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Our Team Meet

Board of Directors

Denis Assimwe bio photo

Denis Kibira

Board Chair, HAC Uganda 

Has experience in Program management, coordination of multi-stakeholder groups on access to medicines, innovative research, health policy analysis, intellectual property and advocacy in Uganda and the East African region. Extensive experience in the Uganda health system, regional and global health and trade environment; knowledge of public health systems, health and pharmaceutical policy and management.

Farzana Sunderji bio photo

Dr. Farzana Sunderji 

Board Member, HAC Uganda

Dr. Farzana Sunderji is a globally experienced healthcare and HealthTech executive with over 23 years of leadership experience across the United Kingdom, Africa, and the United States. She brings deep expertise in healthcare operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital health, regulatory governance, and organizational scale‑up within highly regulated environments.
 
She serves as a Non‑Executive Director at HAC (since February 2026), a company operating within the healthcare and HealthTech sector. In this role, Dr. Sunderji provides independent board oversight and strategic guidance, supporting HAC’s long‑term growth, governance integrity, and commitment to delivering accessible, patient‑centered healthcare solutions. Her board contributions focus on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainable healthcare innovation.
 
In addition to her board responsibilities, Dr. Sunderji is the Chief Operating Officer at MedAditus, overseeing operations across Kenya and the United States. She is currently leading the development of a KES 1.6B pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kisumu, in partnership with the Kisumu County Government and Great Lakes University, while also supporting advanced manufacturing and digital quality‑management innovation in the United States.
 
Her previous leadership roles include Chief Operating Officer at My1Health and Head of Operations & Board Member at MyDawa, where she successfully scaled digital healthcare platforms, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and delivered significant growth across consumer health and wellness services.
 
Dr. Sunderji holds a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy from the University of Bradford (UK) and is a Registered Pharmacist in the United Kingdom and a Licensed Pharmacist in Kenya. She is passionate about ethical healthcare delivery, strong governance, and equitable access to quality healthcare, and brings a disciplined, strategic, and values‑driven perspective to board leadership.
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Benson Chirwa

Board Members, HAC Uganda

Dr Benson Chirwa has been working in global health and HIV/AIDS for over 20 years. He is currently Deputy Chief of Party/DSD at Equip Zambia. Formerly he was Country Director of KethImpilo‘s USAID-funded External Quality Improvement Programme (EQUIP) in Zimbabwe. Previously he has served as the Director General of the National AIDS Council of Zambia and as the Technical Adviser for John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health SSDI Programme in Malawi. He has undertaken consultancies with UNAIDS and UKAID and has served on the Board of ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action Challenges Fund from 2012-2016. Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B.) from the University of Zambia and an MPH from the University of Ibadan. On the Board, Ben focuses on fundraising, grant writing, communication, and public relations for Health Access Connect.

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Ruth Achillah

Board Member, HAC Uganda.

Ruth Achillah is an organizational effectiveness, people and culture leader with 15 years of cross-sector leadership experience across East Africa and globally. She specializes in the moment when organizations outgrow their implicit operating logic — designing the frameworks, talent systems, and leadership conditions that make institutional culture explicit, functional, and sustainable at scale.

Ruth currently serves as Global Learning & Development Lead at One Acre Fund, where she leads people development strategy for 10,000 staff across ten countries. Previously, as Uganda Country Manager and Director of Fellowships at Global Health Corps, she led a multi-country fellowship program spanning Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and the United States. She is also a co-founder of NovaSage Africa,  a pan-African leadership and innovation platform for women across career stages, sectors, and countries.

She pursued a Global MBA from Bologna Business School and an LLB from Uganda Christian University.

On the board, Ruth focuses on fundraising and governance for Health Access Connect.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthachillah/ 

https://ruthachillah.com/

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Ronald Tibiita

Board Member, HAC Uganda

Ronald Tibiita has been a implementer and researcher of multiple global health programs. He is currently the Senior Programs Manager at Global Health Uganda and formerly served as Technical and Quality Improvement Officer of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health & HIV Interventions at the USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project in Northern Uganda. He has served as a member of Health Information for All 2030, as a Global Health Corps (GHC) Fellow, as a mentor with the GHC Alumni Association, and as a member of the Norwegian International Health Policy Scholars. He has a Bachelors of Social Work and Social Administration from Makerere University, an MPH from the James P Grant School of Public Health of BRAC University, and a Masters in International Health Policy and Social Welfare from Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences. On the Board, Ronald focuses on monitoring & evaluation and programmatic and implementation techniques for Health Access Connect.

