Fort Portal City, Uganda – October 24, 2025
In a continued effort to bolster regional health security and environmental resilience, the WWF Uganda Country Office convened a pivotal stakeholder engagement and project initiation meeting at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal City a project being implemented by Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), in collaboration with WWF, Gorilla Doctors, IGCP, IUCN and other key partners.
The event marked a significant milestone in the rollout of the “Strengthening One Health Preparedness, Prevention and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape” initiative, a project funded by the World Bank Pandemic Fund. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of local governments and communities to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
A Unified Front Across Districts and Ministries
The meeting brought together a cross-section of district leadership and technical officers from Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, and Fort Portal City. Participants included Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Health Officers (DHOs), Veterinary Officers, Natural Resources Officers, and Surveillance and Laboratory Focal Persons. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to advancing a multisectoral One Health approach in the region.
Adding weight to the discussions were representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), who emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in addressing complex health challenges.
Voices of Leadership and Partnership
Mr. Joseph Byaruhanga, Liaison Officer representing FAO, reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting the implementation of the project across the Greater Virunga Landscape. He emphasized the importance of building strong, functional One Health structures at the district level to ensure timely and coordinated responses to zoonotic and other emerging health threats.
Representing the delivery partners, Mr. Ivan Tumuhimbise (WWF) and Mr. Juvenal Mukeshimana representing Dr. Andrew Seguya Ggunga, GVTC Executive Secretary, highlighted the critical role of local leadership in driving the success of the initiative. They reaffirmed their organizations’ commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to ensure the sustainability of One Health Committees.
Charting the Path Forward
The Fort Portal meeting served as a platform to align stakeholders on the project’s objectives and operational framework. Participants engaged in robust discussions on the formation and strengthening of District One Health Committees, which are envisioned as the cornerstone of integrated health governance in the region.
A key outcome of the meeting was the unanimous agreement by Chief Administrative Officers to act as focal points for the project in their respective districts. This decision is expected to streamline coordination and enhance the effectiveness of implementation efforts.
Safeguarding Health and Biodiversity
The Greater Virunga Landscape, renowned for its ecological richness, faces mounting pressures from human activity and environmental change. The One Health initiative seeks to address these challenges through a holistic lens, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
As the meeting concluded, a strong sense of purpose and collaboration resonated among attendees. With the groundwork now laid, the participating districts are poised to take decisive steps toward building resilient health systems that protect both people and nature.
Report by:
Juvenal Mukeshimana
GVTC Program Assistant
