Benard Feni, founder and CEO 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 dedicated to eliminating malaria as a public health threat.
The appointment was made by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi for a three-year term running from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029. The term is renewable once, subject to the initiative’s Board Charter.
According to his appointment letter, Feni's inclusion recognizes his strong leadership and professional experience, highlighting the vital role private-sector players can play in driving Uganda’s national development and health priorities.
As a non-executive director, Feni will join the board in providing strategic oversight, mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening advocacy, and forging partnerships to bolster malaria prevention and control programs. The board is also tasked with overseeing the initiative’s budgets, resource commitments, and the performance of its secretariat.
Malaria Free Uganda was established to support the Ministry of Health by coordinating private-sector participation and resource mobilization. Its overarching goal is to engage businesses, civil society organizations, and community leaders in the national malaria response.
A central priority for the initiative is the establishment of an End Malaria Fund or foundation. This vehicle aims to bring together government officials, business leaders, and community representatives to finance critical interventions outlined in the national malaria strategic plan. The proposed fund is designed to bridge financing gaps, ensure the steady availability of essential malaria commodities, and strengthen accountability as Uganda works toward its goal of eliminating the disease by 2030.
Additionally, the initiative encourages government ministries, departments, and agencies to integrate malaria interventions into their respective plans and budgets, thereby extending prevention efforts far beyond the traditional health sector.
The appointment comes at a critical time as Uganda continues to grapple with a heavy malaria burden that impacts households, health facilities, and the broader economy through high treatment costs, lost working days, and school absenteeism.
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Malaria Report 2025—which presents estimates for 2024—Uganda was named among five countries that together accounted for more than half of all malaria cases worldwide, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Nigeria. Globally, the WHO estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with the African Region accounting for roughly 94% of cases and 95% of deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five.
While Uganda has implemented robust interventions—such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying in targeted districts, and community-based case management—sustaining these efforts requires consistent financing, reliable medical supplies, and multi-sectoral coordination. The WHO has also noted partial resistance to artemisinin-based antimalarial medicines in Uganda, underscoring the urgency of continued vigilance and effective resource allocation.
Malaria Free Uganda seeks to leverage private-sector contributions ranging from financial backing and technology to supplies, training, and community networks to help overcome these hurdles.
Feni’s new role will require him to attend quarterly board meetings, an annual strategy retreat, and other sessions as needed. The voluntary, non-remunerated position allows for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred during official duties in line with initiative policy. Day-to-day operations and technical guidance will be managed by the secretariat and technical working groups supporting the National Malaria Control Division.
