Joanita Namutebi is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in pharmaceutical, quality assurance, warehousing, and customer service. Currently serving as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oxylife Uganda Limited, a pioneering manufacturer of medical oxygen, Joanita’s career spans a breadth of impactful roles and leadership positions.
She began her journey as a registered pharmacist, leveraging her expertise to contribute significantly to the pharmaceutical landscape. She swiftly assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as a founding Director of Pristine Dental Surgery and Big Choice Pharmaceuticals, Director Customer Service, etc. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to advancing healthcare standards led her to become an active member of esteemed committees such as the Joint Medical Store (JMS) Board Technical Committee and the National Drug Authority Committee for Essential Drugs.
Joanita’s influence extended beyond national borders as she represented JMS at the META council and contributed her insights to the Technical Working Groups for Medicines Management and Oxygen for the Ministry of Health, Uganda. Additionally, her involvement in the National Steering Committee for the GS1 commodities track and Trace in Uganda underscores her commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in healthcare supply chains.
In her current capacity as the Project Director for the USAID Local Partner for Warehousing & Distribution at Joint Medical Store, Joanita serves as the linchpin between the USG and JMS. She orchestrates the seamless execution of warehousing and distribution activities, overseeing logistical, facilities, information technology, and security aspects of HIV commodities for PNFP in Uganda with meticulous attention to detail. Her leadership ensures the timely delivery of high-quality results while upholding USAID compliance standards.
Under Joanita’s stewardship, Oxylife Uganda Limited emerged as the sole licensed medical oxygen manufacturer, supplying over 200 health facilities with affordable oxygen—a testament to her strategic vision and operational prowess. Her involvement in strategic planning for organizations such as JMS underscores her ability to drive growth and innovation.
Her achievements are as impressive as they are diverse. She spearheaded the establishment of a Model Quality Assurance System at Joint Medical Store, introduced the Primary Health Care Creditline for Private Not for Profit Health Facilities, and implemented the Hub & Spoke Model of Last Mile Condom Distribution, significantly enhancing healthcare access in Uganda. Her leadership also catalyzed the development and implementation of the JMS Leadership Development Program, nurturing future leaders in the healthcare sector.
Joanita’s accolades, including the JMS Innovation Award 2017, and her proficiency in management software underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation. With a track record of transformative leadership and a passion for advancing healthcare, Joanita Namutebi Lwanyaga continues to be a driving force in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on healthcare delivery in Uganda and beyond.
