Benard Feni Appointed to Malaria Free Uganda Board.

Benard Feni Appointed to Malaria Free Uganda Board.

By Kumakech Sam.

Benard Feni, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Euro Gold Refinery Uganda Ltd and the Arua-based Mungufeni Foundation, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Malaria Free Uganda, a national initiative supporting efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030.

The appointment by Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi takes effect from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029, with the possibility of one renewal, subject to the initiative’s Board Charter.

According to the appointment letter, Feni’s selection recognises his leadership and professional experience, as well as the role the private sector can play in advancing Uganda’s development priorities.

As a non-executive director, he is expected to support strategic oversight, resource mobilisation, advocacy and partnership development. The board will also oversee budgets, financial commitments and the performance of the secretariat.

Malaria Free Uganda works with the Ministry of Health to mobilise resources and coordinate private-sector participation in malaria prevention and control.

One of its key priorities is establishing an End Malaria Fund or foundation to bring together government, businesses and community stakeholders to finance interventions under Uganda’s national malaria strategic plan.

The proposed fund aims to address financing gaps, improve access to essential malaria commodities and strengthen accountability as Uganda pursues its goal of eliminating malaria as a public health threat by 2030.

Uganda continues to face a significant malaria burden. The World Health Organisation’s World Malaria Report 2025, based on 2024 estimates, identified Uganda among five countries that collectively accounted for more than half of global malaria cases.

The report estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide in 2024. The WHO African Region accounted for approximately 94 per cent of cases and 95 per cent of deaths, with children under five among the most vulnerable.

Uganda’s malaria response includes insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying in selected districts, community-based case management and access to testing and treatment. However, sustained financing, reliable supplies and coordinated action remain essential.

The WHO has also reported partial resistance to artemisinin-based antimalarial medicines in Uganda, highlighting the need to monitor treatment effectiveness and follow national treatment guidelines.

Feni’s appointment comes as Malaria Free Uganda seeks to strengthen private-sector contributions through funding, technology, supplies, training and community networks.

The board is scheduled to meet four times a year, alongside an annual strategy retreat and other meetings when required. The position is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable official expenses are reimbursed in line with the initiative’s policy.

The secretariat will manage daily operations, financial reporting, tracking of commitments and the organisation of board meetings and the annual malaria forum.

The appointment is expected to strengthen private-sector engagement in Uganda’s malaria response as the country works towards its 2030 elimination target.

By Kumakech Sam