Kampala — The League of East African Directors (LEAD) has announced that renowned executive coach, governance expert and author Martin Oduor-Otieno will headline the LEAD Convention 2026 as keynote speaker, in an event that will also feature the launch of his latest book, The Humanised Leader.
The convention is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Kampala and is expected to draw top executives, board members, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the region.
Dr Oduor-Otieno, a business advisor and executive coach at Leadership Group Limited, is widely recognised for his work in leadership development, organisational performance, and executive effectiveness, particularly in the banking and financial services sector. Over the years, he has advised senior executives and boards across multiple industries on navigating complexity, driving growth, and building high-performing institutions.
Organisers say his keynote address will focus on blending performance excellence with human-centred leadership — a theme that aligns with his new book. The Humanised Leader explores empathy, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership, drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu to challenge traditional leadership models and promote people-first approaches.
In remarks ahead of the event, Dr Oduor-Otieno linked his keynote to the message of his book. “As I look forward to my return to a place I now call my second home, I look forward to meeting all the business and corporate leaders in Kampala, Uganda. Real leadership is not about titles or power, but about uplifting people: building trust, empathy, and shared purpose. Let us meet and share more on this at the LEAD Convention 2026,” he said.
LEAD Chairperson Gertrude Wamala Karugaba said the keynote speaker’s participation would significantly enrich the convention, which returns after a one-year hiatus.
“As the keynote speaker at the LEAD Convention 2026, Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno will significantly elevate the intellectual and professional value of this year’s annual gathering of executives; delegates will gain practical leadership insights applicable to boardrooms, executive leadership, institutional governance, and organisational transformation. We strongly believe that his presence reinforces LEAD Convention’s mission to strengthen leadership capacity as a driver of economic growth, institutional resilience, and sustainable development across East Africa,” she said.
LEAD Chief Executive Officer Trevor Ariho described the convention as a critical platform for high-level engagement on leadership in uncertain times.
“This year’s theme ‘Future Proofing Business: Risk, Resilience and Responsibility – Leading Through Uncertainty’ brings together over 250 corporate and leadership executives who are grappling with a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous business environment. If you look at the uncertainties of global peace and a rising energy crisis internationally, as well as a new political era in the country and the start of an oil boom, delegates will leave the convention better equipped to handle the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the modern business environment, which is on their in-tray right now,” Ariho said.
The LEAD Convention is regarded as one of East Africa’s premier governance and leadership platforms, bringing together board chairpersons, chief executives, regulators, investors, and governance professionals for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
This year’s event will be held at the recently renovated Arirang Hotel along Kyadondo Road, with organisers indicating that more than 90 percent of tickets have already been sold.
The convention is supported by several corporate and institutional partners, including major banks, media houses, and development organisations, reflecting its growing influence as a regional leadership forum.