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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Benard Feni, founder and chief executive of Euro Gold Refinery Uganda Ltd, was among 16 members inaugurated onto the Malaria Free Uganda Board of Directors as the organisation prepares to support the country’s malaria elimination efforts.
The inauguration, presided over by Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi, ushered in a new board that will serve from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029.
The board is chaired by Kenneth Mugisha, with Grace Muliisa as vice chairperson. Its membership brings together leaders from government, business, faith-based institutions and civil society.
Other members include Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda, Uganda National Oil Company Managing Director Proscovia Nabbanja, former Uganda Tourism Board chief executive Lilly Ajarova, Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi.
The board also includes Dr Bildard Baguma, Dr Fabian Kasi, Eng. Dr Harrison Mutikanga, Julius Mukunda, Robert Byaruhanga, Charles Mbiiire, Dr Alan Shonubi and Simon Kaheru.
The board is expected to provide strategic oversight for the End Malaria Fund, review annual work plans and budgets, supervise the secretariat and mobilise domestic resources to support implementation of Uganda’s Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
Feni is expected to contribute to the board’s work in areas including advocacy, resource mobilisation and partnership development. His participation reflects the role businesses and other non-state actors can play in supporting public health priorities.
Uganda continues to face a substantial malaria burden. The World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2025 identified Uganda among five countries accounting for more than half of global malaria cases, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Nigeria.
The board’s three-year term will focus on providing leadership and strengthening partnerships to support the country’s goal of eliminating malaria as a public health threat. Board membership is voluntary.
