Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has been shortlisted for another esteemed Africa Continental Award.
Nabbanja, who also serves as the Kakumiro Woman Member of Parliament, has been nominated by the UK-based NGO, The African Leadership Organization, to compete alongside three other candidates for the African Female Leader of the Year 2024 award.
The African Leadership Organization, known for publishing the African Leadership Magazine, officially communicated her nomination through a letter dated December 4, 2024.
“On behalf of the board, the publisher, and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Organization, Dr. Ken Giami, we are delighted to formally inform you of your nomination for the African Female Leader of the Year, a category under the 14th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards 2024,” reads the letter in part.
Dr. Giami noted that Nabbanja was chosen by the board following consultations with a broad range of leaders, stakeholders, and supporters who eagerly responded to their nomination call.
She is set to compete against three other nominees: Antoinette Sayeh, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); Helen Oritsejafor, a Nigerian philanthropist and entrepreneur; and Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana.
Her nomination for African Female Leader of the Year recognizes her leadership as Uganda’s Prime Minister and her dedication to fostering the nation’s socio-economic progress and advancing critical national priorities.
“Under your stewardship as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Uganda has made remarkable progress towards achieving its Vision 2040 goals, with significant emphasis on public service reforms, gender equality, and economic empowerment,” the letter highlighted.
Dr. Giami also lauded Nabbanja’s proactive approach to tackling national challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has solidified her position as a pivotal figure in shaping Uganda’s political and economic landscape.
Additionally, her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable development underscores her suitability as a nominee for this prestigious honor.
The African Female Leader of the Year Award celebrates African women who have overcome societal barriers and influenced the continent positively, inspiring others to pursue excellence across various fields.
Path to Victory
To win this award, public online voting is currently underway and will conclude at midnight on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Ugandans can support Nabbanja by casting their votes through the link here. The winner will be announced and invited to the 14th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards ceremony to receive their accolade.
The event is scheduled for February 27–28, 2025, in Casablanca, Morocco, under the theme: “Inclusive Leadership for an Interconnected Africa: New Paradigms for Future Realities.”
Past recipients of this esteemed award include notable figures such as President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Sudanese philanthropist Mo Ibrahim, among others.
This event has become a renowned platform for recognizing leaders who embody people-centered leadership and those championing a Pan-African agenda.
Earlier this year, Nabbanja received the Global Women Leadership Award in New York, an annual honor presented by the UK-based Centre for Economic and Leadership Development.
As Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, Nabbanja has an extensive history of public service. She previously served as Minister of State for Health (General Duties) from December 2019 to June 2021, as a Parliamentary Commissioner from 2016 to 2019, and as a Resident District Commissioner in Busia, Budaka, and Pallisa Districts between 2001 and 2010.
Robinah Nabbanja holds a Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation from Nkumba University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Democracy and Development Studies, and a Diploma in Democracy and Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs’ University. She is currently pursuing her PhD studies.