Risha Hess bio photo

Risha Hess

Risha Hess

Board Member, HAC Uganda

Risha Hess is an international public health expert, using her implementation experience to train and mentor leaders and groups to better achieve their goals. She is currently a principal at Propelevate, a boutique consulting group, where she leads the health portfolio. At Propelevate, she helps global non-profits through strategic transitions, helps CBOs to scale innovations and helps for-profit startups build impact strategies. She is a master facilitator and capacity builder who applies her background in behavior change to ensure her clients move beyond learning
into implementation. In addition to her work for Propelevate she sits on several non-profit and government boards, facilitating strategic plans, building governance mechanisms and ensuring financial and risk oversight.

Before joining Propelevate, Risha was the Country Director for MSI Reproductive Choices in Ethiopia, where she led a team of over 700 to deliver maternal and SRHR services through for-profit maternity hospitals and ‘SRH’ clinics, mobile units, private sector franchises, and public sector
support, advocacy, and product sales. 

Prior to MSI she worked 13 years for PSI in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific. For five years she was PSI’s go-to person globally to facilitate marketing planning sessions and build training-of-trainers programs. She started her career working in social advertising at Better World Advertising. Risha holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
Stephen Assimwe bio photo

Dr. Stephen Assimwe

Board Member, HAC Uganda 

 Dr Stephen Asiimwe (MBChB, MS, DrPH) is a physician scientist and senior medical epidemiologist. Dr Asiimwe studied Medicine & Surgery from Makerere University Kampala Uganda (MUK), and at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio USA. He completed his second doctorate from the University of Georgia (UGA), USA, College of Public Health. He has 20 years’ experience in developing health systems, conducting medical research and public health application, accrued from serving in Uganda’s local health systems, and various positions held in the Uganda ministry of health, local government, civil society and university respectively, some at executive level. He is currently the Director of the Global Health Collaborative (GHC), a large global-health partnership between the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda; with Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, USA. He is also co-founder, Principal Investigator and Principal Research Scientist for the Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), in Sheema Uganda. Dr. Stephen is also an Honorary Lecturer and External Examiner of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the MUST Department of Community Health. Stephen is also a renown nature enthusiast, traveler, biker and family man. On the board, Stephen will assist advise the learning and knowledge generation from HAC initiatives, as well as with grant writing (fundraising).

Nick Bennett bio photo

Tonny Chono Okot

Board Member, HAC Uganda 

Okot Chono Tonny is a highly accomplished professional with over 16 years of extensive experience working with national and international organizations in the areas of compliance, audit, risk management, accounting, finance, and investigation. He currently serves as an Internal Auditor at the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, where he has made significant contributions in preparing and presenting risk reports, evaluating internal control processes, performing operational, financial, and compliance audits, and developing risk mitigation strategies. His work has promoted and implemented robust compliance and risk management frameworks across several organizations, including the Finance Trust Bank, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda. He also guides the Head Internal Audit on internal controls and risk management and coordinates with external audits.

Tonny’s career is marked by a series of impactful roles, such as Senior Audit and Compliance Officer, Internal Auditor, Senior Audit and Inspectorate Officer, Finance Officer, Branch Accountant, and Compliance and Investigation Officer. His experience spans reputable institutions such as the United Nations, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, TDR Associate Consult Ltd, Fred Andema and Associates, and Finance Trust Bank. His diverse roles have honed his skills in developing risk management, compliance management ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and leading audit engagements to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Okot Chono holds an MBA in Finance & Accounting, a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Makerere University. He is a Chartered Risk Analyst (CRA) and a Fellow of the Global Academy of Finance and Management (USA). Additionally, he has earned a Diploma in Data Analytics, a Diploma in Actuarial Science, a Certificate in Modern Global Diplomacy from the University of London, and a Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance. He also holds a Certificate in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management. These qualifications underscore his profound expertise and commitment to continuous professional development.

Beyond his professional roles, Okot Chono is a results-oriented consultant with experience in risk management, compliance, and USAID compliance and donor regulations. He has provided consultancy services to local and international organizations such as Frontline AIDS/Uganda Key Population Consortium, Fulcrum Consult, BLD Consult Uganda Ltd, and Horizont 3000. His consultancy work has further solidified his reputation as a strategic thinker and a proficient problem-solver, capable of delivering tailored solutions that drive organizational success.

