Ugandan women carving their space in the oil and gas sector

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Despite the oil and gas industry being traditionally male-dominated, women in Uganda are making their mark. Professionals like Daphine Ayaro and Rebecca Esther Mbekeka are not only excelling in their roles but also paving the way for more women to enter and thrive in the sector. With Uganda’s oil production set to begin in the coming years, opportunities for women in technical and leadership positions continue to grow, proving that gender is no barrier in the oil and gas industry. 

As the world celebrated women in March, Ayaro and Mbekeka shared their inspiring journeys of breaking barriers and triumph.

Daphine Ayaro

For Daphine Ayaro, National Content and Social Responsibility Lead at China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation, working in the oil and gas sector in Uganda has brought immense growth.

Her role has not only provided better employment but has also broadened her exposure, skills, and professional connections across industries. Through her platform, she has been able to mentor students about opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Yet, she hopes to see more women stepping into this traditionally male-dominated field.

"In our office, there are only two women—me and our document controller. Among casual workers, we have five women, then three female security guards, and just one subcontractor who is a woman, along with a female scaffolder," Ayaro notes.

She aspires to see more women in the sector, including in roles such as welding, and actively encourages them through her position.

Rebecca Esther Mbekeka

Civil engineer, Rebecca Esther Mbekeka. (Courtesy)

Just like Ayaro, civil engineer Rebecca Esther Mbekeka’s journey of empowerment also came through a job with a Chinese oil company.

"Most of my previous work experience was in design and supervision with structural consultancy firms. But when I got the opportunity to work with Sinopec, a Chinese firm in Buliisa District, I became the first female engineer to join the team. Now I have taken on a different role—subcontract engineering rather than just design," she shares.

The shift has been transformative.

"I have learnt so much and grown immensely. This role is more hands-on, involving site work rather than just sitting behind a computer. It’s a whole new experience, and the financial rewards are even better. It's progress in every sense," she says with enthusiasm.

Civil engineer, Rebecca Esther Mbekeka. (Courtesy)

Mbekeka takes pride in being the first woman in her department, paving the way for others.

"There is pressure to perform—not just for myself, but to prove that women can excel in this space. I want to set the standard and show that women belong in engineering."

She also values the unique exposure that comes with working for a major international firm.

"When a company brings you in, they provide you with access to resources, knowledge, and management insights. You gain first-hand experience in how large-scale projects are run. It prepares you for future opportunities, whether in Uganda or across Africa, where more projects are emerging in the oil and gas sector."

Ayaro and Mbekeka’s stories reflect the growing presence of women in technical fields, proving that with the right opportunities and exposure, they can excel in industries once dominated by men.

Oil and gas discoveries

A total of 21 oil and gas discoveries have been made in Uganda’s Albertine Graben, and the resources are estimated at 6.5 billion barrels of oil in place, according to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

Reports show Uganda entered into agreements in 2012 with two foreign oil entities to exploit the oil resources. Total Energies holds 56.67% of the joint venture partnership, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has 28.33%, while Uganda, through the Uganda National Oil Company, owns the remaining 15%.

Uganda’s first commercial oil production is expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027, once infrastructure like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is complete.

The massive opportunities

Anita Badagawa, programmes chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers-Uganda Section, while citing the Uganda-China partnership, said it has created massive opportunities for women in the oil and gas sector.

"Chinese companies operating in Uganda have introduced new technologies and management practices that have created new employment opportunities for women," she notes.

CNOOC, for instance, has established several training programmes aimed at building the capacity of Ugandan women in oil and gas. These initiatives equip women with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the sector.