Ali Ssekatawa, the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, has dedicated his Diamond Jubilee Medal to his late mother after being recognised by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during Labour Day celebrations on Friday.
The award, presented at State House events marking Labour Day, is among Uganda’s highest national honours, given to individuals who have made notable contributions to public service and national development.
Ssekatawa said the recognition was deeply personal, noting that his mother played a central role in shaping his education and career journey.
“It is an honour to receive the Diamond Jubilee Medal from H.E. Kaguta Museveni the President of Uganda,” he said.
He added: “I dedicate this to my mother, may she rest in peace, who believed in education as a pathway to opportunity.”
Ssekatawa also acknowledged colleagues at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, crediting them for their shared efforts in building the country’s emerging oil and gas sector over the past decade.
“I must also express gratitude towards my workmates with whom we have struggled for a decade to keep the promise alive,” he stated.
The official highlighted key milestones achieved by the institution, including advancing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), securing strategic agreements, and supporting preparations towards Uganda’s long-anticipated First Oil production.
His remarks come at a time when Uganda is accelerating development of its oil and gas infrastructure, with government agencies and international partners working to finalise key projects expected to transform the country’s energy sector and revenue base.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal is part of Uganda’s national honours system introduced to recognise service and achievement across various fields, including governance, public administration, and economic development.
Ssekatawa’s recognition adds to a growing list of technocrats and public officials honoured for their role in advancing flagship government programmes, particularly in energy and infrastructure development.
The Labour Day celebrations were marked by acknowledgements of workers and professionals contributing to national development across different sectors.