Email address: chonot2001@yahoo.com

Nick Bennett bio photo

Hudson Balidawa

Board Member, HAC Uganda 

Dr. Hudson Balidawa is a Public Health Specialist and Development Advisory and Management consultant with 20 years of experience as a team leader, program management and technical advisor; working with national governments, senior leaders of bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, international financing institutions to design, implement, monitor and evaluate public health interventions across several countries in Africa. He has specific country professional experience and a deep contextual understanding of the Public Health terrain in Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Namibia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. From 2004 to 2011, he was a senior manager in Uganda, supported by the WHO Kampala office, to lead the rollout of HIV program capacity, where he co-led the public health consulting and advisory practice that led Uganda to achieve the 3by5 global HIV targets. He has worked with international firms like KPMG-Kenya where he has further harnessed his expertise in the end-to-end management of consulting assignments, from proposal writing to presenting final results to clients. He has extensive familiarity working with and leading engagements for WHO, UNAIDS, USAID; UNICEF; and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. He has collaborated in several research to generate evidence for decision-making. He holds two Master’s Degrees in Public Health and Pediatrics and Child Health, from Makerere University, Kampala; Post Graduate Diplomas in Monitoring and evaluation from Uganda Management Institute, Kampala; and International Health from Berlin, Germany; and a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balidawa-hudson-06278a138/

Email address: hbalidawa@gmail.com

To inspire the Board to grow the organization beyond its current goals and contribute to shaping  its bright future

Bruce Willis bio photo

Bruce Willis

Board Chairperson, HAC USA

Bruce Willis practices law at Musgrove Law Firm P.C. in Dallas, Texas. He serves as legal counsel to small-to-middle market companies and entrepreneurs and has a passion for helping to propel organizations to achieve their goals. Previously he partnered his own law firm and served as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of an aviation company. He has a BS in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and a JD from the University of Tulsa College of Law. On the Board, Bruce focuses on finance, budgeting, and legal processes for Health Access Connect.

Marjorie Norman bio photo

Marjorie Norman

Board Member, HAC USA

Marjorie Norman comes to HAC with over 30 years of experience in business and competitive intelligence, strategic development, competitive benchmarking and market research in corporate, consulting, entrepreneurial and Non-Governmental Organization environments. Her focus has been in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Ms. Norman retired from Pfizer, Inc as Director, Worldwide Competitive Intelligence where she led the corporation’s global primary intelligence program. Prior to joining Pfizer, she was Director – Pharmaceutical Practice at Fuld + Company, a competitive intelligence consulting firm and a Senior Market Research Analyst at Johnson & Johnson Professional. Ms. Norman currently serves as Strategic Advisor to Cambridge Healthcare Research, an Executive Mentor for The Global Good Fund and an active member of Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps in response to the COVID crisis. She was previously awarded a Pfizer Global Health Fellowship, partnering with Population Services International on the ACTwatch Project based in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Ms. Norman holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at Simmons College and a BA in German and art history from Franklin & Marshall College.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjoriegnorman/



Amelia Nicholson bio photo

Amelia Nicholson

Board Member, HAC USA

Amelia Nicholson trained and worked at St Thomas’ Hospital in the UK as a staff nurse, graduating as a Nightingale nurse. A mother of three children, she has been involved in volunteer positions at her children’s schools and church, is in the choir, ran the local swim team for 3 years, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 10 years.  During on various trips to Uganda, she realized the need for help and supported Child’s i Foundation in the promotion of foster care, and strongly believes in the need for safe medical care access for all people in Uganda which led to the interest in Health Access Connect. In her contributions on the Board, Amelia helps with fundraising and communications strategy and public health programs. Amelia and her family have lived in Washington, DC, having moved to USA from UK in 1986. 

Pete Sullivan bio photo

Pete Sullivan

Board Member, HAC USA

Financial Advisor, Managing Director with The Hatton Sullivan Group, A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Pete has 26 years experience working as a senior vice president financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. He is a graduate from University of Florida.

Staff

Kevin Gibbons bio photo

Kevin Gibbons

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Kevin Gibbons serves people by combining his experience in community organizing, project development, digital media, social research, and organizational leadership. He co-founded HAC after spending many months researching livelihoods and food security in Lake Victoria fishing communities. He previously worked as a Digital Media Consultant at University of Wisconsin-Madison and as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines. He has a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and an MS in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development from University of Wisconsin-Madison. As Executive Director, Kevin is in charge of program development, administration, monitoring & evaluation, fundraising, and communications.

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Patricia Akullo

Patricia Akullo

Operations Director 

Patricia Akullo serves people by combining her experience in operations management, strategic planning, financial oversight, team leadership, and organizational development. She brings more than a decade of experience in the NGO and global health sector, driven by a deep commitment to remote communities and the belief that distance should never determine access to care. She previously served as Programs and Operations Coordinator at Global Health Corps and as Country Program Manager at Try Medics in Uganda. She holds a BA in Child Development and Children’s Ministry from Uganda Christian University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and is completing an MA in Organizational Leadership at Southeastern University. As Operations Director, Patricia oversees Health Access Connect’s Programs, Finance & Administration, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) functions, along with strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational development.

