Dr. Charles Olaro named new Director General of Health Services in Uganda

UGANDA — Dr. Charles Olaro has been officially appointed as the new Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, succeeding Dr. Henry Mwebasa, who was appointed in November 2024 to lead the Health Service Commission.

The announcement was made by President Yoweri Museveni on May 15, 2025.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Olaro had been serving in an acting capacity in the same role since November 2024.

Dr. Olaro is widely respected within the health sector and is recognized as an experienced leader capable of driving meaningful reforms.

Dr. Olaro is a Senior Consultant Surgeon with over 30 years of experience in both public and private health sectors.

He earned his medical degree from Makerere University in 1994, followed by a Master’s degree in Surgery from the same institution in 1999.

In addition, he holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Management and an MBA from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).

His leadership experience includes serving as Director of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital from 2010 to 2017.

Before that, he was the Medical Superintendent of the same hospital from July 2008 to October 2010.

During his tenure, Dr. Olaro played a key role in improving hospital infrastructure, promoting sanitation and hygiene, reducing staff absenteeism, and fostering positive relationships with local leaders.

He has also been a Senior Consultant Surgeon at Fort Portal since 2009 and continues to serve in this capacity.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Olaro worked as Medical Superintendent and Consultant Surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital from 2001 to 2008.

Since April 2017, he has been the Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, Uganda.

Dr. Olaro is known as a hands-on manager who has been instrumental in strengthening clinical care systems and guiding health policy implementation across Uganda.

His work has focused on critical areas such as epidemic response, family planning, and human resource development, especially supporting medical internships.

He also served as an Accounting Officer for 17 years and led the Essential Health Services Pillar during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Ebola outbreak, ensuring continuity of vital health services.

Dr. Olaro is an Honorary Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).

In 2014, he participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program on Global Women’s Health Issues, organized by the U.S. Department of State.

He is also the author of the book Service Delivery Standards in Public Health Facilities in Uganda, published in 2019.

The book highlights research on client satisfaction in public health facilities, revealing an overall satisfaction rate of 87.6%.

It identifies factors affecting satisfaction, such as travel time and cost to health facilities, waiting times, and quality of care.

 The study also notes that physical and environmental conditions in health facilities are generally appealing, with clear communication and signage for patients.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Olaro expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Museveni and thanked health sector leaders for their ongoing support.

He described the appointment as a recognition of the collective efforts of Uganda’s health workforce and pledged to serve with integrity and dedication.

“I am committed to advancing Uganda’s health priorities and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders in this new chapter,” Dr. Olaro said in a message reported by the UG Diplomat online publication.

Dr. Olaro assumes this critical leadership role at a time when Uganda’s Ministry of Health is focused on implementing reforms to achieve universal health coverage, strengthen health infrastructure, and improve access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

His extensive experience and proven leadership are expected to contribute significantly to these goals, benefiting the health system and the people of Uganda.

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