From the mountains of Kisoro to the bustling streets of Kampala, the fingerprints of Uganda’s women engineers are etched across the country’s skyline, water systems, hospitals, data networks, and communities. These women are not just designing infrastructure—they are transforming lives, influencing policy, and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be an engineer in Uganda today.
Engineering has long been a male-dominated field, with women often underrepresented in critical sectors such as infrastructure, biomedical innovation, and energy development. Yet in Uganda, a wave of fearless, ambitious, and highly skilled female engineers is proving that gender is no limitation to innovation, expertise, or leadership. They are not only excelling in their respective fields—they are revolutionizing industries, leading multimillion-dollar projects, and mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals.
From pioneering medical devices that save newborn lives and modernizing energy infrastructure, to scaling clean water access in rural communities and designing data-driven fintech solutions, these engineers are strengthening Uganda’s economy and accelerating inclusive development. Many hold advanced degrees from top institutions, and their impact spans local villages and global conferences alike.
Their collective work is rooted in more than just technical skill—it embodies ethical leadership, community transformation, and bold innovation. These women are driving forward Uganda’s WASH systems, shaping national engineering standards, promoting sustainable energy, and advocating for climate-resilient infrastructure. Despite systemic barriers and the pressures of traditionally male-dominated spaces, they have risen with resilience, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to progress.
Their stories—full of grit, brilliance, and heart—shine a light on what’s possible when women lead in STEM. They offer young girls across Uganda a living blueprint that says: you belong here too.
The CEO East Africa Magazine’s Imani Kisakye has curated 15 women engineers who are representative of a new wave of women in engineering—fearless, visionary, and impactful. While their stories stand out, they are also representative of so many other women across Uganda who are quietly and powerfully shaping the profession. These trailblazing engineers are not just participants in the sector—they are architects of change, forging a legacy where innovation is inclusive, leadership is collaborative, and engineering is a force for national transformation.
Biomedical Engineering & Health Systems.
Sheillah Bagayana M.B – Pioneering Medical Device Manufacturing
A biomedical engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University and a Certificate in Managing Innovation for Global Health from Karolinska Institutet, Sheillah Bagayana is at the forefront of Uganda’s medical technology industry. She co-founded Shishi International Limited, leading local medical device manufacturing and advancing oxygen therapy solutions. She has managed operations for FREO2 Foundation Uganda and consulted for global health organizations, including the Clinton Health Access Initiative and Save the Children.
Her efforts in medical innovation have led to the successful deployment of over 500 life-saving oxygen systems in remote hospitals, directly impacting maternal and neonatal health outcomes. She has received multiple recognitions for her work, including the MIT Bio-entrepreneurship Leaders of Tomorrow Fellowship and the 2016 Commonwealth Professional Award. Beyond her professional work, she actively mentors young women in STEM and is an advocate for gender equity in biomedical engineering.
Eng. Martha Mulerwa – Strengthening Health Systems
Eng. Martha Mulerwa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Makerere University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics at the University of Salford, Manchester. She has consulted for UNICEF WCARO on oxygen ecosystem sustainability and diagnostic network optimization. As Head of Biomedical Programs at Shishi International, she has successfully launched two medical devices and is working towards accreditation with the National Drug Authority.
Mulerwa has played a key role in the development of Uganda’s first locally produced neonatal respiratory support devices, benefiting over 10,000 newborns annually. She has also been a thought leader in international biomedical conferences, where she advocates for Africa-centric health technology solutions. Her collaborations with Makerere University have resulted in pioneering research that has improved hospital biomedical equipment management. Additionally, she trains over 50 biomedical engineers annually, fostering a new generation of medical technology specialists in Uganda.
Civil Infrastructure & Water Engineering
Eng. Doreen Kakyo – Engineering Uganda’s Healthcare Infrastructure
With a Master’s in Public Infrastructure Management from Makerere University and a Bachelor’s in Civil and Building Engineering from Kyambogo University, Eng. Doreen Kakyo has been instrumental in Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure projects. She managed a $55 million World Bank-funded infrastructure program, overseeing the development of over 350 health facilities and three regional blood banks.
Her extensive experience in project management has enabled her to oversee the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals in remote regions, directly improving access to quality healthcare for over 2 million people. Kakyo has also worked with international organizations to implement sustainable infrastructure projects, reducing construction costs by 30% while improving efficiency. She is a mentor to young engineers and an advocate for women in engineering leadership roles.
Eng. Pauline Akidi Angioletta – Water Resource Engineering Expert
Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Water Resources Engineering, Eng. Pauline Akidi is committed to sustainable water solutions. As Technical Coordinator at Drink Local Drink Tap, she has designed and constructed multiple water supply systems, trained over 180 farmers in solar-powered irrigation, and led major collaborations between Engineers Without Borders and UIPE.
