KAMPALA – Public Opinions International has recognized three prominent Ugandans with the Responsible Investment Global Certification Awards.
Hon Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development was recognized by Public Opinions as the Best Performing Minister (2023),
Eng Ziria Tibalwa, the CEO Electricity Regulatory Authority was voted the Best Performing Public Servant in Uganda, and
City Lawyer Edwin Karugire was recognized by Public Opinions with the Responsible Investment Global Certification Award as the Best Energy and Oil Law Lawyer in Uganda
Public Opinions International is commended for promoting responsible investment in Uganda and Africa and working towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the world through public awareness, Information Dissemination, Training and mentorship, and Awarding best-performing Leaders and Organizations.
President Yoweri Museveni was previously recognized with the Responsible Investment Global Certification Award as the Uganda Peace and Development Champion in appreciation of his contribution towards the attainment of total peace and stability in all parts of Uganda.
About the awardees
Hon Ruth Nankabirwa
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development since June 2021. Before being appointed as Minister of Energy she served in various cabinet level position within the Ugandan government including Chief Government Whip (2015-2021), State Minister for Fisheries (2011-2015), State Minister for Microfinance (2009-2011), State Minister for Defense (2001-2009). Ms. Nankabirwa started her political career as part of the Ugandan Constituent Assembly in 1994. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art and a Master of Arts in Conflict Studies from Makerere University.
Edwin Karugire
Edwin Karugire is a founding partner of the firm and heads the firm’s vibrant transactions department. Edwin has over 20 years’ experience in both international and domestic corporate and commercial practice. He has acted for clients in all aspects of corporate law, including but not limited to Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Banking & Finance, Technology, Media & Telecommunication, Private Equity, Energy, Taxation, PPPs and Insolvency.
Edwin has successfully structured, negotiated and executed some of the most complex commercial transactions in the industry. He has led the K&K transactions team in some of the biggest telecommunication acquisitions in Uganda and has also handled several notable cross border Joint Venture transactions in the Technology, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, Media, Security Printing, Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors. Edwin possesses an in-depth knowledge of the TMT sector and has been retained as lead counsel by some of the biggest telecom operators as well as the industry regulator in Uganda.
Edwin draws on his knowledge and experience of the domestic and regional business markets to offer regional and international investors clear advice for setting up and sustaining business in Uganda. Besides his work, Edwin enjoys music, farming and community service.
He has legal expertise in: Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate and Commercial Transactions, Technology, Media & Telecommunication, Dispute Resolution, Energy, Property Law & Conveyancing.
He has a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the University of London (Queen Mary and University College London), Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – Law Development Centre Kampala and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Honours) Degree – Makerere University Kampala.
Eng Ziria Tibalwa Waako
Eng. Waako is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, a position she assumed on 23rd March 2017. Her position involves providing strategic direction to the ERA Secretariat to ensure that the organization effectively delivers on its mandate efficiently.
She possesses over 30 years of work experience in and vast knowledge of Uganda’s Electricity sub-Sector, 15 of which have been at Senior Management Level. She holds a MSc. and BSc. Electrical Engineering, both from Makerere University, and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Walden University, USA.
Eng. Waako is a Registered Engineer with the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers and the National Engineers Registration Board; as well as a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) of New York, United States of America. She was awarded the Excellent Performance Engineers Award by the National Engineers Registration Board at its 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2019. During Eng. Waako’s tenure as Chief Executive, ERA has had various National and International Recognitions and Awards. She has transformed Electricity Regulatory Authority into the most admirable and visible public entity in Uganda.
The Responsible Investment Global Certification Award is offered to best Performing Leaders,Companies and Organisations that have made tremendous contributions towards attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-Buyinza Adam Luzindana Team Leader of Public Opinions stated.
