Cavendish University Uganda is celebrating one of its own after David Mutabanura, the Executive Director of the university, was named the 2025 recipient of the St. Mary’s College Kisubi Old Boys Association (SMACKOBA) Distinguished Alumni Achiever Award.
The award, one of the highest honours given by SMACKOBA, recognises old boys who uphold the school’s values and inspire others through their work and character.
Mutabanura’s achievement highlights a leadership journey that started at St. Mary’s College Kisubi in 1991.
The school, known for academic excellence and strong character formation, has produced some of Uganda’s most influential leaders, including vice presidents, prime ministers of Buganda, attorney generals, a speaker of parliament, cabinet ministers, judges, entrepreneurs, creatives, and top academics.
He received the award at the SMACKOBA 2025 Alumni Awards Dinner held at Africana Hotel on Friday, 5th December 2025.
The event brought together prominent SMACK alumni to honour a man whose work continues to influence education, business, and society.
According to the award committee, Mutabanura stood out for his commitment to leadership, integrity, professionalism, and innovation—qualities he attributes to his early years at SMACK.
Reflecting on the honour, he said, “To be recognised by the fraternity that laid your foundation is profoundly humbling but also gratifying.”
He added, “The lessons in discipline, excellence and service learned from Kisubi have been a constant compass throughout my journey since then.”
Mutabanura’s career demonstrates wide-ranging expertise. With academic training in business, science, technology, and engineering from ESAMI Business School, Makerere University, and the University of Leeds, he has worked across major sectors of Uganda’s economy.
His experience includes roles at Shell Uganda (Oil & Gas), Nilecom Ltd (Telecommunications), and Farmers Creameries Limited (Food Industry).
At Cavendish University Uganda, he now leads operations, finances, and administration, promoting a customer-first culture and a commitment to quality education.
He has also lectured in engineering and technology and consulted for various institutions, reflecting his passion for teaching.
His influence reaches beyond academia. He contributes to national development through board service, including as Board Audit Chair of the Rotary Club of Kampala.
He is also part of The Africa List, a respected network of leaders shaping the continent’s future. Recently, he completed the Executive Leadership Programme of the International Association of Universities (2024–25), strengthening his drive for impactful education and leadership.
A senior SMACKOBA member summarised his impact, saying, “David embodies the ‘SMACK Boy’ ideal excellence with humility, ambition with integrity.
His path from a science student to a multifaceted executive leader, inspiring thousands along the way, makes him the perfect exemplar for this award. He is not just building businesses; he is building ecosystems and people.”
Mutabanura’s recognition is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to the SMACK fraternity and the wider Ugandan community—proof that strong values and dedicated service can shape a lasting legacy.
