Dr Charles Olaro Appointed New Director General of Health Services

The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Charles Olaro as the new Director General of Health Services, marking a new chapter in Uganda’s health leadership.

The announcement, made today via the ministry’s official social media channels, follows his service in an acting capacity since November 2024.

Dr. Olaro succeeds Dr. Henry Mwebesa, whose term recently concluded after years at the helm of Uganda’s health sector during some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Widely respected for his clinical expertise and administrative acumen, Dr. Olaro has had a distinguished medical career spanning over three decades. A Senior Consultant Surgeon, he earned both his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Master of Medicine in Surgery from Makerere University, followed by advanced degrees in Health Services Management and an MBA from ESAMI.

Before his elevation, Dr. Olaro served as the Director of Clinical Services at the Ministry of Health since 2017, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Uganda’s most recent Ebola outbreak. His leadership was instrumental in coordinating emergency response and sustaining service delivery amidst national crises.

His career trajectory also includes transformative leadership at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, where he served as Director from 2010 to 2017, and before that, as Medical Superintendent. Under his stewardship, the hospital saw significant improvements in sanitation, staff discipline, and community engagement.

In its congratulatory message, the Ministry of Health hailed Dr. Olaro’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of “visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public health.”

Industry leaders also welcomed the news. Microhaem Scientifics, a leading medical manufacturing firm, praised the appointment, saying, “Your visionary leadership inspires us all. MHS is proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you.”

Dr. Olaro brings to the office deep institutional knowledge, proven crisis management skills, and a firm commitment to strengthening Uganda’s health systems.