As Uganda prepares to celebrate 63 years of social and economic transformation and 39 years of President Yoweri Museveni’s visionary leadership, Hon. Judith Nabakooba has been nominated for induction into the esteemed Great 63 Uganda Development Champions Journal. This journal recognizes 63 exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to the vision of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, as well as the Uganda Vision 2040.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba’s induction into the Great 63 Uganda Development Champions Journal not only recognizes her individual achievements but also serves as a testament to the potential of dedicated leadership in driving Uganda towards a prosperous future as well as her total loyalty to H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his Visionary Leadership. She will be featured on the Great 63 Uganda Development Champions Hall Fame poster and inducted in the Uganda Great 63 Uganda Development Champions Journal as we celebrate 63 years of Uganda’s independence, 40 years of Visionary Leadership of President Museveni.
Judith Nabakooba, currently serving as the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has emerged as one of Uganda’s most admired and influential women. Her journey from humble beginnings to a prominent political figure exemplifies her dedication and resilience. Before her current appointment on June 8, 2021, she served as the Minister for Information and Communications Technology from December 2019 to May 2021, and she was also the Public Relations Director for the Uganda Police Force.
Throughout her ministerial career, Nabakooba has effectively executed the directives of President Museveni, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to his leadership. She has been a staunch advocate against land grabbing and illegal land evictions, implementing measures that have successfully computerized land title applications and registrations. Her commitment to infrastructure development is evident in her promotion of road construction across municipalities in Uganda, particularly through the well-executed World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Project.
Nabakooba’s influence extends beyond her ministerial duties; she has actively supported numerous youth and women’s projects in her home district of Mityana, contributing significantly to social and economic transformation. Her efforts align with the broader goals of the NRM government and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing empowerment and sustainable development.
The Great 63 Uganda Development Champions Journal, published by Public Opinions, aims to highlight leaders who have made remarkable contributions toward achieving the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 and Uganda Vision 2040. The journal will feature profiles of the selected individuals, showcasing their achievements and inspiring others to strive for excellence in leadership.
The nominees for this prestigious recognition include Ministers of the Cabinet of Uganda, Permanent Secretaries, Heads or Executive Directors of State Enterprises and Statutory Authorities, Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, LC5 Chairpersons, Chief Executive Officers from the private sector, Diplomats, and Scholars.
The Uganda Development Champions Journal will be disseminated during the 2025/2026 National Budget conference, amplifying the voices of those who have dedicated themselves to the progress of Uganda.
Nabakooba’s nomination comes at a crucial time when the government seeks to identify and celebrate leaders who have made tangible impacts, especially in light of challenges posed by corruption and inefficiency in some sectors. Public Opinions aims to spotlight those who have demonstrated integrity and effectiveness in their roles, thereby inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Born in Uganda, Judith Nabakooba’s educational background is impressive. She attended Ndejje Secondary School, where she obtained both the Uganda Certificate of Education in 1994 and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education in 1997. She graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in 2002 and later earned a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the same institution.
Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Strategic Leadership Management from the Chartered Management Institute in the UK, as well as two postgraduate diplomas in Management and Monitoring and Evaluation from the Uganda Management Institute.
Before entering politics, Nabakooba served in the Uganda Police Force from 2004 to 2015, where she held various positions, including spokesperson for the Police Force from 2011 to 2015. She transitioned to active politics in June 2015, winning the Mityana District Woman Representative seat in the 2016 general elections on the ruling NRM party ticket.
In a cabinet reshuffle on December 14, 2019, she was appointed Minister of Information, ICT, and Communication, before her current role in the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Her work has been closely monitored by Public Opinions, which recognizes her commitment to attaining the aspirations of President Museveni.
Recently, Nabakooba has been at the forefront of promoting the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP 2021-2040), a critical framework for sustainable development and responsible resource management in Uganda. The plan, approved in November 2023, addresses the strategic location of cities, key infrastructure, and the orderly use of land, which are essential for Uganda’s economic growth.
Nabakooba emphasizes that while other national planning documents exist, the spatial component was previously missing. The NPDP aims to enhance agricultural productivity, boost industrialization, and ensure urban areas become engines of economic growth while safeguarding protected areas and natural resources. As nominations for the Great 63 Uganda Development Champions continue, the public is encouraged to participate by sending their nominations via SMS or WhatsApp to +256774992426 or visiting the website at www.publicopinions.net. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).