The World Bank has appointed Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala as the new Country Manager for Uganda, effective August 1, 2025. Akala, a Nigerian national, will oversee a portfolio valued at $4.5 billion, which includes 18 ongoing projects in areas such as energy access and support for refugee livelihoods.
In her role, Akala will manage the design and implementation of the World Bank’s support program in Uganda and maintain regular engagement with the Ugandan government. The Bank intends to continue aligning its assistance with Uganda’s development goals and aims to promote growth that is resilient and inclusive.
Akala brings over 25 years of experience in public health systems strengthening and service delivery across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her work has focused on immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria, non-communicable diseases, malnutrition, and improving outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. She has also contributed to initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
She was a core member of the World Bank’s Human Capital Project where she supported countries in expanding investments in human development. Previously at the World Bank, Akala served as Practice Manager for Health, Nutrition, and Population for 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa; Public Health Specialist in the Middle East and North Africa; and Senior Health Specialist covering Western/Central Africa and South Asia.
Akala holds a medical degree from the University of Ibadan as well as master’s degrees from both the University of Lagos (public health) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (health services management). She will be based in Kampala.
She succeeds Mukami Kariuki who completed a four-year term as Country Manager.
"Ayo has more than 25 years of experience in strengthening health systems, service delivery, and multi-sectoral approaches to public health challenges including immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria, non-communicable diseases, and malnutrition. She has led major health initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East including in fragile and conflict-affected states. Her expertise ranges from program implementation to policy development, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. She was also a core member of the World Bank’s Human Capital Project supporting countries in scaling up investments in human development."
"Before this new assignment Ayo held various positions in the World Bank including Practice Manager for Health Nutrition & Population overseeing 13 countries in the Eastern & Southern Africa region; Public Health Specialist in the Middle East & North Africa region; & Senior Health Specialist in Western & Central Africa & South Asia regions."
Contacts:
In Kampala: Bernard Tabaire btabaire@worldbankgroup.org
In Washington: Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla dvanleggelo@worldbank.org