Business Network International (BNI) Uganda celebrated a decade of business networking success at the 4th BNI East African Convention, held on Friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Founded in 2015 by Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka with just four pioneering members, BNI Uganda has grown to over 600 businesses across 14 chapters in Kampala and Entebbe.
This year's convention ran under the theme "Beyond Borders: A Legacy of Collaboration, Growth and Impact" and attracted hundreds of delegates from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, the UAE, Taiwan and India.
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The event was sponsored by Absa Bank, Airtel Money Uganda, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Breweries Limited, National Social Security Fund, Paytota, Fairway Hotel and Shona Capital.
In his keynote speech, Robert Kabushenga highlighted the importance of relationship-building for business growth. Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) George Aggrey Owino, encouraged cross-border partnerships between Kenyan and Ugandan businesses.
The convention also witnessed new deals, including a Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda's Paytota and Kenya's Dimetech to streamline online payments across East Africa.
Another highlight was the launch of the BNI Uganda Podcast to showcase member success stories.
"From a humble start of four members to a network of over 600 businesses, our journey has been proof that when we work together, we go further," said Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka, National Director of BNI Uganda.
"This convention reflects not just our growth, but our commitment to expanding opportunities across borders."
Diana noted that BNI Uganda members have generated over Shs220 billion in business in the past ten years.
She praised the event for fostering both large-scale collaborations, such as cross-border payment systems, and smaller partnerships, including tailors exporting custom outfits to Tanzania and tour operators creating joint packages across East Africa.
Lilian Gachoki of BNI Kenya said the organisation helps businesses grow faster through referrals rather than cold calls.
"Our membership in Kenya is over 570 businesses, creating many jobs," she said.
"In the last year alone, we have generated business worth 1.6 billion shillings. Globally, in the past 12 months, BNI members have created over 25 billion US dollars in opportunities across more than 80 countries."
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She added that BNI supports small businesses to scale through collaboration, mentorship and coaching.
From Tanzania, Paul Masera of the BNI Hodari Chapter in Dar es Salaam praised the convention's value.
"We are here to support and show that we are all together as regional partners," he said. "This is my second East African Convention and I have already got business from attending. We are working on tour packages covering Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to attract more tourists to the region."
The Hodari Chapter now has 52 members and has exchanged business worth 5.5 billion Tanzanian shillings this year. Masera said the chapter has recovered strongly after COVID-19 disruptions and is looking forward to growth, despite some regional trade restrictions that governments are still resolving.
BNI Uganda first hosted the East African Convention in 2023, followed by Kenya in 2024, and returned as host this year.
The gathering continues to strengthen collaboration among more than 1,000 business owners across the region.
Business Network International (BNI) is the world's largest business networking and referral organisation, operating in over 77 countries with more than 11,000 chapters worldwide.
BNI members meet regularly to build strong business relationships, share qualified referrals, and grow their businesses.
