The Uganda Digital Society (UDS) has announced the inaugural John Babirukamu Annual Memorial Lecture, a landmark initiative established to honour the legacy of the late John Birungi Babirukamu — a respected digital strategist, communications leader, educator, and mentor whose influence helped shape Uganda’s digital and communications landscape.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at the ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala, the memorial lecture will convene leaders from Uganda’s digital, marketing, communications, technology, media, academia, entrepreneurship, and government sectors under the theme:
“Creating Digital Leaders Through Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing.”
The event is expected to attract between 150 and 200 participants and will serve as both a tribute to Babirukamu’s life and a platform for advancing the values he championed throughout his career — mentorship, ethical leadership, collaboration, professional growth, and wellness in demanding professional environments.
John Babirukamu served as Vice President of the Uganda Digital Society and was widely recognised for his unique ability to bridge strategy, innovation, education, and people development. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply committed to mentoring young professionals and nurturing emerging talent across multiple industries.
The keynote address at the inaugural lecture will be delivered by Collin Babirukamu, Director IT at the Bank of Uganda, who is expected to reflect on leadership, mentorship, and the future of Uganda’s digital ecosystem.
As part of the event, UDS will also officially launch the John Babirukamu Mentorship Programme, a multi-sector initiative aimed at connecting students, young professionals, creatives, founders, and emerging digital practitioners with experienced industry leaders. The programme seeks to establish structured mentorship relationships that promote ethical leadership, mental wellness, practical career development, and knowledge sharing.
According to UDS President John Ssenkeezi, the initiative represents a continuation of Babirukamu’s lifelong commitment to empowering others.
“The most meaningful tribute we can offer is not only to speak well of John, but to continue the work of growing people. We invite everyone to register and attend this inaugural event, and to join us in this industry-wide effort to nurture the next generation of professionals,” he said.
The memorial lecture comes at a time when Uganda’s digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and transformation. Industry leaders increasingly recognise the need for intentional investment in leadership development, talent nurturing, and professional wellness to sustain innovation and inclusive growth within the sector.
The Uganda Digital Society noted that the lecture series is intended to become an annual platform for strategic dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration among professionals working across Uganda’s evolving digital ecosystem.
Participation in the event is free, although attendees are required to register in advance.
Uganda Digital Society
Uganda Digital Society (UDS) is a formally registered professional body dedicated to advancing digital skills development, promoting professional standards for digital practitioners, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
The organisation was formed through the merger of Top Bloggers Uganda and the Digital Learning Hub, two influential initiatives within Uganda’s digital landscape. UDS was officially registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau on 6 November 2023.
