Kauju, Bwelele and Ssekeba named finalists for lifetime achievement award

Three Ugandan professionals with distinguished careers in strategic communications, education and journalism have been named finalists for the Business Trendsetter – Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th Business Trendsetters Forum (BTF) Expo and Awards Gala 2026.

The Business Trendsetters Foundation (BTF) announced Peter Hillary Kauju, educationist Kasole Bwelele and veteran journalist Drake Ssekeba as contenders for one of the forum’s most prestigious awards.

The annual gala is scheduled for July 29 at Sheraton Kampala Hotel under the theme, “People, Purpose, and Artificial Intelligence in Business.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose decades of leadership, innovation and professional excellence have transformed industries and contributed to Uganda’s socio-economic development.

Yvonne Mpanga, a Business Development Consultant and Executive Director of Business Trends Galore, organisers of the event, said nominees are assessed using the “4T test” of lifetime achievement.

“Individuals nominated must have set a Trend, that is Transcendent, Tradable and transferred it,” Mpanga said.

The finalists represent three key sectors that have shaped Uganda’s development — corporate communications, education and media.

Kauju, a communications strategist, was recognised for his contribution to public relations, corporate affairs and strategic brand management in both public and private institutions. Through leadership roles at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and UMEME, he has been credited with strengthening institutional communication, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Bwelele, who has led Kampala Parents’ School, was nominated for his contribution to Uganda’s private education sector. He is recognised for promoting academic excellence, discipline and holistic learner development, helping position the school among the country’s leading primary education institutions.

Veteran broadcaster Drake Ssekeba was shortlisted for his impactful journalism career, particularly through his television programme Vvumbula. The programme has highlighted social challenges, amplified voices of ordinary citizens and promoted accountability through investigative storytelling.

According to the BTF Awards Committee, the finalists have demonstrated sustained leadership and innovation, leaving lasting footprints in their respective professions.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced during the 7th Business Trendsetters Forum Expo and Awards Gala, which will bring together business leaders, policymakers and innovators to celebrate individuals shaping Uganda’s business landscape.