The Association of Business Development Professionals Opens Secretariat Office

The Association of Business Development Professionals (ABDP) proudly announces the official opening of its Secretariat Office at ESAMI Building, Bombo Road, a landmark moment that signals a new chapter in the growth and professionalization of business development in the region.

“This is more than the opening of a physical space; it is the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey, a chapter that reflects growth, commitment, and a bold vision for the future of business development,” said Paul Luyima Jerome, President of ABDP, during the inauguration ceremony.

Founded on the principle that business development is not just an organizational function but a key driver of economic transformation, innovation, and opportunity, ABDP has long envisioned a united platform for professionals in this field. The Secretariat Office now provides that permanent home, a central hub where ideas are nurtured, strategies are developed, partnerships are forged, and members can access the resources and community they need to thrive.

“The Secretariat will serve as the heartbeat of our association. It is here that our members, both new and long-standing, will find support, collaboration, and inspiration to elevate their work and impact,” Luyima added.

As part of its mandate, ABDP seeks to unify and professionalize the business development sector, while supporting the growth of SMEs and mid-sized enterprises as engines of innovation and employment. In doing so, the association contributes to the wider goal of driving sustainable economic growth.

To further strengthen the profession, ABDP conducts comprehensive professional certification programs designed to equip members with globally recognized skills and credentials. These include the Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), Certified Business Quality Level (CBQL), and two exclusive programs, the Business Development Essentials Program (BDEP) and the Executive Business Development Mastery Program (EBDMP). These certifications ensure that members remain competitive and credible both regionally and internationally.

Importantly, ABDP is an affiliate association of The Global Business Development Association (GBDA) in the UK, connecting members to an international network of expertise, standards, and opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronald Bbosa, President of the Human Resource Management Association of Uganda (HRMAU), emphasized the importance of trust and accountability in building sustainable professional bodies. “Trust is the foundation of any strong association. When members feel valued and engaged, they contribute willingly, and that is how growth happens. For ABDP to advance, collaboration, transparency, and accountability must remain at the core, keeping proper records, auditing regularly, and upholding values that inspire confidence.”

Highlighting Uganda’s Employment Challenge

Echoing the need for strategic professional development, Gideon Nkurunungi, President of the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), emphasized the employment gap in the ICT sector and called on the government to take deliberate action. “ICT is the future, and Uganda must act now. Bold, accountable strategies are needed to unlock opportunities for youth and bridge the employment gap,” Nkurunungi said.

The integration of professional development in business and ICT underscores a shared vision for a skilled, innovative workforce that can drive Uganda’s economic transformation.

The association extended heartfelt gratitude to the executive committee, advisory board, members, partners, and stakeholders who made this milestone possible. Their collective vision, effort, and belief in the potential of business development as a profession have laid the foundation for this achievement.

Today’s inauguration is not just about opening doors, it is about unlocking potential for individuals, organizations, and the broader economy. The Secretariat will act as a hub for collaboration, learning, advocacy, and excellence, reflecting ABDP’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethical leadership, and continuous growth.

“Let today be a launchpad. The real work begins now. Together, we will continue to elevate the standards and impact of business development in ways we can all be proud of,” concluded Luyima.

The ABDP Secretariat Office stands as a testament to the association’s dedication to advancing the profession and creating a thriving ecosystem where business development professionals can succeed and contribute to regional economic progress.