KAMPALA, Uganda — Capital One Group successfully hosted the 2025 ESG Summit on Thursday, June 5, 2025, bringing together Uganda’s leading voices in sustainability, business and governance.
The summit, held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Growth Through ESG Integration,” provided a platform for engagement and knowledge sharing on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles through masterclasses and hands-on best practices.
Paul Mwirigi Muruingi, managing director at Capital One Group, urged businesses to view ESG as a strategic driver for brand trust and long-term success rather than solely as Corporate Social Responsibility.
“ESG is no longer about compliance, it’s about resilience, reputation, and real growth,” Muruingi said. “As Uganda’s business ecosystem continues to evolve, the ESG Summit serves as a powerful platform to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful change. We look forward to building on this momentum through continued engagement.”
The summit featured a keynote address from the Global Reporting Initiative and The ESG Institute (Ghana), along with presentations from Mobcast Media, Kasi Insights, Hariss International, Uganda Marketers Society (UMS), Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), and Tree Adoption Uganda.
Douglas Kativu, director at the Global Reporting Initiative, emphasized the significance of ESG in Africa’s development. “ESG must not be treated as an afterthought but rather a business imperative in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth in Uganda,” Kativu said, highlighting the continent’s growing contribution to global sustainability standards and the need for localized ESG expertise.
Charity Winnie Kamusiime Asiimwe, president of the Uganda Marketers Society, stressed the urgency of sustainability and the role of business leaders in driving impact.
“Sustainability is not a trend, it is our shared responsibility,” Asiimwe said. “Every plastic bottle we throw, every fire we light, has consequences beyond our borders. ESG is not a tick box; it’s a call to protect our people, our planet, and our future. The green economy holds promise, but only if we act today, not with words, but with bold, measurable action.”
Irene Nabasiita, president of the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), noted that ESG is a commitment that communications experts should embody.
“As communicators, our role is to be truthful, courageous, and purposeful,” Nabasiita said. “We must give voice to the environment, uplift our communities, and champion transparency and good governance. True impact begins with authentic storytelling. Let those we serve tell the unbiased story of our values in action.”
The summit aimed to facilitate business learning and promote ESG knowledge through expert-led discussions, enhance professional networking, and support regional business development by showcasing opportunities in ESG-driven industries.
The ESG Impact Report, being developed in collaboration with researchers and private sector players, is scheduled for launch in October on World Sustainability Day.
“This report will be a reference point for professionals navigating the ESG landscape,” Muruingi said. “It reflects our collective commitment to elevating business practices through responsible leadership.”
Participants gained ESG knowledge, expanded professional networks and acquired tangible ideas for integrating sustainability into their business strategies. The summit is expected to result in increased ESG-oriented investments and regional and international partnerships.
