By Leonaard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The World Bank has named Nigerian health and development expert, Dr. Fransisca Ayodeji Akala alias Dr. Ayo, its new Country Director for Uganda, replacing Mukami Karuiki, whose four – year tenure has ended.
According to appointment letter seen by Parrots Media, Dr. Ayo’s appointment starts with immediate effect, August 1. During her four year tenure, Dr. Ayo will be mandated to oversee the World Bank’s $4.5 billion portfolio in Uganda which includes 18 active projects like energy access, education, healthcare, and refugee livelihood support, among others.
She will also lead the bank’s ongoing dialogue with the government, CSOs on development support for the National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Uganda’s Vision 2040.
With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Ayo is expected to strengthen health systems, service delivery in Uganda. She has served in several countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle-East, and South Asia where she made remarkable contributions to immunization, HIV/AIDS, Malaria prevention, non-communicable diseases, and malnutrition. Dr. Ayo also served as a Practice Manager for health, nutrition and population for 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The Bank has committed to supporting development programs in Uganda. Dr. Ayo will be based at World Bank Offices in Kampala.
