Centenary Bank remains ‘the people’s bank’ through inclusive marketing.

Diana Kahunde

 As the Head of Branding and Marketing at Stanbic Bank, Kahunde steers the identity of Uganda’s largest commercial bank, ensuring Stanbic remains a trusted ally for both corporate and retail clients in a digital-first era.

Noela Byuma

The Head of Marketing and Communication at KCB Bank Uganda boasts 15 years of experience across telecommunications and banking. A very astute lady, Byuma, specialises in brand execution and public relations, using her sales background to drive measurable marketing (Return On Investment) ROI.

The FMCG and Sector Leaders:

Catherine W. Ndungu

As Marketing and Innovations Director at Uganda Breweries, Ndungu, a ‘veteran Diageo leader’, brings extensive brand management experience to UBL, driving innovation in one of the most competitive consumer goods sectors in the region.

Macklean Kukundakwe

She is the Country Lead: Trade and Marketing at  Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda. Kukundakwe is a Chartered Marketer with experience at Uganda Baati and other companies, although she is currently spearheading initiatives at Coca-Cola to enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty through commercial excellence.

Barbra Teddy Arimi

As Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Arimi leads the marketing and communication strategy for NSSF. During her tenure, Arimi has transformed how Ugandans perceive social protection through transparent and engaging public narratives.

It’s important to note that these women are not just marketing products; they are shaping the culture of Ugandan business. By integrating sustainability, financial literacy, and community resilience into their brand DNA, they are proving that the most powerful brands are those that empower the people they serve.

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