Kampala, Uganda – June 11, 2025 – The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has successfully concluded a two-day retreat for its newly appointed Board members at Speke Resort Munyonyo on June 11, 2025. The retreat aimed to equip the Board with a comprehensive understanding of UCI’s mandate, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster effective governance.

Orientation on UCI Act 2016

The retreat commenced on June 10 with an orientation session led by Mr. Wanyama Kodoli, the Acting Commissioner for Civil Litigation at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Mr. Kodoli provided an in-depth overview of the Uganda Cancer Institute Act 2016, elucidating the Institute’s legal framework, objectives, and operational guidelines. This session was instrumental in aligning the Board’s understanding of UCI’s statutory responsibilities and strategic direction.

Leadership and Governance Training

On June 11, Dr. Henry Waruhui, Director of Research and Management at the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), facilitated a comprehensive training session focusing on leadership and governance. The training covered critical areas such as board dynamics, strategic planning, policy formulation, and effective decision-making processes. Dr. Waruhui’s expertise provided the Board members with valuable insights into enhancing their leadership roles and ensuring robust governance structures within UCI.

Board Composition

The newly constituted Board comprises distinguished professionals committed to advancing UCI’s mission:

• Damalie Nakanjako – Chairperson
  Prof. Nakanjako is a Professor of Medicine and the Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), a Master of Medicine (MMED) in Internal Medicine from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, a Ph.D. from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. With over 22 years of experience in infectious diseases care, research, and training, she has led several research, training, and mentorship programs, including the Makerere University-UVRI Infection and Immunity (MUII) program and the Afya Bora Consortium for global health leadership training in Africa. She is the Scientific Director of the Translational Laboratory at Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute.
• Charles Olaro – Member
  Dr. Olaro is the Director General of Health Services. He previously held the position of Director Clinical Services. With extensive experience in public, non-profit & private health care systems.
• Isaac Kajja – Member
  Prof. Kajja is a healthcare practitioner, specializing as an orthopaedic surgeon. His interests are in arthroplasty, arthroscopy& research in transfusion medicine.
• Lawrence Otim – Member
  Dr. Otim brings in wealth of knowledge in assurance, data analytics with a strong background in risk, controls, compliance. He is also engaged in civil society.
• Mary Philomena Okello – Member
  Ms. Okello brings in a wealth of experience in palliative care, which is critical in cancer care.
• Sabbiti Baguma – Member
  Mr. Baguma Sabbiti, the Nuclear Safety Engineer at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. He brings in a wealth of knowledge in nuclear energy.
• Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima – Member
  Dr. Byanyima is the Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital. She is a consultant radiologist and has held various leadership positions, including Head of the Radiology Department and Chair of the Radiology Department under Makerere University Faculty of Medicine. She is also a Visiting Professor of Radiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology and has served on several boards, including the Atomic Energy Council and the Uganda Medical Board.

Conclusion

The retreat provided an invaluable platform for the Board members to deepen their understanding of UCI’s legal framework and enhance their leadership and governance skills. With a diverse and experienced Board in place, UCI is poised to continue its mission of providing comprehensive cancer care, conducting cutting-edge research, and contributing to the global fight against cancer.

For further information, please contact:

Uganda Cancer Institute Public Relations & Communications Office
Email: christine.namulidwa@uci.or.ug
Phone: +256 708734467
Website: www.uci.go.ug