Menu
Mas Yunus Masaba
Founder and CEO
Mas Group Africa
Mas Yunus Masaba, is a serial Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Mas Group Africa, Under his visionary leadership, Mas Group Africa has evolved into a rapidly growing and multi-award-winning business conglomerate, with diverse subsidiaries spanning Renewable Energy, Eco Green Construction, Technology, Sports, Leisure, and Hospitality sectors.
Yunus’s exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial acumen have not gone unnoticed. He was honored as the Young Employer of the Year by the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) in both 2014 and 2015, a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation within his organization. His stewardship has led to the astounding growth of Mas Group Africa’s subsidiaries, positioning them as industry leaders and recipients of numerous awards within their respective domains.
Yunus’ passion for entrepreneurship extends beyond his role at Mas Group Africa. He has founded and co-founded several successful enterprises, including Khainza Energy, a renewable energy company that converts waste into clean energy. Under his visionary leadership, Khainza Energy achieved international recognition by winning the prestigious SEED Carbon Award in 2018. Moreover, it was recognized as one of the top 50 companies in Africa by the African Entrepreneurship Awards in 2017 in Morocco.
Yunus is a fervent advocate of entrepreneurship as a pivotal force driving economic growth in Africa. He firmly believes in harnessing the potential of the continent by actively involving the youth and women in development programs and strategic agendas, which he sees as a fundamental catalyst for progress and prosperity.
In addition to his professional achievements, Yunus is deeply committed to philanthropic causes. He also contributes his expertise as a Board Member of Go Girl Africa, an organization focused on empowering girls to initiate and lead social change.
Furthermore, Yunus is the chair of the Advisory Board of Golden Boots Uganda, an NGO that empowers young persons to build resilience, secure their futures through sports, and become change agents within their communities.
His dedication extends to the Federation of Uganda Employers awards committee and his current role as the President of Jinja College Old Boys Association, a revered 75-year alumni association while serving on the School Board of Governors.
Yunus is a holder of a Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomatic studies.
His unwavering dedication to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and empowering the future generation underscores his commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential and propelling the continent towards a brighter future. He brings a wealth of experience in the field of entrepreneurship and understanding economy.
Juliana Mukasa Kagwa
Group Marketing Director
Seed Co Group – The African Seed Company
Juliana Mukasa Kagwa is the current Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). She formerly served as Group Marketing Director at Seed Co. Seed Co is a leading certified seed company authorized to market seed varieties developed by itself, government and other associated seed breeders in over fifteen (15) African countries. Prior to this role, she served as the Corporate Relations Director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), a distinguished subsidiary of East Africa Breweries Limited and Diageo Inc.
Kagwa’s journey at UBL has been marked by impactful leadership and a proven track record of success. Before assuming her role as Corporate Relations Director, she held the position of Marketing and Innovation Director, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the marketing landscape for the company. As a seasoned brand builder, Kagwa is recognized as a trailblazer in marketing and communication in Uganda.
Her influence extends beyond UBL, evident during her tenure as Country Manager at Heineken Uganda. Here, Kagwa spearheaded a transformative shift in the route-to-market model, introducing cutting-edge marketing strategies that led to significant brand growth. At UBL, she revitalized iconic local brands such as Bell Lager and Uganda Waragi, elevating them to new heights. Simultaneously, she set new standards for internationally acclaimed brands like Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff.
Academically accomplished, Kagwa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Technology from Makerere University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious University of Edinburgh. In her current capacity as Corporate Relations Director, she has displayed exceptional adaptability, re-engineering corporate relations strategies in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kagwa’s impact extends beyond the boardroom, as she actively champions public policy and regulatory issues that influence both the industry and UBL. Her role as a beacon of senior stakeholder management and her commitment to fostering public-private partnerships showcase her dedication to driving sustainable and profitable growth for UBL within society.
Bringing a wealth of industry experience and a keen eye for high-impact executions, Kagwa joins Africa Nxt Gen as a valuable contributor. Her ability to innovate the future through marketing, communication, and cross-sector partnerships positions her as a key player in shaping the trajectory of the industry and beyond. Juliana Mukasa Kagwa stands as a driving force, exemplifying excellence and innovation in the corporate realm of East Africa.
Ian Ortega
Managing Partner
Ortega Group Limited
Ian Ortega, is the Managing Partner at Ortega Group Limited. Ortega Group Limited (www.ortegagroupug.com) is Uganda’s leading Strategic Management Consulting Firm anchored on the ethos of Ugandan Excellence. Ortega is a prominent Ugandan thinker, creator, and implementer, stands at the intersection of the sciences and humanities, seamlessly fusing operational and strategic experiences from both realms. With a diverse career spanning journalism, project management, digital media, and consultancy, Ortega has left an indelible mark on various sectors.
