ABOUT ENOCH BARATA
In the heart of Kampala, Uganda, a bustling city marked by vibrant markets and a rich tapestry of cultures, legal practice, like the rest of Uganda’s economic areas, has thrived, attracting global firms and continental practices. Enoch Barata stands out in the legal field as an accomplished practitioner.
Enoch Barata, a senior partner and advocate at Birungyi, Barata & Associates, is not only known for his sharp wit and legal prowess but also for his unwavering commitment to justice and equitable development in Uganda and the African continent.
His journey began at Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree. He graduated with honours in 2001, setting the stage for a future that would intertwine law, finance and governance.
In November 2003, Barata co-founded Birungyi, Barata & Associates alongside his mentor Cephas Birungyi. What started as a small team of four grew into one of Uganda’s foremost tax and legal advisory firms, employing over 30 staff members.
He has, over the years, continued to acquire skills and undertaken various trainings, including at the Centre for Finance and Management Studies (CeFiMS) of the University of London, earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law, and at the Public Utility and Research Centre (PURC) of the University of Florida, where he has undertaken various courses in regulation and leadership.
Enoch is reputed as a corporate consultant. He has advised multinational corporations, government ministries, and public agencies, navigating the complex waters of corporate transactions, lending, and mergers and acquisitions.
One of Enoch’s more significant contributions was his role in crafting model agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation across several African nations.
His work was instrumental in shaping tax policy, not only for Uganda but for neighbouring countries like Rwanda, Liberia, and Zambia.
Enoch understands that a strong legal framework is essential for attracting investment, and he has continuously promoted fairness and transparency in tax practices.
Enoch has also served as the chairperson of the Uganda Communications Commission’s Policy, Infrastructure, and Content Committee, a statutory committee, and has overseen significant regulatory reforms that modernised the telecommunications sector.
Enoch also oversaw the implementation of over 20 regulatory instruments in the telecoms sector, including the listing regulations for telecoms. He was part of the UCC team that structured the terms in the issuance of a National Mobile Operator licence to MTN (U) Ltd, a deal that brought in $100 million.
As a delegate representing Uganda at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council meetings and various other global conferences, he campaigned tirelessly for Uganda’s interests, including securing Uganda’s seat in the ITU Council, ensuring that the nation had a say in global telecommunications policies.
Enoch Barata’s expertise has been sought for the broader governance of Uganda, and in 2023, he was appointed Director of Legal Services of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda’s largest ruling party, where he advises on legislative and governance issues, including offering legal advisory to the Central Executive Committee of the NRM.
