Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to be honoured with a prestigious global award for his robust and effective strategies in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.

Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi announced this significant recognition during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday.

Museveni’s approach, often described as “guerrilla tactics,” involved stringent measures such as curfews and lockdowns that significantly curbed the spread of the virus, keeping infections and deaths well below alarming projections by health experts. These decisive actions have earned him international acclaim.

The award will be presented at the inaugural International Post-COVID-19 Conference in Toronto, recognizing Museveni’s visionary leadership during the pandemic.

“He will be awarded on an international platform in recognition of his significant role in leading Ugandans through a crisis that required high levels of visionary stewardship and decision-making,” Ambassador Walusimbi stated.

The event, expected to draw more than 500 influential figures from around the globe, will also honour Uganda as a role model for effectively managing deadly pandemic outbreaks.

Other notable Ugandans to be recognized include former Minister Prof. Mary Karooro Okurut, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Monica Musenero, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, Prof. Patrick Engeu Ogwang, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Dr. Emmanuel Katongole, and Lt. Col. Dr. Henry Kyobe. Former Kenyan President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is also on the awards list.

The conference aims to adopt the Toronto Declaration, a collective stance on public health preparedness to tackle future global pandemics.

“We also aim to sign bilateral collaborations, identify export opportunities, secure healthcare partnerships, explore tourism opportunities, initiate education exchange programs, and enhance our national image,” Walusimbi noted.

Organized by the Livelihood Development International Initiatives, IGAD, Global Affairs Canada, and Continental Investments LLC-Vietnam, the Metro Toronto Convention Center will host the conference themed: “Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 on Humanity: Building Synergies and Resilience for Future Global Shocks.”

This recognition not only highlights President Museveni’s leadership but also underscores Uganda’s resilience and proactive measures in safeguarding public health during one of the most challenging times in recent history.