Prof. Adolf Mbaine Named Chairman, Muhereza Kyamutetera Appointed Executive Director of CMIS Africa With the appointment of Prof. Adolf Mbaine as Chairman and Muhereza Kyamutetera as Executive Director, CMIS Africa steps onto the regional stage with a bold mission: to reimagine, innovate, and sustain African journalism. Anchored in ethics, innovation, and partnerships, the Centre aims to build a resilient media ecosystem that not only tells Africa’s stories but also powers its development ambitions.

The boards of CEO East Africa Magazine and The Firm Ltd have announced two landmark leadership appointments at the newly established Centre for Media Innovations & Sustainability (CMIS Africa). 

Muhereza Kyamutetera, Founder and Executive Editor of CEO East Africa, has been named Executive Director, while veteran journalism scholar Prof. Adolf E. Mbaine will serve as Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board. 

Prof. Mbaine, now Vice Chancellor of Divine International University (DIU), is a distinguished journalism academic with nearly three decades of teaching at Makerere University, where he mentored generations of media professionals before retiring in 2024.

A New Chapter for African Journalism

Hosted jointly by CEO East Africa Magazine and The Firm Ltd, CMIS Africa is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to tackle the structural and financial challenges facing journalism on the continent. The Centre will offer co-working media innovation labs, journalism fellowships, editorial mentorship, media grants, and digital toolkits. Its thematic focus spans high-impact yet underreported sectors such as financial services, agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing, ICT, ESG, and human capital development.

The Centre envisions driving the growth of an independent, digitally enabled, financially sustainable, and socially responsible media ecosystem in Uganda and across the region—one that is firmly aligned with and supportive of Africa’s development agenda.

Kyamutetera: Steering the Executive Direction

With over 20 years of experience in business journalism, strategic communications, and media leadership, Kyamutetera brings a proven track record of profiling corporate leaders, chronicling business transformations, and working with more than 100 brands across public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Recognised for his expertise in business development, marketing, stakeholder engagement, and content strategy, Kyamutetera sees CMIS Africa as a vehicle to reposition African journalism:

“I am honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for African journalism. CMIS Africa represents an opportunity to not only address the structural challenges facing our media but also to build a new generation of journalists and media enterprises that are independent, innovative, and financially sustainable. Together with our partners, I look forward to creating an ecosystem that strengthens public trust, amplifies important stories, and supports Africa’s development ambitions,” he said.

Mbaine: Guiding the Strategic Advisory Board

Prof. Mbaine, now Vice Chancellor of Divine International University (DIU), is a distinguished journalism academic with nearly three decades of teaching at Makerere University, where he mentored generations of media professionals before retiring in 2024. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Johannesburg and Rhodes University, and is widely respected for his scholarship and advocacy for ethical journalism.

Founded in 2015, Divine International University is a private institution dedicated to producing globally competitive graduates through a values-based education model. With campuses in Uganda and regional partnerships across Africa, DIU offers programs in humanities, social sciences, business, theology, and applied sciences, and emphasises innovation, leadership, and ethical responsibility as pillars of its training. Prof. Mbaine’s leadership at DIU reflects his commitment to nurturing intellectual growth while aligning higher education with Africa’s broader development goals.

Accepting the new role, Prof. Mbaine said: “We have a responsibility to shape journalism, especially in the face of rapid technological change. I am proud to be part of the work CMIS Africa is setting out to do”.

Building a Sustainable Future for Journalism

Through its initiatives, CMIS Africa aims to not only rebuild but also future-proof journalism in Africa. By nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building new funding models, the Centre is positioning itself as a catalyst for change at a time when traditional media continues to struggle with declining revenues and public trust.

The appointments of Kyamutetera and Prof. Mbaine mark the beginning of a new journey—one that promises to anchor journalism as a vital force in advancing Africa’s development.

Visit the CMIS Africa website to learn more about the centre’s programs. www.cmisafrica.org

For partnerships and inquries, the centre can also be reached on 📞 0773 748 373 or ✉️ info@cmisafrica.org