The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMO) welcomed Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza as the new Minister for Energy and Mineral Development on the 10th of June 2026.
A distinguished scientist, innovator, public health expert, and national leader, Dr. Musenero brings to the Ministry a unique blend of scientific excellence, strategic thinking, and public service.
She assumes office at a pivotal moment as Uganda advances toward First oil A distinguished scientist, innovator, public health expert, and national leader, Dr. Musenero brings to the Ministry a unique blend of scientific excellence, strategic thinking, and public service. production, expands access to electricity, accelerates mineral development, and positions energy and extractives as key drivers of industrialization and economic transformation. Widely recognized for her leadership in science, technology and innovation, Dr. Musenero previously served as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, where she championed research led development, local manufacturing, technology commercialization, and innovation ecosystems.
Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for the use of science, technology and innovation (STI) as catalysts for national transformation, job creation, and wealth generation.
Before joining Cabinet, Dr. Musenero built an impressive international reputation as a veterinarian, microbiologist, epidemiologist, and public health specialist.
She played leading roles in Uganda’s response to Ebola outbreaks and provided technical support to epidemic response efforts in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a senior advisor to H.E. the President, helping shape Uganda’s response strategy.
During her assumption of office on 10 June 2026, Dr. Musenero paid tribute to the achievements of the Ministry and its predecessors, noting that Uganda had successfully expanded electricity generation from a Few hundred megawatts to more than 2,000 MW, advanced petroleum development to the threshold of first oil, and significantly improved geological mapping and mineral resource management.
While acknowledging these achievements, she challenged the sector to Focus on the next phase of Uganda’s
In her maiden address to staff and stakeholders, she introduced three strategic questions that will guide her leadership:
Where is the money? Are Uganda’s energy and mineral resources generating maximum value for the economy and citizens
Where are the industries? Are energy and mineral investments supporting Uganda’s industrialization agenda and creating jobs?
Where is the energy? How can the country stay ahead of growing demand while ensuring the right energy solutions are deployed for the right purposes?
Dr. Musenero emphasized that energy and minerals are not merely resources but for economic transformation. “Energy is the power that drives industry; minerals are the materials that industry runs on,” she observed, describing MEMD as “the engine For Uganda’s industrial Future.”
She also reaffirmed her commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and collaboration with the Ministry’s technical staff, agencies, private sector partners, and development partners.
Noting that Uganda’s sector is entering a new phase of growth, she called upon staff and stakeholders to embrace innovation and change as the sector pursues new milestones.
As MEMD welcomes Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the Ministry looks Forward to benefiting from her visionary leadership, scientific mindset, and unwavering commitment to national development.
Her appointment signals an exciting new chapter as the sector continues to power Uganda’s transformation and create lasting prosperity for generations to come.
