Grace Wanendeya is a detail-oriented, purpose-driven engineer guided by faith, integrity and a passion for creating safe, functional and healing spaces. As the woman behind Favoured Hill Group of Companies, she approaches life and work with curiosity, discipline and a deep sense of service.

To Grace, engineering goes far beyond structures and systems. It is about improving human experiences within the spaces people live, work and heal in.
“Engineering is not just about buildings,” she says. “It is about dignity, safety and how people feel and function within those spaces.”

Her faith in God plays a central role in her professional journey, shaping her decisions and guiding her to serve with humility, compassion and excellence.

From curiosity to construction
Grace’s journey into construction began with a bold desire to compete in a male-dominated field.

“I thought, if men can do it, I can do it too,” she recalls.

What started as determination gradually evolved into a deeper understanding of how physical environments influence comfort, safety and wellbeing. She became increasingly fascinated by how built spaces function both structurally and practically, an interest that would shape her career.

Today, Grace serves as the Facilities and Construction Manager at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda and as CEO of Favoured Hill Group of Companies. Her work focuses on building and maintaining healthcare infrastructure that supports patient care and operational efficiency.

Early foundations
From an early age, Grace was naturally inclined to fix things and understand how they worked.

“I always fixed my own plumbing while at university,” she says with a smile.

She paid close attention to how spaces were organised and often took part in home repair and improvement projects. While still in high school, she once attempted to build a concrete manhole cover. Although it failed, the experience strengthened her problem-solving mindset and sparked a lasting passion for technical solutions.

Inspired by impact
Grace draws motivation from the practical impact construction has on everyday life, particularly the opportunity to design and maintain spaces that uphold dignity in workplaces, homes and healthcare facilities.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. Like many women in technical fields, she has faced gender stereotypes and the pressure to continually prove her competence.

“One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming assumptions about women’s capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated environment,” she explains.
Over time, performance and consistency helped her establish credibility and respect. She believes resilience, confidence and maintaining high standards of workmanship are essential.

“I also pay close attention to aesthetics, which some colleagues see as unnecessary. But thoughtful design improves outcomes; it is not a waste of time or money,” she adds.

Projects with purpose
Grace says her most fulfilling moments come from seeing how well-designed and properly maintained spaces improve safety, comfort and day-to-day outcomes.

Among her proudest projects are healthcare facility constructions and renovations at Bushikori Christian Centre, CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda, Path of Hope, and several other facilities. These projects emphasise infection prevention, accessibility, durability and value for money.

“Thoughtful engineering directly touches lives,” she says. “It increases dignity for users and improves work environments.”

Her work consistently prioritises safety, efficiency and responsiveness to user needs, always delivered with integrity.

Faith, leadership and mentorship
Grace credits her faith as the cornerstone of her 15-year career.

“I am here by the grace of God,” she says.

She draws inspiration from professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, discipline and ethical leadership; those who view construction not just as a profession, but as a form of service.

By maintaining visibility and excellence in her field, Grace hopes to demonstrate that women can thrive in technical careers. She actively mentors young women, encouraging them to pursue STEM fields and leadership roles.

In Mbale, she runs a monthly Christian Women in Business (CWIB) meetup, where women gather to inspire one another and build networks of support.
“Engineering combines creativity, technical skill and social impact,” she says.

Career and motherhood
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life remains an ongoing challenge.

“It is hard being a young mother juggling work, my daughter and a social life,” Grace admits.

She relies on planning, time management and prioritising personal wellbeing to stay grounded. Exercise, cooking, singing in the church band and her faith help her maintain balance and resilience.

Looking ahead
In five years, Grace envisions expanding her contribution to healthcare facility management and shining greater light on this specialised area of engineering. She hopes to see more women influencing engineering policy, design and innovation.

She is currently pursuing an MBA research project examining how infrastructure affects patient outcomes in healthcare settings, research she hopes will influence how facilities are designed and maintained.

Grace is also passionate about promoting integrity in the workplace.

“Eliminating bribery in project and tender processes would be a great achievement for our country,” she says.

Legacy and advice
Grace hopes to be remembered for upholding integrity, excelling in her work and improving healthcare environments through effective facility management. She also wants to leave behind systems and mentorship pathways that empower future generations, especially women.

Her advice to young women and girls aspiring to join technical fields is simple but powerful:
“Remain curious, disciplined and confident. Build strong technical skills, seek mentorship, and above all, maintain integrity and perseverance. With faith, determination and character, you can transform communities and improve lives.”