Kampala, Uganda: Uganda is mourning the passing of Monica Azuba Ntege, a civil engineer-turned-politician whose career spanned nearly five decades in public service, infrastructure development, and corporate leadership.
Azuba, who died on April 21, 2026, in Kampala at the age of 72, leaves behind a legacy shaped by technical expertise, administrative discipline, and a quiet but firm approach to leadership.
Born 1954 in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region, Azuba’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. She studied at Gayaza High School before joining Makerere University in 1974, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, at a time when few women pursued careers in engineering.
Her entry into the workforce coincided with a period of national transition, where technical professionals were critical to rebuilding Uganda’s infrastructure and institutions.
Azuba began her professional career at Uganda Commercial Bank, later transitioning to Stanbic Bank Uganda following its acquisition by Standard Bank Group.
At Stanbic, she rose to the position of Facilities Manager, overseeing major infrastructure and property management operations, an experience that would later define her effectiveness in public office.
Her leadership credentials were further strengthened when she joined the board of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in 2014, placing her at the centre of national infrastructure planning.
At the Helm of Works and Transport
In 2016, President Museveni appointed Azuba as Minister of Works and Transport, thrusting her into one of the most critical portfolios in government.
Her tenure (2016–2019) coincided with a period of intensified investment in road networks, transport systems, and national connectivity.
One of her earliest and most significant assignments was overseeing the revival of Uganda Airlines, a strategic move aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
Working with agencies such as the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and Uganda Development Corporation, Azuba chaired multi-sectoral discussions that laid the groundwork for the airline’s relaunch in 2019.
Azuba’s time in office was not without controversy. In 2018, she ordered investigations into allegations that officials had misappropriated part of a $2 million performance bond linked to a vehicle inspection contract.
Her stance on accountability highlighted her willingness to confront governance challenges within the ministry, even as debates over procurement and project execution intensified.
Beyond Politics: A Life of Passion and Discipline
Outside her professional life, Azuba was a passionate golfer and a respected figure in Uganda’s sporting circles. She competed in national and regional tournaments and served as a regional trustee of the All Africa Challenge Trophy in ladies’ golf.
Those who knew her often described her as disciplined, measured, and deeply committed to service—qualities that defined both her corporate and political careers.
Azuba’s death comes at a time when Uganda continues to expand its infrastructure footprint, with many of the projects initiated or shaped during her tenure still influencing the country’s development trajectory.
From engineering to banking, and ultimately to Cabinet, her journey reflected a generation of technocrats who transitioned into public leadership to shape national policy and development.
Azuba is survived by her children and extended family, following the passing of her husband, Mark Kawesa Ntege, in 2025.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
