The CEO Summit Uganda has celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of women leaders from the LEAN Forward Modular Program, a leadership development initiative aimed at empowering women to overcome the unique challenges they face in professional and personal leadership roles.
The six-month program, which combines workshops, interactive modules, and personalized development plans, culminated in the graduation of 16 women who are now equipped to make significant contributions to their industries and communities.
The program brought together leaders from various sectors, helping them build the tools, strategies, and confidence necessary to succeed.
During the graduation ceremony, Mr. Stephen Mukasa, Managing Director of CEO Summit Uganda, lauded the graduates for their resilience and growth. He emphasized the importance of closing the global leadership gender gap, a challenge that remains a significant issue worldwide.
“Today, we celebrate your journey with the LEAN Forward Modular Program, a movement designed to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire innovation,” Mr. Mukasa said. “We look forward to seeing how you will apply the knowledge gained to lead in ways that redefine leadership in Uganda.”
Class president Ms. Emily Nakanga, Business Planning and Performance Manager at the Uganda National Oil Company, spoke on behalf of the graduates, expressing gratitude for the transformative experience.
She stressed that the program was just the beginning of their leadership journey and called for continued networking opportunities to foster growth, mentorship, and collaboration.
The program’s faculty featured prominent female leaders, including Mrs. Mona Muguma-Ssebuliba, CEO of aBi Finance Ltd; Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of Uganda National Oil Company; Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines; Ms. Barbra Kasekende, Head of Business Advisory at Uganda Development Bank; and Ms. Ruth Sebatindira SC, founder of Ligomarc Advocates. These leaders shared their experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success in male-dominated industries, providing valuable insights for the participants.
The LEAN Forward Modular Program continues to play a vital role in shaping Uganda’s leadership landscape, providing women leaders with the tools to navigate emerging challenges and drive inclusive leadership. As the country works toward a more inclusive future, programs like LEAN Forward are crucial for ensuring that diversity drives growth and innovation across all sectors.
