Main Programme
Explore the full-day programme for the 2025 Annual Leaders Gathering — from keynote addresses and plenary discussions to breakout conversations and networking moments.
At a glance
The programme weaves together keynotes, panel conversations, and reflective sessions that bring Africa's emerging and established leaders into dialogue around excellence, partnership, and lasting impact.
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10:00 – 10:20 AM
Arrival & Hosting
Guest arrival and settling in
Programme Director & Event Host: Edgar Mwine, Huduma Fellow & Programme Officer, KAS for Security in Africa, with co-host Lisa Kanyomozi Rabwoni, Huduma Fellow (Class of 2024).
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10:20 – 10:25 AM
Welcome
Welcome remarks
By Awel Uwihanganye, Co-founder & Team Lead, LéO Africa Institute.
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10:25 – 10:40 AM
Opening keynote
Keynote address
Speaker: Charles Mudiwa, Managing Director, Dfcu Bank.
Topic: “Excellence as a Standard: Sustaining High-Performance Leadership in Challenging Contexts.”
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10:40 – 11:30 AM
Fireside conversation
Moderated conversation with keynote speaker
Joined by Anna Reismann, Country Representative, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Uganda & South Sudan.
Moderated by Awel Uwihanganye.
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11:30 – 11:50 AM
Cultural interlude
“We Are All Africa!” — Cultural presentation
By Joseph Irankunda & Co.
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11:50 AM – 1:10 PM
Panel I
Panel discussion: “From Individual Excellence to Collective Impact: Building Strategic Partnerships Across Sectors”
Moderator: Raymond Mujuni, Deputy Director, African Institute for Investigative Journalism; YELP Fellow (Class of 2017).
Panelists:
- • Michael Kayemba, Associate Partner, AXUM.
- • Emmanuel Awori, Partnerships Lead, LéO Africa Institute.
- • Okash Mohammed, Director, ICE Institute — Research, Strategy, Foresight & Policy; YELP Fellow (Class of 2018).
- • Lucy Mbabazi, Managing Director, Better Than Cash Alliance; Emeritus Board Chair, LéO Africa Institute.
- • Linda Mutesi, Co-founder, Future Generations Foundation.
Includes Q&A and audience engagement.
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1:30 – 2:30 PM
Lunch
Lunch break & networking
Open networking opportunity over lunch.
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2:30 – 2:50 PM
Artistic reflection
“The Psalm of Life!” — Musical poetry presentation
By Matovu Matia (Poet) and Frank Baguma (Violinist).
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2:50 – 3:30 PM
Afternoon keynote
Afternoon keynote address
Speaker: Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director, Nation Media Group.
Topic: “Leading with Purpose: The Imperative of Collaborative Leadership in Africa's Next Decade.”
Followed by a fireside conversation moderated by Angelo Izama, Team Lead, Verification Registration Services; Faculty Head Emeritus, LéO Africa Institute.
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3:30 – 4:30 PM
Panel II
Panel discussion II: “Frontiers of Opportunity: Innovation and Enterprise Growth Where Excellence is the Standard for Success”
Moderator: Diana Ondoga, Manager Corporate Social Investment, Stanbic Bank Uganda.
Panelists:
- • Silajji Kanyesigye, Managing Partner, RKA & Co; tax advisor and certified chartered public accountant.
- • Lydia Paula Nakiggude, ESG / Sustainability Manager, MTN Uganda.
- • Reginald Tumusime, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Savvy.
- • Catherinerose Barreto, Co-founder, Binary Labs.
- • Conrad Mugisha, Businessman; YELP Fellow (Class of 2017).
Includes Q&A and audience engagement.
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4:30 – 4:45 PM
Entertainment
Entertainment break
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4:45 – 5:00 PM
Closing
Closing session
With Kwezi Tabaro, Faculty Member, LéO Africa Institute.
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5:30 – 7:00 PM
Reception
After Gathering reception
Over teas, coffee, and bites.
*** Inspiring Excellence Through Transformative Leadership ***