Brig. Gen. Dr. Patrick Ocen
Chairman of the Board
Brig. Gen. Dr. Patrick Ocen is a senior Ugandan healthcare leader, physician, psychiatrist and military strategist with more than 29 years of experience in healthcare management, clinical medicine, institutional leadership and strategic health services.
He currently serves as Deputy, Joint Staff Health Services of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), Director of Mental Health, Chairman of the UPDF Medical Board, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Referral of Patients Abroad, and Senior Consultant Psychiatrist. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the UPDF National Referral Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ocen has operated at the intersection of healthcare delivery, institutional management, strategic planning, clinical governance and organizational leadership. He has held senior appointments including Director of Medical Services, Director of Medical Training, Deputy Director, Division Medical Officer and Commanding Officer, giving him extensive experience managing people, resources, clinical systems and complex organizations.
His healthcare experience spans both clinical and institutional environments. Over nearly two decades in senior medical roles within the UPDF, he has been responsible for clinical management, supervision of medical professionals, healthcare administration, referral systems, medical standards and the development of health-service capabilities.
Dr. Ocen has also contributed to healthcare policy, systems development and international medical initiatives. He participated in the development of the draft UPDF Health Policy, contributed to the development of mental-health literacy programmes for the UPDF and East African Community militaries, and participated in the design and development of United Nations Guard Unit emergency trauma systems for doctors and paramedics. He currently chairs the committee of experts developing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Guidelines for emergency situations for the African Union Commission.
He is committed to evidence-based medicine, professional standards, ethical practice, institutional capacity development and continuous improvement. He has supervised and supported medical professionals undertaking postgraduate research and has extensive experience in professional training, clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
Dr. Ocen holds an MBChB from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgery from SMMU in China, an MMed in Psychiatry from Makerere University, and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, India. He is also a graduate of the National Defence College of India and holds senior military staff and command qualifications.