Experts Urge Business Leaders to Embrace Technology as a Tool for Transformation

Experts have urged corporate leaders across Uganda to shift their mindset on technology, viewing it not as a threat to employment but as a powerful tool for business transformation and economic progress.

Speaking at the 2025 C-Suite Forum organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), NSSF Executive Director Patrick Ayota rallied business executives to embrace intentional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a culture of continuous learning as the country navigates a changing economic landscape.

“When we talk about technology, we often fear job loss. But what we are really seeing is job transformation. The roles may evolve, but the need for skilled, adaptable people remains,” said Ayota.

Ayota explained that instead of replacing human capital, technology should be used to remove inefficiencies and empower teams.

He emphasized the importance of creating a culture where employees feel safe to innovate, take risks, and grow.

He used NSSF Uganda as a case study, revealing how the Fund relied on data to guide its operations during the mid-term access period.

While many anticipated a rush of withdrawals, actual exits dropped sharply from 51,000 in June to just 6,000 by December a development Ayota attributed to rising public trust in the Fund’s long-term value.

“This wasn’t just a statistic. It was a message members trusted us. That’s the power of measuring what matters and telling your story through data,” Ayota said

He also highlighted the dangers of poor data governance, recalling a case where a collapsed institution stored its backup data overseas.

In contrast, NSSF now uses localized cloud storage and firewalls, aligned with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, to safeguard member information.

Ayota further illustrated how digitization has enabled even informal earners to participate in savings schemes.

“If you want your people to embrace change, give them a future worth growing into,” Ayota added.

Meanwhile, ICPAU Vice President Ronald Mutumba urged Uganda’s corporate leaders to respond to economic turbulence with courage and clarity.

“Yes, these are turbulent times, but they’re also times of great opportunity,” Mutumba said. “Transformation doesn’t happen by chance; it happens through intentional leadership.”

Mutumba challenged CEOs to move beyond rhetoric and turn forum conversations into practical leadership reforms.

“Let us not just attend forums let’s take action. Let’s go back to our organizations and lead the change we talk about,” he said.

Mutumba also called for a redefinition of the finance profession’s role in Uganda’s development.

“Finance is no longer just support,” he said. “It’s a springboard for transformational leadership,” he noted.

The forum convened leading executives, policymakers, and accountants under one roof to share strategies for sustainable and resilient business leadership.

Organizers hailed the platform as a critical step in steering Uganda’s corporate sector toward innovation and impact.

“This forum is a powerful assembly of leadership and responsibility. Let’s continue to lead with purpose and create lasting impact,” said Mutumba.