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Costaritah Nalukwago

Program Manager

Costaritah Nalukwago is Public Health practitioner who currently works as the Program Manager for Health Access Connect (HAC). Her core roles are to support the expansion of HAC activities to new areas that qualify for the organization’s interventions, closely work with the community structures to support the implementation of HAC models and approaches, oversee the program activities of the organization, and also coordinate the work of the Field Coordinator and Field Officers who are spread out in all HAC districts of operation.

Costaritah’s background in Clinical work, Social Work and Administration and her current Post graduate training in Public Health has given her a unique dimension of approaching public health issues with empathy and accommodativeness that is backed by researched academic knowledge.

She brings to HAC over 10 years’ experience in Clinical and Public Health work. Ritah has previously worked with the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) as Clinician directly supporting the HIV Care and Treatment Program at RHSP and building the capacity for the Government Health Care structures to take over the HIV Prevention and Care Programs. Ms. Nalukwago has also worked for the Local Government Health structure in the capacity of a Public health nurse. She also has locum experience with Baylor Uganda to support the scaling up of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (EMTCT) through government health center systems in Soroti region.

Costaritah has both passion and special abilities in strategic planning of public health programs and as well as working with both the government structures and private sector to promote healthcare initiatives.

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Anthony Tisasirana

Finance and Administration Manager 

Anthony Tisasirana, a Finance and Administration Manager based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in financial management and administrative roles. Skilled in transaction monitoring, reporting, and payroll support, Anthony has demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks and possesses strong strategic planning abilities. His work history includes managing expense tracking, payroll, and personnel vouchers for Health Access Connect, where he also conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions. Additionally, he has held positions as a Finance and Admin Officer and Administrative Officer, contributing to budget preparation, agenda setting, and stakeholder communication. Anthony’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Kyambogo University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute. Outside of work, he enjoys sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and indulges in activities like taking long walks and hitting the gym. His language proficiency extends to English, Luganda, and Runyakitara, adding to his versatility and effectiveness in diverse settings.

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Frances Itiang 

Communication & Development Coordinator 

Frances is a goal-oriented Communications professional with over two years of experience, with a demonstrated track record of spearheading innovative communication strategies, creating engaging social media content, and leading successful fundraising campaigns. As the Communications & Development Officer at Health Access Connect, she works closely with HAC staff and partners to develop and implement effective communication strategies that support the organization’s objectives. Her responsibilities include assisting with report writing, compiling monthly newsletters and the annual report, maintaining active social media sites, and ensuring adherence to organizational branding. Additionally, she leads the creation of communication outputs such as blogs, and visuals, and supports fundraising efforts through grant writing and donation drives.

Frances previously worked as a Communications & Marketing Officer at Eastern Agricultural Development Company Limited and was involved in spearheading internal and external communications, developing marketing strategies, managing social media accounts, and conducting market research. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication with Communications as a major from Makerere University.

 

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Dan Chris Okello 

Finance Officer

Dan Chris Okello is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in financial management, donor compliance, grants administration, and organizational operations within the development and humanitarian sector. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) from Gulu University and has built a strong track record of supporting donor-funded projects through effective budget management, financial reporting, procurement oversight, and compliance with statutory and donor regulations. His expertise includes grant accounting, financial analysis, audit coordination, cash flow management, and ensuring accountability in the utilization of organizational resources.

Currently, Dan Chris is undertaking academic research as part of the requirements for completing a Master of Business Administration (Accounting) at Lira University. His postgraduate studies have further strengthened his analytical, research, and strategic management capabilities, particularly in the areas of financial accountability, organizational performance, and development finance.

Throughout his career, Dan Chris has worked closely with non-governmental organizations, community development programs, and donor-funded initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and promoting sustainable development. He possesses strong skills in budgeting, procurement management, logistics coordination, administration, and financial

 

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Mudondo Marion

Finance Officer

Mudondo Marion is a  Finance Officer at Health Access Connect. She plays a key role in ensuring compliance with financial and procurement policies, strengthening accountability systems, and supporting the efficient use of organizational resources.

Marion has experience in financial management and procurement processes, with hands-on expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, supplier management, and both internal and external audit support.

She has a strong academic background in finance and ongoing professional development in accounting. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Makerere University Business School and is currently pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification at Level II.

