7th Business Trendsetters Forum celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators’ contribution to Uganda's economic growth

The 7th Business Trendsetters Forum & Awards Gala took place on July 29, 2026, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, focusing on the theme "People, Purpose, and Artificial Intelligence in Business.

Organized by Business Trends Galore and chaired by founder Yvonne Mpanga, the annual forum brought together policymakers, business executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and development partners to explore how people-centred leadership and artificial intelligence are reshaping society.

Various categories including the public sector, the youth, lifetime achievement, among others were recognised for their contribution towards Uganda’s economic growth through innovation, technology in their business, roles towards community influence and others.

In the public Sector, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho was honored for her institutional leadership, in education & Media Honotharees,  Kasole Bwelele of Kampala Parents' School and veteran broadcaster Drake Ssekeba were recognized for long-term compounding sector influence respectively, among others.

 A section of Trendsetters' award winners (L-R) Peter Kauju, Registrar General Mercy K. Kabwiso with Chairperson Maggy Kigozi and Drake Ssekeba.

During the trendsetters’ forum, before the award ceremony, discussions shifted away from traditional revenue metrics toward access, mentorship, digital transformation, and ethical artificial intelligence integration

Among the discussants was Lydia Obbo Ochieng, a prominent legal and corporate figures associated with Frederick Francis & Associates Advocates, challenged business leaders to rethink what will define successful organizations in the next decade, observing how artificial intelligence together with technology is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace.

While calling upon entities to utilise artificial intelligence tool to empower employees, she urged leaders said that it should be used to should amplify human capability without diminishing human dignity.

“Artificial intelligence, is one of the most powerful business tools ever created, capable of improving productivity, analyzing data, predicting trends, and unlocking innovation, but as business leaders, you should not over rely  on AI-generated content without human review, AI should support informed decision-making rather than replace leadership, judgment, or accountability” she said  

The Manager, Marketing and Student Recruitment Mr. Conan Businge while presenting at the forum underscored the key role AI is doing towards transforming business and ensuring sustainability in a competitive world.

He said there is need to re-structure entities’ systems embrace or have components that have AI throughout the entire employee structure.

“We must contribute the little we can using AI, find a university that embraces AI and attention to digitality. Victoria University is not just adapting to the age of AI, we are leading it in Uganda and East Africa” he said

Ms. Primera Muthoni  pictured above, from Uganda Management institute (UMI) urged entrepreneurs and business leaders to view AI as a tool to strengthen existing systems rather than replace them while working with systemes such as customer management, financial management, operations, and data driven decision making.

“The greatest opportunity lies in integrating AI into each of these areas to improve efficiency while preserving the processes that already work. AI can significantly enhance customer engagement by automating routine interactions, responding to inquiries, generating invoices, and supporting lead management” she said

Bella products from K-Roma Ltd beinf displayed 

Among the exhibitors was K-Roma Ltd the producers of Bella Products, Kirungi Foods, URSB, Victoria university among others. 

The Business Trendsetters Forum (BTF) is an annual business convention and awards gala in Uganda designed to foster networking, celebrate marketplace innovation, and guide young entrepreneurs.