Her expertise has contributed to the development of innovative rainwater harvesting techniques, benefiting over 500,000 people by providing sustainable solutions to water shortages in arid regions. Akidi has been instrumental in setting policies for water management in Uganda, working closely with government agencies to improve water quality and accessibility. She regularly speaks at global water sustainability forums and continues to push for climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Energy and Mechanical Engineering Leadership
Eng. Lydia Asio – Championing Water Access
A holder of a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Makerere University) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management (Uganda Management Institute), Eng. Lydia Asio has led key water infrastructure projects. She has been a contract manager for multiple internationally funded water projects, including African Water Facility initiatives, and played a vital role in policy development for Uganda’s water sector.
Her leadership in designing eco-friendly sanitation solutions has improved hygiene in over 200 schools and public areas, significantly reducing waterborne diseases. She has collaborated with international researchers to develop innovative water purification technologies.
Eng. Josephine Kihumuro – Delivering Safe Water, One System at a Time
With over 17 years of experience in the design, implementation, and supervision of water supply projects, Eng. Josephine Kihumuro has emerged as a key figure in Uganda’s water and sanitation engineering landscape. A civil and WASH engineer working with the Ministry of Water and Environment under the Umbrella of Water and Sanitation – Central Region, she combines technical skill with a strong sense of community impact.
Kihumuro holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor’s in Construction Management, a Diploma in Water Engineering, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Water and Sanitation Engineering at Kyambogo University, further strengthening her commitment to advancing Uganda’s water infrastructure.
She is particularly known for her expertise in water system design using EPANET software, ensuring pressure optimization and consistent supply across targeted service areas. Over the past three years, she has also specialized in the operation and maintenance of water supply systems, including Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. Her hands-on approach includes designing District Metered Areas (DMAs), pressure monitoring using loggers, and guiding teams in water loss control strategies.
Kihumuro’s leadership has been instrumental in the successful rollout and sustainability of several rural water supply systems, including Kasambya, Kakumiro, Kinogozi, Kako, Bweyale, and Kikandwa. Her documentation and reporting skills—spanning feasibility studies to technical reports—have supported data-driven decision-making in water infrastructure development.
She has also collaborated with Engineers Without Borders to train in the design of solar-powered water systems, reflecting her passion for sustainable and resilient engineering solutions. Through her work, Eng. Josephine Kihumuro continues to improve access to clean water for thousands, helping build healthier and more empowered communities across Uganda.
Energy & Mechanical Engineering
Eng. Maria Assumpta Nalubega – Hydropower and Oil & Gas Specialist
With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Makerere University, an MBA from the University of East London, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the American University of Beirut, Eng. Maria Assumpta Nalubega is a key player in Uganda’s energy sector. She has managed multi-million-dollar refurbishment projects at Nalubaale and Kiira Power Stations, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
Her work has led to the modernization of Uganda’s hydropower infrastructure, increasing energy efficiency by 40% and reducing power outages by 35%. Nalubega has also been an advocate for increased female participation in the energy sector, speaking at industry panels and leading initiatives to attract young women into engineering. She mentors female engineering students and is a role model for aspiring mechanical engineers.
Software and Technology Impact
Software Engineering & Financial Technology
Nelda Limilimi – Data & Business Intelligence Leader
Nelda Limilimi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from Makerere University and is pursuing an MBA at Uganda Management Institute. As a senior business intelligence analyst at Pride Microfinance Limited and co-founder of SELMI Management Advisory, she has revolutionized data analytics in Uganda’s financial sector.
Her work in predictive modeling has helped financial institutions reduce risks by 60% and optimize customer engagement strategies, increasing revenue streams by 25%. Limilimi has developed machine learning algorithms that have improved fraud detection, benefiting Uganda’s banking sector. She is also an advocate for women in tech, leading initiatives to provide data science training for young women in STEM.
Eng. Sylvia Boonabaana – Advancing Financial Technology
Bob Okodi, Amref Health Africa Uganda CFO, On Purpose-Driven Finance and Measuring Impact in Lives, Not Margins
A telecommunications engineering graduate from Makerere University with a certificate in Software Engineering from Refactory Academy, Sylvia Boonabaana has been instrumental in Uganda’s fintech industry. As the Technical Lead at Future Link Technologies, she developed the MSACCO app, which serves over 150 financial institutions in Uganda and Zambia.
Under her leadership, the MSACCO app has facilitated over $100 million in transactions annually, significantly improving financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible to rural communities. She has also led efforts to integrate AI-powered customer service features, making the app a model for digital financial services. As an author and mentor, she continues to inspire women to pursue careers in software engineering and fintech.
