Kampala To Host Datamine ASC Summit 2025 As Global, Local Marketing Leaders Unite To Redefine Brand Strategy

By Gad Masereka

Kampala is poised to become a continental spotlight for marketing innovation as Datamine Centre for Professional Studies, Uganda’s premier Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Accredited Study Centre, prepares to host the inaugural Datamine ASC Summit 2025.

Set for June 27 at Hotel Africana, the summit promises to be a defining moment for the country’s marketing landscape, blending global expertise with homegrown insights under the theme “The Art and Science of Emotional Connections in a Competitive World.”

Far more than a routine conference, the summit is structured to spark transformative discussions around emotional branding, an increasingly critical pillar in modern business strategy.

It will unfold across three interactive sessions. The day opens with a closed-door C-Suite Session for senior executives, followed by a Main Session that will feature keynote addresses, expert presentations, and a panel discussion. A Networking Session will conclude the day, giving attendees a relaxed yet strategic space to engage with leading voices in the industry.

The event’s draw is heightened by the participation of Graham Robertson, founder of Beloved Brands and a globally recognized brand strategist whose portfolio includes Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and the NFL. This marks his first professional appearance in East Africa. “Today’s brands must resonate with people’s hearts, not just their wallets,” Robertson remarked ahead of the summit. “Uganda has tremendous potential to lead in brand storytelling and emotional relevance, and I’m eager to contribute to that journey.”

Complementing Robertson’s address is a robust lineup of Ugandan industry icons who are redefining how brands connect with audiences. Among them is Cinderella Sanyu Okuyo, president of the Uganda Musicians Association, who will explore the intersections of authenticity and influence.

Jeffrey Amani, CEO of Zeus Group, is set to examine cultural intimacy through creative storytelling, while Laura Muhumuza of Buzz Activate will offer a youth-focused lens on memory-driven engagement. Susan Nsibirwa, the managing director of Nation Media Group Uganda, is expected to address the pressing issue of media trust and how it influences brand credibility.

The day’s main panel, moderated by Johnpaul Okwi of MTN Uganda, will dive deep into strategies for emotional relevance. The discussion will include leading marketing figures such as Catherine Ndungu of Uganda Breweries, Daniel Kayongo of Kansai Plascon, Charity Kamusiime from dfcu Bank, Saladin Media’s Romel Jasi, and Juliana Kagwa of the Uganda Tourism Board.

“This summit is a powerful opportunity for Ugandan brands to refine how they speak to the evolving consumer,” Okwi said. “We’re no longer selling just products or services—we’re offering emotional value.”

The broader significance of the summit is underscored by its alignment with Datamine’s educational mission: to bridge the often-cited gap between theoretical instruction and real-world business demands.

Festo Mwebaze Syalhasha, a CIM tutor and Marketing Manager at Quality Chemical Industries, described the event as a pivotal investment in Uganda’s professional marketing future. “We’re entering an age where emotional intelligence must meet marketing strategy,” he noted. “This summit will equip professionals with both the mindset and tools to build resilient, human-centered brands.”

Tickets to the event are priced at UGX 150,000 for individuals, while corporate tables accommodating eight attendees are available at UGX 2,000,000.

In addition to live content, participants will gain access to proprietary learning resources curated in partnership with Beloved Brands. Payments can be completed via Airtel Money Pay code 4379648 or MTN MoMo Pay code 303914, registered under Basewood Consult Uganda Ltd.

The summit’s credibility is amplified by an impressive lineup of sponsors and institutional supporters, including Nation Media Group, Pepsi, VisionFund Uganda, Zeus Group, Stabex International, Plascon, Uganda Breweries, and the Uganda Tourism Board.

Their endorsement not only highlights the event’s relevance but also reflects a shared commitment to advancing marketing excellence in Uganda.

Established as a leader in professional marketing education, Datamine Centre for Professional Studies boasts over 75 commendations from CIM, with a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality instruction in strategy, innovation, and analytics.

With the ASC Summit 2025, Datamine reaffirms its role as a catalyst for business transformation, positioning Kampala as a regional hub for emotionally intelligent branding and strategic communication.