Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has appointed Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
Ms. Lumonya assumes the role following the untimely passing of the late Board Chairman, Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit, in September 2024.
The company has also announced the full reconstitution of its Board of Directors with the appointment of three new members: Mr. Jose Moran, AB InBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President; Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited; and Mr. Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at NBL. Together with Ms. Eunice Muheirwe, Finance Director, the Board is now fully constituted to provide strategic oversight and governance for Uganda’s premier brewing company.
Olive Birungi Lumonya — Board Chairperson
Ms. Lumonya brings over 25 years of transformational leadership experience spanning the private, public, and NGO sectors. She currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), becoming the first woman to hold the position — a milestone that underscores her pioneering leadership and professional distinction.
Her connection to Nile Breweries runs deep. She was the company’s first Brand Manager and among Uganda’s earliest brand marketing professionals, recognising marketing as a strategic discipline long before it became mainstream.
During her decade-long tenure at NBL, she played a pivotal role in building iconic brands such as Nile Special and Club Pilsener, both of which remain market leaders today.
Her formative years at NBL give her intimate knowledge of the company’s culture and growth trajectory, making her return as Chairperson a significant homecoming.
Following her tenure at NBL, Ms. Lumonya served as Head of Marketing and Communications at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and later as Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, where she led one of the country’s most impactful child welfare organisations. Across her career, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead complex institutions, drive strategic transformation, and deliver measurable impact.
Board Leadership and Corporate Governance
Ms. Lumonya brings extensive governance experience to the Board. She has served as Chairperson of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and as a board member of the League of East African Directors.
She previously chaired FINCA Uganda and has served on the boards of UAP-Old Mutual, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, DFCU Women in Business, UWESO, Uganda Tourism Board, and Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN).
She has also represented Africa on the Board of SOS Children’s Villages International.
In the aviation sector, she serves as Chairperson of Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA) under AFCAC, where she champions gender inclusion and youth participation across Africa’s aviation industry.
Awards and Recognition
Ms. Lumonya’s leadership has earned continental and global recognition. In January 2025, she received the Diamond Jubilee Medal from His Excellency the President of Uganda for distinguished national service.
In November 2025, she was named among the Top 100 Women in Africa at the Africa Women Awards held in Kigali, Rwanda.
She has also received the Africa Woman Leaders Award 2022 (Corporate) and the Global Female Leadership Impact Award at the Global Power Women Yearbook 2024 event in New York.
Education and Professional Credentials
Ms. Lumonya holds an MBA from ESAMI and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Makerere University. She is an Africa Board Fellow (ABF), a Chartered Marketer (UK), and a Certified Balanced Scorecard Champion (USA).
South Africa’s capital is moving north-east, and East Africa is increasingly the preferred landing stripShe has also undertaken executive education at the London Business School in Markets Driving Forces, a programme designed for senior leaders navigating transformational market change.
“I am deeply honoured to assume the Chairpersonship of Nile Breweries Limited, a company where I began my corporate journey over two decades ago and which holds a very special place in my professional life,” Ms. Lumonya said.
“I am committed to providing strategic leadership that honours the legacy of our late Chairman, Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit, while positioning NBL for continued growth and impact in Uganda’s economy,” she added.
New Board Members
Jose Moran — AB InBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President
Mr. Jose Moran oversees AB InBev operations across six countries in Southeast Africa.
With over 15 years’ experience in manufacturing and the beverage sector, he previously served as Managing Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited (2021–2024), where the company won overall winner and Best Beverages–Alcoholic Drinks at the 17th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards.
Prior to that, he was Country Director of Zambian Breweries (2017–2021), leading production expansion and investment.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidad Federico Santa Maria de Chile.
Nkanyiso Mncwabe — Managing Director, Nile Breweries Limited
Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe assumed office as Managing Director on January 1, 2026.
He brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience from South African Breweries (SAB), most recently serving as Regional Commercial Director.
His career includes leadership roles in Lesotho and Eswatini. He holds a Master’s in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa and is advancing his executive development at Hult Ashridge International Business School.
Emmanuel Njuki — Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs & Board Director
Mr. Emmanuel Njuki brings over 20 years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and strategic communications.
As Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at NBL, he serves as the company’s principal liaison with government and regulators.
He chairs the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association and has played a central role in shaping excise tax policy and industry regulation. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nile Breweries Provident Fund.
Tribute to the Late Chairman
The Board and management of Nile Breweries Limited paid tribute to the late Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit, who served with distinction as Board Chairman until his passing in September 2024.
A respected media personality and corporate leader, Mr. Ekomoloit’s legacy of integrity, strategic vision, and commitment to national development continues to inspire the company.
Board Continuity
Ms. Eunice Muheirwe continues her service as Finance Director and Board member, ensuring financial oversight continuity as NBL enters this new phase of governance.
