It began with a phone call.
Fresh from completing her Master’s degree in Real Estate at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, Judy Rugasira was preparing to return home and begin the next chapter of her career — one she imagined would involve building her own firm from the ground up. Her plans were neat, intentional, and carefully shaped.
That was until the phone rang.
On the other end was a well-spoken, authoritative voice: Patrick Walker, the late founding member and Director of Knight Frank Kenya. He invited her for breakfast. She accepted, unaware that she was stepping into a moment that would alter the course of her life.
The breakfast became a mentorship.
The mentorship became a partnership.
The partnership birthed Knight Frank Uganda.
“Patrick convinced me to abandon my plan to start my own firm after my master’s degree,” Judy recounted. “Instead, he asked me to join Knight Frank Uganda as Director, to start and head the Valuation Department. Three years later, I became Managing Director — and here we are, 25 years later, celebrating not just longevity, but legacy.”
An Evening of Elegance & Grace at Mestil Hotel
Twenty-seven years after that life-changing phone call, Kampala’s finest gathered for a night of celebration, elegance, and nostalgia at the luxurious Mestil Hotel & Residences.
The evening began outdoors on a lush green carpet, where guests mingled over cocktails as the sun dipped behind the Kampala skyline. The atmosphere was vibrant yet refined — soft conversation, clinking glasses, and the buzz of anticipation for what was to come.
From the cocktail lawn, a red-carpet walkway set atop a pristine white floor ushered guests into the grand marquee. The tent itself was draped in white fabric, cascading from ceiling to floor, with gold lights shimmering throughout the space, creating a warm, opulent glow.
It was unmistakably a black-tie event — elegant gowns, tailored tuxedos, polished shoes and polished spirits.
This was no ordinary corporate anniversary. It was a celebration of a journey that shaped an industry.
For many in the room, the night was not only a tribute to a company but also a reflection of the evolution of Uganda’s real estate landscape — from informality and fragmented practice to the structured, data-driven, professionally anchored sector it has become today.
From a Fragmented Market to a Professional Industry
When Judy and her pioneering team opened their doors in 1998 under the name East Africa Property Agents, Uganda’s real estate market was almost unrecognisable compared to today.
“Reliable data was almost non-existent. The profession was male-dominated. Transactions were driven more by relationships than records,” Judy said as she addressed the audience. “Professionalism was still a foreign concept.”
Knight Frank entered that market with a bold mission: to introduce structure, ethics, and accountability.
The early years demanded resilience. Establishing credibility required patience in a sceptical environment, leadership rooted in integrity, and a delicate balance between global standards and local realities.
It is a resilience that mirrors the broader history of Uganda’s property sector — a point powerfully captured by Knight Frank Group Chairman Will Beardmore-Grey in his anniversary message. He reminded the audience that, long before gleaming malls and Grade A office towers dotted the landscape, Uganda’s property market had endured a period of profound disruption.
He recounted how, in 1997, a Knight Frank valuation team arrived to assess tea estates that had been abandoned during years of conflict. What they found was a landscape reclaimed by nature:
tea bushes grown into towering, nine-metre forests,
roofless buildings overtaken by vegetation,
and vast factory complexes reduced to shells, once the pride of East Africa’s agricultural industry.
The valuers camped in shattered houses once occupied by Amin’s troops, cataloguing over 900 structures — from derelict fertiliser stores to empty hospitals and ruined school blocks. Among the properties was a tea factory completed in 1957, once the largest in the world, now a haunting remnant of what had been.
“That moment in history,” Beardmore-Grey reflected, “reminds us of the resilience and potential that Uganda holds — and the role property professionals play in rebuilding, restoring, and reimagining.”
In many ways, that story foreshadowed the environment in which Knight Frank Uganda entered in 1998: a market brimming with potential yet still recovering, redefining itself, and yearning for structure, transparency, and professional stewardship. Judy and her early team stepped into that space — not merely to transact, but to help rebuild confidence, restore order, and reimagine what real estate practice could look like in a modern Uganda.
Today, the results speak for themselves.
From a team of 10 people in 2000, Knight Frank Uganda has grown into a 95-person, multidisciplinary real estate powerhouse, managing 1.9 million sq. ft. of landmark properties, valuing more than $850 million worth of assets annually, and shaping market insights through research that guides investment decisions across sectors.
Built on Legacy, Driven by Vision
The company’s anniversary theme — “Built on Legacy, Driven by Vision” — echoed throughout the evening.
It was a reminder that Knight Frank Uganda stands on the shoulders of a 129-year global brand, and yet carries a distinctly local story shaped by Ugandan professionals.
“Our legacy is built on professionalism, integrity, and consistency — values that have earned us the trust of clients,” Judy said. “And our vision is the determination to keep raising the bar and creating lasting impact for the next generation of property professionals.”
