SMACKOBA recognizes Cavendish University’s E.D David Mutabanura with the Distinguished Achiever Award

In a bold move to honour exemplary individuals with a remarkable  contribution and a beacon of inspiration,  St. Mary's College Kisubi Old Boys Association (SMACKOBA) has awarded The Executive Director of Cavendish University, Mr. David Mutabanura with the Distinguished Alumni Achiever Award for 2025

The glamorous award ceremony was held during SMACKOBA 2025 Alumni Awards Dinner at Africana Hotel on Friday the 5th December, 2025. 

 SMACKOBA's award to Mr. Mutabanura was attributed to the remarkable journey of leadership, integrity, and innovation that began at St. Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK) in 1991. 

The award committee highlighted that Mr. Mutabanura’s profound commitment to leadership, integrity, professionalism, and innovation — principles deeply ingrained during his formative years at SMACK. .

Mr. Mutabanura after receiving the award said that “To be recognised by the fraternity that laid your foundation is profoundly humbling but also gratifying. The lessons in discipline, excellence and service learned from Kisubi have been a constant compass throughout my journey since then.”

His academic foundation anchored in business, science, technology and engineering obtained from the ESAMI Business School, Makerere University and the University of Leeds,  has seamlessly bridged science and enterprise and worked and served at various levels and in a multiplicity of sectors, including corporate organisations as well as the social sector.

At Cavendish University Uganda, he applies this rich tapestry of experience to shape the future of education. As Executive Director, he directs the university’s operational, financial, and administrative functions, instilling a customer-first mindset and a culture of delivering outstanding value. Beyond administration, he is an educator at heart, having consulted for several institutions and shared his knowledge as a university lecturer in engineering and technology.

His influence extends across the boardrooms of the nation. Mutabanura leverages his skills in Business Strategy and Corporate Development for broad societal impact. This commitment to service is further mirrored in his role as Board Audit Chair for Uganda’s premier Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Kampala, and his induction into The Africa List, a prestigious community of leaders steering the continent’s growth. As a recent graduate of the Executive Leadership Programme of the International Association of Universities (2024-25), he continues to scale his leadership capacities, affirming his dedication to lifelong learning and effective higher education outcomes in employability, entrepreneurship, leadership development and societal impact.

“David embodies the ‘SMACK Boy’ ideal — excellence with humility, ambition with integrity,” remarked a senior member of SMACKOBA. “His path from a science student to a multifaceted executive leader, inspiring thousands along the way, makes him the perfect exemplar for this award. He is not just building businesses; he is building ecosystems and people.”  

Mr Mutabanura receiving the award

St. Mary's College Kisubi is a leading secondary school in Uganda, renowned for its rich tradition, excellent academic performance and all round nurturing of its students, notable of whom have been three Vice Presidents of Uganda, four Prime Ministers of Buganda Kingdom, two Attorney Generals, a Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet ministers, judges, lawyers, entrepreneurs, renown creative artists and distinguished academics of every field.