Roads & Construction Leadership
Eng. Mariam Namiya – Engineering Uganda’s Roads and Building Industry from the Ground Up
Eng. Mariam Namiya is a trailblazing civil engineer and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience spanning road infrastructure design, construction supervision, project coordination, and engineering economics. Currently in the research phase of her Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Makerere University, she already holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (Hons) from the same institution. She has also completed specialized training in FIDIC (Modules 1 and 3), contract management, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and ISO 9001:2015-compliant quality management systems—tools that have sharpened her edge in infrastructure delivery and quality assurance.
Namiya is the founder and Managing Director of Reenboog Construction Services Limited, a firm she has led for over eight years. Through this platform, she has overseen multiple construction projects, demonstrating both engineering acumen and business leadership. Her career is distinguished by hands-on contributions to high-impact national projects. These include her recent roles as Measurement Engineer in the emergency reconstruction of key flood-damaged sections along the Kampala–Masaka Road, and Highway Engineer for the reconstruction of the Mityana–Mubende Road and Mityana Town Roads.
Previously, she served as Acting Executive Director of the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), where she championed industry-wide initiatives. Her engineering consultancy experience is vast, covering feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for projects such as the Kampala Outer Beltway, Nakasero–Northern Bypass Route, and the Luku–Kalangala–Mulabana corridor. Her multidisciplinary background also includes work as a Transport Economist and Project Engineer on urban and national infrastructure development assignments.
A Registered Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), Namiya is also a member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) and UNABSEC, where she currently serves as Board Treasurer (2025–2027). She has led EU-funded training programs on construction site management across five Uganda Technical Colleges, further proving her dedication to workforce development in engineering.
With a unique blend of technical expertise, business leadership, and sector advocacy, Eng. Mariam Namiya is helping shape Uganda’s built environment—one smart, strategic project at a time.
Eng. Ireen Kabazira – Building Uganda’s Road Infrastructure
With both a Master of Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, Eng. Ireen Kabazira is steadily carving her place as a leading force in Uganda’s infrastructure development. She is a Registered Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board, a Corporate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, and a Certified Project Management Professional—credentials that reflect her technical excellence and commitment to engineering standards.
Currently serving as Assistant Manager in the Road Rehabilitation Department since 2022, Kabazira brings over a decade of hands-on experience to her role. Her journey began as a Graduate Engineer at Kagga & Partners in 2013, where she honed her skills in design and supervision on major infrastructure projects.
Kabazira has made significant contributions to national infrastructure, including participating in the construction of the iconic Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and in the design of key roads under Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in Central and Nakawa Divisions. Her work also extends to rural connectivity, having been actively involved in the rehabilitation of the Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima project and the design of Uganda Road Fund (URF) roads in North Eastern Uganda.
An alumna of Valley College Bushenyi and King Jesus College Mubuku-Kasese, Kabazira is not only a skilled civil engineer but also a role model for young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her passion for sustainable infrastructure and inclusive development continues to shape Uganda’s transport landscape—one road at a time.
Water and Sanitation Advocacy
Eng. Melinda Buluma Nyangu – Delivering Water Solutions That Transform Communities
Eng. Buluma Melinda Nyangu is a civil engineer and water resources specialist whose work goes beyond infrastructure to champion community transformation. With a Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, she has consistently applied her skills to deliver sustainable water supply systems that improve health, sanitation, and economic well-being in Uganda’s rural and resettled communities.
Currently serving as Project Engineer at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Nyangu has led and implemented several large-scale water infrastructure projects, including the Bududa–Nabweya Gravity Flow Scheme and the Bulambuli Resettlement Project under the Office of the Prime Minister. Her earlier roles as Clerk of Works on water treatment plants and gravity schemes reflect her hands-on expertise in construction supervision, quality assurance, and systems optimization.
Nyangu is a registered member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), and the International Water Association (IWA). Her professional development includes certifications in solar water pumping, hydrological IoT applications, resilient water systems, and piped water technologies.
Her impact is deeply felt in the communities she has served—where access to clean water has directly improved public health, sanitation practices, and economic resilience. She has successfully overseen multi-billion shilling water projects with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and long-term usability. Beyond engineering, she advocates for inclusive policies and innovations that ensure every Ugandan has access to safe and reliable water.
Eng. Yvonne Sanyu Lugali – Advancing WASH Systems Through Research, Innovation, and Advocacy
Eng. Yvonne Sanyu Lugali is a dynamic WASH and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) expert with over a decade of experience driving transformative water and sanitation solutions in Uganda. With a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering (Structures and Environment) from Makerere University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biosystems Engineering from Gulu University, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to infrastructure development, technical assistance, and policy advocacy. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (2024), equipped with advanced project leadership skills.
