Eng. Birungi Merab Byaruhanga, Project Manager, GIZ Uganda
Eng. Merab Birungi Byaruhanga Championing Women in Renewable Energy
Article written by Sarah Nyangoma
Eng. Merab Birungi Byaruhanga is a registered engineer with Engineers Registration Board and currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers Council 2024-2026. She shared insights into her journey in the renewable energy sector, which began through an internship opportunity that laid the foundation for her career.
In her role as a Program Manager in the Energy and Climate Cluster at GIZ Uganda, she manages a dynamic and demanding schedule, effectively balancing her professional responsibilities with her role as a mother. Eng. Merab also spoke candidly about the challenges of being a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated field, emphasizing the value of hard work, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities.
She encourages young women to actively engage in all aspects of their work as a way to build confidence, develop expertise, and advance their careers. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys dancing, swimming, and reading.
Introduction
Eng. Merab Birungi Byaruhanga is a registered engineer, a mother of four, and a distinguished leader in Uganda’s renewable energy sector. She currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and holds a senior position at GIZ Uganda within the Energy and Climate Cluster, where she co-leads a program focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Her work encompasses policy development, market development with private sector capacity building interventions, positioning her as a highly influential voice in Uganda’s clean energy landscape.
An Unexpected Beginning
Merab’s entry into the renewable energy sector was not initially a deliberate choice but rather shaped by opportunity. Shortly after graduating, she secured an internship with a consultancy firm in the energy sector. She embraced the role, excelled in her performance, and subsequently earned a permanent position.
What began as a chance opportunity has since evolved into a distinguished and rewarding career. Over time, the sector has become one she holds in high regard, continuing to inspire her growth and professional development each day.
Balancing Leadership and Motherhood
As a Program Manager, Merab’s days are structured, purposeful, and highly demanding. She begins each morning by dropping two of her four children at school before arriving at her desk by 7:15 a.m. Her day starts with a brief devotion to center herself, followed by a review of priorities, responding to urgent correspondence, and guiding her team through meetings, approvals, and ongoing project activities.
Despite a schedule filled with presentations, reports, and stakeholder engagements, she remains intentional about leaving the office by 4:30 p.m. to pick up her children. For Merab, excelling in both motherhood and professional leadership is not a trade-off, but a deliberate and consistent commitment.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Navigating a male-dominated industry has presented its share of challenges for Eng. Merab. Early in her career, she was often expected to take meeting notes rather than contribute her technical expertise. Rather than accepting this as the status quo, she chose to assert herself by investing in hard work, continuous professional development, and training to strengthen her confidence and executive presence. Over time, her competence and expertise became unmistakable.
She also candidly acknowledges the complexities of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly during demanding periods such as pregnancy, when personal and professional responsibilities are at their peak. For Eng. Merab, achieving balance remains an evolving journey, one she continues to navigate with resilience, grace, and determination.
A Voice for the Next Generation
Passionate about mentorship, Merab uses every platform available to encourage young women into entering the energy sector. She urges them to fully participate in all aspects of their work from designing systems to hands-on installation rather than allowing themselves to be pushed to the margins. She emphasizes that visibility, confidence, and technical competence are built through active engagement, not passive observation. Her message is clear: seize every opportunity, stay knowledgeable, lead with confidence, and never shy away from being seen.
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Merab is a woman of vibrant energy and diverse interests. She is an enthusiastic dancer who regularly attends dance classes and embraces it as a form of fitness. She also has a deep love for the water and often spends her weekends swimming with her children.
An avid reader since her school days when she would read textbooks cover to cover. she is now broadening her interests to include more recreational reading. In doing so, she brings the same curiosity and dedication that define her professional life into her personal pursuits.
