Dr. Francis Kakooza is the acting Head of Global Health Security at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University. With a strong background in infectious diseases, he has dedicated his career to improving global health security. Dr. Kakooza holds a Master’s degree in International Infectious Diseases Management and a PhD in Pathogen Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology from Makerere University. His extensive experience includes working on various projects, including conceptualizing, designing, and implementing projects related to global health security. He has served in various capacities, including Senior Project Officer for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Project Coordinator for WHO Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme, and Technical Advisor for Antimicrobial Resistance. Dr. Kakooza is passionate about molecular diagnostics, emerging infectious diseases, and public health interventions. His work has focused on building teams that support research in Especially Dangerous Pathogens and CDC-funded nation-wide GHSA capacity building projects.