Winnie Byanyima Leaves Oxfam for UNAIDS as Executive Director

Former Mbarara District Woman Member of Parliament Winnie Byanyima is the new Executive Director of the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS-UNAIDS.

Shortly after her appointment, Byanyima could not conceal her gratitude, saying she is honoured "to be asked to lead the UN and global HIV response."

She replaces Gunilla Carlsson who has been serving as executive director in the interim following Malian Michel Sidibé's departure this earlier this year. 

Byanyima has also previously worked as the director of Gender and Development at the United Nations Development Programme and also as director of Women and Development at the African Union Commission.

The former Ugandan legislator holds an advanced degree in mechanical engineering (in Energy Conservation and the Environment) from the Cranfield Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester.

The new workplace prides in her wealth of experience - spanning 30 years - in political leadership, diplomacy and humanitarian engagement.  

Byanyima, the wife of Ugandan Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, will flip to the next chapter of her illustrious career from her current position as executive director of Oxfam International, having taken its leadership in 2013.

"I embrace the role with humility, passion and faith that we can end this pandemic [HIV and AIDS] by 2030," she tweeted as news of her appointment spread Wednesday.

In her message, Byanyima, who describes herself as being passionate about justice and human dignity, said she looks forward to joining the UNAIDS team and "working closely with co-sponsors and partners to remove barriers to prevention, treatment and care".