The female bosses driving Uganda to its first oil drop

The oil and gas sector in Uganda is rapidly advancing towards its first oil, marking a significant milestone for the country’s economy. Traditionally male-dominated, this sector is now witnessing an increasing number of women in leadership, playing pivotal roles in key projects, decision-making and commercial negotiations. As we celebrate the Women’s Month, it is essential to recognise these trailblazing female managers who are shaping Uganda’s oil industry. Their expertise spans legal, engineering, finance and environmental management, ensuring Uganda maximises its oil resources. Their contributions are paving the way for economic transformation while inspiring future generations of women in the sector.

Edith Tushabe Atuhurira (commercial manager, UNOC)

Edith Tushabe Atuhurira is the commercial manager at Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), leading a team of specialists responsible for economic modelling, pipeline finance and crude oil trading. In 2024, she was recognised among the “Top 20 under 40 Women in Energy and Extractives Sector” for her leadership and contributions to Uganda’s oil industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Makerere University and a master of science in energy economics from the University of Dundee. Additionally, she is a Certified Chartered Accountant. Her career started at Deloitte & Touche East Africa before she transitioned into the oil and gas sector. She has played a crucial role in securing robust commercial agreements for Uganda’s petroleum projects, paving the way for significant investments.

Samantha Muhwezi Kassami (Chief Operating Officer, UNOC)

Samantha Muhwezi Kassami serves as the chief operating officer at Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and has accumulated years of experience in the sector.

Kassami began her journey in the industry in 2016 when she joined TotalEnergies as part of the three-person pipeline project team. She played a crucial role in negotiating agreements for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and was instrumental in leading the project to the Final Investment Decision in 2022.

Her expertise spans both technical and managerial aspects of the oil and gas sector. She was part of the senior leadership team seconded to EACOP Company to help establish the organisation and drive the project forward.

Passionate about gender inclusivity, Kassami founded the EACOP Women’s Initiative, a platform designed to support and mentor women in the industry. She holds a bachelor of laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a postgraduate diploma, and a master of laws from BPP University. She is also a qualified solicitor in England and a member of the UK Law Society.

Jane Mbabazi Byaruhanga (manager, environment and social affairs, PAU)

Jane Mbabazi Byaruhanga has over 20 years of experience in environmental and social management. She holds a master’s in natural resource management from the University of Queensland and a master's in environmental law from the University of Melbourne.

She has played a pivotal role in drafting Uganda’s environmental regulations for the oil and gas sector, including the National Environment Act and the Petroleum (Waste Management) Regulations. Her efforts have improved environmental compliance and the safe disposal of hazardous waste.

Barbara Daisy Nabuweke (EACOP legal director and company secretary)

Barbara Nabuweke is an advocate of the High Court of Uganda and a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society.

Holding a master of laws from the University of Cambridge, a diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre, and a bachelor’s of laws from Makerere University, Nabuweke has over 15 years of experience as an oil and gas lawyer.

Currently, she is the head of contracts and negotiations at Uganda National Oil Company, where she has been a key player in negotiating commercial agreements such as the EACOP Shareholders Agreement and Host Government Agreement. Her expertise was vital in securing Uganda’s Final Investment Decision in 2022. She has also worked with Tullow Uganda and Standard Chartered Bank.

Outside work, Nabuweke is a mentor passionate about empowering young women to excel in legal and corporate sectors.

Pauline Ssemawere Murari (contracts manager, SLB)

With over a decade of experience, Pauline Murari has made a name for herself in the energy sector as the contracts manager at Schlumberger. She has worked on high-profile projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and has been instrumental in risk management, contract negotiation, and business expansion across 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Murari holds a law degree from Makerere University, a master’s in commercial law, and postgraduate qualifications in governance and tax administration.

She previously worked at Uganda National Oil Company, where she played a significant role in negotiating Uganda’s EACOP project.

She encourages young women to pursue careers in male-dominated industries and to challenge gender stereotypes.

Pauline Namatovu (senior officer, operations, compliance, PAU)

Pauline Namatovu holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Makerere University and a master's in oil and gas engineering from Robert Gordon University.

With expertise in project management, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, she ensures Uganda’s oil and gas infrastructure meets international standards. She has also contributed to regulatory improvements in the sector.

As Uganda nears its first oil, these female managers continue to play vital roles in shaping the industry’s future. Their contributions are driving Uganda’s oil and gas sector towards economic success while fostering gender inclusivity and empowering future generations of women in the industry.

Angella Nalweyiso Semakula (manager, cost monitoring, PAU)

Angella Nalweyiso Semakula is an engineer and investment analyst with over 12 years of experience in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. She currently oversees cost efficiency and financial accountability at PAU.

She played a vital role in developing Uganda’s Cost Monitoring Framework, ensuring government expenditure is optimised. She has also contributed to securing Uganda’s Final Investment Decisions, unlocking billions of shillings in investments.

Nalweyiso holds a global MBA from Imperial College London, a master’s of science in petroleum economics and management from IFP School in France, and a bachelor’s of science in industrial engineering from Kyambogo University.

Eng. Joan Namukasa Kamya (drilling manager, PAU)

As the drilling manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Eng. Joan Namukasa Kamya oversees drilling operations for the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects. Her expertise spans engineering, project management, operational efficiency, logistics and quality assurance. Namukasa has worked on complex deep-water offshore and remote onshore projects and is one of the few Ugandans with her level of experience in the industry.

Gloria Sebikari (manager, corporate affairs, PAU)

Gloria Sebikari leads the corporate affairs department at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda and has over 15 years of experience in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. She holds a master’s in social responsibility and energy from Robert Gordon University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Makerere University. As the spokesperson for PAU, Sebikari manages communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement. She played a key role in coordinating the joint government-industry communication platform and has significantly contributed to increasing public knowledge about Uganda’s oil sector.