Women taking great strides in the energy sector
Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu
Currently serving as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Ruth is among the most influential women in the Energy sector in Uganda. She assumed the position in 8th June 2021 taking over from Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, who was appointed as Minister of Karamoja Affairs, and has served faithfully since.
As the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Nankabirwa is charged with providing direction and guidance to the Energy Sector Players, including the Electricity Regulatory Authority in respect to Policy formulation and implementation to ensure sustainable Electricity Supply for Socio-Economic Transformation.
Her career in politics was launched in 1994 when she joined the Ugandan Constituent Assembly.
She then went on to hold several government positions prior to her appointment as Minister of Energy, including Chief Government Whip (2015-2021), State Minister for Fisheries (2011-2015), State Minister for Microfinance (2009-2011), State Minister for Defense (2001-2009).
Dr Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art and a Master of Arts in Conflict Studies from Makerere University, Uganda.
Eng Ziria Waako Tibalwa
Since 23rd March 2017, Eng. Waako has served as the Chief Executive of the Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, a government agency responsible for the regulation and development of the petroleum sector in Uganda.
Here, she was instrumental in the implementation of policies and regulations related to the oil and gas industry in Uganda. Having had a significant career in the oil industry, Eng Waako has participated in different arenas including production, exploration and regulation. Her work experience spans over a period of 30 years in the Uganda’s Electricity sub-Sector, 15 of which have been at a Senior Management level.
In regards to her education background, Eng Waako holds a MSc. and BSc. Electrical Engineering, both from Makerere University, and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Walden University, USA.
Eng. Waako is a Registered Engineer with the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers and the National Engineers Registration Board; as well as a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) of New York, United States of America.
She was awarded the Excellent Performance Engineers Award by the National Engineers Registration Board at its 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2019. During Eng. Waako’s tenure as Chief Executive, ERA has also had various National and International Recognitions and Awards.
Proscovia Nabbanja
Proscovia Nabbanja’s career in the oil and gas industry has lasted about 19 years. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company.
Previously, she served as the Principal Geologist in Petroleum Exploration & Production, a department under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Proscovia was also in charge of the Technical Division and while there she spearheaded reviews of technical proposals especially field development plans and petroleum reservoir reports.
In addition to this, she led the estimation and reporting of the oil resources and reserves in Uganda, field operations monitoring and management of petroleum data.
During her professional career, she has been part of several inter-ministerial committees. Proscovia has also professionally contributed to a number of Donor funded programs including Oil for Development and USAID.
Education-wise, Proscovia holds a BSc (Chemistry, Geology) -MUK, MSC Petroleum Geoscience- Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, DIC, Dip Petroleum Management and Operations, MBA-Imperial College Business School.
Dr Jane Nambakire Mulemwa
Presently, serving as the board chair Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Dr Mulemwa was first appointed in October 2015, making her the Chairperson of the inaugural Board. Her mandate was renewed for a second term on 15th May 2020.
She has a vast experience of over 30 years in leadership, administration, policy development and analysis, strategy formulation and evaluation, science education and academic research.
Further to this, she has had ample experience in leading varied organisations through periods of initiation, transition and growth, such as, the Department of Science and Technical Education, Makerere University, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Uganda Chapter, and, The AIDS Support Organization (TASO).
She is also a qualified scientist who holds a Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry, from Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Flavia Anyiko
An accomplished Civil Engineer and Risk Professional, Anyiko is the Head of Risk at the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL). Her responsibilities include the development and implementation of Enterprise Risk management policies, programs, systems and procedures that enhance the achievement of UEGCL strategic objectives.
Anyiko’s has work experience in structural design, construction supervision, compliance and risk management in both the private and public sector.
While speaking about her personal ethic, Flavia says she values integrity, teamwork and mutual respect and has been able to demonstrate these values in her experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver on collaborative tasks.
When it comes to her Humanitarian side, Flavia is committed to youth mentorship and is a member of the Girls for Girls Project Uganda as well as the Global Women’s Network for Energy Transition.
