Eight awarded as Journey to the Boardroom graduates 35

Eight outstanding individuals were honoured at the Journey to the Boardroom (JTB) annual Grand Finale, held last Friday at Sheraton hotel, Kampala.

The ceremony celebrated excellence in corporate leadership and governance. Each winner and runner-up received cash prizes of Shs 5 million and Shs 3 million, respectively, courtesy of MultiChoice Uganda.

Multichoice also offers their boardroom every Saturday for the cohorts to study there. The awards ceremony marked the culmination of a transformative mentorship and training program designed to prepare seasoned professionals for boardroom excellence.

This year’s cohort included 35 participants, with women making up 21 of the graduates, a significant milestone toward achieving gender equality and inclusiveness in corporate leadership roles.

Founded by Janet Bugembe, Journey to the Boardroom (JTB) equips organizations and professionals with the skills needed for sustainable growth through a rigorous mentorship and training program.

The curriculum covers critical areas such as strategic leadership, board composition and dynamics, risk management, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Speaking at the event, British Ambassador Lisa Chesney commended Bugembe for her visionary leadership in founding JTB.

She emphasised the importance of corporate governance, noting that companies with diverse boards are 25% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability. She said diverse boards bring a wide range of viewpoints, leading to better decision-making and driving innovation.

She encouraged the graduates to immediately seek board roles, champion positive change, and continue learning while lifting others along the way.

“The boardroom needs a new kind of leader,” she added. “Leadership today demands empathy, integrity, and a vision that goes beyond profit.”

Reflecting on the cohort’s growth, Bugembe said the graduates are ready for the corporate challenge and are going to be change makers in African boardrooms.

“During our retreat, I watched these leaders lean into discomfort, challenge norms, and emerge ready to govern with integrity. Corporate governance isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about stewardship.”

Full List of Winners: