The Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) has successfully completed a significant leadership transition milestone, following a formal handover of the Society’s affairs from the outgoing Secretariat to the Board. This has marked the close of the 2024–2026 leadership cycle, and the continuation of the ongoing governance reform programme.
The handover, held on May, 30 2026 at Protea Skyz Hotel, Naguru, brought together UMS Founding Members, the Board, members of the CIM/UMS Advisory Council, and the outgoing Secretariat to reflect on progress made over the past two years, receive accountability reports, and formally transfer stewardship of the Society back to the Board in accordance with the Society’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The handover represented the culmination of collaborative work undertaken over recent months by the outgoing Secretariat, the Board, Founders, Advisory Council, and governance advisors to strengthen the Society’s governance framework and position UMS for its next phase of growth and professional impact.
With the handover now complete, the Board assumes responsibility as the Society’s legal custodian to oversee the final phase of the governance reform programme. Over the next 60 days starting June 1, 2026, focus will be on completing the remaining legal, constitutional, and administrative requirements necessary to usher in the next leadership team and strengthen member participation in the Society’s governance structures.
During the handover meeting, the outgoing Secretariat presented a comprehensive report covering strategic achievements, operational milestones, financial accountability, governance initiatives, and key programmes requiring continuity.
Discussions also reviewed progress already made on governance reforms and the roadmap for completing the remaining implementation steps.
Among the priority actions during the transition period will be the review and finalisation of proposed amendments to the Society’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, submission of approved changes to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and preparations for nominations and the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
A central objective of the reforms is to reinforce member representation and place members firmly at the heart of the Society’s governance architecture. The proposed changes are intended to strengthen accountability, clarify institutional roles, preserve continuity, and support a more inclusive and sustainable governance framework for the future.
The reform process has benefited from broad stakeholder engagement and professional governance advisory support to ensure clear lines of authority, effective succession planning, transparent electoral processes, and stronger institutional resilience.
UMS Board Chair Pamela Abonyo described the occasion as an important milestone in the Society’s ongoing journey of institutional strengthening.
“The handover represents continuity, accountability and shared responsibility. On behalf of the Board, I extend our appreciation to the outgoing Secretariat and leadership team for their dedication and service over the past two years.
We are building on foundations that have been developed collectively and remain committed to completing the transition process in a manner that strengthens governance, safeguards continuity and serves the best interests of our members.”
The CIM/UMS Advisory Council similarly acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Society as it advances its governance reform agenda and prepares for the next chapter of its development.
UMS has assured members and stakeholders that all programmes, services, partnerships, and engagements will continue uninterrupted throughout the transition period. Day-to-day operations of the Society will continue to be managed by the Administrative Secretariat, ensuring continuity of member services, stakeholder engagement, and organisational activities during the governance transition.
Following the successful handover, the Board, as the Society’s legal custodian under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, will oversee the completion of the remaining governance and legal processes required to conclude the reform programme and prepare for the next leadership cycle.
The Society will continue to provide members with updates on the outcomes of the governance review process, approved constitutional amendments, and the roadmap towards the election and onboarding of the next leadership team, as Uganda’s premier professional body for marketers enters its next phase of growth and development.