By Joseph Kiggundu
Kampala
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) has officially sworn in its newly elected Board of Directors, marking a peaceful and transparent transition of leadership aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on 28 January 2026 at Four Points by Sheraton, Kololo–Acacia, where the outgoing board formally handed over their instruments of office to the new leadership.
The ceremony was presided over by UNCCI Senior Lawyer and former Uganda Law Society President, Ms. Pheona Wall Nabasa, who commended the chamber for upholding transparency and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
New UNCCI Board of Directors
Ms. Olive Z. Kigongo – President
Mr. Ronald Kwesiga – Vice President
Board Members:
Mr. King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga
Mr. Alpha Charles Karamagi
Mrs. Yewagnesh Mamo Birigwa
Mrs. Jacquie Namuyonga
Mr. Stephen J. Kalibbala Mpagi
Mr. George Inholo
Mr. Godfrey Kakooza
Mr. Godfrey Toolit
Mr. Expedito Isingoma
Ms. Olive Z. Kigongo retained her position as President, while her former Vice President, Mr. Stephen J. Kalibbala Mpagi, handed over to Mr. Ronald Kwesiga, who was elected Vice President during the recently concluded UNCCI Annual General Meeting held at Protea Hotel, Kololo.
Addressing the new board, Ms. Nabasa urged members to fully support the UNCCI Secretariat and the private sector, noting the growing demand for services.
“Now that the elections and swearing-in are complete, it is time to work. I call upon the new board to give full support to the private sector as we collectively boost Uganda’s economy,” Nabasa said.
She also reminded the board of the recently launched UNCCI Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) initiative, which aims to train mediators to resolve conflicts within communities, institutions, and the business sector. She encouraged the board to actively utilize and promote the initiative.
“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, welcomed the new leadership and called for unity and collaboration.
“I welcome the new board led by Madam President Olive Z. Kigongo and Vice President Ronald Kwesiga, and I call upon the UNCCI Secretariat, partners, private sector players, government, and well-wishers to support them as they embark on this new journey,” Oundo said.
In her remarks, Ms. Kigongo thanked members for the confidence placed in her leadership and appealed to candidates who were unsuccessful in the elections to support the new team.
“The year 2026 demands 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 independent lawyers managed the process.
“The elections were transparent and credible. I recommend that other private sector bodies emulate UNCCI, because transparency is essential,” Karamagi said.