The State Minister for Energy Phiona Nyamutoro has scooped the best performing Africa Minister Award courtesy of Thamani Africa Awards.
Nyamutoro received the award last week during the Thamani Africa Awards ceremony held in Nairobi beating a total of 9 other ministers from across the continent who included Rebecca Miano from Kenya, Hannah Wendot Cheptumo from Kenya, Beatrice Askul Moe from Kenya, Ergogie Tesfaye from Ethiopia, Paula Ingabire from Rwanda, Lydia Nsekera from Burundi, Acacia Bandubola Mbongo from DRC, Dr Ashatu Kijaji from Tanzania and Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa from CameroonAt the event,
Her musical husband Eddy Kenzo celebrated her recognition by sharing congratulatory message on the social media attracting many likes from fans
Nyamutoro was represented at the event by Ms Ada Nshemereirwe from the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi.
In a message delivered on her behalf, Nyamutoro said the award was not only a personal honour but also arecognition of ugandas growing mineral secror
“This award is not just a pride to Uganda’s mineral sector that is on the verge of fostering the country’s economy but also as a pillar of hope for Africa that finally our natural endowment is on track for future beneficiation,” her message read.
The minister said the recognition showed the potential of Africa’s mineral wealth to drive economic transformation if properly managed and developed for the benefit of citizens.
Nyamutoro has in recent months been vocal about Uganda’s push to strengthen value addition in the minerals sector, a key area government says will support industrialisation, job creation and export growth.
The award adds to her growing public profile both as one of the youngest ministers in government and as a visible figure in Uganda’s energy and mineral development sector.
Phiona Nyamutoro is a Ugandan politician and legislator serving as the National Female Youth Member of parliament in the eleventh parliament of Uganda. She is also the current Minister of state for Minerals in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, to which she was appointed in March 2024,
She went to Najjera Progressive for her primary education and later on joined Pallisa Secondary School for O-Level, before going to Bweyogerere SS for A-Level. She holds a first class Bachelor’s degree in Development studies and a Master’s degree in Public administration from Makerere university.
