Hon. Eng. Dr. Irene Nafuna Muloni: A Transformational Leader Fulfilling Her Motto of “Better Life”

Hon. Eng. Dr. Irene Nafuna Muloni stands tall as a beacon of visionary leadership, dedication, and service to the people of Bulambuli District and Uganda at large. With a professional background in electrical engineering and over three decades of service in the energy sector, Dr. Muloni has combined her technical expertise with a deeply rooted passion for public service to uplift communities, especially in the Bugisu subregion. Her motto—“Better Life”—is not just a slogan but a lived experience for the thousands of lives she has impacted through her unwavering commitment to servant leadership.

Trailblazing Career and Leadership Roles 

Dr. Irene Muloni currently serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District (2021–2026). Before this, she served as Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development from 2011 to 2020, where she was instrumental in expanding rural electrification and advocating for sustainable energy development. In recognition of her exceptional service, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed her Senior Presidential Advisor in 2020.

With a stellar civil service career that started in 1991, she rose through the ranks to become Managing Director of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). In 2011, she transitioned into active politics and has since become a key figure in Uganda’s development agenda, championing policies that empower communities economically, socially, and infrastructurally.

Transformative Achievements Across Key Sectors

1. Governance and Representation

Upon being elected in 2011, Hon. Muloni established a district office in Bulambuli, officially opened by President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni. This office continues to function as a hub for citizen engagement and service delivery. 

2. Energy and Infrastructure

Extension of Power: She spearheaded rural electrification in Bulambuli, ensuring connectivity in numerous sub-counties, with ongoing plans to reach unconnected areas. 

Muyembe/Mbigi Hydro Power Dam: She lobbied for this hydro project to boost local revenue, create jobs, stimulate investment, and promote tourism.

3. Education and Youth Empowerment

State House and Other Scholarships: Secured 4 State House scholarships and over 260 bursaries for students pursuing various disciplines.

School Infrastructure: Lobbied for new classroom blocks at multiple schools and facilitated the elevation of several secondary schools to A-Level status.

Scholastic Donations: Donated 1,800 school bags, past papers books, and solar lighting systems to support learning.

Sports Development: Provided sports equipment and facilitated tournaments to nurture youth talent.

4. Agriculture and Food Security

Irrigation Support: Donated solar-powered pump generators worth UGX 90 million to youth farmer groups.

Poultry Project: Distributed 4,000 kuroiler birds to parish-level women groups.

Farmers’ Study Tours: Organized training for 200 farmers in Rwakitura and Masaka to promote commercial agriculture.

Tractors and Tools: Delivered 3 tractors, 6,000 hoes, and over 780,000 coffee seedlings to farmers.

Support to BCU & Buginyanya Research:

Played a central role in securing UGX 13 billion for BCU and $250,000 for Irish potato research.

5. Wealth Creation and Women Empowerment

Piggery and Maize Milling Projects: Established piggery breeding units and set up 5 maize mills to add value to agricultural produce.

Youth and Women Support: Donated 20 motorcycles, 17 tailoring machines, and financial support to various groups including the PWDs and Tax Drivers Association.

Diary Heifers and Start-Up Capital: Secured heifers for NRM flagbearers and provided support to religious, cultural, and development groups.

6. Health and Wellbeing

Ambulances and Drug Supplies: Delivered 2 ambulances, solar systems for health centers, and UGX 172 million worth of anti-malaria drugs.

Infrastructure: Oversaw upgrades to Muyembe Health Centre IV and construction of several HC IIIs and IVs, with support from the Health Committee.

Medical Equipment: Distributed hospital beds and organized health camps serving over 700 residents.

7. Roads and Transport

Bicycles for Local Leaders: Facilitated distribution of 1,600 bicycles to LCI and LCII chairpersons.

Road Equipment and Upgrades: Lobbied for road construction equipment and the tarmacking of key roads including Simu Corner–Buginyanya–Masira–Bulago.

Link Bridge Construction: Advocated for the Muyembe–Bukhalu Bridge to improve connectivity and trade.

8. Water and Sanitation

6 Billion Shilling Water Project: Secured and completed a district-wide water project headquartered in Bulegeni TC.

Motorized Boreholes: Facilitated installation at Bungwanyi Primary School and Mosque, and Buyaga Primary School.

9. ICT and Communication

Telecommunication Masts: Lobbied for and secured network masts to resolve connectivity issues in Upper Bulambuli.

10. Environment and Disaster Response

Tree Planting and Relief Aid: Distributed 180,000 tree seedlings and provided humanitarian aid to flood and landslide victims.

Resettlement Projects: Advocated for resettlement of displaced persons, resulting in government purchasing land in Bunambutye for housing.

11. Culture, Religion, and Social Support

Cultural Promotion: Supported the Imbalu cultural ceremony, hosted by Bulambuli and graced by President Museveni with a contribution of UGX 100 million.

Religious and Community Support: Funded churches, mosques, and contributed to the 65th anniversary of Tunyi Catholic Mission.

Support for National Events and Families:

Donated during national celebrations and supported families in times of need—funerals, sickness, weddings, and education. 

A Leader with Vision: Future Advocacy Priorities

Hon. Eng. Irene Muloni remains steadfast in advocating for:

Full resettlement of landslide victims.

Upgrading of Muyembe Health Centre IV into a hospital.

Construction of more primary and secondary schools.

Extension and upgrading of road infrastructure.

Acceleration of Parish Development Model (PDM) programs for income enhancement.

Fulfillment of presidential pledges to Bulambuli and the Bugisu subregion.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Hon. Eng. Dr. Irene Nafuna Muloni is not merely a political leader—she is a transformational agent, a community builder, and a national icon. Her accomplishments in governance, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and socio-economic development have brought tangible change to Bulambuli and Uganda. Her unwavering pursuit of her motto, “Better Life,” continues to inspire hope, opportunity, and dignity for the people she serves.

“Leadership is not about occupying a position; it’s about making a difference. I am here to ensure that every child, woman, youth, and elder in Bulambuli can look to the future with confidence and pride.” – Hon. Irene Muloni