Ex-works minister Eng. Monica Azuba dead

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Ugandans are mourning the death of Eng. Monica Azuba Ntege, a former Minister of Works and Transport, played a key role in the country’s infrastructure and aviation sectors.

Azuba died on Tuesday evening at Nakasero Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment. Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport said that they received notification of her death on Tuesday evening, and her body remained at Nakasero Hospital.

They said she has been sick and getting treatment at the hospital for some time. More details about the funeral arrangements are expected from the family and government.

Azuba was appointed Minister of Works and Transport on June 6, 2016, replacing John Byabagambi. She served in the position until December 14, 2019, when she was succeeded by Gen. Katumba Wamala.

Minister of Works and Transport Monica Azuba Ntege addresses the press on the new Uganda Airlines at the ministry offices in Kampala on April 10, 2019. (Photo by Maria Wamala)

She is remembered for her calm leadership style and contribution to major government programmes, including efforts to revive the national carrier, Uganda Airlines.

Background and education

Monica Azuba Ntege was born in the Busoga sub-region in eastern Uganda around 1954. She attended Gayaza High School for both her O-Level and A-Level education, completing her studies in 1973.

She later joined Makerere University in 1974, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, becoming part of a generation of pioneering female engineers in Uganda.

She began her professional career at Uganda Commercial Bank in 1978, shortly after graduating. When the bank was acquired by Standard Bank of South Africa in 2002, she transitioned into Stanbic Bank Uganda, where she rose to the position of Facilities Manager.

Her experience in infrastructure management and administration saw her appointed to the board of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in June 2014, where she contributed to oversight of the country’s road network development.

In June 2016, she was elevated to Cabinet as Minister of Works and Transport, taking on one of the most demanding portfolios in government.

One of the major assignments she handled early in her tenure was overseeing government plans to revive Uganda Airlines, which had been liquidated in 2001 after being declared unprofitable.

The revival plan, first initiated in 2013, aimed to boost tourism, improve connectivity and support trade, particularly in light of growing passenger and cargo demand.

As minister, Azuba chaired engagements involving key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Development Corporation, Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Trade.

The teams developed proposals that were later presented to Cabinet for approval, laying the groundwork for the eventual relaunch of the national carrier.

Her leadership during this process is widely credited with helping to move the project from planning to implementation.

Beyond public service, Azuba was known for her passion for golf. She was a respected golfer who won several tournaments at both national and regional levels.

She served as a regional trustee of the All Africa Challenge Trophy in ladies’ golf, contributing to the development of the sport. The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Hellen Seku, on Tuesday (April 21) bought Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's birthday run kits worth sh2 million to support the run.

Gen. Kainerugaba is the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and also the National chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).

On Sunday, the run, dubbed “Gen. MK 52 Birthday Run”, will be flagged off at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope”, the initiative, which is part of activities to mark Gen. Kainerugaba’s 52nd birthday, aims at raising funds to support vulnerable children across the country, with proceeds expected to benefit orphans, ghetto children, and other disadvantaged groups through collaboration with established organisations.

While receiving the running kits from Michael Maranga Mawanda (Igara East legislator) and the Director of Mobilisation for PLU, Seku thanked Gen Muhoozi, saying it takes a heart and a patriotic spirit for one to think about other people.

“He would have thought about a party, but talking about charity, it's one of our values, that's patriotism. Therefore, I want to thank him for thinking about everybody, for thinking about the needy and for loving Ugandans, and for serving Ugandans,” she said.

She urged all Ugandans to participate in this run. “One of the benefits of this run is physical fitness. Additionally, we aim to touch people's hearts. I call upon all our patriots in the country—more than 600,000 individuals—to take part in this run.”

The kits, which include branded running gear, are being sold at sh20,000 and are available at Kololo Independence Grounds, selected Total and Shell petrol stations, as well as the PLU secretariat offices in Naguru.

The run will start at 7:00 am, with participants expected to arrive by 6:00 am to allow for security clearance and guidance from the Uganda Police Force (UPF).

Participation is open to all people living in Uganda, regardless of political affiliation.

During the launch of the run, the Secretary General of PLU, David Kabanda (Kasambya County legislator), confirmed that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba will be the chief runner and is expected to be present at the event.