CEOs and top executives from across Uganda gathered on Monday last week for the 15th Annual CEO Forum at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, with a clear call to take bold steps in leading their organisations towards a sustainable future.
Themed “Only One Earth – Our Purpose and Mandate,” the forum focused on the critical role corporate leaders must play in combating climate change and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
In his opening remarks, Stephen Mukasa, Team Leader of CEO Summit Uganda, emphasised the significance of collective leadership in tackling global environmental challenges. He urged corporate leaders to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations, stressing that these practices are critical not only for business growth but also for the well-being of communities.
“We’ve brought together some of the brightest minds from various industries, which gives us a real opportunity to make a significant difference,” Mukasa said. He highlighted the forum’s aim to develop a unified strategy for adopting climate-conscious practices across sectors.
Mukasa also reminded attendees of the pledge made during the 2023 forum to integrate climate-conscious practices into their organisations, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to drive meaningful change. “By working together, we hope to shift how we manage sustainability,” he added.
Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, delivered a strong message on sustainability, urging leaders to adopt long-term strategies for addressing environmental challenges. He also shared Uganda’s commitment to sustainability frameworks, noting that the country’s climate finance needs are estimated at USD 28.1 billion between 2023/24 and 2029/30. Ggoobi mentioned the establishment of a Climate Finance Unit within the Ministry to coordinate the mobilisation and tracking of green finance, ensuring public investments are aligned with sustainability goals.
Dorcas Batwala Muhwezi, General Manager of Customer Experience at MTN Uganda, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change through innovative business practices. She reiterated MTN Uganda’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and shared progress, including the upgrade of over 92% of cell sites to solar power and lithium-ion battery storage.
The forum, supported by Centenary Bank, MTN, QCIL, Abi Finance, NBS, and National Water and Sewerage Corporation, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on how various industries can take the lead in the fight against climate change. Attendees were reminded of their role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
Mukasa closed the event by urging leaders to focus on practical, collective solutions. “We’ve taken steps, but there’s more work to be done. Together, we can create a unified approach to sustainability that not only benefits our businesses but also secures the future for the next generation,” he said.