Marion is passionate about enhancing financial transparency and contributing to impactful health and development programs. She is committed to continuous learning and applying best practices to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of Health Access Connect’s operations.

 

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Joel Agaba

Procurement and Logistics Officer

Joel Agaba is a seasoned Procurement and Logistics Officer at Health Access Connect, where he has played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening the organization’s procurement and supply chain systems .

Joel has been instrumental in developing efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement processes that support the organization’s programmatic goals.

He brings extensive experience in procurement and logistics management, including sourcing, contract management, inventory control, and supplier relationship management. He has a strong track record of leading end-to-end procurement processes such as needs assessment, market analysis, competitive bidding, evaluation, and contract award.

 Joel is also skilled in negotiating favourable terms with suppliers while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. In addition, he oversees inventory planning and control to minimize stock-outs and overstocking, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Before his current role, Joel built a solid foundation in logistics and procurement through various positions in the non-governmental sector. His expertise is further complemented by his experience in training and mentoring, having served as an Assistant Lecturer in procurement and logistics.

Joel envisions a future where Health Access Connect continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact in underserved communities, supported by robust, innovative, and technology-driven procurement and logistics systems. He is particularly interested in advancing digital solutions and strengthening systems that enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability within the organization.

 

 

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Lillian Musoki

MEAL Officer

Lillian Musoki is a  MEAL Officer at Health Access Connect. She supports the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, data management systems, routine performance monitoring, field evaluations, and learning activities to strengthen health service delivery. Lillian also contributes to program reporting, data visualization, ethical research practices, and continuous quality improvement.

She has over four years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, health information management, data quality assurance, data analysis, and health program reporting. Before joining Health Access Connect, Lillian has worked with other reputable organizations including Masaka Diocesan Medical Services, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Mildmay Uganda, and Rakai Health Sciences Program, supporting HIV, community health, and public health interventions.

She has expertise in designing and implementing monitoring systems, conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), managing routine health information systems, analyzing data for decision-making, and preparing donor and program reports. She is also experienced in using DHIS2, HMIS, Power BI dashboards, EMR systems, OVCMIS, SAVIX, SPSS, and Microsoft Office applications to improve program performance and data-driven decision-making.

Lillian Musoki holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Statistics from Kyambogo University. She is passionate about using quality data to improve health outcomes, strengthen programs, and support evidence-based decision-making. 

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Ann Kugonza

Field Coordinator, Medicycles Project

Kugonza Ann is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional currently serving as the Field Coordinator for the Masaka Cluster. With 12 years of experience in community health-related programs, Ann excels in setting up monitoring procedures for fieldwork and activities, reviewing and analyzing field reports, and compiling findings into comprehensive reports for the Programme Director and Executive Director. Her role involves implementing expansion plans, maintaining outreach schedules, tracking the progress of Field Officers in target communities, and addressing challenges faced by health facilities and communities. Ann’s commitment to improving community health is reflected in her meticulous approach to ensuring effective field operations and fostering sustainable healthcare initiatives.

Ann’s previous work experience includes roles such as Field Officer at Health Access Connect, where she introduced the Medicycle program to stakeholders, expanded the program to two new districts, and established 44 sustainable outreach sites. At THETA, she served as District Coordinator for a USAID-supported PMTCT program, focusing on community empowerment, health education, and health advocacy. As an Enrolled Midwife at Kitovu Hospital, Ann supported women during labor and childbirth, provided antenatal and postnatal care, and contributed to health education and accurate patient documentation. Her educational background includes a Diploma in Midwifery from Nsambya Training School and a Certificate in Midwifery from Ibanda School of Midwifery and Comprehensive Nursing. Outside of work, Ann enjoys praying, spending quality time with her family, and taking adventures. Her diverse experience and unwavering dedication make her a vital asset to the healthcare community.

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Shifa Najjemba

Field Coordinator, Medicycles Project

Najjemba Shifa is a field coordinator, Central and Eastern region at Health Access Connect. Shifa supports field operations, stakeholder engagements and program monitoring to ensure effective delivery of community health interventions. She works closely with district leadership, health facilities and community structures to strengthen referral systems, improve data-driven decision making and ensure that underserved communities can access quality care.


She is a public health practitioner and medical clinical officer with extensive experience in community health program implementation.

She has spent over seven years working at the intersection of clinical care and community-based health systems, coordinating and supervising community health workers to expand access to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services. She has extensive experience coordinating and mentoring the community health workers, leading community outreach initiatives and supporting the integrated programs that improve service delivery at the last mile.


