Founder: Dr. Anna Nakanwagi Mukwaya
A Visionary Leader in Public Health and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Anna Nakanwagi Mukwaya is a Ugandan medical doctor, public health specialist, and entrepreneur. With over 16 years of experience in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV care, she has significantly strengthened Uganda’s healthcare systems through roles with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).
She is also a passionate women’s empowerment advocate and the visionary founder of MAK4 Limited, a company that creates safe, high-quality skincare and haircare products. Dr. Nakanwagi currently serves on the Board of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), contributing her expertise to national investment and industrial policy planning.
Education & Early Life
Dr. Nakanwagi began her higher education journey at Makerere University, one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions, where she earned:
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her impactful career in public health.
Public Health Career Highlights
World Health Organization (WHO)
Joined in 2004 as National Professional Officer – TB-HIV
Led the development of national TB-HIV collaborative guidelines
Championed integrated healthcare services for co-infected patients
The Union (International Union Against TB and Lung Disease)
Joined in 2007 as Chief of Party for the USAID-funded TB-CAP project
Became Director of The Union Uganda Office
Led transformative projects like SPARK-TB, which integrated TB services into private clinics in underserved urban areas
Her efforts have had a lasting influence on Uganda’s fight against TB and HIV.
Entrepreneurship & Women’s Empowerment
Dr. Nakanwagi is the Managing Director of MAK4 Limited, a personal care company offering safe, effective, and empowering beauty solutions.
Her Vision for MAK4:
Produce safe skincare, haircare, and body care products
Raise awareness on the harmful effects of toxic skincare products
Promote emotional and psychological well-being through beauty
Empower women by creating jobs and educating communities
“Women are the mothers of the nation. We need them to protect the quality of the gene they pass on to their babies, who are the future of the nation.”
MAK4’s production facility is located in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve, with wide distribution across Uganda.
Additionally, Dr. Nakanwagi is passionate about farming and medicinal herbs, which are used in her products—highlighting her commitment to natural and sustainable beauty solutions.
Appointment to Uganda Investment Authority
In October 2024, Dr. Nakanwagi was appointed to the Board of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) as a private sector representative. Her focus areas include:
Industrialization
Investment promotion
Employment creation
Her diverse expertise in health and business continues to influence national development policy.
A Legacy of Impact
Dr. Anna Nakanwagi Mukwaya’s life story is one of leadership, service, and impact.
From transforming TB and HIV care, to uplifting women through safe beauty solutions, to shaping Uganda’s economic future—she exemplifies how passion, knowledge, and purpose can create lasting change.