KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda is mourning the passing of former Minister of Works and Transport, Monica Azuba Ntege, with tributes pouring in from across the political and academic community following her death, announced on April 21, 2026.
Azuba, an engineer and senior public servant who previously served in the Cabinet between 2016 and 2019, is being remembered as a trailblazing leader who contributed significantly to Uganda’s infrastructure and transport sector.
Her death was confirmed in multiple reports, with officials describing her as a dedicated professional who rose through engineering and public service ranks to become one of the country’s key infrastructure policymakers.
Byanyima: “She Gave Me Strength”
Among those who paid tribute was UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, who shared a personal reflection on their early years at Makerere University.
Byanyima recalled their time in the Faculty of Technology at Makerere University, describing Azuba as a senior student who inspired confidence and belonging among younger peers.
“We were just eight girls in the entire Faculty of Technology. I was a timid fresher; you were a confident third-year student. You gave me strength and a sense that we belonged,” Byanyima said in her tribute.
She added that Azuba’s legacy would continue to live on through the many lives she touched, extending condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Career and Legacy
Azuba built a distinguished career in engineering and public administration. She held senior positions in the transport sector before being appointed Minister of Works and Transport, where she oversaw key infrastructure and aviation initiatives, including efforts linked to Uganda’s national airline revival programme.
Born in Uganda and trained as a civil engineer at Makerere University, she represented a generation of women who broke barriers in science, engineering, and government leadership.
National Mourning
Following news of her passing, leaders across government and civil society have described her as a disciplined, hardworking, and principled public servant whose contribution to Uganda’s development will be remembered.
Her death has also prompted renewed reflection on the role of women pioneers in engineering and governance, particularly those who studied at Makerere during earlier decades when female representation in technical fields was extremely low.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in consultation with government officials.
