Deputy DG Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Appointed Nile Breweries Board Chairperson

NATIONAL

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), Uganda’s leading beer manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Ms. Lumonya assumes the position following the untimely passing of Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit in September 2024.

The company also announces the full reconstitution of its Board of Directors with the addition of three new members: Mr. Jose Moran, ABInBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President; Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited; and Mr. Emmanuel Njuki, Nile Breweries Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs. Together with Ms. Eunice Muheirwe, Finance Director, the Board is now fully constituted to provide strategic oversight and governance for Uganda’s premier brewing company.

OLIVE BIRUNGI LUMONYA – BOARD CHAIRPERSON

Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya brings over 25 years of transformational leadership experience across the private, public, and NGO sectors. She currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where she is the first woman to hold this position — a milestone that reflects her pioneering spirit and exceptional professional standing.

Olive Birungi Lumonya

Ms. Lumonya’s connection to Nile Breweries runs deep. She was the company’s first Brand Manager and among the first brand marketing professionals in Uganda — a distinction that speaks to her early recognition of marketing as a strategic discipline. During her decade-long tenure at NBL, she played a pivotal role in building and growing some of Uganda’s most iconic beer brands, including Nile Special and Club Pilsner, which remain market leaders to this day. Her formative years at NBL give her an intimate understanding of the company’s culture, values, and growth trajectory — making her appointment as Chairperson a deeply meaningful homecoming.

Following her distinguished service at NBL, Ms. Lumonya went on to serve as Head of Marketing and Communications at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and as Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, where she led one of the country’s most impactful child welfare organisations. Across these roles, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead complex institutions, drive strategic change, and deliver measurable impact

Board Leadership & Corporate Governance

Ms. Lumonya brings exceptional governance experience to the NBL Board. She has served as Chairperson of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), one of the leading business schools in the East African region, and as a board member of the League of East African Directors — reflecting her standing among the continent’s most respected corporate governance practitioners. She also served as Chairperson of FINCA Uganda and has served on the boards of UAP-Old Mutual, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, DFCU Women in Business, Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO), Uganda Tourism Board, and Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN). She has additionally represented Africa on the Board of SOS Children’s Villages International.

In the aviation sector, Ms. Lumonya serves as Chairperson of Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA) under AFCAC — a platform she uses to champion gender inclusion and youth participation in Africa’s aviation industry.

Awards & Recognition

Ms. Lumonya’s contributions have been recognised at the highest levels. In January 2025, she was honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Medal by His Excellency the President of Uganda in recognition of her distinguished service and contribution to the nation. In November 2025, she was recognised among the Top 100 Women in Africa at the Africa Women Awards 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda — one of the continent’s most prestigious honours for women in leadership. She has also received the Africa Woman Leaders Award 2022 (Corporate) from the World Women Leadership Congress and Awards in Mauritius, and the Global Female Leadership Impact Award at the Global Power Women Yearbook 2024 event in New York.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Ms. Lumonya holds an MBA from ESAMI, a BA in Mass Communication from Makerere University, and an Africa Board Fellowship (ABF) demonstrating her expertise in corporate governance. She is a Chartered Marketer (UK), a Certified Balanced Scorecard Champion (USA), and has undertaken executive education at the London Business School in Markets Driving Forces — a programme designed for senior leaders navigating transformational market change.

“I am deeply honoured to assume the Chairpersonship of Nile Breweries Limited, a company where I began my corporate journey over two decades ago and which holds a very special place in my professional life,” said Ms. Lumonya. “I am committed to providing strategic leadership that honours the legacy of our late Chairman, Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit, while positioning NBL for continued growth and impact in Uganda’s economy. I look forward to working with our exceptional management team and board colleagues to realise the full potential of this great company.”

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Jose Moran – ABInBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President

Mr. Jose Moran serves as (Business Unit) President Southeast Africa at AB InBev, overseeing operations across six countries in the region. A seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing and beverage sector, Mr. Moran’s track record in Africa is exceptional. During his tenure as Managing Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited (2021–2024), the company was awarded two prestigious accolades as overall winner and Best Beverages–Alcoholic Drinks at the 17th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards.