The Uganda Marketers Society (UMS) has officially launched the 8th edition of its annual Marketers Fireplace event, themed “The GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) — a celebration of excellence, creativity, and innovation in Uganda’s marketing industry.
The 2025 Fireplace aims to bring together marketers, brand leaders, and creative professionals to reflect on the past, understand the present, and shape the future of marketing in Uganda and beyond.
The event, set for 7th November 2025, will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and masterclasses exploring the evolution of marketing and consumer behavior in a fast-changing digital era.
This year’s edition has attracted key partners, including MTN Uganda, Hedge Marketing, Cocreate, and NextCom’s AfroMobile, all united by a vision to drive innovation and professionalism in marketing.
MTN Uganda, the main sponsor, said its partnership aligns with the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on advancing digital solutions and supporting innovators in the digital economy.
Robert, MTN’s Digital Platforms Manager, said, “We are looking at digital solutions and supporting those who are thriving to popularize them. UMS is an ideal partner in realizing great innovations for the future.”
Hedge Marketing expressed enthusiasm for supporting industry growth, while Cocreate highlighted its customer-centric approach as a natural fit for the partnership.
A representative said, “We believe serving our customers is our number one goal as a company, and this platform helps us do that in the best way possible.”
Pearl Kitimbo, Brand Manager of AfroMobile, said the partnership reflects a commitment to information and transformation.
“Fireplace speaks to our vision — to inform and transform. Through AfroMobile, we hope to take this conversation to millions globally,” she said.
UMS President Charity Winnie Kamusiime and DFCU Bank’s Head of Marketing unveiled this year’s theme, describing “The GOAT” as a celebration of mastery, courage, and evolution in marketing.
“It’s about owning your craft and driving what you believe in with audacity. We want to recognize the engines of our industry — the people shaping, adapting, and redefining marketing,” Kamusiime said.
She added that this edition will bridge generations, celebrating both pioneers of marketing and the rising Gen Z and Alpha marketers who are shaping new narratives.
A key highlight will be insights from MTN Ads, which will present data on digital consumer behavior from over 22 million Ugandans.
The presentation will explore how Ugandans consume data in real time, offering lessons for businesses on emerging trends and customer engagement in the digital space.
UMS Vice President Carol Ampaire described the event as designed to inspire greatness.
“This year’s Fireplace is massive — a blend of lessons, inspiration, and conversations about what makes marketing campaigns truly great. We’ll explore how brands like MTN have localized their messages and what Gen Zs and Alphas are thinking,” she said.
UMS Board Member and former President Sharon Kigundu emphasized that the Fireplace remains the society’s flagship platform for thought leadership and collaboration.
“It’s where marketers come together to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed. It enhances member value, builds partnerships, and strengthens our professional community,” she said.
The 8th Fireplace will include a masterclass, panel discussions, and networking sessions, focusing on foresight, Gen Z influence, strategy, data analytics, and media buying.
UMS expects to host over 250 participants, up from 60 in previous years, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
The organizers emphasized, “Today, brands don’t compete — they collaborate. It’s not about our brands but about our consumers. The audacity to keep showing up and the courage to learn — that’s the heartbeat of this year’s Fireplace.”
Tickets are priced at Shs250,000 for members and Shs300,000 for non-members.
