Uganda is in mourning following the death of former Works and Transport Minister Monica Azuba Ntege, an accomplished engineer and public official who served under President Yoweri Museveni.
Azuba passed away on April 21, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where she had been undergoing treatment. She was 72 years old. Her death has drawn tributes from across the country, with many describing her as a composed and effective leader who quietly delivered results.
She was appointed to Cabinet in 2016, taking over the Works and Transport docket from John Byabagambi, and served until 2019 when she handed over to Edward Katumba Wamala. During that period, she contributed to major government programmes, particularly in road development and the early groundwork for reviving Uganda Airlines.
Born in the Busoga sub-region, Azuba attended Gayaza High School before she joined Makerere University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1978. She was among the early generation of Ugandan women to enter the engineering profession.
Her career started at Uganda Commercial Bank and later continued at Stanbic Bank Uganda following its transition under Standard Bank, where she rose to become Facilities Manager. Her expertise in infrastructure and administration later earned her appointment to the board of the Uganda National Roads Authority in 2014.
In 2016, she transitioned into national leadership as Minister of Works and Transport, overseeing one of the country’s most critical sectors. She played a role in coordinating stakeholders across government institutions to strengthen transport systems and support economic growth.
While serving as minister, Azuba also flagged concerns over the handling of funds linked to a vehicle inspection contract involving Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). Reports had emerged that part of a $2 million (approximately Shs7 billion) security deposit tied to the deal may have been improperly shared among officials. She publicly indicated that the matter would be scrutinised, signalling a push for accountability within the ministry.
Away from her official duties, Azuba was known for her love of golf, competing in various tournaments and serving as a trustee of the All Africa Challenge Trophy in ladies’ golf.
In her personal life, she was married to Mark Kawesa Ntege, who died in January 2025. The two, who formalised their union in 1998, leave behind eight children.
Leaders across the political divide have continued to pay tribute to her, describing her as a dedicated patriot whose work left a mark on Uganda’s infrastructure development.
By press time, the exact illness she had been battling had not been publicly disclosed, and funeral arrangements were yet to be officially announced.
Another former minister died recently, as detailed Here
