The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has appointed Naphtal Baguma as its new Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2027.
The appointment was made by the society's central governing board following a selection process aimed at identifying a leader with the experience, institutional knowledge and leadership capacity to steer the organisation through its next phase of growth, transformation and humanitarian impact.
Baguma is a humanitarian and institutional leader with more than 20 years of professional experience across the humanitarian, public and private sectors, including more than a decade in senior leadership positions within the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of Supply Chain and Estates Management, where he provided executive leadership in procurement, logistics, fleet management, warehousing, estates and asset management.
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In his various roles, Baguma has worked extensively with government, Parliament, donors and partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He has also contributed to strategic planning, resource mobilisation, partnership development, governance and institutional decision-making.
The Board said his experience has given him a strong understanding of the Society's governance structures, programmes, branches, volunteers, partnerships and operating environment.
"The board is confident that Mr. Baguma's extensive experience, institutional knowledge leadership capabilities will position him well to lead the Uganda Red Cross as we strengthen our governance, systems, partnerships and humanitarian impact," the board said in its statement on Wednesday.
Baguma holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance and Finance from Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
His professional qualifications include MCIPS and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). He has also undertaken executive leadership programmes at Harvard Business School and Strathmore University, including the Management and Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School and the CEO Apprenticeship Programme at Strathmore University.
Before joining URCS, Baguma held senior positions with the USAID-Mildmay Uganda Programme, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Nation Media Group, among other institutions.
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His career across the humanitarian, public and private sectors has given him experience in institutional systems, donor compliance, project management, public-sector governance, financial stewardship, procurement and strategic partnership management.
As Secretary General, Baguma will provide strategic leadership with a focus on organisational effectiveness, financial sustainability, strategic partnerships, and the empowerment of URCS branches and volunteers.
He will also be responsible for ensuring measurable humanitarian impact for vulnerable communities across Uganda.
The Board expressed appreciation to outgoing Secretary General Robert Kwesiga for his service and contribution to the growth and transformation of the Uganda Red Cross Society during his tenure.
The Board particularly recognised Kwesiga's leadership during what it described as turbulent times, as well as his support for a smooth transition to the new leadership.
The Central Governing Board has called on URCS members, staff, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders to support Baguma as he assumes his new role.
The leadership transition will be supported by a structured handover and onboarding process intended to ensure continuity of leadership, programmes and operations.
The Uganda Red Cross Society congratulated Baguma on his appointment and wished him success as he takes the organisation into its next chapter of service, integrity, sustainability and humanitarian impact.
He will replace Robert Kwesiga whose tenure is set to end.
