The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has appointed Naphtal Baguma as its new Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Robert Kwesiga.
Baguma will assume office on March 1, 2027, following his appointment by the Society’s Central Governing Board.
The appointment follows a selection process aimed at finding a leader with the experience, institutional knowledge and leadership capacity to guide URCS through its next phase of growth, transformation and humanitarian work.
Baguma brings 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.
Before his appointment, he served as Director of Supply Chain and Estates Management, providing executive leadership in procurement, logistics, fleet management, warehousing, estates and asset management.
In the role, Baguma worked extensively with government, Parliament, donors and partners within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, while contributing to strategic planning, resource mobilisation, partnership development and governance processes.
The Board said his experience has given him a deep understanding of the Society’s governance, programmes, branches, volunteers, partnerships and operating environment.
“The Board is confident that Mr. Baguma’s extensive experience, institutional knowledge and leadership capabilities will position him well to lead the Uganda Red Cross Society as we strengthen our governance, systems, partnerships and humanitarian impact.”
As Secretary General, Baguma will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Society, with particular focus on strengthening governance and organisational effectiveness, advancing financial sustainability and deepening strategic partnerships.
He will also oversee efforts to empower URCS branches and volunteers and ensure measurable humanitarian impact for vulnerable communities across Uganda.
Baguma holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance and Finance from Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
He also holds professional qualifications including MCIPS and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP).
His executive training includes 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.
His career has covered institutional systems, donor compliance, project management, public-sector governance, financial stewardship, procurement and strategic partnership management.
The Board said this combination of experience will be important as the Society seeks to strengthen its systems and improve its humanitarian response.
The leadership change will see Baguma take over from Kwesiga, who the Board thanked for his service and contribution to the Society’s growth and transformation.
The Board particularly recognised Kwesiga for leading URCS during what it described as “turbulent times” and for supporting a smooth leadership transition.
“The Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Robert Kwesiga, the outgoing Secretary General, for his dedicated service and contribution to the growth and transformation of the Uganda Red Cross Society during his tenure.”
URCS said the transition will be supported by a structured handover and onboarding process to ensure continuity in leadership, programmes and operations.
The Central Governing Board has also called on URCS members, staff, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders to support Baguma as he assumes leadership of the Society.
His appointment comes as the organisation seeks to strengthen its governance, financial sustainability, partnerships and humanitarian impact while continuing to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities across Uganda.