With a background in both clinical medicine and public health, Shifa brings a unique perspective that bridges facility-based care and community health programming. She holds a Bachelor of Public Health from Uganda Martyrs University (2016 – 2018) and a diploma in clinical medicine and community health from Fort Portal College of Health Sciences ( 2014-2026).

Shifa is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health with a speciality in Population and Reproductive Health.

She is deeply committed to advancing equitable access to quality health services for underserved communities and empowering communities to take an active role in improving their health and well-being.

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Isaac Ndikumana

Field Coordinator, Medicycles Project– Western Region

Isaac Ndikumana is a passionate social scientist serving as the Field Coordinator for Western Uganda at Health Access Connect (HAC). In this role, he oversees the implementation and monitoring of field activities, supports outreach planning and coordination, reviews and analyzes field and clinic reports, and ensures the effective delivery of healthcare services to communities. He works closely with Field Officers, health facilities, and local government officials to strengthen program implementation, address challenges, and improve health outcomes.

Isaac is also responsible for monitoring project performance, compiling and presenting reports, supporting staff evaluations, conducting beneficiary and health worker interviews, and contributing to the continuous improvement of HAC programs based on community needs and feedback.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Uganda Christian University and a Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Management from Kyambogo University.

With over ten years of experience in the nonprofit and public health sectors, Isaac has worked with several organizations and implementing partners supporting community health programs across southwestern Uganda.

Before joining HAC, he served as a Community Liaison Officer with Katuna MARPs Organisation under the USAID Strengthening TB/HIV in South Western Uganda (USAID-STAR-SW) and USAID Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services (USAID-RHITES-SW) projects. He also worked as an Advocacy Officer under a USAID-PATH-supported health advocacy program.

Additionally, Isaac served as a Social Worker supporting key and priority populations and later as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Kigezi Healthcare Foundation. In these roles, he worked closely with Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau under the USAID Local Service Delivery Activity (USAID/LSDA), supporting monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for health programs implemented across the Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions.

Isaac is committed to strengthening community health systems and ensuring that underserved populations have access to quality healthcare services.



Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Joyce Namasinga 

Field Coordinator & Trainer, Treat & Teach

Joyce serves as the Family Planning Coordinator and Trainer (FPCT) at Health Access Connect (HAC). In this role, Ann oversees and supports family planning project officers across operational districts, supervises training programs for village health teams, ensures timely and accurate reporting to family planning donors and partners, and manages relationships with stakeholders involved in family planning projects. She also supervises village health teams and health facilities to ensure they are well-stocked with family planning supplies, participates in staff appraisals, ensures the quality of family planning services at partner health facilities, works with medical teams to increase the couple years of protection provided at HAC integrated outreaches, tracks family planning stock-outs, orders, and dispenses buffer stocks, adjusts HAC programs to address challenges, and interviews beneficiaries and health workers to understand their needs.

Joyce brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector, having started her career as a Nurse at St. Joseph’s Kitovu Hospital in Masaka from 2007 to 2014, where she provided comprehensive nursing and midwifery care, cared for and followed up with PMTCT mothers, and organized ward rounds and activities. She then worked as a Clinical Instructor at Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing from 2014 to 2016, training and mentoring nurse students and supervising practical skills sessions. From 2019 to June 2022, she served as a Nurse Tutor, training nursing and midwifery students and acting as a regional trainer/mentor for family planning with Marie Stopes Uganda, as well as a national trainer for family planning and HIV/AIDS with ACP Uganda and Living Goods – Uganda.

Joyce holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Education (2019), a Diploma in Midwifery (2014), and a Certificate in Midwifery (2006).

Ivan Walukhu

Family Planning Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer

Ivan Walukhu has a BS in nursing. He brings a wealth of experience in health promotion and capacity building of community health workers

Ivan is passionate about health promotion and brings experience in capacity building of community health workers. He holds a bachelor of science in Nursing and comes to HAC having worked as a health trainer with BRAC. 

As Field Coordinator, Ivan will lead the training of at least 50 community health workers, which are called village health team members (VHTs) in Uganda. The training will focus on delivering health promotion messaging about family planning, HIV and other STI prevention to at least 10,000 beneficiaries in Masaka and Kalangala districts. The goal is to increase demand for services and ensure everyone has access to preventive healthcare. 

Ivan has been promoted to the position of M & E Family Planning Project

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Dorah Ampurire

Field Officer, Family Planning

Dorah Ampurire is the Family Planning Field Officer for Kalangala District at Health Access Connect (HAC). With 4 years of experience, Dorah works closely with government health facilities to conduct family planning (FP) outreaches and leads efforts in identifying demand generation for FP services. She collaborates with health facilities to minimize the discontinuity of FP among childbearing-aged girls and women and supports the Monitoring & Evaluation team in data collection.

