Former Minister of Works and Transport in Uganda, Monica Azuba, has passed away battling with cancer illness.
Cancer in Uganda represents a growing non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis, with approximately 34,000 to 36,000 new cases and over 22,000 deaths registered annually.
Cancer is increasingly becoming a major cause of death, with the highest burden seen in the central region, followed by the western region
Azuba, apublic servant, was appointed Minister of Works and Transport on June 6, 2016, replacing John Byabagambi, who was moved to the Ministry for Karamoja Affairs. She later left the Cabinet on December 14, 2019, when she was succeeded by Katumba Wamala.
Born in the Busoga sub-region in Eastern Uganda around 1954, Azuba pursued her early education at Gayaza High School, where she completed both her O-Level and A-Level studies in 1973. She later joined Makerere University in 1974, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
Azuba also served on the board of the Uganda National Roads Authority from June 2014 before her appointment to Cabinet in 2016.
During her tenure as minister, one of her key assignments was to oversee the evaluation and eventual revival of Uganda Airlines, which had been liquidated in 2001 after being declared unprofitable. In 2013, the government resolved to revive the national carrier to boost tourism and support increasing passenger and cargo traffic, particularly in light of Uganda’s growing petrochemical industry.
Under her leadership, a multi-stakeholder team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Development Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, among others, convened to deliberate on the revival plan.
Her Role at Ministry of Works
Eng. Monica Azuba Ntege, who served as Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport (2016–2019), was instrumental in reviving Uganda Airlines and overseeing major infrastructure projects, including the new Nile Bridge. A civil engineer by profession, she spearheaded key transport sector reforms, managed significant road developments, and facilitated improved safety measures
Azuba played a leading role in the planning, stakeholder engagement, and implementation process that led to the relaunch of the national carrier.
She oversaw the construction of significant projects, most notably the Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja and the development of the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway.
By May 2019, she reported a 60% achievement rate in key ministry objectives, enhancing road network efficiency and transport safety initiatives.
Azuba pushed for the enforcement of mandatory motor vehicle inspections through Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) Uganda Limited, focusing on improving road safety
