Cybersecurity Governance: Ensuring Boardroom and C-Suite Alignment.

The evolving digital landscape has transformed how organizations operate, communicate, and deliver value. However, this digital transformation comes with increased exposure to cyber risks. Globally, we have seen high-profile breaches and regulatory shifts that have underscored the importance of cybersecurity governance. Boards and Company Secretaries are now being called upon to ensure that their organizations are not only compliant with emerging cybersecurity regulations but also resilient in the face of ever-changing threats. This calls for an integrated approach—where IT, legal, and leadership functions work collaboratively to safeguard institutional integrity and trust. Cybersecurity is no longer reserved for the IT department—it’s now a firmly anchored boardroom priority. As digital threats grow in scale and sophistication, the need for strategic oversight at the highest levels of corporate leadership has never been more urgent.

Against this backdrop, on Friday, 11th April 2025, the Strathmore Global Institute – Uganda (SGI-Ug) convened a timely and impactful Company Secretary Breakfast at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The event brought together an influential group of Company Secretaries, Heads of Legal Departments, and Legal Managers, all eager to explore how cybersecurity governance intersects with corporate responsibility and legal oversight.

Herbert Olowo, Regional Head Technology and Operations at Interswitch East Africa, delivered the keynote address, articulated the pressing imperative for boards and C-suite executives to treat cybersecurity as a strategic governance issue, demystifying complex cybersecurity concerns with clarity and precision and translating them into actionable insights tailored for board-level decision-making.

A robust panel discussion followed, featuring legal and corporate governance experts Arinaitwe Bernard, an accomplished Compliance and Data Privacy Specialist; Stella Keshubi, Head of Legal and Company Secretary at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda; and Diana Tukundane Agaba, Head of Information Security at Stanbic Bank Uganda. Each panelist brought a distinct viewpoint, sparking dialogue around integrating cybersecurity frameworks into existing governance structures, the role of compliance, and proactive risk management.

Adding an academic yet practical dimension to the conversation, Dison Bosco Okumu, CEO at the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda and an Adjunct Faculty member at SGI-Ug, introduced a powerful paradigm shift: encouraging organizations to move from a cybersecurity mindset to one of cyber resilience. His message was clear: ” Resilience is not only about preventing breaches but also about preparing, responding, and recovering in the face of inevitable disruptions.”

This event exemplified SGI-Uganda’s commitment to equipping senior leaders with relevant, timely knowledge that strengthens institutional governance and risk oversight in a digitally-driven world.

The Strathmore Global Institute – Uganda (SGI-Ug) is a premier academic and professional development hub committed to shaping ethical, forward-thinking leaders across East Africa. Through thought leadership forums, executive education, and strategic industry engagement, SGI-Ug equips organizations to navigate complex challenges such as digital transformation and governance in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Our executive education offerings are thoughtfully designed to meet the dynamic needs of today’s professionals and institutions. Each Programme delivers a transformative learning experience—blending innovative methodologies, a robust curriculum, and insights from distinguished faculty and industry experts. By cultivating enduring professional networks and fostering a culture of excellence, SGI-Ug empowers emerging and established leaders to drive sustainable growth, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact within their organizations

and communities. Learn more about our Programmes here