Legal 500 and ENSafrica Unveil List of East Africa Leading In-house Counsel – The GC Powerlist

The Legal 500, in partnership with Africa’s largest law firm ENSafrica, has unveiled the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025, celebrating the region’s most accomplished general counsel and senior in-house lawyers.

The Legal 500 GC Powerlist is a series of publications and events that recognise and celebrate the most influential and innovative general counsels and senior in-house legal professionals in various regions worldwide. It highlights leaders who demonstrate exceptional skill, strategic insight, and adaptability in navigating the complex business landscape, showcasing their contributions to their companies and the broader legal community. 

In her Editor’s Message posted on the Legal 500 website, Melissa Yebisi, Editor at The Legal 500, expressed pride in presenting the second edition of this influential list.

“It is with great pride that we present the second edition of the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: East Africa. Following the success of our inaugural edition, we have once again embarked on an extensive research initiative to spotlight the region’s most accomplished general counsel and senior in-house lawyers,” she said.

Yebisi noted that this year’s Powerlist reflects a vibrant and transformative legal landscape, where general counsel are no longer limited to traditional compliance roles.

“Across East Africa, general counsel are not only protecting their organisations but also steering them into new frontiers. Our research revealed that in-house lawyers are increasingly recognised as strategic partners, actively contributing to organisational growth and decision-making,” she added.

Highlighting the evolving role of in-house counsel, she cited Daniel Wandera, Group Head of Legal at Ramco Group, who told The Legal 500:

“Legal is now seen as a value enabler, not just a compliance function.”

The research also uncovered a legal community adapting to rapid change — from digital disruption to environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance, cross-border transactions, and the integration of artificial intelligence into business processes.

Peris Wairimu Chege, Head of Legal at I&M Bank, observed:

“Companies should adopt AI and integrate legal tech, and legal teams should be equipped to advise on AI risks.”

Yebisi stressed that beyond legal expertise, the Powerlist honourees exemplify leadership, collaboration, and industry influence.

“They are not only trusted advisers but also business enablers and industry shapers,” she said.

She further quoted Patricia Nyokabi Mbugua of Standard Chartered Bank, who reflected on the profession’s proactive approach:

“This ‘get-in-early’ approach has earned us the reputation of being business enablers.”

Yebisi concluded by recognising the broader impact of East Africa’s general counsel community:

“Taken together, these stories show us that East Africa’s general counsel community is driving change far beyond the legal department. They are shaping business strategy, guiding innovation, and influencing society at large. We are honoured to recognise these outstanding professionals whose insight, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire. Their work not only strengthens their organisations but also builds the foundations of a robust in-house legal culture across East Africa.”

She extended special thanks to ENSafrica, the sponsor of this year’s edition, for helping make the publication a reality, and congratulated all those listed in the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025.

To read the ENS Africa East Africa Report 2025 and the Legal 500 and ENSafrica 2025 GC Powerlist, click here: https://www.ensafrica.com/uploads/1-pagers/east-africa/ea.html 

ENSafrica is Africa’s largest law firm, with over 600 specialist practitioners and more than 200 years’ experience across the continent. The firm operates in key markets including Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, delivering tailored legal solutions across all major industries. With deep knowledge of local business practices, access to high-level professional networks, and qualifications in both English and French law, ENSafrica combines regional insight with international standards. It is consistently ranked by leading agencies such as Chambers Global, The Legal 500 EMEA, IFLR1000, and the African Legal Awards for its ability to handle complex, high-value transactions and provide clear, commercially focused advice that aligns with clients’ strategic goals.

Who is Who on the List?

The GC Powerlist East Africa 2025 features an impressive lineup of legal leaders shaping the corporate and regulatory landscape across the region. From banking and energy to telecoms and manufacturing, these in-house counsel are driving strategy, compliance, and innovation.

Uganda is well represented on the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025, with a distinguished group of in-house counsel drawn from some of the country’s most influential organisations. Among them is Agnes Ssali of Uganda Breweries, recognised for her leadership in the beverages industry, and Alice Nalwoga of Stanbic Bank Uganda, whose legal stewardship supports one of the country’s largest financial institutions. The energy sector is represented by Allan Franklin Rwakakooko of Umeme, while Anne Abeja brings her extensive legal and governance expertise to Housing Finance Bank.

