15 October 2025 – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kristine Blokhus as its new Country Representative for Uganda. A Norwegian national, Ms. Blokhus brings over 20 years of distinguished experience in international development, humanitarian action, and policy leadership to one of UNFPA’s most critical operations in East Africa.
Ms. Blokhus will lead UNFPA's efforts to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), combat gender-based violence (GBV), promote adolescent and youth empowerment, and strengthen the use of population data for national development.
Prior to her appointment in Uganda, Ms. Blokhus served in Bangladesh, where she spearheaded both development and humanitarian responses, including the complex response to the Rohingya refugee crisis. During her tenure, she demonstrated a strong focus on delivering essential health and protection services to the most vulnerable.
Her career reflects a comprehensive understanding of diverse global challenges. She served for three years as the UNFPA Representative to the State of Palestine, managing integrated development and humanitarian operations across the West Bank and Gaza. She has also held key leadership roles as Deputy Representative at the UNFPA office in Nepal, and in UNFPA and UNDP country offices across South and South-East Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and the Balkans.
Before dedicating her career to the United Nations, Ms. Blokhus gained valuable experience working at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, as well as holding various research and consulting roles within academia and international development consulting firms in the United Kingdom and Norway.
"Uganda is at a critical juncture, recognized globally for its open-door policy towards refugees and its commitment to harnessing its youth potential," said Ms. Blokhus.
"I am deeply committed to working alongside the Government of Uganda and our partners to ensure that every woman and young person, including those displaced by crisis, has access to the essential services and opportunities they need to thrive. I look forward to contributing to a future where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled."
Ms. Blokhus holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a double Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and French from the University of Warwick. In addition to her native Norwegian, she is proficient in English, French, and Spanish.
About UNFPA:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
