Ugandan Politician and Human Rights activist Eng. Winnie Byanyima has taken a new job as the Executive Director UNAIDS.
According to a statement from UN, Winnie Byanyima also wife to Uganda’s opposition strongman Dr. Kiiza Besigye agreed to step down as ED OXFAM where she has served since May 2013.
“I have been asked today by UNAIS to become its new Executive Director and have accepted the job. I have very personal reasons for doing so. I lost my brother Benard to AIDS as well as my comrades, friends and relatives…. I am a guardian to children who are HIV/ AIDS orphans. Like most other Ugandans, HIV/AIDS has been part of my life and ending it is an extremely important social justice issue, particularly so in Africa where the epidemic is most experienced. I am greatly honored to be selected to lead UNAIDS.” Winnie said.
She expressed sadness to be leaving OXFAM but said she had been honored to be at the helm of the institution for the last seven years.
“I will remain in my role as your ED for the next few months and focus on moving forward some key priorities for OXFAM” Winnie said in a mail to OXFAM staff.
Winnie Byanyima takes over from Micheal Sidibe (Mali national) who stepped down in May this year following accusations of mismanagement.
She also served as director of the Gender Team in the Bureau for Development Policy at UNDP from 2006.