Senior executives, finance leaders and policymakers have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key driver of strategic decision-making, innovation and competitiveness during the 4th C-Suite Forum organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).
The forum, held on Wednesday at Sheraton Kampala Hotel under the theme “Harnessing AI for Strategic Decision-Making to Spur Growth and Competitiveness,” brought together industry leaders to discuss how AI is reshaping leadership and business operations across Africa.
Speaking at the event, ICPAU President CPA David Timothy Ediomu emphasised the importance of professional leadership and ethical governance in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
“Strong institutions are built by qualified professionals,” CPA Ediomu said.
He noted that professional accountants continue to play a central role in driving accountability, ethical leadership and strategic decision-making within organisations.
ICPAU Chief Executive Officer and Secretary CPA Derick Nkajja said the forum was intended to help leaders understand how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve organisational growth and competitiveness.
“The future of leadership is AI-driven,” CPA Nkajja said while welcoming participants to the forum.
He explained that the discussions focused on how AI is transforming leadership, innovation and business strategy across sectors.
During one of the keynote sessions, Ernest Ssekisonge, the Managing Director of Kasi Insight, highlighted the growing importance of AI-powered consumer intelligence in shaping business decisions across Africa.
“What happens when African data meets Artificial Intelligence?” Ssekisonge asked participants.
He explained that AI-enhanced consumer research is helping organisations move beyond reactive reporting to proactive and predictive decision-making.
According to Ssekisonge, businesses are increasingly using behavioural intelligence and sentiment analysis to anticipate market shifts, strengthen risk management and improve investment decisions.
“AI-powered consumer intelligence is helping organisations unlock forward-looking intelligence and make smarter business decisions across Africa,” he said.
Ssekisonge also stressed the need for African-led data solutions in developing AI systems that respond to local realities and market conditions.
Meanwhile, DFCU Bank Managing Director Charles Mudiwa cautioned leaders against treating AI as a replacement for human judgment and accountability. “AI is not accountable, leaders are,” Mudiwa told participants.
He said AI should be viewed as an enabler that strengthens human decision-making rather than replacing leadership responsibility. “AI should strengthen human judgement, not substitute it,” he said.
Mudiwa warned organisations against relying on technology without proper governance, strategy and execution frameworks. “Competitive advantage will come from implementation, not discussion,” he added.
He further challenged executives to move beyond conversations about AI and focus on translating technological innovation into measurable business outcomes.
The forum also featured a panel discussion on AI-enhanced consumer research and behavioural intelligence. The discussion explored how organisations can use AI and data-driven insights to anticipate consumer behaviour, strengthen risk management and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Participants at the forum agreed that while AI presents enormous opportunities for growth and efficiency, leadership, accountability and ethical governance will remain critical in shaping how technology is deployed across institutions and economies.