Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba is a prominent Ugandan politician and former policewoman. She currently serves as the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in the Cabinet of Uganda, a position she has held since June 2021. Born in Mityana District, Uganda, she is a Ugandan national known for her journey from humble beginnings to high-level public service.
Her career spans law enforcement, media relations, and politics. Nabakooba rose through the ranks of the Uganda Police Force to become its spokesperson before transitioning to elective politics as the Member of Parliament for Mityana District Women’s Constituency. Her leadership emphasizes public service, anti-corruption efforts, land rights protection, and community development. She is admired for her resilience, professionalism, and commitment to uplifting rural communities and women.
Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba Early Life and Education
Judith Nalule Nabakooba was born on 28 October 1977 in Mityana District, Uganda. She grew up in a large, humble farming family as the firstborn child of Mr. Serwadda and Nansiimbe. Her parents struggled to provide basic needs, and young Judith often attended primary school barefoot with uncertainty about meals after classes. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically and ranked among the top students in her class. Her parents worked hard as farmers to pay school fees, motivated by her brightness and determination.
Nabakooba attended Ndejje Secondary School in Luweero District for her secondary education. She obtained the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 1994 and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) in 1997. She then joined Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Mass Communication degree in 2002. Later, she completed a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the same university.
She pursued further professional development with a Diploma in Strategic Leadership Management from the Chartered Management Institute in the United Kingdom in 2010. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (2012) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (2013), both from the Uganda Management Institute. These qualifications equipped her with skills in communication, leadership, human rights, and project management that proved valuable in her public service career.
Her early experiences of poverty shaped her empathy for rural and low-income communities. She often credits her success to faith, hard work, and the support of her family, viewing education as the key path out of hardship.
Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba Career
Nabakooba began her professional journey in media before entering law enforcement. While at Makerere University, she worked as a programme producer at Mama FM, a pioneering female-run radio station. There, she produced a community policing program, which sparked her interest in joining the police.
In 2004, she joined the Uganda Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). She stood out as one of the first professionals with a mass communication background in the force. She served in the Public Relations Office and became the first woman police spokesperson in Uganda. From 2011 to 2015, she held the role of Police Force spokesperson, where she built public trust through clear and credible communication. She also served as Secretary to the Exodus Savings and Credit Cooperative Society for police personnel.
Mentors like Asan Kasingye recognized her talent early and encouraged her progress. She advanced steadily, gaining experience in media relations, crisis communication, and community engagement. In June 2015, she left the police to pursue politics.
In the 2016 general elections, Nabakooba won the seat as Member of Parliament for Mityana District Women’s Constituency on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. In Parliament, she chaired the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs and contributed to legislation. She advocated for rural voices, successfully pushing for the removal of property rates in villages and trading centres to ease burdens on low-income earners. She lobbied for road rehabilitation in Mityana Municipality, initiated income-improvement programs, procured ambulances, built a health centre, supported bibanja holders (land tenants), and advocated for schools and electricity extensions.
On 14 December 2019, President Yoweri Museveni appointed her Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance. In this role, she focused on completing projects like the innovation hub in Nakawa, supporting innovators, promoting government achievements, and improving media access to public information. She engaged with journalists to balance security needs and press freedom.
On 8 June 2021, she was reassigned as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. In this position, she has driven major reforms. She has championed the computerization of land titles to reduce fraud and middlemen, advocated against illegal land evictions and grabbing, and protected vulnerable landowners, especially the poor and women. She promotes the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP 2021-2040) for sustainable urbanization and has addressed family land disputes by urging couples to formalize ownership.
Her ministry has worked on housing deficits, urban infrastructure through projects like the World Bank-funded USMID, and youth involvement in construction. In 2025, she received the Pan-African Leadership Award (PAALA) for her tireless commitment to land rights protection. She continues to serve as a voice for the voiceless in land matters.
Throughout her career, Nabakooba has demonstrated consistency, professionalism, and a people-centered approach. She has faced challenges, including criticism during debates like the age-limit bill and threats, but remains focused on service.
Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba Personal Life
Nabakooba maintains a relatively private personal life focused on family and faith. She comes from a large family and values the lessons of resilience from her parents. She is married and has children, though she shares limited public details about her family to protect their privacy. Her Christian faith plays a significant role in her life, as she frequently attributes her achievements to God’s grace and guidance.
She balances demanding public duties with family responsibilities and draws strength from her humble roots. Nabakooba enjoys mentoring young people, especially women, encouraging them to pursue education and public service.
Conclusion
Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba’s story is one of determination, from a barefoot village pupil in Mityana to a key cabinet minister shaping Uganda’s land, housing, and development policies. Her path highlights the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. Through police service, parliamentary work, and ministerial roles, she has consistently advocated for transparency, equity, and community upliftment. As she continues her service, her legacy inspires many Ugandans, particularly young women and rural populations, to dream big and contribute to national development. Her work in modernizing land management and protecting rights ensures a more secure future for citizens. Nabakooba remains a dedicated public servant committed to President Museveni’s vision for a transformed Uganda.
FAQs
What is Hon. Judith Nabakooba’s date of birth and place of birth?
Hon. Judith Nalule Nabakooba was born on 28 October 1977 in Mityana District, Uganda.
What positions has Hon. Judith Nabakooba held in government?
She served as Police Spokesperson, Member of Parliament for Mityana District Women (2016-2021), Minister of Information, ICT and National Guidance (2019-2021), and has been Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development since June 2021.
What are some of Hon. Judith Nabakooba’s key achievements?
Key achievements include computerizing land registration, fighting illegal evictions, advocating for rural infrastructure, supporting innovators during her ICT tenure, and winning the 2025 Pan-African Leadership Award for land rights protection.
Where did Hon. Judith Nabakooba study?
She attended Ndejje Secondary School, graduated with a Bachelor of Mass Communication and Master’s in Human Rights from Makerere University, and holds additional diplomas from institutions in the UK and Uganda.
Is Hon. Judith Nabakooba still involved in politics?
Yes, she remains an active NRM member, cabinet minister, and was re-elected or continued serving in recent parliamentary terms representing her constituency.