Ms Karen Akena, the revenue and category growth lead at Uganda Breweries Ltd talks about what exposure, growth and challenges have taught her as a leader.

Tell us about your current role as revenue and category growth lead and what you are responsible for in that position.
As the revenue and category growth lead at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), I am part of the executive leadership team responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth strategies that align business objectives with the needs of distributors and consumers.
My role focuses on balancing volume and price mix growth to deliver a triple win, ensuring UBL achieves profitability by focusing on the right brands, helping distributors grow in their invested categories, and providing consumers with offerings that meet their needs.
By creating the right structures and aligning stakeholder needs, I ensure year-on-year growth and long-term success for the business.

How big is the team you lead and what have been some fun and exciting experiences in leading them?
As part of the executive leadership team, I collaborate closely with every director to drive sustainable revenue growth for the business. While I do not lead a specific team, my role involves partnering across functions to align strategies and deliver results.
One of the most exciting aspects of this role is fostering a culture of continuous learning and self-development. Recently, we held a session focused on wellness and energy management, emphasising the importance of taking care of ourselves to perform at our best.
It was inspiring to see how these discussions sparked new ways of thinking and working together. These experiences have been both fun and rewarding, as they have strengthened our team’s cohesion and commitment to growth.

What about the not so fun times? What challenges have you been faced with when it comes to leading a team and how have you dealt with them?
Leadership has a way of humbling you. Managing individuals – each with their own unique perspectives and behaviours — can be both rewarding and challenging.
One of the toughest experiences I have faced was in a highly competitive market where retaining talent became a significant struggle. Team members kept resigning, and it felt like an uphill battle to maintain stability and deliver results.
During this time, a mentor shared invaluable advice: “Don’t measure your success by those who leave, but by those who stay and grow under your leadership. There will always be someone waiting at the door, ready to step in and thrive — so let them in.”
This perspective shifted my focus from frustration to opportunity. I began investing more in the growth and development of the team members who stayed, while also welcoming new talent with open arms.
Tell us a little about your background – where you were born, where you studied and your career journey to date.
I was born in the Pearl of Africa in Kampala, Uganda. I however grew up and studied in Nairobi Kenya.
I joined Uganda Breweries as a finance graduate trainee. I am an accomplished seasoned finance and strategy professional, with additional experience in marketing, and multinational, multicultural, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies across Africa and Europe.
I am a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology), Nairobi Kenya and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, from Washington DC I have successfully passed the CFA Level 1 exams.
I have proven expertise in financial leadership, business strategy, and governance, with a strong track record of driving growth, optimising operations, and delivering impactful results.

You have worked in various countries from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to Hungary. What has this experience been like and what has it done for your career and leadership growth?
Working and supporting various countries has been a transformative experience. Each country has re-introduced me to myself, teaching me patience, deepening my appreciation for diverse cultures, and helping me value my roots even more.
On a lighter note, I remember missing kabalagala [local pancakes] and craving gweke [a roasted maize snack] whilst in Budapest. One of the most profound realisations has been the incredible talent we have in Uganda.
Often, we do not do enough to showcase it. I remember a conversation with Baker Magunda, when he was the Managing Director of Diageo Ethiopia, where he challenged me: “How do we tell Uganda’s story differently?”
The answer lies in stepping out, benchmarking ourselves against the world beyond East Africa, and letting others experience the unique, calm, and impactful way Ugandans deliver.
This journey has not only broadened my perspective but also strengthened my leadership. It’s taught me to adapt, embrace diversity, and bring a global mindset to every challenge.
Most importantly, it’s shown me the power of representing Uganda on the global stage and proving that our talent and approach are truly world-class, we just need to show it more boldly.

You have worked in roles both finance and marketing. How have you been able to do both and what opportunities has that come with?
I have always had a creative side. As a child, I sketched my problems away, and as an adult, I found joy in working with creative minds.
While in finance, I collaborated closely with marketing teams, but it was not until I crossed over to marketing that I discovered a transformative experience I did not know I needed.
Marketing gave me confidence in the boardroom, honed my storytelling skills, and deepened my understanding of brand growth. This unique perspective allowed me to become a better business partner to marketing and commercial teams, bridging the gap between numbers and creativity. I could speak their language while making the financials clear and actionable.
I remember Juliana Kagwa, my former line manager when I was in marketing, once told me, “Who knows what the future holds? There may come a time when finance professionals with marketing experience are in high demand.” That time has come.
Today, I am in a role that leverages both my finance expertise and marketing insights to drive revenue growth and create impactful strategies. It is the perfect blend of my strengths, and I am thrilled to be making a difference.

What encouragement and advice would you give to women who have worked hard to get bigger roles or higher positions but have failed to do so?
Trust that everything happens for a reason. What is meant for you will come in its own time. If you don’t have a mentor, seek someone you trust and admire — someone who has walked the path you aspire to take. Mentorship can help you identify gaps and guide your growth.
Remember, many succeed by lifting others up, and a mentor can show you how. Next important step we should never overlook, is to stay self-aware. Reflect on your strengths and areas for growth and use this insight to refine your approach.
And remember, even if success feels delayed, it does not mean it is denied. As my friend, Annette Nakiyaga, used to say, “Even if He is days late, He is always on time.” Keep pushing forward — your time will come.

How are you helping women to grow in the workplace?
I support the growth of women in the workplace by being present, offering guidance, and actively mentoring those who seek it. I also advocate for them by creating opportunities and taking bets on their potential whenever I can.
Empowering women isn’t just about advice — it is about action, belief, and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

Do you have any mentors or role models?
Yes, I have a few mentors, both within the organisation and outside of it. They have been instrumental in my growth, guiding me through the corporate maze while constantly pushing me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and be my best self. When it comes to role models, without a doubt, it’s my late father, Christian Akena Onapa (I am a daddy’s girl). He was an incredible, positive soul who gave me the confidence and safe space to be unapologetically myself. I love him deeply, and he continues to be my greatest inspiration.

Have you been able to find a work life balance that you are happy with?
This is still a work in progress, but I am happy with the balance I have been able to create so far. A former boss once called it “work harmony”, and that resonates with me. For me, working-out is key to my well-being, so I make it a priority—especially in the early mornings. It energises me and ensures I can bring my best self to work every day.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE…
What is a favourite quote you have?
My daddy always told me that “A rose will always bloom at its time.”

What is a favourite school memory?
One of my most cherished memories is from my first day of high school at Loreto Convent Valley Road, a Catholic girls’ school in Nairobi, Kenya.
After attending the welcome mass, as we exited, every senior student handed each newcomer a rose as a gesture of welcome.
It was a beautiful and unexpected act of kindness. It left a lasting impression on me.
To this day, I strive to create that same sense of warmth and inclusion for anyone stepping into a new environment.

Would you rather read something or listen to an audio of it?
If I have the time, I would much rather read than listen to an audio. There is something uniquely satisfying about the smell of paper, the feel of flipping through pages, and the ability to fully immerse myself in the content.

What would your perfect date night look like?
My ideal date night would be in a private, intimate setting where we can truly connect. I would love a fine dining experience, savouring delicious food and great conversation.
If we are staying indoors, I would enjoy playing fun indoor games —something light-hearted and engaging — with great music playing in the background.