Nkale James M

James Nkale Menya is a public health specialist, researcher, and program leader with extensive experience in the design, implementation, and management of complex health and development programs across Uganda. He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and professional training in Clinical Medicine and Community Health and is currently a PhD Candidate in Public Health.

As Program Director at AMBSO, James is the chair of the Senior Management Team where he provides strategic leadership for the entire organization. Having served AMBSO since its inception, he has been instrumental in shaping the organization's growth, innovation agenda, and scientific direction, helping transform it into a respected indigenous research institution contributing evidence to national and global health priorities.

Over the years, James has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of multidisciplinary research and public health programs addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, mental health, non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, community-based interventions, and implementation science.

He has contributed to numerous scientific studies and publications examining critical public health challenges in Uganda, including the intersection of mental health and chronic diseases among vulnerable populations and the implementation of evidence-based behavioral health interventions.

Through his leadership, AMBSO has expanded her research footprint, strengthened collaborations with local and international partners, and advanced innovative approaches to community-centered health programming.

In addition to overseeing AMBSO’s programmatic and research agenda, James leads institutional resource mobilization efforts and has successfully guided multidisciplinary teams in the development of competitive grant proposals and strategic partnerships.

His technical expertise has been critical to the successful implementation of major initiatives including Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), HIV prevention and care programs, gender-based violence prevention and response interventions, mental health programming, and population health surveillance studies.