The Ugandan capital, Kampala, is set to host the 13th edition of the Elite Brands Awards International on December 17, 2026, in an event expected to bring together leading companies, higher learning institutions, government representatives and distinguished personalities from across Africa to celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions to society.

The prestigious awards ceremony, organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), will recognise organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism, ethical leadership and commitment to delivering quality services while making meaningful contributions to humanity.

The event is expected to attract participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and other African countries, positioning Kampala as a meeting point for business leaders, entrepreneurs, institutional representatives and industry players seeking to celebrate achievements and strengthen regional partnerships.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Jubilant Stewards of Africa Executive Director Dr Jared Oundo said the Elite Brands Awards International was established to recognise organisations and individuals who consistently go beyond ordinary expectations in their respective fields.

Dr Oundo noted that the awards are not merely about recognising successful companies but also examining the processes, systems and values that enable organisations to achieve sustainable results and positively impact society.

He said the Kampala ceremony represents another important milestone in the organisation's regional journey, building on the momentum created by previous editions held across East Africa.

According to Dr Oundo, the awards have continued to provide an important platform for celebrating outstanding organisations and individuals while encouraging responsible leadership, industry growth, innovation and community development.

"The Elite Brands Awards International is a testament to the dedication and hard work of nominated firms that consistently strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and excellence," said Dr Oundo.

He emphasised that the awards seek to promote a culture in which organisations are evaluated not only by their financial and operational performance but also by their commitment to ethical business practices, service delivery and social responsibility.

Dr Oundo explained that the awards are anchored on the Organizational Performance Index (OPI), a framework through which organisational processes and systems are scrutinised and benchmarked against globally acceptable standards.

He said the assessment approach is intended to encourage organisations to continuously improve their operations, strengthen accountability and adopt internationally recognised standards in their respective industries.

The JSA Executive Director added that the recognition offers award recipients an opportunity to enhance their corporate reputation, attract skilled professionals, expand their networks and establish stronger relationships with industry leaders and potential partners.

"We are honoured to host the Elite Brands Awards International and bring together a community of remarkable individuals who exemplify excellence and innovation. This event is a testament to our dedication to recognising and supporting those who are at the forefront of creating a better future for all," he said.

He further observed that the awards will celebrate key players across various industrial sectors who have consistently achieved outstanding results and contributed positively to economic growth and development within the changing African business environment.

Companies and institutions dominate regional shortlist

Several established companies from different economic sectors have been shortlisted for this year's awards, reflecting the diversity and growing competitiveness of African businesses.

Among the nominated organisations are leading transport companies Ena Coach, YY Coaches and Trinity Rwanda, which are recognised players in the regional transport sector.

Other nominees include Aquamist Kenya, Hi Tech Ink & Coating Limited, Comfort Homes Limited, Ninia Honey, Talent Guru@254, HR World Limited Tanzania, Give A Smile Foundation Kenya, Msafiri Vocational Limited, Yupin Paints Kenya, Pathcare Kenya, Dignity Furnitures, Professional Digital Systems, UTU Cars Africa, Mwananchi Credit and Amenfiman Rural Bank Limited of Ghana.

The shortlist also features organisations operating in engineering, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, human resource management, technology, education, transport and community development.

Comfort Homes Limited Chief Executive Officer Dr Hezekiah Kariuki welcomed the nomination, describing it as an important recognition of the company's commitment to maintaining quality standards, delivering value and continuously improving its services.

Kariuki said the nomination had encouraged the company's management and employees to remain focused on excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction.

"We are delighted and humbled to be recognised through the Elite Brands Awards International. This nomination is an encouragement to our entire team to remain committed to excellence, quality service delivery and innovation," he said.

He dedicated the recognition to the company's staff, clients and partners, acknowledging their continued support and contribution to the organisation's journey.

Kariuki also commended Jubilant Stewards of Africa for recognising organisations that make meaningful contributions to their respective industries and communities.

Prescott Engineering Solutions Limited is another organisation featuring among this year's nominees.

The company's General Manager, Douglas Odongo, said the nomination reflected the firm's commitment to providing reliable, innovative and high-quality engineering solutions that contribute to development and create lasting value.

Odongo noted that the recognition was not only a milestone for the company but also an acknowledgement of the dedication, hard work and passion demonstrated by its employees.

