Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr Charles Olaro as the new Director General of Health Services, placing him at the helm of technical oversight within the Ministry of Health at a time of growing demands on the country’s healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the appointment on Thursday, describing Dr Olaro as a seasoned public health professional with a longstanding record of service in Uganda’s health sector. He had been serving in the role in an acting capacity since November 2024, following the redeployment of his predecessor, Dr Henry Mwebesa, to the Health Service Commission.
“Congratulations Dr. Charles Olaro, upon your appointment as Director General Health Services,” the ministry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Dr. Olaro was previously the Director, Clinical Services.”
Dr Olaro, a senior consultant surgeon, graduated from Makerere University in 1994 and obtained his Master’s degree in Surgery in 1999. He furthered his education in health administration, earning a postgraduate diploma in Health Services Management and an MBA from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Dr Olaro has held key leadership positions in both regional and national health institutions. Between 2001 and 2008, he served as medical superintendent and consultant surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital. He later led Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital from 2010 to 2017, where he was credited with improving sanitation, reducing absenteeism among staff, and fostering stronger collaboration with local authorities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Olaro played a central role in Uganda’s national health response in his capacity as Director of Curative Services. His leadership was instrumental in managing strained resources and coordinating emergency care at a time when hospitals across the country faced an unprecedented surge in demand.
While Uganda has since made progress, including the installation of oxygen plants and new intensive care units, the health system continues to grapple with systemic challenges, notably chronic staff shortages and limited funding.
Dr Olaro takes on the new role at a pivotal moment, as the government pushes to reform healthcare delivery in the face of rising public health threats and a rapidly expanding population. His appointment is seen as part of efforts to inject experienced leadership into the health sector’s top ranks.
