A photo montage of Nile Breweries’ Board of Directors
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), Uganda’s leading beer manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Ms. Lumonya assumes the position following the untimely passing of Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit in September 2024.
The company also announces the full reconstitution of its Board of Directors with the addition of three new members: Mr. Jose Moran, ABInBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President; Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited; and Mr. Emmanuel Njuki, Nile Breweries Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs. Together with Ms. Eunice Muheirwe, Finance Director, the Board is now fully constituted to provide strategic oversight and governance for Uganda’s premier brewing company.
OLIVE BIRUNGI LUMONYA – BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya brings over 25 years of transformational leadership experience across the private, public, and NGO sectors. She currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where she is the first woman to hold this position — a milestone that reflects her pioneering spirit and exceptional professional standing.
Ms. Lumonya’s connection to Nile Breweries runs deep. She was the company’s first Brand Manager and among the first brand marketing professionals in Uganda — a distinction that speaks to her early recognition of marketing as a strategic discipline. During her decade-long tenure at NBL, she played a pivotal role in building and growing some of Uganda’s most iconic beer brands, including Nile Special and Club Pilsener, which remain market leaders to this day. Her formative years at NBL give her an intimate understanding of the company’s culture, values, and growth trajectory — making her appointment as Chairperson a deeply meaningful homecoming.
Following her distinguished service at NBL, Ms. Lumonya went on to serve as Head of Marketing and Communications at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and as Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, where she led one of the country’s most impactful child welfare organisations. Across these roles, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead complex institutions, drive strategic change, and deliver measurable impact
Board Leadership & Corporate Governance
Ms. Lumonya brings exceptional governance experience to the NBL Board. She has served as Chairperson of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), one of the leading business schools in the East African region, and as a board member of the League of East African Directors — reflecting her standing among the continent’s most respected corporate governance practitioners. She also served as Chairperson of FINCA Uganda and has served on the boards of UAP-Old Mutual, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, DFCU Women in Business, Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO), Uganda Tourism Board, and Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN). She has additionally represented Africa on the Board of SOS Children’s Villages International.
In the aviation sector, Ms. Lumonya serves as Chairperson of Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA) under AFCAC — a platform she uses to champion gender inclusion and youth participation in Africa’s aviation industry.
Awards & Recognition
Ms. Lumonya’s contributions have been recognised at the highest levels. In January 2025, she was honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Medal by His Excellency the President of Uganda in recognition of her distinguished service and contribution to the nation. In November 2025, she was recognised among the Top 100 Women in Africa at the Africa Women Awards 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda — one of the continent’s most prestigious honours for women in leadership. She has also received the Africa Woman Leaders Award 2022 (Corporate) from the World Women Leadership Congress and Awards in Mauritius, and the Global Female Leadership Impact Award at the Global Power Women Yearbook 2024 event in New York.
Education & Professional Qualifications
Ms. Lumonya holds an MBA from ESAMI, a BA in Mass Communication from Makerere University, and an Africa Board Fellowship (ABF) demonstrating her expertise in corporate governance. She is a Chartered Marketer (UK), a Certified Balanced Scorecard Champion (USA), and has undertaken executive education at the London Business School in Markets Driving Forces — a programme designed for senior leaders navigating transformational market change.
“I am deeply honoured to assume the Chairpersonship of Nile Breweries Limited, a company where I began my corporate journey over two decades ago and which holds a very special place in my professional life,” said Ms. Lumonya. “I am committed to providing strategic leadership that honours the legacy of our late Chairman, Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit, while positioning NBL for continued growth and impact in Uganda’s economy. I look forward to working with our exceptional management team and board colleagues to realise the full potential of this great company.”
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Jose Moran – ABInBev Business Unit Southeast Africa President
Mr. Jose Moran serves as (Business Unit) President Southeast Africa at AB InBev, overseeing operations across six countries in the region. A seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing and beverage sector, Mr. Moran’s track record in Africa is exceptional. During his tenure as Managing Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited (2021–2024), the company was awarded two prestigious accolades as overall winner and Best Beverages–Alcoholic Drinks at the 17th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards.
Prior to Tanzania, Mr. Moran served as Country Director of Zambian Breweries (2017–2021), where he drove investment, expansion of production, and genuine implementation of AB InBev’s Better World strategy. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Universidad Federico Santa Maria de Chile and has held senior positions across AB InBev’s operations in Mozambique and Ecuador.
Nkanyiso Mncwabe – Managing Director, Nile Breweries Limited
Mr. Nkanyiso Mncwabe assumed the role of Managing Director of Nile Breweries Limited on January 1, 2026, bringing over 20 years of extensive executive leadership experience from South African Breweries (SAB). He joins NBL from his most recent role as Regional Commercial Director at SAB.
His career includes serving as Commercial Director for Lesotho (2019–2021) and Eswatini (2021–2022), where he successfully led commercial operations across diverse African markets. Mr. Mncwabe currently serves as an Executive Director on the Boards of Eswatini Beverages (since 2021) and SAB SHARP (since 2022). He holds a master’s degree in business leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa and is advancing his executive education through a leadership programme at Hult Ashridge International Business School.
Emmanuel Njuki – Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs & Board Director
Mr. Emmanuel Njuki is a seasoned corporate executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and strategic communications. His appointment to the Nile Breweries Board reflects both his institutional knowledge of the company and his deep expertise in the policy and regulatory landscape that shapes Uganda’s business environment.
As Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries Limited, Mr. Njuki serves as the company’s principal interface with government, regulatory bodies, and industry associations. He chairs the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association, where he has been a leading voice on excise tax policy, illicit trade enforcement, and the responsible growth of Uganda’s formal beverage sector. In this capacity, he has represented the industry in high-level dialogues with the Ministry of Finance, Uganda Revenue Authority, and Parliament, and has been central to shaping policy frameworks that balance government revenue objectives with private sector growth.
Mr. Njuki also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nile Breweries Provident Fund, where he provides fiduciary oversight and governance leadership for the long-term financial welfare of the company’s employees.
TRIBUTE TO LATE CHAIRMAN
The Board and management of Nile Breweries Limited pay tribute to the late Mr. Francis Onapito Ekomoloit, who served with distinction as Board Chairman until his passing in September 2024. Mr. Ekomoloit was a respected media personality, corporate leader, and champion of Uganda’s manufacturing sector. His legacy of integrity, strategic vision, and commitment to national development continues to inspire the company and all who were privileged to work with him.
BOARD CONTINUITY
Ms. Eunice Muheirwe continues her service as a Board member in her capacity as Finance Director of Nile Breweries Limited.
Her continued presence ensures vital continuity in financial oversight and strategic planning as the company enters this new phase of governance.
