Peter Okwi is new Country Director of TPO Uganda

Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation Uganda (TPO Uganda) has announced the appointment of Peter Okwi as its new Country Director. Okwi, who brings a wealth of experience in mental health and psychosocial support, will lead the organisation in its mission to improve mental health services and support vulnerable communities across Uganda.

According to a statement, Okwi will oversee TPO Uganda’s diverse programs in his new role, including trauma counselling, child protection, gender-based violence prevention, and community mental health services. He will also spearhead initiatives aimed at strengthening the organization’s capacity to address emerging mental health challenges in the country, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects on mental well-being.

TPO Uganda’s Board of Directors expressed confidence in Okwii’s ability to guide the organization through its next phase of growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Okwi, as the new country director. With his exceptional leadership skills, strategic insights and deep industry knowledge, makes him the ideal choice to head the organisation” Canon Ken Odur Gabelle Chairperson of the Board.

“We have great confidence in his ability to steer the organisation to more sustainable achievements in the coming years.”

Okwi’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Uganda continues to face significant mental health challenges, exacerbated by socio-economic factors and the impact of ongoing regional conflicts. TPO Uganda’s work is vital in providing support to those affected by these issues, and Okwi’s leadership is expected to enhance the organization’s ability to respond effectively.

Founded in 1994, TPO Uganda has been at the forefront of providing mental health and psychosocial support services in Uganda. The organization has been instrumental in addressing the psychosocial needs of communities affected by conflict, HIV/AIDS, poverty, and other crises.

With Okwi at the helm, the board explained, TPO Uganda aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the country.

“As Uganda looks to build a more inclusive and supportive mental health system, Okwi’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals. With his leadership, TPO Uganda is poised to continue its legacy of transforming lives through compassionate and effective psychosocial support.”

Peter Okwi is a distinguished figure in the realm of mental health and psychosocial support.

“His career includes significant roles in various non-governmental organizations, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes.”

Before his appointment, Peter Okwii held several prominent roles, including Chief Operating Officer at StrongMinds, Country Director of StrongMinds Uganda, and Acting Director for the SADC Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) Secretariat in Windhoek, Namibia. He also served as Country Director for the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) team in Rwanda and led the Information Services Department at Uganda’s Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI).

Okwi holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Warwick Business School, a Master’s degree in Information Security from the University of London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University.