Kampala, Uganda – The Association of Business Development Professionals (ABDP) officially launched its national secretariat in Kampala this week, marking a significant milestone in its mission to unify and professionalize the business development field in Uganda.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Paul Luyima Jerome, President of the ABDP, emphasized the importance of creating a formal platform for professionals in business development — a sector he believes has long been underrepresented despite its critical role in economic growth.
“We believe there has been a gap in the market where business development professionals haven’t had a platform to network, collaborate, and raise professional standards,” Jerome said. “This secretariat is not just an office — it is the home and the voice of all business development professionals in Uganda.”
A Platform for All Business Developers
The newly launched secretariat aims to offer certification, networking, and professional development opportunities for practitioners across various industries — including technology, finance, agriculture, hospitality, and more.
Jerome highlighted ABDP’s recent partnership with the Global Business Development Association (GBDA) based in Florida, USA. Through this collaboration, ABDP will introduce an internationally recognized certification — the Business Development Professional (BDP) — to Ugandan professionals.
“Just like ACCA for accountants or CIM for marketers, BDP is a globally certified program that will enhance the skill set of local professionals,” Jerome explained. “Whether you’re a student, a junior developer, or a retired expert, there’s a place for you in this association.”
A Unified Voice for Change
Jerome also addressed a historical lack of representation for business development professionals within Uganda’s professional ecosystem.
“Doctors have an association, lawyers have one, marketers have one — but business developers have been scattered. With this secretariat, we finally have a home that reflects our collective identity and power,” he said.
The association is embracing digital transformation, with an online platform allowing professionals to register, engage in training programs, and access resources from anywhere in the country.
Cross-Sector Collaboration Urged
Also speaking at the event was Gideon Kurungi from the ICT Association of Uganda, who echoed the call for stronger collaboration among professional bodies and emphasized the untapped economic potential of Uganda’s service industry.
“We scoff at the idea that only industrialization will lead Uganda’s growth. Professional associations like ABDP are the backbone of a knowledge-based economy,” Kurungi stated. “ICT, HR, and business development professionals must work together to demand recognition and accountability from both government and private sectors.”
Kurungi criticized the current view of ICT and related professions as mere enablers, warning that unless their strategic role in economic transformation is recognized, Uganda risks remaining a consumer of foreign innovation rather than becoming a leader in disruptive growth.
“Incremental growth is no longer enough. We must aim for 10x, and that demands disruptive thinking, radical accountability, and professional integrity — especially in the face of corruption and poor governance,” he added.