Previously, Dorah served as a Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Provider. She holds a nursing qualification and has expertise in behavioral change communication and public health promotion.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dorah enjoys reading and traveling.

Dorah’s dedication to improving reproductive health and her expertise in public health make her a valuable member of the HAC team.

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Jim Muhangi

Field Officer, Medicycles

Jim Muhangi serves as the Field Officer for Mpigi at Health Access Connect (HAC). With 5 years of experience, Jim pioneered the formation of the Group Approach Model (Local Community Associations – LCA) to bring sustainable outreaches to rural communities in Gomba. He is responsible for expanding and maintaining monthly outreaches, as well as conducting community review meetings to assess the impact of outreach clinics on rural communities.

Jim’s previous work experience includes serving as a Prevention Officer at Rakai Orphans Hope Project (ROHP) from 2018 to 2021, where he significantly contributed to the identification, referrals, and linkages of over 500 newly initiated clients on ART while supporting health facilities in Kyotera District. He was responsible for identifying TB cases and ensuring their treatment under DOTS and played a vital role in promoting children’s rights in Rakai District with funding from Freedom House. From 2016 to 2018, Jim worked with Esco (U) Ltd as a Field Officer, training farmers on best agronomy practices in Bundibugyo District.

Jim holds a degree from Uganda Christian University (2012-2014) and attended Kyambogo College School (2009-2010) and Mbarara High School (2005-2008).

Outside of work, Jim enjoys sports, farming, indoor games such as ludo and scrabble, and touring. His innovative approach and dedication to improving rural healthcare services make him a key asset to the HAC team.

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Paul Gubi

Field Officer, Medicycles

Gubi Paul serves as a Field Officer at Health Access Connect (HAC), bringing a wealth of expertise in community-based rehabilitation. His primary roles include coordinating government health workers to extend services in remote rural communities, preparing and mobilizing communities for outreach work, and facilitating stakeholder meetings at various administrative levels. Gubi actively engages in weekly reporting and supports the Monitoring & Evaluation team in data collection.

Gubi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Based Rehabilitation from Kyambogo University, which has equipped him with skills in community mobilization, data collection, and analysis, as well as community engagement and assessment.

Outside of work, Gubi enjoys attending prayers and worshipping, watching soccer, listening to country music and oldies, and traveling. His commitment to community empowerment and his diverse skill set make him a valuable asset to the HAC team.

Carolyne Ariokot bio photo

Pascal Ssekalala

Field Officer, Medicycles

Ssekalala Pascal is a Field Officer at Health Access Connect (HAC). His key responsibilities include mobilizing communities in remote villages to form groups and register as Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), thereby enabling them to access health services locally. He is also tasked with expanding and maintaining outreach clinics across all HAC sites, ensuring VIP contacts are maintained, and overseeing the timely and accurate submission of reports and clinic forms to the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team.

With six years of experience at HAC, starting from May 1, 2018, Pascal has garnered extensive experience working with diverse communities, stakeholders at various administrative levels, and international entities. He has gained valuable insights into managing interactions with people of different backgrounds. His tenure at HAC has also enabled him to advance academically; he has completed a Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Kampala University, pending graduation. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with Education from Makerere University, a Diploma in Records Management from Uganda Management Institute, and certifications as a Trainer of Trainers in First Aid. Pascal is also involved in the Red Cross Action Team and has expertise in refereeing. Outside of work, he enjoys engaging in agriculture and business activities.

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Denes Busobozi

Field Officer, Medicycles – Rakai and Lyantonde Districts 

Denes Busobozi is a Field Officer at Health Access Connect, supporting Medicycles outreaches in Rakai and Lyantonde districts. He oversees a total of 31 outreach sites, including 20 in remote communities of Rakai District and 11 in remote communities of Lyantonde District.

In his role, Denes collaborates with government health facilities to plan and conduct Medicycles outreaches. He supports communities through demand creation activities to encourage the uptake of services offered during outreaches. He also works with health facility in-charges to integrate HAC Medicycles outreaches into routine facility outreach schedules to promote integration and sustainability.

In addition, Denes supports health facilities and communities to obtain feedback from both sides by organizing community review meetings and stakeholder meetings. He also supports the MEAL team in data collection activities.

Denes is a Registered Nurse with over 14 years of experience in nursing care, serving both remote communities and health facility settings.

As a nurse, he is passionate about seeing healthy populations and living in healthy, disease-free communities where health services are readily available and accessible to everyone equally.

