Kampala, 28 October 2026 - The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) has handed over the chairmanship of the National One Health Platform (NOHP) to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), reaffirming Government’s commitment to strengthening multisectoral collaboration in protecting human, animal, plant and environmental health.
The handover ceremony, held at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The outgoing Chairperson, Mr. Stephen David Mugabi, Commissioner for Environment Sector Support at MWE, represented the Permanent Secretary in handing over leadership to UWA Executive Director, represented by Mr. Chemonges Mongea Sabilla, Commissioner for Legal and Corporate Affairs and Board Secretary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mugabi emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing interconnected health and environmental challenges.
“Government of Uganda formally endorsed the One Health framework in 2016. This was a visionary step, recognising that the health of our people, animals and environment are linked,” he said, noting that the endorsement led to the establishment of the National One Health Platform to coordinate responses to public health threats at the human-animal-ecosystem interface.
As the incoming chair, UWA is expected to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership by strengthening information sharing, coordinated planning and joint interventions among stakeholders. Collaboration is particularly critical in preventing zoonotic diseases and responding to emerging health threats that affect people, domestic animals, wildlife and ecosystems.
Ms. Sabilla emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships across sectors to protect biodiversity, prevent disease transmission and promote sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
“Wildlife, people, domestic animals and the environment exist in an interconnected system. Strengthening partnerships across these sectors is essential to protecting biodiversity, preventing disease transmission and promoting sustainable coexistence,” said Chemonges.
The incoming leadership outlined eight priorities for the year ahead: finalising and submitting a competitive Pandemic Fund proposal; diversifying resources to ensure financial sustainability; promoting science, research and innovation; strengthening existing and establishing new strategic partnerships; institutionalising coordinated outbreak prevention and response mechanisms; fast-tracking the development and adoption of a comprehensive One Health Policy; expanding and equipping District and Protected Area One Health Teams; and improving interoperability among human, animal and environmental health surveillance systems.
The Ministry of Water and Environment remains a key partner in advancing the One Health approach through its mandate to sustainably manage and protect Uganda’s environment and natural resources.
The transition marks continuity in Uganda’s multisectoral efforts to address shared health risks, strengthen institutional coordination and promote sustainable solutions that safeguard people, animals and ecosystems.
