By Joseph Kiggundu
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) has officially elected a new Board of Directors, marking a peaceful and transparent transition of leadership aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector.
The elections were held in December 2025 at Protea Hotel, Kololo, Kampala, and were officiated by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, who graced the ceremony.
Speaking during the event, UNCCI Senior Lawyer and former Uganda Law Society President, Ms. Pheona Wall Nabasa, revealed that more than 40 individuals expressed interest in contesting for the 11 available positions, including those of President and Vice President.
“It is true that the UNCCI Secretariat received letters of interest from various business people through emails, written applications, and consultations. However, some aspirants did not qualify due to failure to submit academic documents, non-payment of annual subscription fees, or late submission of the required documents,” Nabasa said.
She added that only 11 candidates successfully met all the requirements and were duly elected to the UNCCI Board.
Newly Elected UNCCI Leadership
The newly elected Board will be led by Ms. Olive Z. Kigongo as President and Mr. Ronald Kwesiga as Vice President.
Leadership
Ms. Olive Z. Kigongo – President
Mr. Ronald Kwesiga – Vice President
Board Members
Mr. King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga
Mrs. Yewagnesh Mamo Birigwa
Mrs. Jacquie Namuyonga
Mr. Stephen J. Kalibbala Mpagi
Mr. George Inholo
Mr. Godfrey Kakooza
Mr. Godfrey Toolit
Mr. Expedito Isingoma
Mr. Alpha Charles Karamagi
“We congratulate the newly elected Board and look forward to their leadership in strengthening Uganda’s private sector and driving sustainable economic growth,” Nabasa added.
UNCCI Secretary General, Mr. John Francis Oundo, said the Chamber is now awaiting the official swearing-in of the new Board.
“As UNCCI Secretary General, I welcome the new Board led by Madam President Olive Z. Kigongo and Vice President Ronald Kwesiga. We shall soon invite stakeholders to the swearing-in ceremony as they officially assume office. I call upon the UNCCI Secretariat, partners, the private sector, government, and well-wishers to support them as they embark on their five-year journey,” Oundo said.
Ms. Kigongo thanked members for the confidence placed in her leadership and called upon those who were not successful in the elections to work together for the good of the private sector.
“The year 2026 will demand hard work. I call upon the Secretariat and the new Board to remain focused as we serve Uganda’s private sector and promote business both locally and internationally,” Kigongo said.
One of the newly elected Board members, Mr. Alpha Charles Karamagi, described the elections as free and fair, noting that they were managed by independent lawyers.
“The elections were free and fair due to the transparency exhibited throughout the process. I recommend that other private sector bodies emulate UNCCI, because transparency is essential,” Karamagi said.
Meanwhile, Minister Norbert Mao commended UNCCI for conducting transparent elections and for launching the UNCCI Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism during the Annual General Meeting. He said the process demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the business community.
The Minister further urged the new Board to continue advocating for the rights of business people and to play a key role in boosting Uganda’s economy through partnerships and strategic collaborations.