The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a secretariat which is charged with the overall duty of overseeing the day to day activities of the Chamber throughout the country. The secretariat is divided into the following departments:
Secretary General
Awel Uwihanganye, a fellow of the Aspen Institute through the African Leadership Initiative of highly successful, entrepreneurial individuals from business, government and civil society, is the current Secretary General. His leadership qualities are recognised as part of an emerging generation of leaders in Africa. The Secretary General heads the everyday administration and management at the Secretariat. He serves on contract as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber and reports to the Board of Directors.
Human Resource, Finance and Legal Affairs
Betty Walugere heads the Department of Finance and Legal Affairs, and she is assisted by Annet Twebaze, a long serving financial accountant at UNCCI. The department ensures that both financial and human resources deployed serve in the interests of the organization. It also ensures transparency, financial discipline and carries out audit and accounts functions.
Communications and Membership
This department is headed by Aster Ruzindana, a skilled marketing executive and efficient communications expert whose skills have served her well in this capacity. The mandate of this department is to ensure an efficient media and communications platform; effective advocacy in line with our core values on behalf of our members; and serve the interests of membership. The department also manages and maintains all communication platforms including the UNCCI website, its publications and many others. The membership function is managed by Cissy Kengoro who serves as the Communications and Membership officer and Michael Gashumba, who manages Media Relations.
Business Development Services (BDS)
Headed by Jacob Muddu, a financial management expert with a five year background experience in banking and finance, the BDS department researches new types of businesses/products/services and designs solutions for the benefit of our members and partners. The BDS team also manages outward and inward trade missions with the sole purpose of creating business opportunities for the UNCCI membership. This department also manages a consulting function of the Chamber, serving members who wish to commission market/product studies, policy analysis or other forms of consultancy including financial management services, proposal and grant writing, and many other services.
Project Planning, Development and Management
John Walugembe, a long serving member of the Chamber with a background in Economics, heads this department. This department manages relationships with donors, development partners and government supported projects. It entails thoughtful definitions of the goals, objectives and needs of each project in order to plan, organize and deliver it from beginning to end. All projects embarked on by UNCCI deliver a value added service or desirable change to its members, partners and the organization.
Research, Trade and Policy
Steered by Allan Katwere and Andrew Matsiko, two young experts in the field of economics, this department coordinates and analyses general trade and industry policies for the benefit of members. The department is mainly charged with a research function with an emphasis on trade and industry issues in order to have effective policy analysis and formulation. As such, the department prepares the necessary policy inputs during government planning processes and also provides support to members in the areas of economic and trade research. Under this department, the official position of UNCCI is prepared on various policy issues and legislative proposals; and it coordinates with various government agencies and private sector agencies to ensure consistency in policies.
Regional/ District Coordinator (RDC)
Stephen Kabagambe, a veteran staff of the Chamber, heads this department, and is responsible for national coordination in the numerous District Chamber Offices across the country. This department also caters to the recruitment and well-being of all members in the 80 districts across Uganda.
Administration and Customer Relations
Grace Atyang (Head Administrative Officer) and Jackie Batamuliza (Communications and Customer Relations Officer) are the hearts of UNCCI. This dynamic duo is responsible for managing the Chamber’s documentation and archives. The team also manages the customer relations function as the first point of contact at the Secretariat.