"Our mission has always been simple: to deliver reliable, innovative and high-quality engineering solutions that drive progress and build lasting value. This nomination is not just a milestone for our company; it is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team," said Odongo.

He expressed gratitude to the company's clients and partners for their trust and support, saying their confidence continued to motivate the firm to improve its services and maintain high standards within the engineering industry.

Universities and TVET institutions recognised

Higher learning institutions are also strongly represented in the regional nominations, highlighting the important role played by universities and training institutions in advancing education, research, innovation and skills development.

Kenyan universities featuring in the shortlist include Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi and Maasai Mara University.

Uganda's Makerere University is also among the nominated institutions, alongside Tanzania's University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Dodoma.

The awards will further recognise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, technical and vocational colleges and polytechnics for their contribution to developing practical skills, promoting innovation and preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

The recognition comes at a time when African countries are increasingly investing in technical education and skills development as part of efforts to address youth unemployment, strengthen industrialisation and build a competitive workforce.

Through their training programmes, TVET institutions continue to play a critical role in equipping young people with practical competencies required in engineering, construction, manufacturing, information technology, hospitality and other key sectors of the economy.

Catherine Omanyo among distinguished individual nominees

In the individual leadership category, Busia County Woman Representative and ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo is among the distinguished personalities nominated for recognition.

Her nomination highlights the importance of leadership, public service and contributions towards community development.

Speaking after receiving the nomination, Omanyo expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue serving the people with dedication and integrity.

"I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition. Leadership is ultimately about service, making a positive difference and contributing to the well-being of the communities we represent," she said.

Omanyo added that the nomination had strengthened her commitment to promoting the advancement of society through responsible leadership and public service.

She also thanked Jubilant Stewards of Africa for recognising the role of leadership in transforming communities and improving people's lives.

Major regional brands expected at Kampala gala

The December ceremony is also expected to bring together previous award recipients, sponsors and established organisations that have supported the initiative over the years.

Among the previous awardees and participating organisations are telecommunications giant Safaricom, NCBA Bank, KCB Bank, Equity Bank, Sheraton Hotel, Rentco Limited, YY Buses, New Vision Uganda, Trinity Buses, Uganda Crop Care Limited and Nation Media Group Uganda.

Other organisations represented among the nominees and participating institutions include Kevian Kenya Limited, Together as One Limited, AMCCO Properties Limited, Rob Search Limited, Brighter Monday Kenya Limited, Modern Furniture Pacific, Dama Mobile Spares, Sun King, Joy Millers Limited, Boma Mabati Factory, City Walk Limited and Insight Security Limited Tanzania.

The regional representation further extends to UTU Cars Tanzania, Presscane Limited Malawi, Movidna Services Limited South Africa, Zanzibar Corporation, Pertains Driving School, Trix Furniture Limited, Dukani Kwetu TZ, German Institute of Professional Studies and DTI Group, among others.

Ugandan nominees also include NCBA Bank Uganda, KCB Bank Uganda, Equity Bank Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Globo Chemicals Uganda, Service Cops Uganda, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Digit Vehicle Tracking and My Wood Limited.

The participation of organisations from different countries and sectors is expected to strengthen the awards' position as a regional platform for recognising excellence and encouraging collaboration among African institutions.

Nominations and selection process

Jubilant Stewards of Africa says nominations for the Elite Brands Awards International are open to organisations operating across different economic sectors.

The selection process involves surveys through which leading companies in various industries are identified, followed by research and assessment to determine deserving award recipients.

Individuals and organisations can also nominate themselves or submit nominations through the official Jubilant Stewards of Africa website.

The process is intended to identify organisations that demonstrate strong performance, quality service delivery, responsible leadership and meaningful contributions to their respective industries and communities.

Beyond the awards ceremony, the organisers expect the gathering to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and discussions on emerging business trends, leadership and innovation.

Participants will have an opportunity to interact with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, institutional representatives and other stakeholders while sharing experiences and exploring partnerships that can support business growth across the continent.

As preparations gather momentum, the December 17 gala in Kampala is expected to bring together some of Africa's recognised corporate brands, educational institutions and influential personalities under one platform.

The 13th Elite Brands Awards International seeks to reinforce the importance of excellence, integrity, innovation and service to humanity as essential pillars for sustainable business growth and the development of African economies.