Dr. Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima is the new Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Byanyima, who has been serving in an acting capacity as the head of the national hospital since last year, was appointed by President Museveni on Friday.
She now replaces Dr. Baterana Byarugaba, who was interdicted in 2023 on allegations of financial mismanagement.
Previously, Dr. Byanyima, a seasoned consultant radiologist, served as the deputy director of the hospital. She has been a leading figure in Uganda’s medical landscape, dedicating over three decades of service to the field, with the vast majority of her career spent at Mulago Hospital.
She was born in Ibanda to Joseph Byanyima and Constance Byanyima (RIP). She attended Immaculate Heart Nyakibale for O Level and Trinity College Nabbingo for A’Level before joining Makerere University to pursue a degree in Medicine. She graduated in 1991. She also attained a Master’s degree in Radiology.
Byanyima joined Mulago Hospital in 1993 as a Medical Officer in the Psychiatry department. She later became a senior consultant in 2012.
Dr. Byanyima also holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
It’s such experience that saw her get appointed as the Deputy Executive Director. During her tenure as Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Byanyima spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the operational efficiency and patient care quality at Mulago.
Her role was crucial during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where under her leadership, Mulago Hospital treated and discharged all admitted COVID-19 patients—a testament to the effective management and medical prowess of her team.