Ian Rumanyika (pictured), a seasoned communications expert and award-winning public relations (PR) practitioner, has officially resigned from his role as Head of External and Corporate Affairs at Uganda Baati Limited (UBL).
His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter that saw UBL rise from a quiet industrial player into one of Uganda’s most visible and respected brands in the manufacturing sector.
Rumanyika, who joined Uganda Baati in 2022 after a distinguished tenure at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), leaves behind a powerful legacy of brand transformation, sector influence, and stakeholder trust.
When Rumanyika took on the communications portfolio at Uganda Baati, the company was largely known for its roofing products but had minimal public visibility.
With over 15 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, and change management, Rumanyika brought to Uganda Baati a wealth of expertise from past roles with the Uganda Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance, the Electoral Commission Uganda, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, and consulting assignments across the East African region.
Through a comprehensive strategic communication plan, Rumanyika repositioned UBL as a household brand and industrial leader in Uganda’s manufacturing landscape.
Under his leadership, the company’s visibility increased significantly through deliberate media engagement, storytelling around innovation, and a strong presence at national exhibitions and trade forums.
He built a compelling corporate image that aligned with national development goals and appealed to a wider range of stakeholders, from government ministries to local communities.
A key part of Rumanyika’s work at Uganda Baati involved policy direction and influence. As an active voice within Uganda’s manufacturing ecosystem, he positioned UBL as a thought leader in critical sector dialogues especially in areas related to industrial policy, taxation, and product standards.
Through advocacy and institutional partnerships, Rumanyika helped shape discussions around import substitution, industrial growth, and sustainable manufacturing.
His efforts brought Uganda Baati closer to key regulators, sector associations, and policymakers, ensuring the company had a seat at the table where major industry decisions were being made.
At the heart of Rumanyika’s leadership was a deep commitment to stakeholder engagement. He built strategic partnerships with institutions like the Uganda Manufacturers Association, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, and various government ministries.
These collaborations enhanced UBL’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking corporate citizen.
He also led initiatives aimed at tackling industry-wide challenges, such as counterfeit roofing products and unfair competition.
His bold advocacy campaigns raised public awareness about quality assurance while also highlighting UBL’s role in setting industry standards.
Rumanyika’s resignation comes after a successful three-year stint marked by accolades and measurable results.
Widely regarded as one of Uganda’s top PR and marketing professionals, Rumanyika has received numerous recognitions, including being ranked among the Top 100 Global PR Influencers by Commentary International and the Top 40 Under 40 by Vision Group. He also won the Eagles Award 2022 in East Africa, presented by the University of Nairobi.
His leadership style pragmatic, strategic, and results-driven has consistently delivered impact across institutions.
He is also known for mentoring young professionals through his PR Fundi Masterclasses, a knowledge-sharing platform aimed at building the next generation of communications leaders in Africa.
During his 12-year tenure at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Rumanyika played a pivotal role in reshaping the institution’s public image and improving its relationship with taxpayers.
As Manager of Public and Corporate Affairs, he led the development and implementation of communication strategies aimed at building public trust, enhancing transparency, and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.
Through targeted media campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and taxpayer education initiatives, he significantly elevated URA’s visibility and credibility among the public and private sector alike.
One of his most notable accomplishments at URA was modernizing the authority’s corporate communications function by introducing a proactive, digitally driven approach that made the institution more accessible and responsive.
He championed the use of storytelling and public education to demystify taxation and reframe URA’s image from a purely enforcement-oriented body to a service-driven institution.
His leadership helped improve taxpayer morale, enhance service delivery, and align URA’s communications with the broader national agenda of domestic resource mobilization.
What is certain is that Ian Rumanyika exits Uganda Baati having made an indelible mark not only within the company, but across Uganda’s manufacturing and communications landscapes.
His ability to blend strategic vision with hands-on execution will remain a benchmark for corporate communicators in the country.
When reached for a comment on his next move, Rumanyika confirmed his departure but chose to remain tight-lipped about his next professional move.