Ortega’s journey includes serving as a Features Writer and Columnist at the Daily Monitor Newspaper Uganda, showcasing his adeptness in articulating complex ideas. Transitioning to the corporate world, he held the role of Capital Projects Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), where he played a pivotal role in the completion of multi-million-dollar Capacity Expansion projects. This included overseeing the commissioning of new packaging lines, a Ready to Drink manufacturing plant, and a groundbreaking de-carbonization project, marking him as one of Uganda’s pioneer executors of sustainability projects.
As a co-founder of Uganda’s first Digital Social website, www.bigeye.ug, Ortega transformed it into one of the most visited websites in the country. His expertise extends to digital media consultancy with institutions such as the Independent Magazine and the Economic Policy Research Centre. He has also contributed to various international projects, demonstrating a global perspective in his endeavors.
Ortega’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Engineering and a scholar of strategic business management. A certified Project Management Professional, Ortega has served as a fellow with the Youth4Policy Fellowship at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and is a fellow at Innovation Consortium.
Renowned as one of Uganda’s outstanding thinkers, Ortega’s expertise spans strategy, program and project management, regional security, communication, marketing, decision-making and analysis, and supply chain operations. His unique ability to engage with the arts and sciences positions him as a dynamic force standing at the intersection of these two worlds.
Passionate about leadership and cultural transformation, Ortega consults for organizations and communities, driven by a singular purpose of creating models of Ugandan African excellence and exceptionalism on the global stage. His strategic insight and visionary thinking contribute significantly to shaping the African narrative, making Ian Ortega a true trailblazer in the realms of leadership and sustainability.
Namisi Derrick
Principal Economist
Ministry of Education and Sports
Namisi Derrick is an esteemed Principal Economist, currently spearheading transformative initiatives at the Ministry of Education and Sports. Within the dynamic landscape of the Education Planning Department, Derrick plays a pivotal role in overseeing the activities of the Budget Section, showcasing his expertise in economic planning and resource allocation.
Derrick’s ascent through the ranks is a testament to his unwavering commitment and diligent work ethics. His professional journey is marked by a progressive trajectory, driven by a passion for enhancing educational outcomes through sound economic principles.
Beyond his role at the Ministry, Derrick serves as a Council Member on the National Council of Sports, representing the Ministry’s interests. This dual engagement reflects his dedication to both the educational and sports sectors, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the broader developmental landscape.
Furthermore, Derrick holds a significant position as a Governing Council member for the Jinja School of Nursing, where his insights contribute to shaping the institution’s strategic direction.
At the forefront of impactful initiatives, Derrick is the Deputy Coordinator of the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) component under Education. This program, designed to oversee the construction of 259 seed secondary schools in sub-counties across Uganda, exemplifies his role in driving infrastructural development and expanding access to quality education.
Derrick’s academic prowess is underlined by a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Economics and a Master’s in Economic Policy and Planning, both earned from the prestigious Makerere University. These qualifications underscore his depth of knowledge and expertise in the field.
A distinguishing feature of Derrick’s contribution is his dynamic understanding of government planning processes and policies. This acumen positions him as a valuable asset in steering educational development strategies that align with national goals.
In essence, Namisi Derrick stands as a key figure in the realm of economic planning within the Ministry of Education and Sports. His multifaceted roles, commitment to excellence, and ability to navigate complex policy landscapes mark him as a catalyst for positive change and progress in Uganda’s educational sector.
Irene Nayera
Human Resource Director
Hima Cement
Irene Nayera is a dedicated passionate Human resource practitioner and currently serves as the Organization and Human Resource Director at Holcim–Hima Cement Limited one of the largest Cement Manufacturing companies in Africa. Irene’s journey in HR spans over 13 years, with a significant portion of her career spent in the brewing industry. Her HR journey started at Nile Breweries as a graduate trainee, quickly climbing the ranks to become the Head of Talent Development. Her journey continued with roles at the Infectious Diseases Institute, where she served as the Talent Development and OD Manager, before assuming her current leadership position at Hima Cement.
Irene brings a wealth of experience in HR lifecycle processes, particularly in talent management and acquisition. Her seven-year tenure at Nile Breweries saw her play crucial roles as an HR business partner for Technical Services and Finance, among others, providing her with a deep understanding of operational contexts in manufacturing.
