Maurice Mugisha is a seasoned broadcaster, a corporate communications and marketing expert with over 20 years experience in the broadcast industry. Maurice is currently the Deputy Managing Director, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, in charge of the Television and Radio Division, a role he has been in since December 2018.

Prior to this, Maurice served in different positions at the Nation Media Group, NMG, under the NTV Uganda and NTV Kenya brands of the Group. His last position at NMG was, Head of News/Editor in Chief with NTV Uganda. His broadcast and journalism career started at a private TV Station, WBS TV (2003 – 2006) as News Anchor and Reporter. Maurice is farming enthusiast and an environmentalist.

George William Nyombi Thembo is a seasoned executive with a diverse background in politics, public administration, policy, and regulatory leadership within Uganda’s communications sector. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Nyombi’s strengths
lie in his leadership abilities, regulatory prowess, strategic thinking, and continuous
commitment to learning.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Social Administration from Makerere University, a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Uganda Martyrs University, and a postgraduate diploma in project management from Bradley University in the UK. Additionally, he possesses various certifications in ICT policy, investment analysis, and public-private partnerships, showcasing his dedication to professional development.

Nyombi’s professional journey includes notable roles such as Director of the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) and Ministerial responsibilities in Primary Education, Luwero Triangle, and Information and Communications Technology during his tenure as a Member of
Parliament. Outside his professional endeavors, Nyombi is a family man and loves promoting tourism in Uganda, emphasizing a balanced approach to personal and professional life.

Benjamin Pius is a distinguished visionary in the media and technology space, helping to create, incubate and lead companies and organisations – especially in the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) space – to growth and profitability.
With a career spanning over two decades at the C-level, Benjamin has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, specialising in business and organisational transformations, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional financial performances.

As Broadcast Media Africa’s founder, CEO, and Publisher, Benjamin has established a pan-continental networking platform, bringing together media and tech professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Simultaneously, he serves as the chief executive officer for BSP Media Group, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in the industry. Benjamin is deeply engaged in incubating and bringing to market “MOOA,” a revolutionary media-tech platform designed to discover and exchange audio-visual assets. This project reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and his dedication to shaping the future of the media and technology landscape.

As he continues to lead and inspire, Benjamin Pius stands as a driving force in the evolution of the TMT industry – especially within the Africa ecosystem – leaving an indelible legacy of success and forward-thinking.

Jane W. Thuo, Ph.D., is a Development Communication, Media and Gender specialist as well as a professor at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Nairobi. She is currently the Chairperson at the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) where she previously
worked as its Executive Director. She has over the years championed for the rights of women both in the society and in the media industry and keen on issues surrounding digital safety and security. She serves as the Vice Chairperson of Action Africa Help-Kenya (AAH-K) board and sits on the
advisory board of an Nigeria based Media NGO, Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP). She has been one of the judges for the Annual Media Excellence Awards (AMEA).
She has a wealth of experience working as a Development Communication

Specialist overseeing the development and implementation of communications, media and stakeholder engagement strategies for different international, local and government institutions in Kenya. Between 2011 and 2013, she served as a member of the Kenya National Steering Committee that developed the National Action Plan on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325; and of the Technical Working Group involved in development of the institutional strengthening standards and their indicators for Kenya CSOs. Jane holds a Ph.D. from University of Nairobi, a Master of Arts in Communications degree from Daystar University and a B.Ed (Arts) from Moi University. She is a fellow of the 2010 Annenberg Oxford Summer Institute and an alumnus of the African Women Leadership Institute (AWLI).

Rommel Jasi is a seasoned entrepreneur and accomplished marketing communications professional with a proven track record of leadership across some of Africa’s largest and most influential agencies, including Dentsu and Omnicom in Kenya and Uganda. With over eighteen years of industry experience, he has earned a reputation for delivering transformative strategies that help brands thrive in dynamic and competitive markets.
Currently serving as Managing Director of Saladin Media Agency, Rommel leads a team of creative strategists, storytellers, and innovators committed to delivering impactful solutions for diverse clients. Under his leadership, Saladin has grown into one of Uganda’s leading creative agencies, known for its seamless integration of strategy, storytelling, and technology-driven solutions that push the boundaries of traditional marketing.

