Health
Mak Researchers Design National Drowning Prevention Strategy
By Joseph Odoi
Makerere University researchers under Trauma, Injuries and Disability (TRIAD) Unit) have designed a national drowning prevention strategy. This strategy comes at a time when there is sky rocketing cases of drowning in Africa.
Globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death; accounting for 7% of all injuries. Over 90% of the estimated 322,000 annual global drowning deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.
Although the burden of drowning is believed to be highest in the WHO-African region, data collection and surveillance for drowning in African countries is limited.
In bid to contribute to data driven interventions, Makerere University researchers carried out a study aimed at establishing the availability of drowning data in district-level sources and understanding the reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda.
As part of the study titled: Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources, researchers engaged various health stakeholders who shared their experiences about drowning and how it can be prevented in communities.
It is upon that background that scholars designed a contextual appropriate strategy for drowning prevention in Uganda under the project titled; Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources.
According to the researchers, this drowning strategy is first ever in Uganda. ‘’it will be a national document that will guide all the efforts on drowning prevention in the country; and will avoid non-coordinated activities aimed at prevention of drowning. the strategy will also provide for monitoring and evaluation of all activities and interventions for drowning prevention in the country since there will be a government lead agency tasked with this responsibility’ ’explained Mr. Fredrick Oporia who is part of the study team
STRATEGIES TO PREVENT DROWNING
In this study published on semantics scholar among other journals, the researchers came up with the following strategies to counter drowning;
• Setting and enforcing safe boating regulations. • Providing incentives that encourage adherence to boating regulations related to not overloading transport boats and increasing enforcement of boating regulations. • Ensuring boats are fit for purpose and increasing regular inspection of the seaworthiness of boats. • Improving detection and dissemination of information about the weather. • Supporting increased availability and use of lifejackets through subsidy, lifejacket loaner programs, and free lifejacket distribution programs. • Increasing sensitization about safe boating practices, the importance of wearing lifejackets, and limiting alcohol and illicit drug use when boating. Community members, especially children, are vulnerable to drowning in unsafe water sources such as ditches, latrines, wells, and dams. Potential interventions could include: • Modifying access to wells and dams to prevent children or adults from falling in. • Installing boreholes and pumps to enable community members to draw water safely.
Providing safe rescue and resuscitation training to community members and conducting refresher trainings. • Developing and providing low-cost rescue equipment such as boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides that can assist in the immediate rescue of individuals) and buoyant throwing aids.
To enable ongoing design, implementation, and evaluation of drowning prevention efforts, the researchers note that it is essential to collect data on drowning incidents. Reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda should also be improve according to the researchers namely; Tessa Clemens, Frederick Oporia, Erin M Parker, Merissa, A Yellman, Michael F Ballesteros and Olive Kobusingye
Other Potential interventions highlighted by the researchers include: • Providing records officers with proper training, equipment, and appropriate storage facilities. • Sensitizing the public on the importance of reporting all drowning cases to authorities.
As part of their study findings, the researchers noted that; A total of 1435 fatal and non-fatal drowning cases were recorded; 1009 (70%) in lakeside districts and 426 (30%) in non-lakeside districts.
Of 1292 fatal cases, 1041 (81%) were identified in only one source. After deduplication, 1283 (89% of recorded cases; 1160 fatal, 123 non-fatal) unique drowning cases remained. Data completeness varied by source and variable.
On demographics, fatal victims were predominantly male (85%), and the average age was 24 years. In lakeside districts, 81% of fatal cases with a known activity at the time of drowning involved boating.
What were people doing when they drowned?
Activity at the time of drowning in lakeside districts and non-lakeside districts
• Overall, boating was by far the most common activity that people were engaged in at the time of the drowning incident.
• Other common activities were collecting water/watering cattle and travelling on foot.
• The most common activities that people engaged in prior to drowning were similar in lakeside and non-lakeside districts. However, in non-lakeside districts, more drowning deaths occurred as a result of collecting water or watering cattle than as a result of boating in those districts.
• Almost half (48%) of all drownings occurred while the person was engaged in an occupational activity.
Of the 1,063 people who died from boating-related drowning or suffered a severe boating related drowning incident but survived, 1,007 (95%) were not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
Bathing in water bodies: Study participants indicated that drowning sometimes occurs when people are bathing in lakes, ponds, swamps, and valley dams. People can unexpectedly slip into deep water from shallower areas or rocks.
Crossing flooded rivers and streams:
Attempting to cross flooded rivers and streams during the rainy season was another cause of drowning identified by study participants.
“Currently, people cross from makeshift bridges such as that of round poles. When the river overflows, it covers them. So, you can’t see them; so, you just start guessing: ‘the pole might be here or there’ and in case your guess is wrong, you automatically drown and you will be gone.” an Interview respondent in Kabale district explained
Delayed rescue attempts: Study participants identified the importance of timely rescue and resuscitation to prevent death from drowning. However, they also indicated that community members lack knowledge on how to rescue someone who is drowning.
