Uganda’s energy and extractives sector is witnessing a transformative shift, driven by a cadre of exceptional women leaders strategically positioned across key government organisations.
These powerful figures are not only steering national energy security and development but also championing inclusivity, mentorship, and sustainable growth, impacting millions of lives and setting a new global benchmark for gender representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The government’s deliberate empowerment of women in critical leadership roles underscores a commitment to leveraging diverse talent to achieve Uganda’s ambitious energy and economic goals.
Leading this formidable group are individuals whose decisions shape the very foundation of Uganda’s energy landscape, and they include but aren’t limited to the following:
Proscovia Nabbanja
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is a true trailblazer and a celebrated member of the Women in Energy and Extractives Network (WEEN). Nabbanja is a transformative leader who has spearheaded UNOC’s strategic involvement in pivotal national projects, including the Tilenga and Kingfisher Oilfields, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), and national petroleum product imports.
Her vision extends beyond energy security to actively championing local content, mentorship, and women’s inclusion across the entire value chain.
Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa
As Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Nankabirwa plays a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s energy policy. Her tenure has seen significant advancements, including the transition of national power distribution from Umeme to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), alongside efforts to expand the national power grid and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.
Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako
The CEO of Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) boasts over 30 years of experience in Uganda’s electricity sub-sector. Eng. Waako provides strategic direction to ERA, ensuring effective delivery on its mandate.
A Registered Engineer and a member of the IEEE, her expertise is vital for maintaining regulatory efficiency and stability in the power sector.
Justine Akumu
An expert in renewable energy and clean cooking, Akumu is a Senior Energy Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
For the past decade, she has been at the forefront of developing policies and programs for renewable energy and clean cooking solutions. Her work spans various technologies, including e-cooking, LPG, ethanol, and biogas, and she leads Uganda’s greenhouse gas reporting in the energy sector.
Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe
She is the Permanent Secretary, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, and a Board Chairperson of WEEN, who is a passionate advocate for green energy. Eng. Bateebe is a walking encyclopedia on the evolving energy landscape.
As Uganda transitions toward cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, Bateebe consistently emphasises that the future lies in innovative young leaders.
Haawa Bukenya
The Secretary General, WEEN and an Advocate with UNOC, Bukenya is a legal expert in the oil and gas sector and a visionary leader. She brings immense expertise in corporate and commercial transactions, contract negotiation, governance, compliance, and international dispute resolution.
Syson Ainembabazi
A Senior Legal Officer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Ainembabazi is a distinguished legal expert in the oil and gas sector. She plays a critical role in the regulatory framework of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, ensuring legal compliance and strategic advice within PAU.
Anita Badagawa Mpora
A Board Member of the PAU, Mpora is a seasoned energy professional with a background in petroleum geoscience and engineering. She contributes invaluable technical expertise to PAU, focusing on cost monitoring and management of oil and gas projects. Her work also includes spearheading initiatives like “Energy 4 U” to promote energy education for students.
Lyoidah Kiconco
An experienced Geologist and a senior WEEN member, Kiconco’s expertise in mineral exploration and petroleum, Kiconco is the Head of Explorations at UNOC. Her expertise is vital for identifying and assessing Uganda’s vast hydrocarbon potential.
Gloria Sebikari
She is the Corporate Affairs Manager at PAU, with over 15 years in communications across various sectors, with a speciality in oil and gas. Sebikari leads PAU’s communication and engagement strategy, vital for public understanding and stakeholder relations in the upstream and midstream petroleum operations.
Esther Naikoba Mulyagonja
She is the Company Secretary at UEDCL, a utility legal practitioner and certified public-private partnerships expert. Given her position, Mulyagonja is tasked with ensuring legal and governance compliance for the national power distribution company.