Across the hall, this vision was visible in the faces of the staff — young, energetic, and proudly wearing the Knight Frank badge. Many have built their careers here. Some joined when the company was in its infancy. Others have risen through the ranks, becoming leaders and mentors in their fields.
A Night of Recognition: Honouring Clients & Partners
The evening also served as a moment to honour the people and organisations that have walked the journey with Knight Frank for decades. Judy opened with a heartfelt acknowledgement:
“Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside visionary clients — people and organisations whose partnership and belief in our work have shaped who we are today.”
The firm then presented Client Partnership Awards across key sectors — retail, commercial, residential, and valuation — celebrating long-standing relationships built not only on performance but on trust and mutual respect.
Among the recognised were:
- Bugolobi Village Mall – represented by Mr. Masembe Kanyerezi & Mr. William Byaruhanga
- Victoria Mall – represented by Mr. Sikander Meghani & Dr. Shiraz Meghani
- Course View Towers – Mr. Malikma Prajapati
- Lugogo House (Afri Properties Developers) – Mr. Moses Otieno
- Lugogo One (Aryan Properties) – Mr. Jasmine Shah
- Invictus Holdings Limited – Ali Shah & Al Karim Jivraj
- Bank of Africa, Absa Bank & White Showmans Ltd – recognised by the Valuation Department
This segment brought warmth and applause, but it was the client testimonies that painted the most powerful picture of Knight Frank’s reputation.
Clients Speak: “What Stands Out is Their Integrity”
The depth of Knight Frank Uganda’s impact was perhaps most vividly captured in the voices of its clients — voices that have journeyed with the firm over the years and experienced its consistency firsthand. Miss Nisha Namara of White Showmans Ltd spoke with unmistakable admiration: “When I call them, there’s never a ‘no.’ No matter how crazy the idea or how urgent the request, it’s always a yes. They make business decisions so much more efficiently.” From the banking sector, Abubaker Kiberu, Head of Domestic Operations at Bank of Africa Uganda, noted the firm’s reliability and precision: “Whether it is for a single asset appraisal or a complex portfolio assessment, the team at Knight Frank always delivers on time. Their reports are transparent, insightful, and shape our investment decisions.”
Legal practitioners echoed the same sentiment. Daudi Mpanga, Partner at AF Mpanga Advocates, highlighted the unwavering standard of service the firm is known for: “What stands out is their expertise and understanding of the market. Even when staff changes happen, the standard never drops.” From the education sector, Associate Professor Denis Akankunda praised the firm’s ability to transform underperforming assets into competitive properties: “They revitalised our properties — improving quality, competitiveness, and reporting. Their quarterly reports guide board discussions and drive strategic decisions.”
And in the residential portfolio, Mr. Mohammed Rahemtulla offered a heartfelt endorsement rooted in years of trust: “They’ve been very helpful with managing tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining my properties. I am grateful — I’ve never had any complaints in all these years.”
Celebrating the People Behind the Brand
Netflix Strikes $82.7 Billion Deal to Take Over Warner Bros., Redefining the Global Entertainment LandscapeJudy’s most emotional reflections were reserved for her team.
“To our people — the incredible team of Knight Frank Uganda — you are the heartbeat of this organisation. Individually, we are one drop; together, we are an ocean.”
The room erupted into applause as staff members rose to be recognised.
Among them were long-serving employees, honoured for their loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to the firm’s growth over two decades.
Yet even amid the grandeur of the evening, the most powerful moment came when Judy turned her attention to the people who have shaped Knight Frank Uganda from within — the staff, the leaders, and the board members whose stewardship has guided the firm’s journey.
“To our people — the incredible team of Knight Frank Uganda — you are the heartbeat of this organisation,” she said, her voice warm with emotion. “Individually, we are one drop; together, we are an ocean.”
Present in the room were Board Chairman James Ndegwa; James Lewis, Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa; and Mark Dunford, Managing Director of Knight Frank Kenya and a Board Director of Knight Frank Uganda.
The celebration was made even more special by the presence of Knight Frank colleagues from across the continent — from Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya — who had flown in to share the moment.
Voices from the Global Leadership
If the evening celebrated Judy’s leadership and the team’s collective journey, it also reflected the depth of confidence Knight Frank’s global and regional leadership places in the Uganda office.
Speaking from London, via video, Knight Frank’s Group Chairman Will Beardmore-Grey delivered a message that blended history, admiration, and strategic clarity. While he had earlier spoken of resilience, he also emphasised Uganda’s exceptional contribution to Knight Frank’s global footprint.
He recalled the boldness with which the firm entered the market: “When we began operations in Uganda, professional property services were still emerging. But we didn’t simply join the market — we helped shape it.”