Currently serving as WASH Sustainability Manager at Water For People, Lugali leads national strategic interventions to ensure continuity of WASH services across Uganda. She works closely with national ministries, technical support units, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and local governments to strengthen systems and scale sustainability. Her earlier roles as Sanitation Engineer at Water For People and Research Manager at Biomed Systems Centre Limited gave her a strong foundation in research-based sanitation innovation and service delivery.
Lugali’s achievements include spearheading national-level WASH systems strengthening efforts aligned with Uganda’s 2030 development targets, covering 15 districts in collaboration with Rural Water and Sanitation Regional Centres under the Ministry of Water and Environment. She has led high-impact grants focused on scaling access to sanitation and hand hygiene in public institutions across Kampala and five additional regions. She also directed initiatives to improve faecal sludge management services in peri-urban areas like Kole, Pallisa, and Nansana, through partnerships with the Ministry of Water and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.
As a technical lead, she has overseen the design and establishment of faecal sludge briquette production plants and decentralized treatment systems—including projects under the Kampala Shared Sanitation Initiative in collaboration with KCCA and NWSC. Lugali’s blend of technical expertise, advocacy, and innovation continues to drive meaningful impact in Uganda’s sanitation landscape.
Eng. Diana Keesiga – Engineering Water and Sanitation Solutions with Ethics and Impact
Eng. Diana Keesiga is a highly accomplished civil engineer and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) expert whose work blends infrastructure development, ethical leadership, and transformative advocacy. With a Master of Science in Water and Waste Engineering from Loughborough University (Distinction) and a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, she brings deep technical and academic expertise to every role she takes on. She also holds a certification in Management in the Built Environment from the Project Management Institute, qualifying her as a Senior Construction Professional.
Currently serving as Senior Manager, National Impact and Influence at Water For People Uganda, Keesiga leads initiatives that shape national water and sanitation strategies. She has also served as Deputy Chief of Party and Director of Engineering & Construction at Tetra Tech, where she managed large-scale infrastructure programs focused on safe water access and fecal sludge management. Between 2012 and 2020, her progressive roles at Water For People—from Water & Sanitation Engineer to Program Engineer—laid the foundation for her leadership in sustainable WASH systems.
Keesiga’s achievements span technical excellence and sector transformation. She has led multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, conducted national market assessments for waste disposal, and driven capacity-building programs for WASH professionals across Uganda. She has also been a strategic voice in shaping national WASH policies and financing mechanisms. As Vice President of Public Relations, Practice & Ethics at the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), she is currently championing ethical engineering practices and professional integrity across the industry.
Her career reflects a rare blend of engineering proficiency, advocacy, and principled leadership—qualities that make her a standout figure in Uganda’s water and sanitation engineering landscape.
Annitah Nshemereirwe – Engineering Reliable Water Access Through Monitoring and Evaluation
Annitah Nshemereirwe is a dedicated water management specialist whose engineering expertise and strategic oversight are improving water access and sustainability in Uganda’s urban and rural communities. With over seven years of experience in the public water sector, she specializes in water supply systems, sanitation infrastructure, and project evaluation. She holds a Master of Science in Water Management (Water Supply and Sanitation) from Addis Ababa University (Distinction), a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from Busitema University.
Currently serving as Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Nshemereirwe leads a team responsible for overseeing water supply extension and stabilization projects across 30 service branches in Kampala. Her role has been instrumental in enhancing project efficiency, resolving procurement delays, and improving access to safe water for thousands. One of her standout achievements includes the monitoring of a 20-kilometre water mains extension project, which increased water access for 4,000 residents and significantly boosted water sales revenue.
Between 2017 and 2019, she served as Area Engineer for the Rukungiri Service Area, where she managed the planning, design, and maintenance of water supply systems that benefitted more than 8,000 people across 40 villages. During this period, she developed a robust water quality monitoring framework and successfully implemented a non-revenue water reduction program that lowered water losses from 30% to 26%.
A registered graduate member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), Nshemereirwe is also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. She has partnered with school clubs and local councils to promote tree planting and water conservation awareness.
Her analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to community impact are driving innovations in water and sanitation management, making her a rising force in Uganda’s engineering sector.
Inspiring the next generation
The rise of female engineers in Uganda is a testament to the growing inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through their expertise, leadership, and mentorship, these trailblazers are proving that engineering is a space where women can thrive and lead. As they continue to break ceilings and transform industries, they serve as an inspiration for young girls to pursue careers in STEM, ensuring a future where gender is no longer a barrier to success.
