As Uganda’s marketing industry continues to evolve, Evolve Group Africa is introducing a new platform to reflect, evaluate, and celebrate its progress — the State of Marketing Address Uganda 2025. Organised as part of the 5th anniversary celebrations of the Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEAs), the event seeks to spark meaningful conversations about the future of marketing, innovation, and brand communication in Uganda and beyond.
In this interview, Paul Businge, one of the key organisers, shares insights into the vision behind the inaugural State of Marketing Address, its objectives, and what industry players can look forward to at this landmark gathering.
What is the State of Marketing Address?
The inaugural State of Marketing Address is an initiative by Evolve Group Africa, launched as part of the 5th anniversary celebrations of the Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEAs).
This ground-breaking pre-event aims to shine a spotlight on Uganda’s marketing sector and highlight its growth, impact, and future prospects both locally and internationally.
Who is the target audience?
Our target audience includes Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), MarTech entrepreneurs, brand managers, creative agencies, publicists, and the wider business community—all united by a shared commitment to better understand the current state of the marketing and communications industry.
Why the State of Marketing Address?
The State of Marketing Address serves as a platform for industry leaders and marketers to come together to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and the future direction of the marketing profession in Uganda and beyond.
What does this mean for marketers?
This event will bring together leading voices in the industry through engaging speaker sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees will explore the current state of marketing, delve into emerging trends such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, social media evolution, internet penetration, and disruptive media.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights to shape their 2026 vision boards and strategic plans.
When is the Address happening?
The event will take place on Thursday, 11 December, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The day’s activities will begin with the State of Marketing Address Masterclass from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This will be followed by a black-tie UMEAs Gala starting at 6:00 p.m., running till late.
What is the State of Marketing Uganda Report?
The State of Marketing Address will culminate in the launch of the State of Marketing Uganda Report 2025—a comprehensive document featuring key statistics, insights, and expert perspectives from across the industry.
This report will provide actionable data to help marketing professionals and business leaders shape their strategies for the year ahead.
What brands have you partnered with this year?
The State of Marketing Address and the 5th edition of the UMEAs are proudly supported by Next Media, Centenary Bank, NSSF, I&M Bank, Crown Beverages Ltd, Equity Bank, Vision Group, Datamine Business School, Matooke Republic, Kadanke Brand House, Radiocity 97FM, and Kampala Serena Hotel.
