Dr. Kasonde G. Mulenga Mwinga, the newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Uganda, officially assumed her role after presenting her Letters of Credence to Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of International Affairs.
The ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, marks the beginning of a renewed collaboration between Uganda and the global health body.
Dr. Mwinga expressed her commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare sector.
She praised Uganda’s proactive approach to disease management, highlighting efforts in combating HIV, responding to Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, and enhancing immunization programs.
Minister Okello reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to global health partnerships and emphasized the government’s continued prioritization of public health.
He hinted at a possible increase in the national health budget to improve healthcare infrastructure and emergency response systems.
“An increase would signal the government’s intent to enhance disease outbreak response capabilities and overall healthcare services,” he stated.
Reflecting on Uganda’s achievements, Okello credited President Yoweri Museveni’s decisive approach in handling public health crises, notably reducing HIV prevalence from 30-40% to 6% through community-driven interventions.
He also referenced a viral video of the President exercising during the COVID-19 pandemic, which inspired a nationwide movement towards healthier lifestyles.
With Dr. Mwinga’s tenure officially underway, the strengthened partnership between WHO and Uganda is expected to bolster the nation’s health resilience, reinforcing its role in combating global health challenges.