He praised the Uganda office for building an enviable reputation across East Africa: “Knight Frank Uganda has grown into the country’s leading real estate consultancy — managing iconic properties, guiding investors, and mentoring a generation of professionals who now lead across the region.”
And in a moment that resonated across the room, he spoke to the meaning of the milestone itself: “Twenty-five years is not just a celebration of time. It is a celebration of the people who chose to build this business with courage and purpose.”
James Lewis – Managing Partner, Middle East & Africa Lewis Lewis acknowledged that a 25-year milestone is never achieved alone.
“A quarter century is not just a measure of time,” he said. “It encapsulates vision, hard work, and friendships.”
He then turned directly to the clients — the partners whose loyalty kept Knight Frank anchored even in difficult seasons.
“Thank you for supporting us,” he said. “Thank you for being here through good markets and bad markets. Thank you for your trust in us, and for being on the journey to this point.”
It was a simple but powerful affirmation: without clients, there is no legacy to celebrate.
Lewis then paid tribute to the people inside the organisation — the team whose consistency, professionalism and values have shaped Knight Frank Uganda into a respected industry leader. “I would like to recognise the firm’s four core values,” he said, before outlining them: valuing the individual — recognising strength in difference and appreciating everyone’s contribution; collaborating to succeed — embracing the power of teams and going the extra mile; making the difference — going above and beyond, caring about getting it right and keeping it right; and committing to partnership — maintaining integrity in everything we do.
“The dynamism and the hard work of our amazing Uganda business is what we celebrate today,” he said. “You continue to raise the bar, and you ensure it stays at the appropriate level for our profession and for our clients.”
His closing words were forward-looking and confident — a nod to the strategic horizon Knight Frank Uganda is stepping into: “As we look to the future, the opportunities here in Uganda and the wider African market are boundless. We want to go on that journey with you.”
James Ndegwa – Board Chairman, Knight Frank Uganda, also praised the firm’s extraordinary journey: “Knight Frank Uganda has built basically a world-class business — offering valuation, retail property management, office property management, residential management and agency, consultancy services.”
Crucially, he acknowledged what underpins that world-class status: “A world-class business requires world-class qualified professionals, quality research, value-adding services and reports, competence, and being part of a global network”.
The pride in his voice was unmistakable.
He introduced a gentle reminder about the cost of true professionalism — one rooted in years of boardroom experience: “All this professionalism, all this competence has to be charged for at world-class fees — but of course on a Ugandan scale — and it needs to be paid on time,” he quipped.
He added, with disarming candour, that not all developers appreciate the value Knight Frank brings:
“Some developers and landlords believe they are experts at managing their own properties… so we have not always retained some of the assignments we believed we were entitled to. But that’s okay. Cheaper service may prove expensive.”
Then, looking directly at the clients in the room, he offered heartfelt gratitude: “I think I’m preaching to the converted, because for you to be here, it means you are indeed valued customers of Knight Frank Uganda. We thank you for that loyalty, for that support, and for that trust — which is never taken for granted.”
As an investor with deep regional experience, he concluded with a broader reflection on Uganda’s future:
“Uganda has achieved immense progress over many years, but there is much more in its potential. A continued successful and stable Uganda is very important for the rest of us across East Africa.”
A Family Moment
One of the evening’s most touching highlights was Judy’s tribute to her family.
“Thank you for enduring the unfiltered versions of my days — the stress, the late nights, the missed dinners, the endless phone calls,” she said. “Your prayers and encouragement have been my anchor.”
Her mother was present, prompting a heartfelt moment.
“Everything I am, I owe in large part to you.”
It was a reminder that behind every corporate milestone is a deeply human story.
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
As the evening drew to a close, Judy captured the spirit of the next chapter:
“If the first 25 years were about building credibility, let the next 25 be about deepening impact — about helping Uganda’s real estate industry become more professional, more sustainable, and more visionary.”
Knight Frank Uganda pledged to:
- Invest in people development
- Mentor the next generation of real estate leaders
- Strengthen transparency and integrity
- Champion data-driven decision making
- Nurture relationships that transcend business
It was both a promise and a challenge — to stay true to the legacy while boldly shaping the future.
A Night to Remember
As glasses were raised in a final toast, the room glowed with pride, gratitude, and anticipation.
Knight Frank Uganda was not just celebrating a company anniversary.
In truth, the night was honouring far more than a corporate milestone. It was honouring a journey that began with a single phone call; a woman whose determination helped build an entire industry; a team that transformed vision into reality; clients who evolved into partners, friends, and family; and a legacy strong enough to guide the next generation.
And in the elegance of the Mestil Hotel ballroom, under shimmering lights and the warmth of old friendships, it became clear: Knight Frank Uganda’s story is one of vision, trust, resilience, and transformation.
The first 25 years built the foundation.
The next 25 will redefine the future.
