Nada Andersen: Blending Purpose With Strategy To Promote Animal Welfare In Uganda

Creativity, when merged with purpose, can result in rewriting not only brands but mindsets and social frameworks as well. Within Uganda's shifting landscape of advertising and animal welfare, Nada Andersen is a force of change who has not only rewritten stories in the boardroom but has also championed a more humane coexistence of humans and animals.

Nada's story began in a tiny town in Republika Srpska, where an early interest in books and ideas laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for storytelling and strategy. With fine art training, she established her ground in advertising at a moment when the profession in Uganda was still discovering its voice. She established Star Leo Advertising in 1998, which is now the country's oldest full-service ad agency, a reflection of her strength and vast knowledge of brand dynamics and people-centric problem-solving.

But her influence goes far beyond the world of brands and business. A passionate animal lover, Nada co-founded the Canine Association of Uganda out of a desire to enhance the country's purebred dog population and nurture better human-animal relationships. Through grass-roots education, medical outreach and cross-border collaborations, her efforts bridge profound cultural divides and address such public health issues as rabies and other zoonotic diseases.

From creating Uganda's first 24/7 sports television channel to guiding the Canine Association Uganda towards international recognition under FCI, Nada's path is a case study in leadership that rests on empathy, intelligence and community. Her formula for success? Putting people first.

In this Global Woman Leader exclusive, Nada An­dersen shares her path of creativity, entrepreneurship and advocacy for impact, providing a window into the twofold effect of her visionary leadership.

At Canine Association Uganda, we built a community of dog lovers who share the time together with our dogs, developing caring relationships with all living beings, and a healthier LIFESTYLE

Tell us about your formative years’ influence on your path in advertising and the expertise you've built as a leader over time.

I spent the first ten years of my life in a small town in Yugoslavia, where people cared for each other and spent time together. Reading and writing before the age of three helped me enter the world of books and imagination, believing that nothing is impossible. I started school one year earlier than the rest of the class, and my teacher understood my needs and supported my growth and learning.

As a student of fine art, the first choice in advertising was to work with creative concepts. I am one of the first people in Uganda to set up an agency, and today Star Leo is the oldest surviving full-service advertising agency, clocking 27 years this August.

With time and experience, I developed problem-solving skills, which I always employ when working with strategies and plans. I build a platform from where I can address communication issues and develop strategies that work internally and externally for clients.

What inspired the Canine Association Uganda launch? What are your key roles and growth priorities?

I love dogs and together with my husband, I am privileged to have six wonderful four-legged friends. Canine Association Uganda started from a discussion between a few friends. We thought of organising dog breeders, dog owners, and supporting businesses into an association that can give us an opportunity to improve the quality of purebred dogs in Uganda, and show to Ugandans that dogs can be much more than just home guards. The key underlying focus is to improve animal welfare in Uganda and help people build meaningful relationships with animals, particularly dogs.

I currently oversee all external activities of the Association. I travel to different dog shows around the globe, introducing our association to associations and kennel clubs of other countries.

Highlight the most challenging aspects of leading Canine Association Uganda? How do you navigate through these roadblocks?

Being a developing nation, in Uganda very little resource is left for dogs. Ugandans also have a strained relationship with animals. Dogs are expected to work and contribute to the household by protecting the home. There is a distance between a human and a dog, caused by traditional taboos and fear, as well as the real dangers that stray dogs carry. Treatment of animals is not always the best. We are trying to change this mindset and create an understanding that all animals add value to our lives, and for that they deserve our care and respect.

Another challenge is the spread of zoonotic diseases, including rabies, through the populations of wild and stray dogs. Canine Association Uganda organises vaccination, spaying, and neutering clinics to reduce the risks of diseases to public health, and also to prevent uncontrolled reproduction of stray animals. We had an opportunity to train and certify a large number of our members in community awareness, some of us becoming community focal persons for Global Alliance for Rabies Control, where we provide education and information about rabies control and prevention.

What is your vision for the future of Canine Association Uganda?

We have reached the point of global recognition by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). The next phase of growth should involve growing the members base and encouraging Ugandans to develop better and healthy relationships with animals. Having a dog should be a privilege, never a burden. These noble animals love us unconditionally and it's time for Ugandans to return that love by providing care, shelter, and friendship to dogs.

Looking back, which professional milestones stand out to you?

Key milestones include starting Star Leo Advertising in 1998 and keeping the business going for 27 years. Starting the first and only free-to-air 24/7 sports-only television channel in Africa, Sports TV, in 2007. Finally, driving the Canine Association Uganda from a group of enthusiasts to a recognised national organisation, at the brink of being globally recognised as a member of FCI.

I put people first. Money, in my view, is a very poor measure of success. People who remember your guidance, advice, even tough love, are the best measure of success. They know your impact on their careers and lives.

Nada Andersen, Founder & Chairman, Canine Association Uganda

Nada Andersen is the Founder & Chairman of Canine Association Uganda, who works with the passion for people and human achievement. She is a Predictive Index Certified Trainer and Final Cut Pro Certified Editor, as well as a broadcaster and a fine artist.

Educational Qualification

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Mass, Com­munication at the Liverpool John Moores University.

Business Role Model

Evelyn Namara, a Ugandan tech entrepreneur and philanthropist.