In addition to his role at Saladin, Rommel serves as the Chairman of the Uganda Advertising Association (UAA), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Uganda’s advertising landscape. His leadership has been instrumental in advocating for industry best practices, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting mentorship programs to develop emerging talent in the communications sector.
A strong advocate for innovation, Rommel has recently developed a deep passion for technology, which he believes is revolutionizing marketing and communications. His focus on integrating data-driven strategies, digital solutions, and emerging technologies has unlocked new opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences meaningfully.

Well-traveled and globally exposed, Rommel brings a unique understanding of cross-cultural market dynamics, offering fresh perspectives that drive creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. His ability to navigate evolving trends and champion innovation has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader. As a panelist at the Broadcast Content, Audiences, and Advertising Connect Show, Rommel will
offer insights on the intersection of creativity, strategy, and technology, inspiring conversations about redefining how brands tell stories and connect with audiences across Africa and beyond.

A Chartered and Marketing Fellow, Creative and Screen industries specialist, Communications professional with experience spanning over a decade. Currently the Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya Film Commission. Plays a key leadership role in leading a team at the Commission. A marketing and communication professional committed to investing in people, communities and businesses in transforming the society for a sustainable socio-economic development.

A professional with servant leadership and management qualities, strategy formulation and execution, community development, behavior change, social marketing, sustainable development, talent enterprise advocate, media and corporate communications. Board level experience with a fully developed analytical skills, people and systems focus, capacity for growing businesses and solid understanding in designing and implementing results bearing business initiatives and strategies.

Has a strong ability to influence thinking, forges strategic alliances and builds business relationships and partnerships. A champion for good governance with desire to addressing social, economic and cultural issues in the society. With an outstanding qualification in all phases of marketing, management, communication, Intellectual property, film economic development and entrepreneurship. He has served in the dynamic sectors including, Marketing, Media, ICT, Development and now the screen entertainment world. He has provided his expertise and knowledge previously at Rollout Marketing Agency, Touch Media Solutions Ltd, Mnet East Africa, Multichoice Africa and now Kenya Film Commission.

Mr. Owase is the only African Certified Film Commissioner and First African elected to the Board Member from the time the organization was formed, current member of Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
His academic credentials include Masters in Development and Corporate Communications (MA) at Daystar University, BBA (Marketing) from Kenya Methodist University, Film Marketing and Film Economic development from AFCI University and Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Diploma in Marketing from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Diploma in Business Management from Kenya Institute of Management, Certificate in monitoring and Evaluation, Intellectual Property Certificate from World Intellectual Property Organization among other set of
qualifications. Timothy is passionate about the Screen industries and the Creative Knowledge Economies.

Christine Mawadri is a seasoned media professional with over 30 years of experience in radio and broadcasting. A pioneering force in Uganda’s media landscape, she has held influential roles at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Capital FM, and currently serves as Executive Director and Lead for Strategic Partnerships at NRG Radio.

Christine is widely recognized for transforming radio broadcasting in Uganda. She introduced innovative formats and nurtured new talent, helping shape the vibrant media scene in East Africa. Her strategic leadership has contributed to the growth of top brands such as Sanyu FM, NMG-KFM, Ddembe FM, and over 15 community radio stations.

Beyond radio, Christine’s impact spans television and digital innovation. She served as Country Manager for Zuku TV and co-founded Yange TV on Airtel TV. She is also the founder of several media and tech ventures including Nzou Media, Jazz On the Move Radio, Stream Afrique, and Cutana Technologies—platforms that focus on storytelling, streaming, and digital health solutions.

Christine is deeply committed to mentorship and media education. She serves on the Governing Council of the Artfield Institute of Design and supports emerging journalists through the Media Challenge Initiative.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Media Person Award, and multiple wins as Best Female Radio Show Host. She has also been recognised among the 100 Most Influential Women in Uganda by New Vision.

A passionate advocate for gender equality, Christine has used her platforms to elevate women’s voices and promote inclusivity in media.

In her current role at NRG Radio, she continues to drive strategic partnerships and expand the station’s regional and international presence. Christine remains a trailblazer, mentor, and visionary, dedicated to advancing media and digital transformation across Africa.

