Members of JTB cohort II pose for a photo at Sheraton Hotel on Friday.
Journey to the Boardroom (JTB) hosted its annual Grand Finale on Friday at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. JTB is dedicated to maximizing the untapped talent pool of professionals and guiding them to navigate the boardroom space effectively. The program supports organizations in achieving sustainable growth through enhanced succession planning and fosters networking opportunities with experienced board members.
The black-tie event honored the accomplishments of the 2025 cohort and unveiled key developments in the organization’s mission to foster inclusive and diverse leadership.
Over the past two years, JTB has been instrumental in preparing seasoned professionals for boardroom excellence. This year’s cohort comprised 35 participants, including 21 women, reflecting significant progress toward gender equality in corporate leadership.
The event featured distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Uganda, as guest of honor. Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, delivered the keynote address, sharing insights on leadership and corporate transformation.
Lisa Chesney, MBE, emphasized the transformative power of diversity in her address:
“Boardrooms should be accessible to all professions. Companies with diverse boards are 43% more likely to achieve higher profits. Let your journey be a movement—toward just, inclusive, and visionary leadership.”
Sylvia Mulinge said empowering professionals with boardroom readiness is key to driving sustainable business growth. JTB’s work is transformative.
JTB founder Janet Bugembe reflected on the cohort’s growth.
“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. Tonight, we raise a generation equipped to shape Africa’s future boardrooms.
She also expressed her gratitude to the stakeholders and highlighted the program’s impact on shaping future leaders.
2025 JTB Awards Winners:
Ambassadors Award—Silvester Bwetabure
Founders Award—Tina Wamala
Founders Award 1st runner-up—Samuel Jjuuko
Founders Award 2 runner-up—Joseph Kigozi
Boardroom award winners—Fernandez Circle
Boardroom Award 1st Runner-Up—Chiefs Vanguard
MultiChoice Award—Aliker Inc.
MultiChoice Award 1st runner-up—Chiefs Vanguard
Winners walked away with a Shs 5 million award, and first and second runners-up returned home with Shs 3 million each.
MultiChoice Uganda and its leadership were credited for offering their boardroom every Saturday for the cohorts to go there and study.
JTB will open applications for its third cohort from April 28 to June 6, 2025.
