Makerere University Business School (MUBS) proudly celebrates Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, Chairperson of the MUBS Council and Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), who has been named among the Top 100 Women in Africa at the Africa Women Awards held in Kigali, Rwanda, on 7 November 2025.
Honoured in the Leadership Category, Ms Lumonya was recognized for her integrity, impact, and transformational influence across diverse sectors. Her leadership journey spans more than three decades, from early roles in school leadership to senior executive positions in both public and private institutions, and continues to inspire a new generation of African women.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms Lumonya expressed deep gratitude to God for His favour and blessings and dedicated the award to her granddaughter, Ayana. She further thanked her mentors, family, husband Sam, children, siblings, and friends for their unwavering support throughout her professional journey.
“This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me. Let’s continue to mentor and lift other girls,” she said.
Beyond receiving the award, Ms Lumonya delivered the keynote address at the ceremony under the theme “Empowering Heritage, Elevating Futures: Uniting African Women for Sustainable Progress.” She emphasised unity, intergenerational mentorship, and the preservation of African heritage as the foundation for sustainable transformation, calling on women leaders to use their platforms to inspire, innovate, and empower others to create lasting impact in their communities.
A distinguished and visionary leader, Ms Lumonya serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Africa Women in Aviation Association (AWAA). She has led SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, supporting more than 10,000 children, previously headed Marketing at NSSF Uganda, and in 2023 launched the Women Mentorship Programme. She continues to serve on several influential boards, championing ethical leadership, education, and opportunities for women and young people.
“This recognition is not mine alone it belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me. Let’s continue to mentor and lift other girls,” – Ms. Lumonya.
Her advocacy for women’s empowerment dates back to her participation in the 1995 Beijing World Women’s Conference, which laid the foundation for her enduring work in leadership and gender equity. Her recognition among Africa’s Top 100 Women is both a personal milestone and a continental acknowledgment of her visionary leadership and a source of great pride to the MUBS community she leads as Council Chairperson.