The Kampala Serena Hotel played host to an extraordinary gathering of Uganda’s most influential women leaders as Johnnie Walker brought together top female CEOs for the She Walks – Female CEOs High Tea Edition. Held on Labour Day, the exclusive, invite-only experience celebrated women who are shaping industries, redefining leadership, and opening doors for the next generation.
The evening brought together distinguished leaders from across sectors, including manufacturing, banking, law, and hospitality. Set against an elegant British high tea theme with a signature Johnnie Walker twist, the experience reimagined tradition through a refined, whisky-led service.
In place of a conventional bar, a bespoke floral high tea trolley moved through the room, serving curated Johnnie Walker Black Label cocktails including the Earl of Walker, a fragrant blend of Earl Grey, lemon, honey and whisky; the Hibiscus Highball, a refreshing infusion with hibiscus reduction and soda; and Chamomile Calm, a delicate mix of chilled whisky, chamomile and ginger.
Beyond the experience, the evening created space for connection and reflection. Guests engaged in light-hearted games, shared affirmations, and opened up about the values, experiences, and defining moments that have shaped their leadership journeys.
Speaking at the event, Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda reflected on the growth of the She Walks platform. She noted its evolution from a Ugandan initiative into a broader East African movement, now gaining global recognition. She emphasised that She Walks exists to shine a light on the remarkable work women are doing across industries, while creating spaces where their stories can be seen, heard, and celebrated.
“She Walks began as a simple idea to bring women together, and today it has grown into a powerful community built on shared experiences and support. For us at Johnnie Walker, it’s about championing inclusive progress by creating spaces where women are seen, heard, and empowered to keep moving forward.”
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Félicité Nson, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited, who shared a powerful and deeply personal reflection on her leadership journey. Speaking candidly about moments of gender bias, she recounted instances where she was asked to fetch coffee or take notes in professional settings, experiences that underscored the persistent perceptions women face in leadership spaces.
“Leadership is not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about how you show up when you get there. I have learned that empathy is not a weakness; it is a strength that allows you to lead people, not just processes. As women, we must walk boldly into every room, challenge perceptions when necessary, and ensure that as we rise, we make space for others to rise with us.”
Through these stories, she highlighted the importance of leading with empathy, standing one’s ground, and finding ways to pivot challenges into opportunities. She encouraged women to step confidently into spaces of influence, to own their presence, and importantly, to leave the door open for others to follow.
Also in attendance was Racheal Dumba, UBL board member, who welcomed distinguished guests, including Susan Kabonero Muwhezi. In her remarks, Susan reflected on the power of presence and perception, drawing on a quote by Maya Angelou: “People will not remember what you said, but how you made them feel.” She spoke candidly about her own journey, challenging assumptions about her identity and achievements, and celebrated the resilience of women who balance leadership, family, and societal expectations. Her closing message was simple yet powerful: “Please Walk!”
The evening concluded on a high note with a lively karaoke session, where guests came together in a moment of shared joy and sisterhood. A standout highlight was the room uniting in song to “Lean on Me,” alongside classics like “Dancing Queen” and local favourites, creating a fitting end to a night rooted in connection and celebration.
The She Walks Female CEOs High Tea Edition reaffirmed Johnnie Walker’s commitment to championing progress, celebrating women who are walking boldly in leadership, and inspiring the next generation to keep moving forward.