By Our Reporter

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has announced a new chapter in its governance structure with the appointment of Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Her appointment follows the passing of former Board Chairman Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit in September 2024.

The company has simultaneously confirmed the reconstitution of its Board, reinforcing its governance framework and strategic oversight capacity. The newly structured Board comprises Ms. Lumonya as Chairperson, Mr. Jose Moran, President of AB InBev Business Unit Southeast Africa, Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs, and Ms. Eunice Muheirwe, Finance Director.

Ms. Lumonya brings over two decades of executive leadership experience spanning corporate, public sector and non-profit institutions. Currently serving as Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, she has led complex organisations through strategic transformation and operational reform. Her appointment signals Nile Breweries’ commitment to experienced, forward-looking leadership at board level.

Her professional journey is closely linked to Nile Breweries. As the company’s first Brand Manager, she played a foundational role in shaping brand strategy and market positioning for products such as Nile Special and Club Pilsener, which remain dominant players in Uganda’s beer market. This institutional knowledge, combined with her extensive external leadership experience, positions her to guide the company through an evolving business landscape.

Beyond her executive roles, Ms. Lumonya has built a distinguished governance portfolio. She has previously chaired Makerere University Business School and FINCA Uganda, and served on several boards across financial services, aviation and development sectors. Her academic credentials include an MBA from ESAMI, a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University and an Africa Board Fellowship. She is also a Chartered Marketer (UK) and a Certified Balanced Scorecard Champion.

The reconstituted Board brings together regional and global expertise from within the AB InBev network. Mr. Jose Moran oversees AB InBev’s Southeast Africa operations across six markets and has held senior leadership positions in Tanzania and Zambia, where he drove operational performance and strategic expansion initiatives.

Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe, who assumed office as Managing Director of Nile Breweries on 1 January 2026, contributes over 20 years of leadership experience from South African Breweries. His background includes regional commercial leadership across Southern Africa, with a strong focus on growth acceleration, market execution and organisational capability building.

Mr. Emmanuel Njuki strengthens the Board’s governance and regulatory depth. With more than 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs, he leads legal, regulatory and stakeholder engagement functions at Nile Breweries. He also chairs the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association and the Board of Trustees of the Nile Breweries Provident Fund, underscoring his experience in policy advocacy and fiduciary oversight.

Ms. Eunice Muheirwe continues to serve on the Board as Finance Director, ensuring continuity in financial governance and strategic financial management during this transition period.

The company paid tribute to the late Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit, recognising his stewardship and contribution to strengthening corporate governance and advancing Uganda’s manufacturing sector. His leadership legacy remains integral to Nile Breweries’ strategic direction.

With a refreshed Board combining institutional memory, regional market expertise and strong governance credentials, Nile Breweries Limited is positioning itself to sustain long-term growth, reinforce operational excellence and deepen its contribution to Uganda’s economy.