WCW Spotlight: Norah Njuba Bwaya - Makerere’s First Female Guild President

Norah Njuba Bwaya’s historic election as the first female Guild President at Makerere shattered limitations and opened doors for countless women in leadership. Her legacy reminds us that true leadership knows no gender—only vision, courage, and the will to make a difference.

In 1987, at just 22 years old, Norah Njuba Bwaya etched her name into the history books as Makerere University’s first-ever female Guild President.

At a time when leadership positions were predominantly held by men, Norah’s groundbreaking achievement shattered long-standing barriers and paved the way for generations of women to follow in her footsteps.

Born into a politically active family, with parents Sam and Gertrude Njuba navigating the challenges of exile, Norah’s leadership was rooted in a deep sense of service rather than political ambition.

As Guild President, Norah was a passionate advocate for student welfare, fearlessly pushing for changes that would improve the student experience at Makerere. Her tenure was a testament to her ability to lead with courage, intelligence, and a commitment to equality, making her a role model not just for women at Makerere, but for women in leadership across Uganda.

Fast forward to today, and Norah has built a remarkable career as an organizational development consultant, executive coach, and public speaker.

With over 26 years of experience spanning various sectors—accountancy, marketing, insurance, and coaching—she has impacted organizations and individuals in over 14 countries. Her unique blend of leadership and experience continues to inspire, proving that women can not only lead, but lead with purpose and profound impact.