By Guest Writer
Another milestone registered after Counsel Brownie Ebal, Manager Litigation and Legal Advisory Services, Kampala Water was named Winner of the Rising Star in Corporate Governance Awards.
Counsel Ebal received the accolade at the inaugural Women on Boards Annual Awards Gala 2026, held on Friday, 30th October at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The awards, organised by Women on Boards Uganda, brought together distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors, governance professionals, development partners and advocates for women’s leadership to celebrate outstanding contributions to corporate governance and promote greater representation of women in boardrooms.
Speaking at the gala, Priscilla Serukka, the organizer and lead voice behind Women on Boards Uganda, said the awards were not only meant to celebrate women’s achievements but to encourage, inspire and mentor more women to pursue leadership and advance into decision-making positions.
The initiative seeks to build a stronger pipeline of women leaders while creating opportunities for mentorship, professional growth and increased participation in corporate governance.
Delivering his address as Guest of Honour, Dr. Fabian Kasi challenged women leaders to move beyond simply securing positions on boards and focus on making meaningful contributions.
“A seat at the table must come with a voice,” Dr. Kasi emphasized, urging women to take their seats with confidence, actively participate in deliberations and contribute to decisions that advance both institutional and societal interests.
He encouraged women to distinguish themselves through competence, integrity, commitment and excellence, noting that strong performance creates opportunities for others to follow. He also underscored the importance of mentorship in supporting emerging women professionals.
The evening also featured contributions from representatives of UN Women, the Bank of Uganda and other governance leaders, all highlighting the collective responsibility of institutions to advance gender diversity and inclusive leadership.
As a public utility entrusted with delivering essential water and sanitation services, NWSC operates in an environment where accountability, ethical leadership and sound decision-making are critical to sustainable service delivery.
The Corporation’s legal function contributes to these objectives through legal advisory, regulatory compliance, litigation management, risk management and protection of institutional interests.
Counsel Ebal’s recognition reflects this broader contribution. An Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and a Chartered Governance Professional, she serves as a Member of the Uganda Law Society Elections Committee and a Board Member of MindBus Uganda.
She has also demonstrated commitment to advancing governance knowledge through professional articles and discussions on emerging issues including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, board diversity and evolving board responsibilities.
Panel discussions noted that corporate governance is undergoing significant transformation as institutions respond to technological advancement, sustainability challenges and evolving regulatory requirements.
AI is increasingly influencing operations and decision-making, raising questions around accountability, transparency and ethical oversight, while ESG considerations are reshaping how organizations assess long-term risks and demonstrate responsible leadership.
For public utilities such as NWSC, these developments underscore the need for governance systems that support innovation while maintaining accountability and responsible management of public resources.
Reflecting on the award, Counsel Ebal expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to governance discourse.
“I am honored to receive the Rising Star in Corporate Governance Award. It is an encouragement to continue learning, writing and contributing to conversations on how we can strengthen governance within our institutions,” she said.
“Corporate governance is evolving, particularly with developments in artificial intelligence, ESG, sustainability and digital transformation. These are conversations that boards cannot afford to ignore. Working within an institution such as NWSC provides valuable exposure to the practical importance of accountability and ethical leadership.”
She added: “I am particularly passionate about seeing more women take their rightful places at decision-making tables. However, getting a seat is only the beginning. We must use our voices, contribute meaningfully, demonstrate excellence and create opportunities for other women.”
The inaugural Women on Boards Awards recognized outstanding contributions across eight categories including Board Diversity Champion, Woman CEO of the Year, Lifetime Achievement in Corporate Governance, Mentorship Excellence and Rising Star.
The Rising Star Award was presented to Counsel Ebal by Dr. Fabian Kasi, marking an important milestone in her professional journey.