Alcohol use: Several participants identified alcohol use as a key risk factor for drowning. Participants stated that alcohol use is common, especially in fishing communities. “We have a problem with alcoholism. Many of our colleagues go to the waters when their minds are a bit twisted by the alcohol and on some occasions, this has caused accidents and some of them have drowned just like that.” – Interview respondent, Nakasongola district.
When asked on strategies of preventing drowning, participants suggested the following strategies for preventing drowning:
• Provide affordable and high-quality lifejackets to all water transport users and fishing communities. • Increase sensitization of fishermen and all water transport users on the importance of using lifejackets and avoiding alcohol while boating. • Provide subsidies for large and motorized boats that can be used for safe water travel and fishing to replace small and low-quality boats that are currently in use.
Inspect boats regularly to ensure they are in good travelling condition. • Recruit and deploy more marine police units on all major water bodies to enhance security and quick response to drowning incidents. • Install boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides) to assist with the immediate rescue of individuals who are involved in a drowning incident. • Provide frequent and safe ferry services to enable water travellers access to safe transportation across rivers and lakes. • Avoid fishing during the moonlight periods to minimize hippopotamus attacks which are more frequent at that time.
“I think these fishermen really need lifejackets for their work and also need to be sensitized on how to manage the engine of the boats that they use for their work. In most cases, these men just learn how to use these boats without having been trained first.” – Interview respondent, Rakai district. Swimming and basic rescue skills said
Moving forward, the researchers recommend that since; drowning is a multisectoral issue, and all stakeholders (local and national government, water transport, water sport, education, fishing, health, and law enforcement) should coordinate to develop a national water safety strategy and action plan.
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
The study was conducted in 60 districts of Uganda for a period of 2.5 years (from January 1st, 2016 to June 30th, 2018). In the first phase, records concerning 1,435 drowning cases were found in the 60 study districts.
In the second phase, a total of 2,066 drowning cases were identified in 14 districts by community health workers and confirmed through individual interviews with witnesses/family members/friends and survivors of drowning. This work was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the CDC Foundation
Health
Makerere Researchers Find Psychological Therapy Effective in Improving Diabetes Care in Uganda
By Nelson Bahati
Researchers from Makerere University‘s School of Psychology have found that psychotherapy intervention can improve the well-being of adults living with Type II diabetes mellitus, opening the door for integrating psychosocial support into diabetes care in Uganda.
The findings were disseminated on 16 June 2026 during a research dissemination workshop held at the Physiology Lecture Theatre at the College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hospital.
Led by Professor Peter Baguma, the study titled “The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Diabetes Distress, Depression, Health Anxiety, Quality of Life and Treatment Adherence among Adult Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus” investigated whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a psychological treatment that has proven effective in Western countries, could also work in the Ugandan context.
Presenting the findings, Professor Baguma said the study was motivated by the growing burden of diabetes and the psychological challenges that often accompany the disease but are rarely addressed in routine healthcare.
“Diabetes affects many people in Uganda and across the world. It kills, and those who live with it face many challenges. While psychological interventions have been developed and applied in the Western world, we did not know whether these approaches could work in Uganda. That is why we decided to undertake this study,” he said.
He explained that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviours that affect people’s wellbeing and ability to manage chronic illnesses.
The researchers sought to determine whether CBT could reduce psychological distress among diabetes patients and improve treatment outcomes.
The controlled study involved 200 adult participants with Type II diabetes mellitus. One hundred participants received the CBT intervention while another 100 formed the control group. Participants in the intervention arm attended eight counselling sessions over four months, with each session lasting between one and one-and-a-half hours.
The therapy covered several modules, including psychoeducation on diabetes, cognitive restructuring, medication adherence, problem-solving, coping strategies, physical exercise, relaxation techniques and strategies for maintaining treatment.
According to Professor Baguma, the findings showed that psychotherapy significantly improved participants’ wellbeing.
“The group that received the intervention experienced reduced stress levels and lower blood sugar levels compared to those who did not receive the therapy. We conclude that CBT is effective and should be adopted as part of diabetes care,” he said.
The study also yielded another important discovery.
“We have discovered that CBT as practised in the Western world is somewhat narrow. Their manual contains only eight elements. In Africa, we found that three additional components are necessary: effective communication between patients and health workers, goal setting, and instilling hope among patients. We call this African CBT,” Professor Baguma explained.
He added that the findings had also revealed the need to incorporate psychosocial care into the management of chronic illnesses and to train healthcare workers to address the psychological dimensions of disease.
