Mariam Namiya is not just a civil engineer — she is a trailblazer in Uganda’s infrastructure development space. A proud alumna of Makerere University, Uganda’s largest and oldest public university, located in Kampala, Mariam’s journey from a science-loving schoolgirl to the founder and CEO of Reenboog Construction Services (RCS) Limited, is a story of resilience, ambition, and pioneering leadership.
Founded in 2017, RCS has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach and technical excellence. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering (research phase) at Makerere University, Mariam is also a Registered Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board Uganda (ERB). She is a member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) and the Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), where she presently serves as Board Treasurer (2025–2027).
The Spark: Discovering Civil Engineering
In an interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Mariam shared what inspired her to pursue civil engineering:
“I’ve always been good in sciences — maths, chemistry, and biology. I knew my career path would follow that direction. But what truly fascinated me were unique buildings. I remember being 17 and asking my mom who designed a beautiful building we saw. That moment stuck with me — I knew I wanted to be part of something like that.”
While she was torn between architecture and technology at the end of high school, career guidance helped her find a middle path: civil engineering.
“Civil engineering is broad — from roads and traffic systems to water and construction. With so many options, I knew it was the right career for me.”
Early Challenges: Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field
Engineering, especially in Uganda, remains a male-dominated space. Mariam reflected on the early days of her career:
“You can be on a project with ten people and only one other woman. Naturally, women are different from men, and sometimes you have to think and behave like them to fit in. Before anyone even looks at your CV, the assumption is that the man next to you will do a better job. So you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.”
Entrepreneurship: A Childhood Dream Realized
Her desire to start a company was born early:
“At 18, I wrote in my diary that I wanted to own my own company. Years later, during a conversation with my father, he encouraged me to go for it. He told me, ‘Most engineering firms are owned by businessmen. But you’re a trained engineer — won’t it be better if someone with technical expertise runs a firm?’ That stuck with me.”
In 2017, Reenboog Construction Services was born.
Gender Bias and Business Realities
Since starting RCS, Mariam has faced her share of skepticism:
“Getting projects isn’t impossible, but there’s a lot of convincing to do — people doubt if you can deliver. That’s why I like working with men in my company. It eases acceptance. Honestly, if RCS was an all-female firm, I don’t think we’d get as many contracts. The perception that women can’t deliver in engineering still exists.”
A Leader in Training and Mentorship
Mariam doesn’t just build structures — she builds people. She has led EU-funded training programs on construction site management across five Uganda Technical Colleges, equipping the next generation of builders with hands-on skills.
The Future of Uganda’s Infrastructure
Mariam is optimistic about the next decade:
“Urbanization will boom. I’m particularly excited about the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. Currently, it takes two weeks to move goods from Kampala to Mombasa — with the SGR, it will take just 24 hours. There’s also growth in the oil sector. These are big prospects for engineering in Uganda.”
Encouraging More Women in Engineering
To encourage more women into engineering and construction, Mariam highlights key strategies:
- Affirmative Action: Girls in high school receive an extra point when applying for male-dominated fields like civil engineering.
- Mentorship: “Mentors and visible role models matter. I only know two other female-owned engineering firms in Uganda — that needs to change.”
- Inclusive Facilities: “Even small things like well-equipped female toilets on sites can make a big difference.”
Favorite Engineering Tools
Mariam’s favorite software tools include:
- MS Project: For scheduling and project management.
- AutoCAD Civil 3D: For design and documentation of civil engineering projects.
If Not an Engineer…
If she weren’t an engineer?
“I’d be a teacher. I love teaching and transferring knowledge. It’s fulfilling.”
Final Thoughts
Mariam Namiya is not just building roads, schools, or office blocks — she’s building a legacy for women in engineering. Her vision, drive, and refusal to settle for stereotypes are shaping the future of construction and engineering in Uganda.
“If we want more women in engineering, we need more women like Mariam Namiya — visible, vocal, and victorious.”
Instagram: just4womenafrica
