KAMPALA — The Uganda Digital Society (UDS) has announced the inaugural John Babirukamu Annual Memorial Lecture, a new initiative established to honour the legacy of the late John Birungi Babirukamu, a respected digital strategist, communications leader, educator and mentor whose work significantly shaped Uganda’s digital and communications landscape.
The memorial lecture, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala, will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon under the theme: “Creating Digital Leaders Through Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing.”
According to Uganda Digital Society, the annual event is intended not only to celebrate Babirukamu’s life and contribution to Uganda’s digital ecosystem, but also to continue promoting the values he championed throughout his career, including mentorship, ethical leadership, collaboration, wellness and professional growth.
John Babirukamu served as Vice President of the Uganda Digital Society and was widely recognised for his role in bridging strategy, innovation, education and people development. Beyond his professional achievements, he was admired for mentoring young professionals and nurturing talent across the communications, marketing and technology sectors.
The event is expected to bring together between 150 and 200 participants from Uganda’s digital, technology, media, entrepreneurship, communications, academia and government sectors for discussions on leadership development and the future of Uganda’s digital economy.
Collin Babirukamu, Director IT at Bank of Uganda, will deliver the keynote address during the memorial lecture.
As part of the event, Uganda Digital Society will also officially unveil the John Babirukamu Mentorship Programme, a multi-sector initiative aimed at connecting students, young professionals, creatives, founders and emerging digital practitioners with experienced industry leaders.
The programme seeks to establish structured mentorship opportunities while promoting ethical leadership, mental wellness, knowledge sharing and practical career development.
It is also expected to strengthen collaboration among professional bodies, institutions and industry players in order to create more opportunities for emerging talent.
“The most meaningful tribute we can offer is not only to speak well of John, but to continue the work of growing people,” said John Ssenkeezi, President of Uganda Digital Society. “We invite everyone to register and attend this inaugural event, and to join us in this industry-wide effort to nurture the next generation of professionals,” he added.
Organisers say the initiative comes at a critical time as Uganda’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, increasing the need for intentional mentorship, leadership development and professional wellness within fast-growing industries.
The event will be free to attend, although participants will be required to register in advance through an online registration link shared by the organisers.