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Martin Twesigye

Field Officer, Medicycles – Kigezi Region

Martin Twesigye is a Field Officer at Health Access Connect under the Medicycles Project, supporting community outreach and healthcare access initiatives in the Kigezi region. He coordinates outreach sites, mobilizes communities, supports mobile clinic activities, collects field data, and works closely with health facilities and local leaders to improve healthcare access in remote communities.

He brings over five years of experience in community-led development, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation across Uganda and Malawi.

 He has previously worked with organizations including CorpsAfrica and USAID/Integrated Community Agriculture and Nutrition, where he applied Human-Centered Design, Community-Led Development, and Asset-Based Community Development approaches to strengthen community participation and sustainable local solutions.

Martin is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Management Studies at Uganda Management Institute. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Planning and Community Development.

Martin Twesigye bio photo

Tumwebaze Syrack

Field Officer, Medicycles – Kigezi Region

Tumwebaze Syrack is a Field Officer at Health Access Connect in the Kigezi sub-region, based in Rukungiri District. 

 He supports field-based program implementation, community engagement, and monitoring activities aimed at improving access to healthcare services in underserved communities.

He is a dedicated and community-oriented development professional with a strong background in community development, project planning and management, case management, and research.

 Syrack holds a Bachelor of Science in Planning and Community Development from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (2021–2024) and a Certificate in Case Management from the University of Utah. 

His experience spans humanitarian response work in refugee settlements in Nakivale, grassroots community development initiatives, and research in food security and nutrition programs. 

He has demonstrated expertise in field-based program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and supporting vulnerable populations. He is passionate about improving health outcomes and livelihoods for underserved communities through participatory approaches, effective coordination, and sustainable interventions. He brings strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to accountability in program delivery.

Paul Twinamatsiko bio photo

Paul Twinamatsiko

Field Officer, Medicycles – Kigezi Region (Rubanda & Rukiga Districts)

Paul Twinamatsiko is a Field Officer at Health Access Connect based in Kabale District .

In his role, Paul coordinates and supports community outreach activities, mobilization efforts, and engagement with local stakeholders to strengthen healthcare access in rural communities of Rubanda and Rukiga .

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology.

Before joining Health Access Connect, he served as a Teaching Assistant at Kabale University in the Faculty of Education and taught in several secondary schools. He has also held leadership and volunteer roles, including Secretary in charge of Mobilization for the Kitobi Ngozi Bataka Group, and Public Relations Officer at the Rotaract Club of Kabale University, where he coordinated health camps, community outreaches, and mobilization activities.

Paul has also contributed to research and data collection for several projects, including Datamine Research. He brings strong community engagement, research, and coordination experience to Health Access Connect.

Marvin Twiinawe  bio photo

Marvin Twiinawe 

Communications & Development Assistant 

Marvin Twiinawe is a Communications & Development Assistant at Health Access Connect.

In this role, he supports the organisation’s visibility and storytelling through managing its social media presence, maintaining the website blog, producing the monthly newsletter, and contributing to grant writing, donor relations, and other development activities.

Marvin Twiinawe is an experienced digital and social media manager, with a demonstrated ability to grow online communities, increase engagement, and build brand presence. 

Complementing this is his strength as a skilled content creator and multimedia storyteller with ability to produce compelling written, visual, and multimedia content, including articles, newsletters, blog posts, press releases, infographics, and video tailored to diverse audiences and platforms. 

His hands-on proficiency in photography and videography further enhances this skill set, enabling him to document and communicate authentic human stories with depth, translating lived experiences into powerful narratives that strengthen organisational visibility and drive audience engagement.  

He has over two years of hands-on experience across the nonprofit and development sectors. 

Marvin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University and he is passionate about using communication as a tool for social impact.

Marvin Twiinawe  bio photo

Judith Bainomugisa

Finance Assistant Volunteer

Judith Bainomugisa is a Finance Assistant Volunteer at Health Access Connect, where she supports the organization’s financial operations and accountability processes. She specializes in the Odoo ERP ecosystem, managing transaction monitoring for bank, cash, and mobile money records. Her responsibilities include staff expense reconciliations, field officer accountability, and tracking equipment depreciation across health facilities and outreach sites.

Judith also supports the external audit process and end-of-month financial reporting, ensuring that financial documentation, including receipts and invoices, is accurately recorded and properly filed. Her proficiency in the Odoo Accounting and Knowledge applications enables her to streamline workflows and maintain high standards of financial transparency and accountability.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Kyambogo University and is currently pursuing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification at Level II.