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Baguma appointed new Uganda Red Cross boss
Baguma will replace Robert Kwesiga, who has worked for the agency for a combined 30 years in different capacities, both locally and internationally.
Baguma, the incoming Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) Secretary General. (Courtesy)
By: Nicholas Kajoba, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) board has appointed Naphtal Baguma as its new Secretary General (Chief Executive Officer).
According to a communication from URCS issued today (September 2, 2026), Baguma's appointment will be effective March 1, 2027.
Baguma will replace Robert Kwesiga, who has worked for the agency for a combined 30 years in different capacities, both locally and internationally.
In a statement, URCS said Baguma's appointment was made by the Central Governing Board following a process of identifying a leader with the experience, institutional knowledge and leadership capacity to guide URCS into its next phase of growth, transformation and humanitarian impact.
“Baguma is a seasoned humanitarian and institutional leader with more than 20 years of progressive professional experience spanning the humanitarian, public and private sectors, including more than a decade in senior leadership roles within the URCS," according to a statement signed by Dr Halid Kirunda, the chairperson of the URCS central governing board.
Kirunda hailed the outgoing Secretary General (Kwesiga) for his service and contribution to the growth and transformation of URCS during his tenure.
“The Board particularly recognises Kwesiga for his commitment to lead URCS during the turbulent times, plus supporting a smooth transition. We urge staff, partners and stakeholders to support him (Baguma) as he assumes the leadership of the Society and advances its humanitarian mission," he said.
“Baguma is a seasoned humanitarian and institutional leader with more than 20 years of progressive professional experience spanning the humanitarian, public and private sectors, including more than a decade in senior leadership roles within the URCS," according to a statement signed by Dr Halid Kirunda, the chairperson of the URCS central governing board.
Kirunda hailed the outgoing Secretary General (Kwesiga) for his service and contribution to the growth and transformation of URCS during his tenure.
“The Board particularly recognises Kwesiga for his commitment to lead URCS during the turbulent times, plus supporting a smooth transition. We urge staff, partners and stakeholders to support him (Baguma) as he assumes the leadership of the Society and advances its humanitarian mission," he said.
Who is Baguma?
Prior to his appointment as URCS Secretary General, Baguma served as URCS Director of Supply Chain and Estates Management, providing executive leadership across procurement, logistics, fleet, warehousing, estates and asset management.
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 others.
Baguma completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance and Finance at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (Management) and a Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, alongside professional qualifications including Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP).
He further undertook executive leadership programmes, including the Management and Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School in the US and the CEO (chief executive officer) Apprenticeship Programme at Strathmore University in Kenya.
Prior to his appointment as URCS Secretary General, Baguma served as URCS Director of Supply Chain and Estates Management, providing executive leadership across procurement, logistics, fleet, warehousing, estates and asset management.
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 others.
Baguma completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance and Finance at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (Management) and a Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, alongside professional qualifications including Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP).
He further undertook executive leadership programmes, including the Management and Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School in the US and the CEO (chief executive officer) Apprenticeship Programme at Strathmore University in Kenya.