Gideon Bagadawa

Gideon Bagadawa (May 8, 1966 – June 21, 2021) was a Ugandan business executive known for his contributions to the private sector in Uganda. He was also the Executive Director of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). Under his tenue, the foundation received awards acknowledging contributions made by business associations, corporate companies, and government agencies towards the advancement of the private sector in Uganda.

Background and education
Bagadawa was born in Muyiira village, Nambale sub-county, Iganga district, Eastern Uganda. In 1979 to 1983, he completed his O'level education from Busoga College Mwiri and his A'level education at Makerere College from 1984 to 1986. Bagadawa graduated from Makerere University in 1988 with a Bachelors degree in statistics. He furthered his education at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he earned a master’s degree in development economics in 1995.

Career
For 21 years, Bagadawa worked with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) eleven of which he served as the Executive Director. Before joining PSFU in 2000, he was the executive director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) for two years. His tenure at PSFU was marked by his advocacy for the private sector as a key driver of the economy and his efforts in promoting private sector competitiveness and development with efforts to eliminate gender based violence. He was succeeded by Francis Kisirinya as Executive Director for Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) after his death.

Achievements and contributions
Under Bagadawa's leadership, the PSFU played a key role in various initiatives including the "Tugobe Corona, Wear a Mask" campaign aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. He stressed the importance of personal responsibility in adhering to COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure business continuity and public health. Bagadawa was also a strong supporter of job creation in Uganda's emerging oil and gas sector, stressing the need for upskilling Ugandans to take advantage of these opportunities.

Death
Bagadawa died on June 21, 2021, at Mulago Hospital due to complications from COVID-19.

Personal life
He was married to Susan Birungi and the couple had two daughters, Anita and Nina Bagadawa.