Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), Uganda’s leading beer manufacturer, has officially announced the appointment of Olive Birungi Lumonya as Chairperson of its Board of Directors, following the passing of Francis Onapito Ekomoloit in September 2024.
Although Lumonya was appointed on 1st January 2026, the announcement was officially made on 13th February, 2026, marking a meaningful homecoming for her since she began her career at NBL as the company’s first Brand Manager, playing a key role in building iconic brands such as Nile Special and Club Pilsner.
Alongside Lumonya, NBL has reconstituted its Board with three new members; Jose Moran, AB InBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President; Nkanyiso Mncwabe, newly appointed Managing Director of NBL; and Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs.
Together with Eunice Muheirwe, Finance Director, the fully constituted Board is set to provide strategic oversight and governance for Uganda’s premier brewing company.
Lumonya brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning the private sector, government, and NGOs.
She currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where she is the first woman to hold the position.
Her earlier tenure at NBL, combined with leadership roles at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, showcases her capacity to drive strategic change and deliver measurable impact.
Lumonya has extensive governance experience, having served as Chairperson of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and FINCA Uganda, as well as a board member of UAP-Old Mutual, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, and other organizations.
She also chairs Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA) under AFCAC, promoting gender inclusion and youth participation in Africa’s aviation sector.
Her work has earned her high-profile recognition, including the Diamond Jubilee Medal from the President of Uganda in 2025, the Top 100 Women in Africa award at the 2025 Africa Women Awards, and the Global Female Leadership Impact Award in New York (2024).
She holds an MBA from ESAMI, a BA in Mass Communication from Makerere University, and has completed executive programmes at the London Business School. She is also a Chartered Marketer (UK) and Certified Balanced Scorecard Champion (USA).
During an interview Lumonya said she is proud to return to Nile Breweries Limited as Chairperson and is dedicated to leading the company in a way that respects the late Chairman’s legacy while driving growth and economic impact.
“I look forward to honoring our late Chairman’s legacy while guiding Nile Breweries to continued growth and new heights in Uganda’s economy,” Lumonya said.
Other new appointees like Moran brings over 15 years of leadership experience across AB InBev operations in Africa, having previously led Tanzania Breweries Limited and Zambian Breweries, earning multiple manufacturing awards. Among Lumonya’s fellow new appointees, Moran brings over 15 years of leadership experience across AB InBev operations in Africa, having previously led Tanzania Breweries Limited and Zambian Breweries, where he earned multiple manufacturing awards.
Mncwabe, appointed Managing Director, has 20 years of executive experience from South African Breweries, while Njuki brings 20 years of corporate governance, regulatory, and strategic communications expertise, including chairing the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association.
Meanwhile, Muheirwe continues her service as Finance Director and Board member, ensuring financial oversight continuity as NBL enters this new phase of governance.
With a fully reconstituted Board and a pioneering Chairperson leading the way, Nile Breweries is well-positioned to strengthen governance, drive sustainable growth, and continue delivering lasting impact across Uganda’s brewing industry.
