Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda kickstarts career growth for graduates

Kampala, Uganda  – Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) continues to invest in people to foster an inclusive and thriving workplace through its Graduates in Training (GIT) Programme, an 18-month journey designed to shape high-potential graduates into future-ready business leaders.  

The recent graduation of the 2023/2025 cohort affirms CCBU’s strategic commitment to unlocking talent that delivers impact, aligned with the theme: Unleash Talent, Drive Impact. 

The GIT Programme is tailored to attract individuals who exhibit not just academic excellence, but also the agility, emotional intelligence and leadership aptitude needed for today’s fast-paced business landscape.  

“A robust merit-based selection process ensures that trainees bring a unique blend of critical thinking and resilience, key attributes that reflect the future of leadership across CCBU’s business,” says Catherine Gita, People and Culture Director at CCBU, a company in the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group. 

Throughout their tenure, trainees rotate through multiple departments, gaining hands-on experience in real business scenarios. These rotations offer trainees the chance to lead projects, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to enterprise outcomes. 

What makes the programme especially effective is its dual anchoring model, in which trainees are mentored by line managers for day-to-day exposure and guided by senior leaders for strategic oversight.  

This two-tiered approach ensures continuous feedback, long-term career direction, and direct engagement with senior leadership. In parallel, quarterly performance reviews with the management team reinforce accountability and visibility for each participant. 

To round out the experience, trainees participate in innovation projects, cross-functional collaborations, and curated learning ranging from LinkedIn Learning modules to leadership talks. These multifaceted learning avenues shape the trainees into well-rounded professionals prepared to lead across functions, sectors and markets. 

The success of the GIT Programme aligns with CCBA’s vision of building future leaders from within, while accelerating the company’s growth by attracting, developing and retaining high-performing talent.  

“Our valued employees are assured of the opportunity to become the best version of themselves within CCBU as they embark on an adventure of learning, with unmatched opportunities for personal and professional development,” said Gita. 

“Our growth story, what we do for communities, our brands, our customers and consumers are a compelling combination for professionals with a hunger to learn and grow. 

“Our people are driven to make an impact, are passionate about learning and committed to caring for others, working together to achieve excellence.” 

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Frank O’Donnell

Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, CCBA

Frank leads CCBA’s commercial agenda, with responsibility for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening route to market and customer partnerships and driving execution excellence across markets.

Frank brings extensive international experience from Coca‑Cola HBC, where he held a range of senior commercial and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Region Director, overseeing 13 markets across Europe, where he led high-performing teams and delivered strong business results.

He is recognised for his strong commercial acumen, customer focus and track record in building high-performing teams across diverse markets.

Gerald Lewis

Chief Information Officer, CCBA

Gerald leads CCBA’s digital, data and technology agenda, focusing on enabling business performance through scalable platforms and enhanced digital capabilities.  Gerald brings extensive international experience, most recently as Head of Technology Strategy & Operations at Coca‑Cola HBC. He has also held senior CIO roles at Bacardi across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as transformation roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Mettler Toledo. He is recognised for translating technology strategy into business value and for leading transformation across emerging markets.

Matthew Welz

General Counsel and Company Secretary, CCBA

Matthew joined us from the Clicks Group, a JSE Top-40 company, where he has been the Head of Legal and Company Secretary since 2016. In this role Matthew successfully navigated a highly regulated environment, including overseeing compliance with company laws and the JSE Listings Requirements. As company secretary, he managed governance at Board level as well as being the Chairman’s chief of staff. Prior to this, Matthew was a Legal Manager with Anglo American, a major multinational diversified mining group, which includes three companies listed on the JSE, with extensive operations across Southern Africa.

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