Hon. Irene Nafuna Muloni: A Trailblazer in Power, Leadership, and National Service

Bulambuli District 

Hon. Irene Nafuna Muloni, Woman MP, Bulambuli District is a name synonymous with engineering excellence, political leadership, and public service in Uganda. Over the last three decades, she has distinguished herself as a transformational figure in the energy sector and a dedicated public servant, inspiring generations of women and engineers across Africa. Her professional journey is marked by technical expertise, bold leadership, and an unyielding commitment to Uganda’s development.

? Technical and Executive Leadership at UEDCL

Hon. Muloni’s career began in 1986 when she joined the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) as a Communications Engineer, during a period when the country’s power sector was in dire need of modernization and efficiency. She quickly stood out due to her technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.

Following the restructuring of the UEB in 2001—a move that split the utility into separate entities for generation, transmission, and distribution—Muloni transitioned to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). Here, her leadership trajectory reached a major milestone when she was appointed Managing Director in 2002, a position she held until 2011.

During her stewardship at UEDCL:

She successfully navigated the post-reform transition, helping to stabilize the power distribution segment after privatization.

Implemented strategies that reduced electricity distribution losses, improved infrastructure, and introduced more efficient systems.

Placed strong emphasis on customer service, making electricity access more reliable and user-friendly.

Expanded access to electricity in rural Uganda, aligning with the government’s vision of universal energy access.

Her work earned her several accolades, including:

Sarah Ntiiro Award – Honoring her role in women’s empowerment and leadership.

FAWE “Model of Excellence” Award – For her inspirational mentoring of young women.

Golden Jubilee Medal – Celebrating her national service contributions.

?️ Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (2011–2019)

In 2011, Hon. Muloni was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni to serve as Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, a position she held for eight influential years. Her tenure marked a golden era of investment, innovation, and strategic planning in Uganda’s energy sector.

Key achievements under her ministerial leadership included:

Spearheading Uganda’s major hydropower projects: She played a pivotal role in launching the Karuma Hydropower Project (600MW) and Isimba Hydropower Project (183MW)—both of which dramatically increased Uganda’s power generation capacity.

Laying the foundation for Uganda’s oil and gas sector: Muloni oversaw regulatory framework development, licensing rounds, and critical partnerships with global energy companies.

Venturing into nuclear energy: Under her guidance, Uganda signed cooperation agreements with global entities, including China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), to explore peaceful nuclear energy development.

Expanding rural electrification programs, with a goal of connecting every sub-county and town council to the national grid—an initiative that contributed immensely to rural development and poverty reduction.

Her leadership earned her a nomination for the Africa Utility Week Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), a testament to her outstanding impact on Africa’s power and utilities landscape.

? Senior Presidential Advisor & Political Leadership

Upon leaving cabinet in 2019, Hon. Muloni was appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Energy, Oil, and Gas, a strategic role that allowed her to continue shaping Uganda’s energy roadmap and advising on key infrastructure and regional energy cooperation projects.

In addition to her executive functions, Hon. Muloni has been an influential figure in national politics:

Served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District in the 9th Parliament (2011–2016), and was re-elected in 2021.

Advocated strongly for infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and electrification in her constituency and beyond.

Played a pivotal role in mobilizing communities, promoting women’s participation in politics, and mentoring the next generation of female leaders.

? Honors and Recognition

Hon. Irene Muloni’s leadership has been recognized both nationally and internationally. Her accolades reflect her trailblazing spirit and her contributions to socio-economic development:

Sarah Ntiiro Award (2003) – Recognizing exceptional leadership and gender equality advocacy.

FAWE Uganda “Model of Excellence” Award – For educational mentorship and inspiring women in STEM.

Golden Jubilee Medal – Awarded for her distinguished public service to Uganda.

Pearl of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) – For her socio-economic impact across sectors.

Africa Utility Week Nominee (2018) – Celebrating her role in shaping Africa’s energy future.

?‍? Legacy and Impact

Hon. Irene Nafuna Muloni’s legacy is one of pioneering progress. She has helped transform Uganda’s energy sector from a struggling system to a growing and dynamic industry. Her rare blend of technical expertise and policy-making acumen has left a lasting imprint on Uganda’s infrastructure and energy development.

As a female engineer in a male-dominated field, she broke barriers, inspired countless others, and proved that leadership thrives on vision, competence, and commitment. Whether in the boardroom of UEDCL, the Cabinet, Parliament, or as a presidential advisor, her contributions continue to power Uganda’s journey toward industrialization and inclusive development.

In Hon. Irene Nafuna Muloni, Uganda has not just had an energy expert or a politician—it has had a nation builder. Her life’s work reflects a deep passion for service, a mind sharpened by engineering logic, and a heart dedicated to empowering communities. Her name will forever be etched in Uganda’s story of transformation.