Uganda’s oil and gas sector is not just about drilling and refining—it is a story of knowledge, strategy, and specialization. The diversity in academic backgrounds, from geology and engineering to law and finance, highlights the multifaceted nature of the industry.
The continuous investment in education, specialized training, and international exposure ensures that Uganda is equipped with the right skills to navigate the complexities of the global petroleum market. As the country edges closer to commercial oil production, it is evident that a well-educated and internationally exposed leadership is steering Uganda’s petroleum industry towards a promising and sustainable future.
A Strong Ugandan Foundation
The backbone of Uganda’s oil leadership is built on a strong foundation of homegrown talent. Makerere University, the country’s premier institution, has produced many of the top officials in the sector. Notable alumni include Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, who studied Fine Art and later pursued a Master’s degree in Conflict Studies, and Phiona Nyamutoro, the State Minister for Minerals, who earned a first-class degree in Luganda and Sociology before advancing to a Master’s in Public Administration.
Makerere’s influence extends to executives such as Dr. Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas, who studied Geology and Chemistry, and Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), who obtained her Bachelor’s in Geology and Chemistry before advancing to a Master’s in Petroleum Geoscience at Imperial College London. Many other key figures in Uganda’s oil and gas landscape also hold qualifications from Makerere, reinforcing its status as the breeding ground for national leaders across various fields.
Beyond producing graduates, Makerere University has also been a hub for research in petroleum and energy sciences, offering specialized courses to equip students with the technical know-how required in the growing industry. The university’s collaborations with oil companies Total Energies and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), and other global institutions has continued to further enhance its reputation, creating opportunities for Ugandan scholars to engage in international knowledge exchange.
The Global Classroom
Beyond Uganda, many of the sector’s key players have sharpened their expertise in some of the world’s top institutions. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), pursued a Master’s in Petroleum Reservoir Geology at Imperial College London, while Ms. Irene Pauline Batebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, attended the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Manchester, and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, where she specialized in Chemical and Process Engineering, Refinery Design, and Sustainable Energy Engineering.
Similarly, Dr. Micheal Mugerwa, General Manager of Uganda Refinery Holding Company, holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester, bringing over 32 years of experience to the table. Mr. Liu Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda, boasts a PhD in Petroleum System Engineering from the University of Regina, Canada, coupled with degrees from South West Petroleum Institute in China, Phillipe Grouiex, the man behind Total Energies drilling operations in Uganda holds a Master of Science Degree in Electronics from ENSEEIHT- Higher Education Institute (France).
These leaders’ global academic experiences provide Uganda with an invaluable wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that its oil industry remains competitive on the international stage.
Business Acumen and Legal Minds
While many of the sector’s leaders have strong engineering and geosciences’ backgrounds, business and law also play a significant role in shaping Uganda’s petroleum industry.
Adrian Bukenya, a board member of PAU, holds an MBA in Finance and Economics from Oxford University, while Tom Ayebare Rukundo, Manager of Economic and Financial Analysis at PAU, graduated with distinction in Oil and Gas Economics from the University of Dundee, UK. Their financial expertise ensures that Uganda’s oil and gas investments remain sustainable and yield long-term economic benefits for the country.
Legal expertise is also crucial, with executives like Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at PAU, holding a Master’s in Petroleum Taxation and Finance from the University of Dundee. Similarly, Samantha Muhwezi Kassami, Chief Operating Officer of UNOC, earned her law degree from the London School of Economics (LSE) before completing her Master of Laws at BPP University London. These legal experts are instrumental in contract negotiations, policy formulation, and regulatory frameworks that govern the sector.
The Engineers and Technical Minds
Engineering remains a dominant discipline among the country’s top oil executives. Mr. John Bosco Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), holds a Master’s in Pipeline Engineering from Newcastle University, while Dr. Simon Echegu, a board member of UNOC and a lecturer at Makerere University, earned a PhD in Geology (Petroleum Geochemistry) from the University of Houston.
Anastacia Tshesane to become PwC SA CEOLikewise, Eng. Herbert Magyezi Mugizi, a Principal Petroleum Engineer in the Ministry of Energy, studied Mechanical Engineering at Makerere before obtaining a Master’s in Reservoir Evaluation and Management from Heriot-Watt University and another Master’s in Energy, Trade, and Finance from City University of London. The technical acumen possessed by these engineers ensures that Uganda’s oil projects operate at international standards, minimizing environmental risks and maximizing production efficiency.
Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, the PAU Director of Environment Health and Safety kicked off his career as a civil and environmental engineer in early 2000 as a graduate engineer and worked as a project engineer on several infrastructure projects and as a town Engineer before joining the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in 2004.
Prior to his current appointment, he was head of the Health, Safety and Environment Unit at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a Master’s in Environmental and Resource Engineering from the University of Nottingham, UK. He is a member of the Society of Environmental Engineers, UK.
Mr Irumba Clovice Bright PAU’s Exploration Director is a Petroleum Geoscientist with specialized training and practical knowledge in Petroleum Law and Policy with 20 years of working experience in the oil and gas industry, a career that started at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda.
Gilbert Kamuntu, the UNOC Chief Commercial Officer holds a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from Nottingham University, a Master’s (Distinction) in Energy Studies specializing in Energy Finance from Dundee University and an MBA (Merit) from the University of British Columbia.
His Master’s thesis focused on the weaknesses of crude oil benchmarks in financial derivatives. He has also completed several courses in project and infrastructure finance, corporate strategy and leadership at Manchester Business School and London Business School.
Specialized Training and Continuous Learning
The oil and gas industry is highly dynamic, requiring professionals to continuously upgrade their skills. Uganda has embraced specialized training programs at institutions such as the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK), which provides vocational training tailored to meet industry demands. Additionally, many professionals have attended international training workshops and certification programs, further enhancing their competencies.
For instance, Bernard Ongodia, Principal of UPIK, has led the institution in offering specialized training in upstream and downstream operations, positioning Ugandans for employment in the sector. International certifications from institutions like Petrad-Norway, the University of Texas at Austin, and Heriot-Watt University have also been obtained by Ugandan professionals to enhance their technical skills.
Women in Leadership: Rising to the Occasion
Another noteworthy trend in Uganda’s oil and gas sector is the increasing presence of women in leadership roles. Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, Ms. Irene Batebe, Ms. Lynda Biribonwa, and Ms. Peninah Aheebwa are just a few examples of female executives making significant strides in the industry. Their roles in UNOC, the Ministry of Energy, and PAU demonstrate that gender inclusivity in the sector is on the rise, contributing to a more diverse and balanced leadership landscape.
Peninah Aheebwa, Director of Economic and National Content Monitoring, holds a Master of Science degree in Energy Studies specialising in Oil and Gas Economics from the University of Dundee, UK.
With academia, policy, and industry working hand in hand, Uganda’s oil sector is poised for a future of economic transformation and energy self-sufficiency, led by a well-trained, knowledgeable, and determined workforce.
Click the link below to read the full list of Uganda’s Oil and Gas Titans.
