A Dynamic Week of Leadership Learning: Management Development Programme (MDP) – Uganda

Last month, we hosted a group of leaders from across East Africa for Module three of the Management Development Programme (MDP) Uganda. The participants, drawn from Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya—included plant managers, procurement heads, and key account managers—created a dynamic learning environment filled with cross-industry collaboration and insights.

The week-long Programme kicked off with an exciting session on Authentic Self-Leadership, facilitated by Agnes Ruoro. Participants engaged in self-reflection exercises, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s personal strengths and values as a leader. The session was followed by a focus on Building High-Performance Teams, where trust, communication, and collaboration were identified as the foundational pillars for creating teams that consistently deliver top results.

On the second day, Dr. Tecla Kivuli led a thought-provoking session on Performance Management for Results while Dr. Bernadete Wanjala followed with valuable insights into Navigating the East African Business Terrain. Her session highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of doing business in the region, stressing the need to understand local markets, regulations, and cultural dynamics to achieve success.

Day three shifted the focus to Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation with Felix Mogesa. The in-class sessions culminated with a session on Innovation and Change Management, led by Dr. Twahir Majid. Participants gained actionable strategies to lead through organizational transformations, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation. The day ended with an engaging panel discussion featuring Angela Githae from Pesapal and James Sogoti from Nation Media Group. The panelists shared their expertise on Leveraging Cross-Border Cultural Differences for Business Success, providing practical advice on how to navigate and thrive in East Africa’s diverse business environment.

The final day of the programme culminated with an inspiring company visit to Denri Bags Africa. Denis, the founder of Denri, shared his entrepreneurial journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he built a successful brand. His talk covered the importance of strategic decision-making, maintaining high-quality standards, and nurturing a strong company culture—key elements in scaling a business.

Overall, Module 3 of the MDP was a transformative experience, offering practical leadership insights and diverse perspectives. It equipped participants with the tools to enhance their leadership capabilities and fostered meaningful connections that are likely to continue well beyond the classroom. The leaders left Strathmore Business School energized and eager to apply their learnings to drive positive change within their organizations.

This week truly showcased the power of education, networking, and collaboration in shaping the future of business leadership across East Africa.

Learn more about the Management Development Programme Uganda here

Article by Juliet Hinga