Engr. Irene Pauline Batebe is a seasoned Ugandan chemical and mechanical engineer serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development since August 2021. With over 18 years of experience in Uganda’s energy and petroleum sectors, she has been instrumental in the planning and development of key infrastructure projects, including the Uganda Oil Refinery and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Her leadership extends to chairing the Uganda Refinery Holding Company and serving as a board member of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).