Proscovia Nabbanja stands at the forefront of Uganda’s evolving energy landscape, playing a central role in shaping the country’s transition from oil discovery to production. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company, she has emerged as one of Africa’s most influential voices in state led energy development, combining technical expertise with disciplined corporate leadership.
Nabbanja was appointed CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company in 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing Uganda’s commercial interests in the petroleum sector. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for gender inclusion in Africa’s energy industry, a space traditionally dominated by men, while also signaling confidence in her long-standing experience within the sector.
Read Also: Stephen Akintayo Advancing Entrepreneurship and Real Estate Thinking Across Africa
With a professional background spanning engineering, project management, and corporate leadership, Nabbanja has been deeply involved in Uganda’s oil and gas journey for over a decade. Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Managing Director of Uganda National Oil Company, where she was instrumental in advancing key partnerships, governance structures, and commercial frameworks critical to the country’s petroleum ambitions.
Under her leadership, the Uganda National Oil Company has strengthened its role in major national projects including upstream developments in the Albertine Graben and midstream infrastructure initiatives designed to support Uganda’s entry into oil production. According to government and industry disclosures, the company plays a strategic role in joint ventures and national participation agreements that underpin Uganda’s energy security and economic diversification goals.
Nabbanja’s leadership style is defined by a focus on accountability, local capacity building, and long term national value. She has consistently emphasised the importance of developing Ugandan expertise within the oil and gas value chain, ensuring that local professionals and businesses benefit meaningfully from the sector’s growth. Her advocacy aligns with broader national policies aimed at sustainable resource management and inclusive economic development.
Her work has attracted recognition across policy and industry circles, positioning her as a key contributor to conversations on Africa’s energy future, governance, and women’s leadership. She is frequently referenced in regional and international forums addressing responsible resource development and public sector participation in energy markets.
At a time when Africa’s energy choices are under global scrutiny, Proscovia Nabbanja represents a new generation of African leaders navigating complexity with clarity and purpose. Through steady leadership and strategic execution, she continues to influence how natural resources are managed in service of national development and long-term prosperity.
