Leadership is about vision, influence, and the courage to uplift others. And on Friday night, Johnnie Walker’s She Walks programme brought together some of Uganda’s most inspiring women leaders to celebrate exactly that.
Held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the event marked one year of She Walks, with an elegant evening dedicated to honouring women making bold, purposeful strides in their personal and professional journeys.
Held under the theme “Purposeful Strides: Scaling Hills in Heels,” the event brought together a remarkable collective of women leaders from across Uganda’s business, finance, creative, and entrepreneurial landscapes. From boardroom executives and trailblazing founders to rising stars and mentees, the room was filled with women making bold strides in spaces where they have long been underrepresented.
The evening was gracefully hosted by Rachel Ddumba, UBL Board Member, who set the tone for the night with a warm welcome and reflections on the importance of creating platforms that not only celebrate women but also connect and empower them.
The night began with stylish arrivals and whisky cocktails, as Solome and The Band serenaded the guests with soulful renditions of classic ballads. Beyond the razzmatazz, and glamour, the celebration proved to be a reaffirmation of the programme’s core purpose: to elevate, mentor, and create genuine connections among women on the journey of leadership.
Guests were treated to a whisky mentorship session, where they explored the signature flavour notes of Johnnie Walker’s award-winning blends, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft behind each bottle. This sensory experience set the tone for an evening rooted in storytelling, reflection, and bold visioning for the future.
“This evening isn’t just about reflection,” said Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited. “It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, and recommitting ourselves to walking forward together with purpose and pride.”
Since its launch in 2024, She Walks has grown from a local initiative into a movement, now adopted in other African markets. What began as a statement of support has become a platform for mentorship and momentum, helping women break ground and break barriers across industries.
Lynda Biribonwa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, delivered a powerful keynote address, reflecting on her career journey, from her early days at NEMA, to becoming the leader of one of the country’s most strategic institutions.
She spoke about the importance of fostering inclusive and purpose-driven spaces for women to thrive.
“There is nothing I love like seeing women thrive in spaces we were never expected to occupy,” she said. “When I decided to return to Uganda, years ago, many in my family thought it was a risk, a step backwards. But I knew I had more to give. Starting again at NEMA, I didn’t just grow through the ranks; I made it a point to open doors for others. To this day, I still receive messages from professionals who say, ‘You helped me get my first opportunity.’ That, to me, is the reward,” she said.
“Leadership is not about fitting in, it’s about standing firmly in your purpose, even when the terrain is steep. My journey has taught me that resilience, consistency, and values are non-negotiables. As we rise, let’s reach back, mentor intentionally, and build spaces where women not only survive but thrive. Let us keep walking, with heels if we must, but never without purpose,” she added.
The evening also highlighted the importance of allyship, with the presence of progressive male leaders and captains of industry, whose support underscored the collective responsibility in advancing gender parity.
Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker Uganda Brand Manager, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to purpose-led progress.
“She Walks began as a bold idea to celebrate and elevate women making purposeful strides, and today, it has grown into a powerful movement. A platform rooted in the belief that progress must be inclusive, intentional, and deeply personal. From golf courses to boardrooms, we are walking alongside women as they rise, lead, and inspire the next generation.”
The evening ended on a high note, with a heartfelt toast to the women who have shaped the past year of She Walks, and a look ahead to an even more empowered future.
