Kampala-World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized seven members of staff in Uganda for dedicated service over the last 15 years. Those recognized include Dr. Annet Kisakye (EPI Officer), Dr. Andrew Bakainaga (Cluster lead/ District Health Management and System Strengthening), Mrs. Christine Karamagi (Programme Assistant), Ms. Ann Araba (Procurement Assistant), Ms. Sophia Kyamanywa (Administrative Assistant, Gregory Habaasa Kabuza (Driver) and David Semabale (Driver).

The certificates of recognition were handed over to the staff members by WHO Uganda Representative, Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam. He specially appreciated the staff members’ role in supporting the response to COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, the Ebola outbreak.

“It is a great honor that you have dedicated all these years of your service to WHO. I am truly humbled to have worked with you and seen you contribute a great deal of your efforts to this organization. I thank you all,” said Dr. Yonas.

Appreciation of staff is a valued tradition of WHO. Staff members are recognized for their level of service and commitment, upon completion of more than ten years of satisfactory service, by receiving a certificate. This tradition has re-energized them to continue serving diligently.

Staff quotes; Most memorable achievement over the last 15 years!

Dr. Annet Kisakye

I was instrumental in the campaign to save lives against Cholera infection when we started the journey of vaccinating the Ugandan population living in the hotspots. It is commendable that since 2018 we have not registered any outbreaks in those districts. I also offered protection to health workers at the point of entry in Mpondwe against the Zaire Ebola virus species. When the health workers got in contact with a case, I was very comfortable that I had offered them protection by providing them Ebola vaccine prior to that importation.

Mrs. Christine Karamagi

I am proud of the role I played in the inception and creation of the Uganda Stop TB Partnership in 2004. I call it my baby. WHO was the first Secretariat of the ‘Stop TB Partnership’ and I was the Secretariat’s first administrator. I kept custody of records and communication of about 30 member organizations. I feel proud to have contributed to such a great initiative saving lives.

Ms. Ann Araba

I feel I am a versatile individual. Over the last 15 years, I have performed different roles. This means that my skills have been appreciated and therefore there is trust that I can perform different roles.

Ms. Sophia Kyamanywa

I joined WHO as a secretary around 2003 while studying for my first degree at University. I already had a diploma. After graduating, I enrolled for an MBA majoring in health care management because I was targeting to stay within the health sector. So, it has helped me to perform my work because I understand the concepts.  I am still quite agile, energetic, and ready to serve even more. Thank you WHO for enabling me to grow in my career. Working with WHO has also given me an opportunity to educate my son.

Dr. Andrew Bakainaga

During the 2019 Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), I successfully tracked the movement of a body of a Ugandan suspected to have succumbed to the virus. One night in February 2019 I was informed that the family had traveled to DRC to pick the body. I was coordinating with customs and security officials in Kasese district and at the Mpondwe border post to be vigilant and decline the repatriation. I received a call at around 10:00 pm informing me that the family had crossed into Uganda using an informal crossing in Zombo district. From 10:00pm to 3:00am I was on the phone with security personnel tracking the family’s movement upto Tororo where the burial took place.

David Semabale

I was privileged to have driven the WHO Africa Regional Director twice. Such opportunities don’t come all the time. The Ebola outbreak in northern Uganda in 2000 was a big test for me. We had to pick and drive patients to hospital amidst the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. Somehow, I was able to live through the situation and save lives. I used to move with a jerrycan of disinfectant and don gloves.

Gregory Habaasa Kabuza

 In 2018 I boarded the aeroplane for the first time to attend a training of trainers for drivers in Gibraltar. I sat in the business class with ambassadors and ministers. That made me proud to work at WHO.

How you feel about being appreciated

Dr. Annet Kisakye

This came as a surprise. Usually, staff are appreciated upon leaving an organization. Being appreciated when I am still working for the organization is great. I feel more energized. Above all, I am being appreciated when WHO is celebrating 75 years. I am proud to be WHO.

Ms. Christine Karamagi

It has motivated and given me encouragement to continue serving. I am glad that the team appreciates my contribution to the wellbeing and health of the people of Uganda. 

Ms. Ann Araba

It feels nice. It is a privilege to be appreciated and it makes you realise that someone out there appreciates your hardwork and contribution to the organization.

Ms. Sophia Kyamanywa

This is going to inspire my son who is pursuing his Bachelors degree. When I show this certificate to him, he will know how much I have achieved through hardwork. He knows that it is because of WHO that I have managed to educate him. My message to colleagues is never to take opportunities for granted. The young people should also learn from us before we retire. We have a lot of experience and skills acquired over time.

Dr. Andrew Bakainaga

Knowing that the work I do daily has been appreciated by WHO and that it has contributed to the betterment of humanity is such a joy. No amount of money compares to this appreciation.

David Semabale

I feel very happy. It shows that management appreciates the work I do. Throughout my stay at WHO, I thank God that I have never had accident.

Gregory Habaasa Kabuza

I am extremely happy to be appreciated. It motivates me to continue working. I urge all staff to work hard and be honest. That way they will also be recognized.