Naphtal Baguma appointed new Uganda Red Cross Secretary General

The Central Governing Board of Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has appointed Naphtal Baguma as its new Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer.

Baguma who succeeds Robert Kwesiga. will assume office on March 1, 2027, to run the activities of the life saving auxiliary organization.

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.