Over the years, Irene has been a widely celebrated Human resource fraternity, in 2015, the Human Resource Association of Uganda recognized Irene for her exceptional role as a Talent and acquisition Specialist during the inaugural HR Reveal Awards while serving at Nile breweries. Her recent accolade as the Outstanding HR Digitalisation Practitioner for 2023 reaffirms her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and shaping the future of HR. Central to her success is her natural ability to effortlessly foster robust professional relationships, garnering respect from both senior management and peers. Irene’s warm and approachable nature complements her analytical and focused mindset, enhancing her effectiveness as a collaborative professional.
Irene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human resource management and a Master’s Degree in Business Psychology from Makerere University Business School, further strengthening her analytical and strategic capabilities. In addition to her academic achievements, she actively contributes to various organizations and initiatives, including being a member of the FUE Employer of the Year Technical Committee.
Her influence extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by her participation in the 3rd Gender Global Forum in Panama in 2016, contributing to discussions on business for gender equality.
Irene Nayera’s journey stands as an inspiration, showcasing the transformative impact a dedicated HR professional can have on organizations and the broader industry. Her recognition as the Outstanding HR Digitalisation Practitioner reflects her commitment to excellence and staying ahead in an ever-evolving HR landscape showcasing an eye for the future. At Africa Nxt Gen foundation, she brings her broad-based experience in understanding the future of the employment landscape and adaptability.
Rapa Thomson Ricky
Co-Founder and Director
SafeBoda
Rapa Thomson Ricky, The Co-Founder and Director of SafeBoda, is at the forefront of a transformative venture that seeks to mitigate motorbike accidents and injuries in Africa,Safe Boda operates as an Uber-like network, connecting users with safe motorcycle taxi (‘Boda’) drivers.
Under Ricky’s leadership, SafeBoda has successfully onboarded over 25,000 BodaBoda Drivers, with the app amassing over one million downloads and has successfully completed over a million Safe trips already.
Ricky’s commitment to Safety, innovation and community development earned him recognition as a winner of the Uganda Young Achievers Award in 2017, the Pakasa Award in 2018, and a coveted spot in Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in 2018, showcasing him as a promising young entrepreneur in Africa. In 2019, he was honored with the World Youth Forum (WYF) Award presented to him by then chairman of the African Union and the current president of Egypt Abdelfattah Elsis further solidifying his impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Dr. Livingstone Banjagala
Presiding Bishop
City Harvest Churches International Ministries and the International Fellowship of Christian Churches (IFOCC) in East Africa
Dr. Livingstone is a highly accomplished theologian, ambassador, and international conference speaker. With a doctorate in theology , Christian leadership and an extensive background in ministry, Dr. Livingstone has dedicated his life to spreading the word of God and inspiring others through his revelational teaching and powerful sermons.
As the Presiding Bishop of City Harvest International Ministries and the International Fellowship of Christian Churches (IFOCC) in East Africa, Dr. Livingstone has provided visionary leadership and guidance to a diverse congregation. Under his guidance, these organizations have flourished and grown, impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Dr. Livingstones influence extends beyond the pulpit. As the founder of the annual Iron Sharpens Iron Leadership Summit, he has created a platform for leaders from various sectors to come together, exchange ideas, and sharpen their leadership skills. This summit has become a highly anticipated event, attracting attendees from around the world.
In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Dr. Livingstone serves as the Executive Director of Inspire Television, a media platform that reaches a wide audience with uplifting and transformative content. Through this platform, he continues to spread his message of hope, faith, and empowerment.
Known for his dynamic preaching style and anointing, Dr. Livingstone operates in the apostolic with a remarkable demonstration of miracles, signs, and wonders. His passion for impacting lives and leading individuals to a deeper connection with God is evident in every aspect of his ministry.
Dr. Livingstone is happily married to Jacqueline Banjagala, and together they are blessed with children. Their strong family foundation serves as a testament to Dr. Livingstone’s commitment to leading by example and living out the principles he teaches.
With his extensive international travels, Dr Livingstone has gained a deep understanding of diverse cultures and a global perspective. His ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, coupled with his unwavering faith and dedication to the gospel, has made him a respected figure in the religious community and beyond.
Whether delivering a powerful sermon, organizing impactful conferences, or inspiring through media, Dr. Livingstone’s mission remains the same: to transform lives and bring glory to God through his ministry and leadership.
At the start of every century, there must be individuals that distinguish themselves and set out on defining the next century.
