Lugangira lands top global role

ANEW chapter of global influence has begun for Tanzania as Neema Lugangira steps into her role as the first Secretary General of Women Political Leaders (WPL).

Her appointment cements her position as one of the country’s most influential figures on the international stage. She becomes the first person to hold the position, marking a new chapter in WPL’s journey to amplify women’s political leadership worldwide.

WPL President and Founder, Silvana KochMehrin, described Ms Lugangira’s appointment as a reflection of the organisation’s ambition to deepen its global influence.

“Lugangira is an outstanding leader with a powerful track record of action, impact, and innovation. Her appointment reflects WPL’s commitment to globally representative leadership and the advancement of women in the highest spheres of political decision-making,” she said.

Ms Lugangira’s career is defined by her relentless advocacy at the intersection of health equity, digital transformation, gender inclusion, and governance.

A former Member of Parliament, she has long been recognised for championing causes that reach beyond Tanzania, resonating across Africa and globally.

Ms Lugangira currently serves in multiple international leadership roles, including Chair of the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG) and the Global Parliamentary Caucus on Neglected Tropical Diseases. She also co-chairs the Executive Committee of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and sits on the Board of the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and IMF.

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Notably, she has also been a driving force behind WPL’s own programmes, spearheading the inaugural FemAI Lab in Tanzania, a pioneering platform exploring how artificial intelligence can shape women’s political leadership.

As Secretary General, Ms Lugangira will lead WPL’s strategic direction, global programming, and institutional partnerships. Her role will include coordinating governance support, strengthening stakeholder engagement, representing WPL at high-level forums, and overseeing the organisation’s operational framework.

She will also advance fundraising efforts and guide WPL’s 2026–2028 strategic positioning.

Speaking after her appointment, Ms Lugangira expressed both gratitude and determination.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Secretary General of WPL at such a critical moment. Women’s leadership is essential for building trust, resolving global challenges, and shaping a more inclusive future,” she said.

She added that she looks forward to collaborating with WPL’s global network to ensure women’s voices and influence are strengthened across political, economic, and social spheres. Ms Lugangira’s new role is not only a personal achievement but also a source of national pride.

Her leadership places Tanzania at the heart of conversations on women’s representation in politics and governance worldwide.

She has already earned recognition as a Vital Voices Fellow, a WSIS Gender Trendsetter for Advancing Digital Gender Inclusion, and as a Member of the UN Internet Governance Forum’s Advisory Group. Her influence also extends to education and health advocacy.

She is Africa’s Regional Representative for the International Parliamentary Network on Education (IPNEd) and Global Co-Chair of the Global Parliamentary Group to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases. Even with her growing international profile, Ms Lugangira remains firmly connected to Tanzania.

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She is the founder of Agri Thamani, an NGO focused on ending malnutrition through school, hospital, and community nutrition initiatives, as well as food systems and climate advocacy.

She also established Omuka Hub, a platform accelerating digital inclusion in Tanzania with a focus on digital rights, democracy, and bridging rural-urban divides. Her dual focus strengthening local communities while influencing global policy has made her a bridge between grassroots realities and international decision-making spaces.

As she steps into her role as WPL Secretary General, Ms Lugangira embodies the rising tide of African women leaders who are shaping the global agenda. Her appointment signals not only recognition of her personal achievements but also a statement that Tanzania is producing leaders of international calibre.