Name: Tatu Nakanjako
Position: Head Legal Unit
Company: National Planning Authority
Sector/Industry: Government
Worked in current position for: Three years.
Total years as an in-house lawyer: Five years
Core duties:
Providing advisory and technical support to the Executive Authority Board as Board Secretary. In charge of providing legal advice and guidance to the institution to ensure compliance with national laws, regulations, policies, strategies, programmes and guidelines for development planning. In charge of drafting and solidifying agreements, contracts, Memorandums of Understanding and other legal documents committing the institution to ensure its full legal rights. Provide technical support and expertise in developing Uganda’s National Development Plans as a Programme Leader for the Legislation, Oversight and Representation Programme as well as offering technical support and expertise to the Governance and Security Programme.
The best thing about my current job is:
The most challenging thing about my current job is: There is always something new to learn.
Most pivotal career decision: Venturing into development planning and topping it up with corporate governance. The knowledge is endless and opportunities for growth are unlimited.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in your in-house career journey is: Dealing with external lawyers. Trying to make them understand interpretation of laws in line with development planning.
What advice would I give my younger self?: Never doubt yourself, just learn and trust the process.
Key influencers that have shaped: Eng. Winnie Byanyima (ED Oxfam International).
One cool thing I’ve observed in the legal industry recently?: Embracing digital transfer and use of Artificial intelligence to simplify legal tasks.
Favourite pro bono / volunteer or charitable activity: Community outreaches and/or charity drives
If I were not practising law, I would probably be: Social worker
What (singular) achievement are you most proud of?: Redefining myself in an institution full of economists
Something you love doing that but you’re not that great at?: Dancing
Something you dislike doing that you’re pretty good at?: Writing minutes
In 5 years-time I’d love to be: An influential in-house lawyer and mentor