General
Depression is the 4th leading cause of burden of disease in women
The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) – DVC AA has established a programme for nurturing the next generation of academics. Under this programme, recent Graduates of PhD studies will be availed the opportunity to make public, findings from their doctoral research.
The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) – DVC AA has established a programme for nurturing the next generation of academics. Under this programme, recent Graduates of PhD studies will be availed the opportunity to make public, findings from their doctoral research.
Apart from knowledge sharing, the seminars seek to enhance networking among intellectuals both within and outside Makerere University. Furthermore, it is believed that research findings provide a rich ground for policy reviews and enhancement of national development goals.
The PhD Seminar Series Programme was launched on 2nd September, 2010 with Dr. Euzobia Baine, who made a presentation on "Gender and Teaching Education in Uganda: Responses to Contemporary Changes". The second series was held on 27th October 2010 and featured Dr. Joshua Tugumisirize, who presented his findings on “Depression, Women and Culture: A comparative study of depression among Malawian and Ugandan women”.
In her remarks The Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza emphasized on the need for Makerere University to nurture public intellectuals. “As Faculty of the premier University; the academia of Makerere have a duty to take the lead and in fact enrich public debate on issues of National Import.” “Indeed I opine that the academia have a duty to play as leading public intellectuals while at the same time maintaining rigorous commitment to traditional scholarship,” added Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza.
Dr. Joshua Tugumisirize the series’ presenter noted that although depression is a common and disabling disorder, it is poorly understood and is often unrecognised and untreated. “The extent to which cultural factors influence the nature, the experience, the extent, recognition and treatment of depression remain to be resolved,” he noted.
He further observed that although the rate of depression in women varies widely between countries and ethnic groups, women were more vulnerable to a wide range of adverse conditions and situation such as: poor relationship with significant others, poor relationship with mother, mother-in-law and inadequate material and emotional support.
Results from the comparative study showed that although the depressive symptoms were more common among the Malawian (Mzuzu) women than their Ugandan (Wakiso) counterparts, the prevalence of depression was by over 10% higher in Uganda than Malawi. The main factors associated with depressive illness were coercive sex, debt burden and marital conflict for women in Mzuzu, and domineering spouses for women in Wakiso.
It was also observed that whereas there was no difference in the level of instability of marriage in Wakiso and women in Mulanje (Malawi), the women in Uganda have more severe depressive illness. This was likely to be associated to the fact that the Mulanje women have more access to social/peer support.
In conclusion, Dr. Tugumisirize observed that there are wide variations in the rates of depression among Malawian and Ugandan women. However, the role of culture in contributing to depression in both countries remains unclear. Nonetheless, psychosocial factors which may have cultural basis are more significantly associated with depression.
Downloads
Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza's presentation
Dr. Joshua Tugumisirze's presentation
Contacts.
Dr Joshua Tugumisirize,
Formerly at Department of Psychiatry, Makerere College of Health Science
Email: jtugumisirize@yahoo.com
Phone: +256-772-929741
mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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