Maria Emily Lubega Mutagamba (5 September 1952 – 24 June 2017) was a Ugandan economist and public official who held senior roles in government and Parliament. Over a political career that spanned more than a decade, she combined a background in economics with responsibilities for natural resources, water management and the tourism sector.
Career and offices
Mutagamba represented Rakai District as the Women's Representative in the Parliament of Uganda from 2001 until 2016. During that period she sat in the national Cabinet and served in at least two ministerial portfolios. From 2011 to 2012 she was appointed Minister of Water and Environment, and from 15 August 2012 until 6 June 2016 she was Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. She worked under the administration of President Yoweri Museveni and participated in national policymaking on water resources, environmental protection and the promotion of Uganda's tourism assets.
- Member of Parliament: Rakai District Women's Representative (2001–2016)
- Minister of Water and Environment: 2011–2012
- Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities: 15 August 2012–6 June 2016
Focus and responsibilities
In the water and environment portfolio, Mutagamba was involved in efforts to improve access to safe water, to manage watersheds and to coordinate environmental policy at national and local levels. As Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities she promoted Uganda's national parks, wildlife conservation and cultural heritage as components of sustainable development. Her work required balancing conservation goals with the development of tourism infrastructure and community engagement.
Colleagues and observers noted her role as one of the prominent women in Uganda's public life, combining administrative duties with constituency service in Rakai District. She drew on her training as an economist when engaging with sectoral budgets, investment promotion and policy planning.
Death and legacy
Mutagamba died on 24 June 2017 at Case Medical Centre in Kampala. Reports state that she succumbed to complications of liver cancer; details appeared in contemporary coverage and official statements. News and political leaders paid tribute to her long service in Parliament and to her contributions to environmental and tourism policy. For an official profile and further background see sources such as her government profile here. Information about her passing was reported from the hospital where she was treated here, and medical coverage referenced liver cancer as the cause here.
Mutagamba's career is remembered for its intersection of economic training, sectoral leadership and representation of women in Uganda's political institutions.