Media and Politics
Enoch Barata
Attorney At Law
Kampala
Summary
Seasoned Senior Partner with excellent skills in managing conflict and prioritizing tasks. Adept at building and strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Strong networker with decisive leadership style.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages
Work History
Chairperson, Uganda Communications Universal Access Fund (UCUSAF)
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2021 - 08.2024
- Oversee the Uganda Communications Universal Access Fund (UCUSAF) which is a statutory fund for improvement access to IT services and infrastructure in underserved communities
- The funds revenues are more than UGX 122 billion
- Oversaw development of the funds strategic plan for the fifth strategic cycle 2023/2024 to 2027/2028 as well as the revised grants framework that will enable achievement of the strategic objectives of increasing connectivity, increasing access, improving affordability of IT services and ensuring equity
- Oversaw management changes in executive personnel of the fund and execution of various project year-on-year with significant improvements.
- Reviewed budgets regularly to ensure financial stability of the organization while making necessary adjustments
- Implemented governance best practices to enhance board effectiveness and accountability
- Enhanced board communication by streamlining meeting agendas and supporting materials
- Provided guidance on policy development, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry standards
Member, Audit and Risk Committee of the Board
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2021 - 08.2024
- Oversaw implementation of a fully digitised risk management and monitoring system monitored risk performance of the organiations quarterly. Particularly, drove the 100% digitisation of all procurement processes.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate executive team success, ensuring accountability at the highest level
- Evaluated market trends to identify potential risks or opportunities that could impact the organization''s strategic positioning
- Guided the organization through periods of change by navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities for growth
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through vigilant monitoring of legal developments impacting the industry
Founding & Senior Partner
Birungyi, Barata & Associates
Kampala
11.2003 - Current
- Co-founded Birungyi, Barata & Associates in November 2003 along with Cephas Birungyi with a team of four (4) total staff to top tax practice and advisory in Uganda with a team of over 30 staff
- Represented clients across Uganda's business spectrum ranging from Small and medium Enterprises to corporate entities in the Telecoms Sector, Import and Exports Sectors, Banking and Finance Sector and the Oils and Natural Resources Sectors
- Advised on establishment of tax laws and tax tribunals for the Republics of Rwanda, Liberia, Zambia, Malawi, and Bauchi state in Nigeria
- Advised on Development of a model agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (DTA) and an EAC Code of Conduct for Harmful Tax Competition
- 2011, EAC Region, GIZ and EAC Community]
- Developed a data base of all existing DTA signed by Partner States with third countries; Analyzing existing DTA signed by Partner States with third countries to identify convergences and divergences; Drafting a model DTA based on international standards and best practices and guided by decision of the Council of Ministers; Drafting an EAC Code of Conduct on harmful tax competition based on international standards and best practices; Identifying relevant laws on taxation in Partner States to be aligned with the code of conduct; Developing an enforcement mechanism for the code of conduct.
- Chaired partner meetings to drive discussion of matters important to firm operations, keeping discourse on-topic and moving at efficient pace.
- Streamlined internal processes to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs for the firm.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored legal advice and building strong relationships.
- Drafted persuasive briefs that contributed to favorable rulings in appellate court cases.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments on behalf of clients, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Chairperson Board of Directors.
Mercantile Credit Bank Ltd
Kampala, Uganda
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Led the Board of Directors in advising shareholders on re-capitalisation of the bank and obtained Conesus of shareholders in June 2023 to issue new shares of a per value of UGX 50 billion
- Engaged in various negotiations with prospective equity investors.
- Engaged on various strategic and regulatory matters with the Bank of Uganda monthly.
- Led the Board of Directors in overseeing management of the bank and led development and direction of the banks strategy.
Chairperson, Policy, Infrastructure and Content Committee of the Board of Directors
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2017 - 12.2020
- Chaired the Policy, Infrastructure and Content committee of the Board which is a statutory committee
- Oversaw development and implementation of a new licensing framework catering to an expanded telecommunications sector, which was the first standardised licensing framework for the sector since the first issued license in 1995
- Actively participated in negotiation of license terms for issuance of a National Mobile Operator license to MTN (U) Ltd which fetched USD 100 million
- Oversaw drafting and passing into law of nineteen (19) regulatory Statutory Instruments covering pricing frameworks, licensing frameworks, content mediation, infrastructure management and sharing, broadband policy and national coverage obligations.
Director of Legal Services
National Resistance Movement
Kampala, Uganda
2003.02 - Current
- Providing day-today legal advisory to the National Resistance Movement and advising the Central Executive Committee of the movement on various legal, policy and constitutional issues
- Providing day-today legal advisory to the various organs of the National Resistance Movement ranging from the village Branches, the District Executive Committees, District Conferences up to the National Conference of the party
- Leading and coordinating a diverse team of 45 lawyers across the country in executing assignments and conducting litigation
- September 2020, Appointed Chairperson NRM Election Disputes Tribunal, an internal party election dispute resolution body. With a team of 15, I disposed of 1,300 election complaints and petitions withing 45 days.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). Hons - Law
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda 09.1997 - 1 2001
Diploma in legal Practice - Bar Course
Law Development Center
Kampala, Uganda 09.2001 - 1 2002
Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law -
CEFIMS University of London
London, United Kingdom 08.2012 - 07.2014
PURC Regulatory Training Course on Strategic Issue in Leadership in Telecoms, Broadcasting and Postal Regulation -
University of Florida
Florida, USA 10.2019 - 10.2019
PURC-World Bank training on Utilities Regulation -
Warrington College of Business, University of Florida
Florida, USA 10.2023 - 10.2024
Skills
Leadership and Management
Negotiation and Mediation
Trend and information analysis
Problem solving
Interpersonal and Public communication
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Active Listening
Customer Service
Strategic leadership
Operational Excellence
Strategic Planning
Data-driven decision-making
Business Development
Cultural Intelligence
Affiliations
- Member East African Law Society
- Member Uganda Law Society
- Member Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda
- International Bar Association
Personal Information
Nationality: Ugandan
Interests
Golf.
I am a Golfer and enjoy the social benefits that come with golfing along the physical and health benefits. A high Handicap and contonously aiming to lower it, as do all golfers!
Timeline
PURC-World Bank training on Utilities Regulation -
Warrington College of Business, University of Florida
10.2023 - 10.2024
Chairperson, Uganda Communications Universal Access Fund (UCUSAF)
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2021 - 08.2024
Member, Audit and Risk Committee of the Board
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2021 - 08.2024
Chairperson Board of Directors.
Mercantile Credit Bank Ltd
06.2021 - 06.2024
PURC Regulatory Training Course on Strategic Issue in Leadership in Telecoms, Broadcasting and Postal Regulation -
University of Florida
10.2019 - 10.2019
Chairperson, Policy, Infrastructure and Content Committee of the Board of Directors
Uganda Communications Commission
10.2017 - 12.2020
Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law -
CEFIMS University of London
08.2012 - 07.2014
Founding & Senior Partner
Birungyi, Barata & Associates
11.2003 - Current
Director of Legal Services
National Resistance Movement
2003.02 - Current
Diploma in legal Practice - Bar Course
Law Development Center
09.2001 - 1 2002
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). Hons - Law
Makerere University
09.1997 - 1 2001