Empowering Uganda's Associations: AfSAE Hosts Successful 4-Day Training Workshop in Kampala

Strategic Collaboration to Create Capacity.

In a strategic partnership, the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE), in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board through the Uganda Convention Bureau, hosted the inaugural Uganda Association Management & MICE Training Workshop from 4 to 8 December 2023 at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz.

Drawing together a diverse array of participants, the workshop welcomed over 25 Association Executives from prominent Ugandan associations. Among the participating associations were the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE), Uganda Dental Association (UDA), Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA), Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA), Uganda Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (UPMA), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), and Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI), among others.

The workshop covered an extensive range of topics to enhance the skills of association leaders. Some key themes included:

1. Essential Practices in Association Management

2. Effective Management of Volunteer Committees & Task Forces

3. Membership Development

4. Communication and Public Relations

5. Developing Your Leadership Potential

6. Understanding the MICE Sector and Business Events

7. Bidding

8. Role of Associations in the MICE Industry

9. Sustainable Revenue Streams for Associations

Recognition and Future Initiatives

On the final day, Dr. Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, presented certificates of participation to the workshop attendees. Expressing gratitude to the associations that participated, she disclosed plans to develop Uganda's associations further through capacity building and challenged the participant to use the knowledge gained to better their associations and improve their management skills through global best practices. Dr. Ajarova emphasised the importance of competitiveness at national, regional, and international levels. While 50 associations were invited, the 50% representation highlighted a commitment to enhancing the capacities of Ugandan associations.

The Uganda Association Management & MICE Training Workshop stands as a pivotal initiative, equipping association executives with the tools needed to navigate an ever-evolving landscape. As Uganda positions itself as a hub for business events through associations, the training was crucial in fostering learning, networking and creating collaborations.

AfSAE Uganda Chapter

At the end of the training, the AfSAE Uganda Chapter was formed to represent the association profession in Uganda. The following interim officials were elected:

1. Chairman: Julius Cesar Kintu - Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE)

2. Secretary: Ms. Anitah Kejaji - Uganda Dental Association (UDA)

3. Treasurer: Mr. Eujen Mubiru - Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)