After 13 years as the Executive Director of the African Palliative Care Association, Dr Emmanuel Luyirika has stepped down at a time when APCA is soaring to new heights in its reach and impact.
Many speakers, peers and partners who worked with him over the years have applauded Dr. Emmanuel for his outstanding leadership not only in Africa, but in several roles in the global space, where he has become a valued resource person in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Canada and Africa, including teaching roles in international academic institutions.
Heads of National Hospice Palliative Care Associations from many African countries acknowledged that his mentorship was a significant contribution in the development of palliative care in their countries, including policy development support and technical advice in areas like access to controlled medicines and advocacy.
APCA has grown significantly under Dr. Luyirika’s leadership, and, despite the general decline in palliative care funding globally, the organisation’s reach and impact continued to grow and attract new partnerships and collaborations. Many milestones over the past 13 years are highlighted in different platforms and papers that can be accessed on the APCA website.
The outgoing APCA board chair, Ms Thobekile Finger appreciated Dr. Emmanuel’s broad wealth of knowledge in the palliative and chronic care sector, and paid tribute to his dedication and focus during her tenure as board chair.
In his farewell speech to a global audience of palliative care practitioners at the 8th International African Palliative Care and Allied Services Conference in Gaborone, Botswana, Dr. Emmanuel recalled his journey as a medical practitioner, starting as a junior officer in a government hospital, moving to a church hospital on the western border of Uganda with DRC, where over 40% of his patients were from the DRC and then later on moving to South Africa. That’s when his journey in global health began.
“Thus, I decided to do 2 sets of exams, the American USMLE and the South African exam. During that time, South Africa needed expatriate doctors urgently, so I was appointed to work in a government hospital upon arrival. I used that opportunity to further my education. I studied Family Medicine and taught at the then MEDUNSA, then later did 2 post graduate degrees in public management at Stellenbosch University, which I found very enriching to balance my clinical work with a sound grasp of management and economics”.
He recalled other highlights along his career, including his return to Uganda, and his tenure at Mildmay International, Mildmay Uganda before finally moving to APCA in 2012. He emphasised the importance of building credible organisations, developing friendships, partnerships and collaborations to optimise on the gains of our collective work.
Dr. Emmanuel also acknowledged how supportive, innovative, and high-functioning the APCA board of directors was, and how inspired he was by the talented staff team that always drove for excellence and willingness to go the extra mile, especially being such a small team tasked with a continental reach. He mentioned how deeply motivated he was by the support of APCA donors, supporters, and members, and congratulated national associations on the sterling work they are doing to make quality care accessible in their nations.
He concluded his farewell address by saying;
“I have been looking forward to and planning for my retirement for some time. I’m not sure what I will be doing yet, but I will be available to you, and I am sure we will meet again. God bless you”, and retired to a resounding standing ovation.
However, we are proud to announce that Dr. Luyirika has been recently elected to the International Narcotics Control Board, where he will, no doubt, continue to contribute meaningfully to the field of global governance for controlled medicines, an issue that he has passionately pursued even while he was at APCA. We are proud to see his tireless efforts in this area being recognised, and we know he will bring huge value to the board.
Several other events and functions set aside slots of time to pay tribute to Dr Luyirika, including recognition from donors and other strategic partners, academic institutions, and APCA board and staff.
Dr. Emmanuel will be missed in many, many circles where he has been that dependable voice of wisdom, informed by his diverse pan-African and global exposure and experience.
Dr. Luyirika’s last day in office was October 31, 2025, though he remains available for APCA work till November 30, 2025. We wish him all the best and look forward to crossing paths many times again in future. We are also proud to announce his successor, Dr. Eve Namisango, who has been the Head of Research and Programmes at APCA.
Read article about the new APCA Executive Director here.
He served selflessly and with unwavering dedication, saving lives without ever seeking anything in return during his time at Mildmay Hospital Uganda. Dr Emmanuel Luyirika brought light into my darkest moments—when I was surrounded by pain and tears, he gave me a reason to smile again.
Through his compassion and example, I found hope. Despite living with HIV and losing my parents to the same illness at a young age, he showed me that my story is not the end. I can still rise, grow, and achieve my dream of touching lives—bringing comfort, healing, and smiles to others, just as he has done for me.
He is truly a blessing not only to our nation, but to the world. His life’s work continues to inspire me to become someone who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
I will follow in your footsteps, Dr. Emmanuel.
Regards,
Ruth K.