Uganda Baati appoints Jackie Tahakanizibwa as Head of External & Corporate Affairs

Uganda Baati (Safal Group) has appointed Jackie Tahakanizibwa as Head of External & Corporate Affairs, tapping a seasoned public policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications leader to steer its public affairs agenda.

She will also steer the brand’s partnerships and corporate communications strategy as the company consolidates its leadership in Uganda’s steel and roofing market.

Tahakanizibwa joins Uganda Baati with more than a decade of experience across highly regulated sectors, where she has helped shape industry advocacy and build meaningful relationships with government, regulators, and communities.

Her work has included driving efforts that contributed to a more favourable tax and regulatory environment, most notably during national deliberations around the Alcohol Control Bill—experience that positions her to navigate complex policy questions in Uganda’s fast evolving industrial landscape.

Her track record spans media, financial services, and FMCG. At Nation Media Group (Uganda), she cut her teeth in corporate affairs and brand-building. At PostBank Uganda, she led a successful repositioning programme that elevated the bank’s visibility and strengthened engagement with customers and regulators.

Most recently at Uganda Breweries Limited, she championed corporate affairs and innovation narratives while serving as Corporate Relations and Public Policy & Regulatory Manager, orchestrating stakeholder initiatives and policy advocacy at scale.

Beyond corporate roles, Tahakanizibwa has distinguished herself in industry leadership. She has served as Chairperson of the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association (UAIA) and completed two terms as Director, Programs at the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU)—evidence of an enduring commitment to professional excellence, capacity-building and responsible industry practice.

Her leadership has been recognised nationally: she has been named among the Top 50 Most Impactful and Influential Women in Uganda, featured in Vision Group’s Top 40 Under 40, and honoured as Employee of the Year in a previous role.

Announcing the appointment, Uganda Baati said the hire reflects its ambition to deepen partnerships and communicate a clear, people-centred industrial growth story.

“A new month, a new week, and a new kid under the roof! We are delighted to welcome Jackie Tahakanizibwa as our new Head of External & Corporate Affairs,” the company said in a statement.

The company noted that Tahakanizibwa’s ability to merge strategy, storytelling and stakeholder leadership will be central to advancing Uganda Baati’s corporate reputation and policy engagement.

“What sets Jackie apart is her ability to bring strategy to life through compelling narratives and inclusive leadership—we’re excited to have her join our management team.”

In her new remit, Tahakanizibwa will lead public affairs, stakeholder partnerships, and corporate communications, aligning reputation management with business priorities across operations, sustainability, and community engagement.

With a career defined by policy influence, brand visibility and coalition-building, her appointment underscores Uganda Baati’s focus on strong foundations—both in the markets it serves and in the relationships that sustain long-term industrial growth.