Datamine Centre for Professional Studies is set to host the inaugural Datamine Summit 2025 on Thursday, June 27, 2025, at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Themed “The Art and Science of Emo3onal Connec3ons In a Competitive World,” the one-day summit brings together leading voices in marketing, communications, and business strategy to explore how emotional intelligence, storytelling, and cultural relevance shape branding in today’s saturated and fast-paced market.
Structured as a one-day learning and networking experience, the event is designed to explore how emotional intelligence, cultural resonance, and strategic storytelling can help brands build stronger connections with their audiences and navigate an increasingly fragmented marketplace.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Kampala, Daniel Ochieng, Learning and Development Consultant and event host, described the summit as a timely platform for both reflection and reimagination.
“This gathering is not just about marketing; it’s about brand purpose, leadership, and how organisations must evolve to meet the emotional and cultural expectations of multi-generational consumers. We are calling on business leaders and marketing professionals to join us in shaping the future of branding in Uganda,” he said.
In a show of industry-wide support, the summit has attracted participation from key players in media, advertising, manufacturing, and digital communications.
Festo Mwebaze Syalhasha, CIM tutor at Datamine and Marketing Manager at Quality Chemical Industries Ltd, praised the summit’s relevance in a digitally connected, emotionally driven economy.
“We’re preparing marketers not just to sell products, but to connect with people in ways that are genuine and sustainable. This summit is a major leap forward,” he said.
The event is being held in partnership with Nation Media Group Uganda, whose Head of Marketing, Hajara Ddagire Batuuka, confirmed the group’s role as official media partner.
“As Nation Media Group, we are proud to support initiatives that contribute to thought leadership and sector innovation. This summit will spark vital conversations and elevate how brands engage with Ugandan audiences,” she said.
From the printing and branding space, Maud Mutungira, Marketing Manager, Commercial at Graphic Systems Uganda, expressed optimism about the opportunities the summit creates for creative innovation.
“This event speaks to the future of how we present, design, and deliver brand experiences. It’s an ecosystem moment,” she noted.
Corporate support has also come from Uganda Breweries Limited, represented at the briefing by Caroline Ampaire, Digital and Media Manager.
“We’ve learned over time that emotional connection with the consumer is what builds trust and loyalty. This summit gives us a stage to both reflect and retool our approaches,” she said.
From the creative advertising sector, Andy Radier, a Creative Director, emphasised the importance of deep, localised storytelling.
“Brands that win today are those that understand cultural nuance and use creativity to tap into emotion. This summit aligns with that mission,” he said.
In the youth marketing space, Laura Muhumuza, Country Manager at Buzz Group Africa, highlighted the summit’s role in bridging insight and impact.
“For youth-driven brands, it’s no longer about the loudest message—it’s about the most memorable feeling,” she stated. “We are excited to join a conversation that prioritises empathy and authenticity.”
Representing logistics and operations, Boniface Kipchirchir, Head of Operations at Stabex International Ltd, welcomed the summit’s inclusive agenda.
“Even in sectors like ours, how the brand is perceived emotionally matters. We see this event as a catalyst for business-wide brand alignment,” he said.
Among the summit’s highlights will be a keynote address from renowned global brand strategist Graham Robertson, founder of Beloved Brands.
Known for shaping strategy at companies like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and the NFL, this marks his first-ever appearance in East Africa.
“I’m thrilled to bring fresh thinking on emotional branding to Kampala. The brands that win hearts are the ones that understand the emotional journey behind every purchase,” he said.
The main session will feature a high-level panel of brand leaders moderated by Johnpaul Okwi, Chartered Marketer and Sponsorships Manager at MTN Uganda.
The panel will explore how emotional relevance drives loyalty and growth. Speakers will include Catherine Ndungu (Uganda Breweries Ltd), Daniel Kayongo (Kansai Plascon), Charity Winnie Asiimwe (dfcu Bank), Rommel Jasi (Saladin Media), and Juliana Kagwa (Uganda Tourism Board).
With tickets available at UGX 150,000 (individuals) and UGX 2,000,000 (tables of 8), the summit promises to offer deep learning, peer networking, and access to curated resources from Beloved Brands. Payments can be made via Airtel Money Pay (4379648) or MTN MoMo Pay (303914) under Basewood Consult Uganda Ltd.
The Datamine Summit 2025 is more than a conference—it is a movement to redefine what it means to build a beloved brand in a competitive and emotionally complex market.
