The Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) on Wednesday, March 19, announced the renewal of its partnership with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), launched a digital magazine, and revealed plans for the upcoming CMO Breakfast event.
Charity Winnie Kamusiime Asiimwe, the UMS President, said during a press briefing that the partnership with CIM has been renewed for three years, with the possibility of further renewal after that period.
"We are looking at this collaboration in a bigger way," she said, adding that CIM is a "global professional body that accredits the work we do."
Maureen Wincott, Head of Learner Partnerships at CIM and a chartered marketer with over 20 years of experience, noted that the renewed partnership aims to strengthen relationships and raise the profile of marketers.
Asiimwe explained that the partnership, which has been in place since 2021, has been instrumental in aligning Uganda’s marketing standards with global best practices.
She added that it has paved the way for Ugandan marketers to earn international accreditation and provided access to learning resources, including webinars and thought leadership articles.
"The partnership also creates opportunities for professionals to go beyond what we can do today and become better versions of ourselves in the next few years," she said, emphasising its role in grooming the next generation of marketing leaders.
According to Asiimwe, the collaboration also offers international networking opportunities. "This collaboration is taking us to the next level in our professional growth, not just as individuals, but also for the organizations we serve, as we raise industry standards and position Ugandan businesses for global competitiveness," she said.
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Maureen Wincott, who has been with CIM for over 10 years, said that the continued collaboration will benefit professional marketers, businesses, and society.
"Not only will professional marketers have the chance to take on development opportunities to advance their careers, but CIM will also provide access to its global professional marketing framework," she said. "This allows both organisations to align standards and put professionalism at the heart of marketing." S
She added that the partnership would continue to strengthen over time.
James Delves, Head of PR and External Affairs at CIM, said the renewal of the partnership reaffirms the commitment of both organisations to advance the marketing sector for the benefit of marketing professionals, businesses, and society in both Uganda and the United Kingdom.
CMO Breakfast
The CMO Breakfast is set for April 25 at the Kampala Serena Hotel and is part of ongoing efforts to elevate marketing leadership, according to Asiimwe.
"We are looking at how a marketer can progress to becoming a Chief Marketing Officer and, from there, potentially move into roles such as CEO or Managing Director," she said.
The event will bring together chief marketing officers, senior marketing officers, business executives, and leaders in one room. "It's more than just a marketing event; it’s about transitioning from functional roles into executive leadership," said Asiimwe. "How do we harness our energies to become excellent C-suite leaders?"
The CMO Breakfast will also feature insights from marketers who have started businesses, sharing valuable lessons on building sustainable enterprises and driving business strategy at a higher level.
It will also offer opportunities for networking with Uganda’s business leaders. "We are looking at this as more than just a breakfast; it’s something marketers can embrace as they groom their leadership and influence in decision-making," Asiimwe added.
eMagazine
The UMS eMagazine will provide a platform for telling Uganda's marketing story. Through this first-ever digital magazine, the society will share thought leadership articles, industry insights, and marketing innovations locally and internationally.
"We are here to raise the standards of our industry, and there is no better way to share this than through storytelling," Asiimwe said. "Storytelling is key as we showcase what marketing is all about."
The magazine will feature exclusive insights from top marketing leaders in Uganda and beyond, highlight success stories of Ugandan brands, and discuss the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of marketing. The UMS eMagazine will be free for members and partners.