The U.S. Exchange Alumni Uganda (USEA) successfully hosted Episode 4 of its Faces of Impact, bringing together thought leaders and professionals to explore opportunities in the oil, water, and waste sectors under the theme “Jobs That Change Communities.”
Held at the American Center in Kampala, the event convened a diverse audience of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and development practitioners eager to understand how these critical sectors can drive sustainable livelihoods and community transformation.
Moderated by broadcast journalist Victoria Sibiya Sebatsane, the discussion featured a distinguished panel of experts including; Edith Tushabe Atuhurira (UNOC), Hellen Munyasa (Helton Traders Limited), Emmanuel Njuki (Nile Breweries), Faith Aweko (Reform Africa) and, Zaitun Namuwonge (Afrolube Ltd)
The panelists shared practical insights on job creation, environmental sustainability, and innovation within Uganda’s evolving resource sectors. Discussions highlighted the importance of responsible resource management, private sector involvement, and youth participation in shaping inclusive economic growth.
Hellen Munyasa, Founder of Helton Traders limited emphasized during the dialogue that, “The Youth can gain practical skills in recycling to address societal problems and secure the future.”
Adding to the discussion on environmental sustainability, Emmanuel Njuki of Nile Breweries highlighted the ecological challenges tying into water security. “The people who live around the cattle corridor, you know that when drought comes, cattle die, and people struggle to actually find water,” Njuki noted. “The problem is not water; I found out the problem is the ecosystem around the water resources.”
Participants engaged actively in the session, raising questions and sharing perspectives on how communities can benefit from emerging opportunities in oil, water, and waste management. The event emphasized the need for skills development, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact.
“Investment in oil infrastructure creates roads and, employment benefiting multiple sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.” Said Edith Tushabe Atuhaire, Commercial manager at UNOC.
Uganda is on the brink of its historic first commercial oil production centered in the Albertine Graben, the sector features an estimated 6.5 billion barrels of reserves—with up to 1.7 billion barrels economically recoverable—and will drive massive infrastructure and economic expansion
The USEA Faces of Impact series continues to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the work of alumni who are making contributions across various sectors.
The U.S. Exchange Alumni Network Uganda (USEA) is the umbrella organization for Ugandans who have participated in U.S. government-funded exchange programs, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI, Fulbright, and IVLP
With a nationwide membership of over 6,000 alumni, USEA leverages its members’ global exposure, skills, and leadership to champion inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level. Our programming focuses on civic engagement, education, youth skilling, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, public health, and entrepreneurship, with a core commitment to community transformation and active citizenship.