From the financial services space, Brenda Magoba stands out at The Centenary Group, alongside Candy Wekesa Okoboi of Stanbic Bank Uganda and Elewa Apamaku of Uganda Development Bank, each playing pivotal roles in shaping their institutions’ legal strategies. Diana Nyakoto represents Hima Cement in the industrial and manufacturing sector, while Gloria Matovu Kawooya contributes to cross-border financial development through the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank.

The list also features Innocent Kyakuha of Centenary Bank and Jacinta Akino of the Uganda Securities Exchange, both instrumental in supporting the country’s financial markets. Mark Turyamureba of ATC Uganda brings expertise in the telecommunications infrastructure space, while Philo Nyadoi Elizabeth manages dual roles at UAP Old Mutual Insurance Uganda and Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda. Rounding out the Ugandan representation are Rita Kabatunzi of Stanbic Bank Uganda and Susan Batuuka of Uganda Airlines, each exemplifying the blend of legal acumen and strategic vision that defines this year’s honourees.

Kenya, too is strongly represented in the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025, with legal leaders spanning multinational corporations, major financial institutions, and influential industry bodies. Among them is Angela Mukora of The Coca-Cola Company, who provides strategic legal guidance across Central, East, and West Africa, and Austin Ouko of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company, ensuring compliance and risk management in the energy sector. Beatrice Njeruplays a pivotal role at Stanbic Bank Kenya, while Belinda Nganga supports Kenya Airways in navigating the complex regulatory environment of international aviation.

In banking and financial services, Bonnie Okumu of KCB Bank Kenya, Brenda Aluoch of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, and June Opiyo of Stanbic Bank Kenya stand out for their commitment to robust legal frameworks. Daniel Wandera at Ramco Group exemplifies the role of legal counsel as a business enabler, and David M. Bamlango of the Trade and Development Bank Group brings cross-border expertise to regional finance.

Elizabeth Kimura of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Fred W. Waithaka of Safaricom represent the intersection of legal leadership with technology and investment, while Hilda Marigu Njeru at Britam Holdings underscores the importance of governance in insurance and asset management. Iddah Asin of the International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) works at the global policy interface, and Isaac Kibere at M-PESA Africa champions legal innovation in mobile financial services. Completing Kenya’s notable representation is Patricia Nyokabi Mbugua of Standard Chartered Bank, a strong advocate of early legal engagement as a driver of business success.

Rwanda’s presence in the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025 reflects the country’s growing influence in finance, energy, and industry. Angela Padua Mutesi of Ecobank Rwanda and Brice Manzi of BPR Rwanda Bank anchor the financial sector, offering strategic legal support to some of the nation’s leading banking institutions. In the beverages industry, David Karuhanga brings his expertise to Bralirwa, part of the Heineken Group, while Doreen Gahongayire Karake plays a key role at Ruzizi III Energy, a project of regional significance.

The development and infrastructure sectors are well represented, with Gloria Tengera at the Development Bank of Rwanda, Octave Ngenzi at the Energy Utility Corporation (EUCL), and Pascaline Umutesi at EPC Africa Group. In the power industry, Reine Kamagaju leads legal affairs at Rwanda Energy Group, ensuring compliance and governance in the country’s energy transformation agenda. Completing the Rwandan cohort is Loyce Bamwine of Equity Bank Rwanda and Sharon Mazimhaka of MTN Rwanda, both instrumental in driving legal strategies in competitive and fast-changing sectors.

Tanzania’s contribution to the GC Powerlist East Africa 2025 spans energy, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Angela Caramaschi represents Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania, where she oversees legal matters in the oil and gas sector, while Desmond Alexander Malyi provides critical guidance at Absa Bank Tanzania. In the beverages industry, Elizabeth Muro plays a leading role at Serengeti Breweries, ensuring the company’s operations align with regulatory requirements.

The financial sector features prominently with Frida Shirima at KCB Bank Tanzania, Juliana Robert Kombe at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Niwaeli Mziray at NCBA Bank Tanzania, Pascal Thomas Mihayo at CRDB Bank, and Victoria Lupembe at Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania, each driving compliance and governance within their institutions. The telecommunications sector is represented by Jacqueline Willbrod Kalaze of Vodacom Tanzania, while Monica Joseph Mushi at the Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company supports the growth of the country’s housing finance market through sound legal frameworks. 

Also featured are Ermias Abebe Addis of Ethiopian Airlines, Gizachew Shiferaw Ejjigu of Ethio Telecom, Nega Mirete Yilma of BGI Ethiopia, and Herbert Fyiroko of Brasseries et Limonaderies du Burundi – signifying the Powerlist’s truly regional scope.