Dr Frank Rubabinda Asiimwe, a consultant urologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital, is the new President of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), marking a significant leadership transition for the country’s umbrella body of medical doctors.
The announcement, confirmed through multiple official and professional platforms over the past week, has been widely welcomed across Uganda’s health sector, with colleagues describing Dr Asiimwe as a skilled surgeon, reform-minded leader, and advocate for professional unity.
Renowned nephrologist Dr Robert Kalyesubula congratulated Dr Asiimwe on his election, noting his historic contribution to Uganda’s healthcare system. “A great surgeon (urologist) and the leader who made our first kidney transplant happen in Uganda,” Kalyesubula wrote, highlighting Dr Asiimwe’s role in advancing specialised medical care in the country.
Mulago National Referral Hospital, where Dr Asiimwe serves as a consultant urologist, also praised the achievement, describing it as a source of pride for the institution and wishing him a successful and fulfilling tenure at the helm of the association.
In his acceptance message shared online, Dr Asiimwe thanked doctors across the country for their confidence in his leadership. “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every doctor who showed up, spoke up, and stood up for progress,” he said, pledging to work towards a stronger, more responsive Uganda Medical Association.
Dr Asiimwe is an alumnus of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), which congratulated him on his election, describing him as a distinguished graduate whose leadership continues to inspire both students and professionals in the medical field.
His election comes at a time when UMA is expected to play a critical role in shaping health policy, advocating for doctors’ welfare, strengthening professional standards, and supporting key national health priorities, including specialised care, mental health, and medical training.
The new leadership team will steer the association for the coming years, as UMA deepens engagement with government, training institutions, and specialised professional bodies. Recently, the association also congratulated newly elected leaders of affiliate organisations, including the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists, signalling a renewed focus on collaboration across disciplines.
Dr Asiimwe takes office as Uganda’s health sector continues to face growing demands, workforce challenges, and the need for stronger professional advocacy—responsibilities many colleagues believe he is well-positioned to shoulder.
