PETROLEUM HOUSE ENTEBBE, 10th JUNE 2026: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development MEMD) officially marked a leadership transition at Petroleum House, Entebbe, as Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza assumed the role of Minister, succeeding Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu.
The transition unfolded in a two-part ceremony, beginning with a top management meeting attended by the PS Eng. Irene Bateebe, Ministers of State Hon. Okaasai Sidronius Opolot and Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, as well as chairpersons, CEOs of sector agencies, and heads of department.
The successes registered in the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors are a result of teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to national development,” She said
The formal handover reflected on the sector’s achievements under Hon. Nankabirwa, who highlighted milestones including the commissioning of the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, expanded electricity access, progress towards Uganda’s First Oil, and growth in mineral value addition. In their remarks, Hon. Okaasai and Hon. Nyamutoro welcomed Dr. Musenero to the energy and mineral development docket and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s agenda of expanding access to energy, strengthening mineral development, and advancing Uganda’s petroleum ambitions.
Eng. Bateebe commended Hon. Nankabirwa for her dedicated leadership during a transformative period for the sector.
She noted that the Ministry had registered major milestones under her stewardship, including the commissioning of the600 MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, expansion of electricity access, progress toward First Oil, implementation of petroleum infrastructure projects, promotion of clean cooking solutions and renewed efforts to attract investment in mining.
“Your guidance and unwavering support to the technical teams have been instrumental in helping the Ministry achieve key milestones. We are grateful for your service and the strong foundation you leave behind,”
Eng. Bateebe said.
In her farewell remarks, Hon. Nankabirwa thanked Ministry staff for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment throughout her five• year tenure. She said the progress recorded across the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors reflected collective effort and a shared dedication to national development. “I leave this Ministry proud of what we have achieved together.
The successes registered in the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors are a result of teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to national development,” she said.
The incoming Minister, Dr. Musenero thanked the Ministry team for the warm reception and pledged to build on the achievements already made.
She emphasized the importance of innovation, science, and technology in accelerating growth across the energy and mineral sectors, noting that Uganda’s natural resources must contribute meaningfully to industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development
“Iam delighted to join this ministry at such an important stage in Uganda’s development journey. I look forward to working closely with all of you to build on the achievements already made and to deliver results that improve the lives of Ugandans,” Dr. Musenero said.
Staff representatives paid tribute to Hon. Nankabirwa for her accessibility, commitment, and support while expressing confidence in Dr. Musenero’s leadership. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift to the outgoing minister and a pledge of support to the new minister.
The handover underscored continuity at MEMD as Uganda pushes forward with energy security, petroleum development, mineral value addition, and a cleaner, more inclusive energy future.
