Uganda’s business community has been shaken by the dismissal of Constance Kekihembo as Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) for the second time.
The decision, announced on 4th December 2025, has renewed concerns about governance, leadership, and stability within one of the country’s most influential women’s business networks.
UWEAL, founded in 1987 to empower women entrepreneurs through training, networking, and advocacy, has faced years of internal turmoil. Ms. Kekihembo’s leadership has long been polarizing.
Her first termination in 2022 followed accusations of financial mismanagement and governance disputes, though she was later reinstated after member appeals and promises of reform.
However, internal tensions have persisted.
According to whistleblower reports, project documents, and staff testimonies, the latest dismissal was the result of longstanding concerns rather than political pressure. Issues raised span from 2018 to November 2025, including allegations of financial irregularities, poor governance, donor dissatisfaction, and declining organizational performance.
The board reportedly acted after widespread dissatisfaction among members and staff. Allegations cited include poor transparency, weak engagement with grassroots entrepreneurs, and growing frustration from key donors.
Whistleblower reports further claimed that Ms. Kekihembo engaged in questionable financial transactions, ignored procurement processes, dismissed staff unfairly, and mismanaged donor funds, leading to the collapse of projects supported by CARE International Uganda and the World University Services Canada (WUSC).
These claims triggered internal investigations followed by external audits.
Though audit results remain undisclosed, they prompted the board to issue a warning letter, hold disciplinary hearings, and implement a performance improvement plan. Insiders say her performance “never improved” and instead deteriorated.
“There has been a growing concern among employees about the direction the company is heading,” said one anonymous staff member. “Many felt that Kekihembo was not effectively addressing critical issues, which led to a toxic work environment.” Another former employee described the culture as “fear-based,” saying, “It was like walking on eggshells everyday… Any suggestion for change was met with resistance.”
Board members reportedly voted unanimously to remove her after concluding that attempts to help her adjust her management style had failed.
A subscribing member explained, “While we appreciate Constance’s contributions to UWEAL, the direction she was taking did not resonate with many members. Our goal is to foster an environment that is inclusive and transparent, and we felt a change was necessary to achieve that.”
This leadership crisis echoes her first dismissal in 2022, when she successfully rallied the Advisory Council and Council of Elders to override the board’s decision and reinstate her during the Annual General Meeting. It remains unclear whether she will pursue a similar course now.
Some Advisory Council members are believed to be aligned with her, with one member claiming they benefit from “procurement opportunities, direct cash transfers, participation in designated activities where they earn big allowances,” and consultancy roles outside UWEAL’s structure.
Observers warn that the implications of this turmoil extend beyond the boardroom. UWEAL plays a vital role in supporting women entrepreneurs, especially amid post-pandemic economic pressure.
Leadership instability threatens donor confidence, member engagement, and the association’s credibility.
“The board had no choice but to take action,” said a corporate governance expert and former board member. “When a company faces such serious allegations, it’s essential for the leadership to act decisively. They need to restore member and donor confidence and reassure employees of the organization’s commitment to ethical practices.”
Members interviewed believe Ms. Kekihembo’s exit creates an opportunity for renewal. However, UWEAL must now confront its governance weaknesses while ensuring continuity of support for women in business.
The board has announced the immediate start of a search for a new CEO. In the interim, Operations Manager Ms. Magdalene Nakakande has been appointed acting CEO. “Our priority is to ensure stability and rebuild trust with our stakeholders,” the board chairperson stated in her communication to members.