Detail-oriented Country Manager with 15+ years of experience work plan implementation, capacity building, conducting assessments, directing and coordinating activities, executing communications, marketing, and outreach plans. Proven track record of managing relationships, implementing proactive media engagement strategies, coordinating research, and improving performance, maintaining cohesive cross-functional teams. Impassioned team leader adept at building high-calibre teams through clear vision.

Daniel Belayneh is a graduate in Political Science and International Relations. He has held executive positions in various government and local and international NGOs in Ethiopia and Canada. He has worked as: Head of International NGOs Dept. for the Ethiopian Government; Country Director for World Organization for Educational Resources and Technological Training (World ORT Union); and Counselor at the City of Toronto Community and Neighborhood Services in Canada. He has later worked as General Manager and Management Executive for private business companies in hospitality management and international coffee export.

In extracurricular engagement, he is a Book Reviewer of historical and biographical literature, and also running a 15,000 member book and literature review club he established 11 years ago. Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of African Renaissance Television Service (ARTS TV). He also produces and hosts ARTS TV programs such as: “Horn of African Digest” and “Diplomats’ Corner.”

Currently the Managing Director of MultiChoice Uganda having assumed the role in August 2019, Hassan was recently awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal by H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda during the International Labour Day Celebrations for his outstanding work in MultiChoice Uganda.

Hassan has revamped MultiChoice Uganda’s market strategy, expanding its distribution and service network to reach more areas across Uganda and championing local content investment and delivery.
Prior to joining MultiChoice Uganda, he was the General Manager Sales and Distribution for MTN Sudan and has over 20 years of work experience acquired both in the telecom and FMCG sectors. His experience includes assignments at executive level work with Coca-Cola East and Central Africa in Uganda and Kenya, Coca-Cola SABCO century bottling company, Bharti Airtel in Kenya as well as Vodacom in Tanzania and
South Africa.

Hassan, a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing – UK and a member of the Institute of Directors, South Africa is qualified with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Makerere University, a Master’s Degree in International Business from University of Business and Technology – Reutlingen in Germany, and a University of Leicester – UK Post Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. He is an articulate business leader with core training in marketing, sales and distribution. He is passionate about transforming businesses, mentoring his teams and developing markets and brands.

For 24 years, Mike Strano has continually explored the Creative Business of Africa. Since moving to Eastern Africa, from Australia in 1998, Mike and his Team have Built one of best-
known Entertainment Companies in Africa – PHAT! Music & Entertainment Limited, with interests in Media, Event Production, Licensing and Industry Building.
During 2016, The Business Daily and KPMG listed PHAT! at No.36 of the Top 100 Mid-Sized
Businesses in Kenya – the first-ever Company in the Creative Industry to be Recognised
with this prestigious Award. In October 2014, Mike also Co-Founded what is now YAKWETUTM Online Limited. Meaning both “Of Us” and “For Us” in Kiswahili (the most popular African language). YAKWETUTM is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System – of Africa, for Africa.
Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, YAKWETUTM is an online Distributor and
Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa – through a Range of thoughtfully
Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that
fairly Pays the Creators – unlike Pirated alternatives.

As a benchmark, think of Amazon’s suite of Digital Media, like Prime Video, Freevee, Amazon
Music, Audible and Twitch – and that’s our Growth Plan for African Content, on The Motherland
and to her Diaspora. YAKWETUTM exists to Fairly Pay the Creatives of Africa, who Lose upto 99% Revenue to Piracy; and don’t have enough options Online to Earn a Living. YAKWETUTM also exists for 475 million SmartPhone users in Africa, who Want to Consume their own Content via Pay-As-You-Go, like how they buy Airtime – NOT via Subscription. Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.AfricaTM, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases,
Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa. More information here: https://www.yakwetu.africa On 11th July 2023, YAKWETUTM emerged 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and from Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, at the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s WIPO Global Awards
https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/2023/winners.html

Mike is also the Founding Chair of Partners Against Piracy Association of Kenya – a multi- sectoral Coalition, of local and international Associations, Societies and Companies, representing the interests of thousands of Creatives in Kenya and the World, in terms of the Protection of their
Intellectual Property against Piracy.

