Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is a Ugandan politician currently serving as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, a role she assumed on 8 June 2021. Despite her prominent government position, she lost her seat as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiboga District in the January 2021 general elections. A native of Kiboga District in Central Uganda, Nankabirwa attended Bamusuuta Primary School and later Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School for both O-Level and A-Level. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Arts in Conflict Studies from Makerere University. During her 2021 campaign, she stirred controversy by telling supporters, “If the cows vote, let them vote—I want to get 120%.” The comment gained attention but did not secure her re-election. Nankabirwa has held various high-ranking roles. From March 2015 to May 2021, she served as Chief Government Whip, following Justine Lumumba Kasule’s appointment as NRM Secretary General. Before that, she was State Minister for Fisheries (2011–2015), State Minister for Microfinance (2009–2011), and State Minister for Defense (2001–2009). Her Cabinet journey began in 1998 as Minister of State for the Luweero Triangle. She launched her political career as a delegate to the Constituent Assembly (1994–1995) and was elected Woman MP for Kiboga District in 1996, serving for 25 years until 2021.