Business leader with extensive experience in strategic and commercial leadership spanning 17 years. Leadership roles in developing new digital business ,media ,Telecomunications ,Oil and Gas and Financial industries.
Excels in orchestrating strategic change ,driving organisational behaviour and team alignment and building momentum around business goals and delivering superior results.
Passionate about Digital business and Media in Africa with expertise in Pay TV, Free To View, Video on Demand television models as well as Content management, Digital Broadcast platforms(DTH,IP and DTT) and channel management.

Specialties: Strategy formulation and implementation ,Developing and implementing partnership models, business model development, Project Management , Talent development ,Business Unit leadership and Managing in Various Business Cycles specifically Turnarounds and Sustaining Success cycles.

Joan is a dynamic and accomplished communications professional with over 15 years of experience in communications. Over the years, Joan has worked in the automotive, FMCG, Oil and Gas and Architecture industries, having previous experience from an advertising agency managing Communications and Public
Relations in these various industries.

Joan has a keen eye for industry trends and developments, particularly in the African markets of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, all markets which she manages as the Head of Corporate Affairs for the Region at MultiChoice Africa at the moment. Joan has been following the growth of the Pay TV sector in these countries and has played a key role in shaping the future of the perception of MultiChoice Africa
Holdings.

In her role, it is key that the Corporate Affairs teams align with the business’ needs and support it to foster a conducive working environment in the markets that the organisation operates within.
Joan leads a team of motivated, creative, and strategic professionals in MultiChoice Africa Holdings and is committed to achieving excellence in her work every day. In 2013, Joan completed her Masters of Business Administration in Communications at European University in Barcelona, taking home with her the award of the Best Graduate Student in the MBA category.

As the Managing Director of News 24/7, I lead a team of talented and passionate journalists who deliver credible, timely, and impactful news to millions of viewers across Uganda and beyond. I oversee the editorial, operational, and financial aspects of the media company, ensuring quality, sustainability, and innovation.

I am a Mandela Washington fellowship alumni, a One Young World Journalist of the Year finalist, and a winner of multiple awards for my journalism. I am driven by a vision of creating positive change in society through media and empowering the next generation of journalists and audio visual artists.

I am passionate about climate change using film and art to tell the story of climate change. Our film festival features film screenings, virtual reality, art and photo exhibitions, and a music concert. I believe in the power of visual story-telling to advance the fight against climate change.

A highly talented, versatile and creative individual with over 25 years of experience in broadcasting, business leadership, marketing and communications.
Ben is a strong motivational leader with excellent organizational, management, strategic planning, communications and public relations skills..

He has had an illustrious career in media, as both talent and manager at numerous media establishments, such as Kwese Free TV where, as a General Manager, he was responsible for developing, planning, leading, implementing and controlling Kwese Free TV strategic plans in Uganda and; Power FM, where, as the Managing Director, he led the company from being heavily indebted to steady growth and profitability winning top 100 awards on two occasions.

Ben has also been a key cog in the media and event Space in East Africa as one of the most celebrated event moderators. Ben is a well-known car enthusiast, one of the most vocal fans of Liverpool FC in
Uganda and can also be seen playing the role of ruthless lawyer-fixer Henry Kaya in the highly acclaimed Ugandan TV drama Beloved.

Juliet Nantume is a Technical Manager at Vision Group (New Vision) and a highly skilled broadcast engineer with over 20 years of experience in media and broadcast technology. She is a dedicated, results-oriented professional with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with producers, directors, and technical teams to deliver high-quality live and recorded programming.

Beyond her career, Juliet is a plant lover and a sports enthusiast, enjoying the balance between technology, nature, and physical activity

George Kimani wa Munene is a trailblazer with an illustrious 23-year tenure in broadcast marketing, advertising, and content distribution at the highest echelons of senior management. His passion has contributed in shaping the landscape of the Kenyan film sector, where he contributed to film policies, spearheading initiatives like the Film Federation of Kenya, Discop Kenya content market, and championing the cause of local content through his involvement in the Kenya Local Content Working Group.

As an esteemed speaker on broadcasting and film matters across East Africa for over a decade, George has garnered international recognition for his expertise, representing global content interests in the region and serving as a consultant for digital migration initiatives throughout Africa. His multifaceted background as a trained filmmaker and marketer uniquely positions him as an ambassador for African stories, amplifying their impact and relevance on both local and global stages.