Professor Andrew Marcel Otim, one of the co-investigators and founder of the Uganda Diabetes Association, said the study had brought to the fore an aspect of diabetes care that has long been neglected.
“There have been many efforts to address the physiological effects of diabetes, but we have largely ignored the psychological part of the disease. Yet the psychological aspect is huge,” he said.
He added that, diabetes management should go beyond medication but rather intergrate other components of care.
“Education, nutrition, exercise and self-monitoring are extremely important. Even simply knowing what to do is a very powerful intervention. Psychological distress and depression can increase blood sugar levels, so we need to help patients remain calm and hopeful,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a clinician and educator, Professor Otim encouraged people living with diabetes to embrace physical activity.
“I tell my students and my patients to put on some music, dance, sweat and enjoy themselves. Nutrition, education and exercise remain central to managing diabetes.”
Dr. Wilber Karugahe, a counselling psychologist at Makerere University‘s School of Psychology and one of the co-investigators, said the findings demonstrate the need to integrate psychological care into the management of chronic diseases.
“A lot of studies focus on physical illness and not the psychological conditions that accompany these illnesses. This study confirms that diabetes has a significant psychological aspect and that patients need psychological interventions as part of their care,” he said.
Explaining the essence of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dr. Karugahe noted that the approach helps people restructure their thoughts and behaviours.
“Imagine putting a sticker on your fridge that reminds you that some foods are not good for you and that healthier options are better. That is CBT. It helps people change the way they think and behave, and it can be used to address many behavioural challenges.”
The dissemination workshop was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, including Mrs. Christine Ninsiima Ahimbisibwe, Senior Programme Officer for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Control, and Mrs. Patience Butesi from the Department of Mental Health and Drug and Substance Abuse.
Mrs. Ahimbisibwe welcomed the findings and emphasised the need to integrate the study’s recommendations into Uganda’s clinical guidelines to enable healthcare workers to provide psychosocial support to patients living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
The human impact of the intervention was perhaps best illustrated by testimonies from participants who underwent the psychosocial training.
Tebugulwa Josephine, a retired teacher and employee at Mulago National Referral Hospital, said the intervention restored hope in her life.
“When we first joined the programme, we thought we were moving dead people. But now we have hope. I have hope of reaching 90 years. We were taught how to exercise and take care of ourselves. Even our families no longer treat us as sick people because we can now walk and participate in daily activities.”
Another participant, Bunje Joice, described the intervention as life-changing.
“People had already given up on me and were waiting for me to die. I could hardly walk, but now I can walk long distances and my diabetes levels have improved. Physical exercise has become my first medicine.”
Kyomuhendo Kate said the programme helped her manage stress and improve her health.
“I was so stressed and my legs were swelling, but after attending the treatment sessions, I am now much better.”
Sebuliba Bernard said the training transformed how he manages his condition.
“They taught us how to exercise, how to live and how to eat. If we follow what we were taught, we can change our lives.”
Based on the findings, the researchers recommended scaling up the intervention to district, regional and national referral hospitals, integrating psychosocial interventions into the training of health workers, and undertaking policy reforms to strengthen mental health support for people living with chronic illnesses.
The study was funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and brought together researchers from psychology and medicine, including co-investigators: Dr. Fredrick Nakwagala, Dr. Wilber Karugahe and Dr. Anne Ampaire.
A major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to reduce newborn mortality was marked on June 17, 2026, when Makerere University College of Health Sciences graduated the first cohort of fellows from the Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Fellowship Programme.
The pioneering cohort of five specialists completed the two-year sub-specialty fellowship designed to equip pediatricians with advanced competencies in newborn care, leadership, research, advocacy, and neonatal intensive care. The programme is accredited by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and is implemented through a partnership involving Makerere University, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Seed Global Health and Elma Philanthropies.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, described the occasion as a significant achievement for Makerere University and Uganda’s health sector.
“Today is a very important occasion for the College of Health Sciences, and indeed the health sector in Uganda,” he said, noting that the fellowship was established to develop highly skilled specialists capable of responding to increasingly complex healthcare needs.
Prof. Kirenga emphasized that Uganda’s changing disease patterns, increasing life expectancy, and growing demand for specialized healthcare services have created an urgent need for super-specialized training programmes. He challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to improve newborn health outcomes and save lives.
Addressing Uganda’s Neonatal Health Burden
Presenting an overview of the fellowship programme, the Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Prof. Victor Musiime, highlighted the urgent need for specialists in neonatal care.
He noted that neonatal deaths, those occurring within the first 28 days of life, remain one of the leading contributors to child mortality in Uganda. The country continues to face a shortage of professionals with advanced skills in neonatal care, research, leadership, and advocacy.
“The demand for neonatologists remains extremely high,” Prof. Musiime explained, adding that the Ministry of Health envisions deploying neonatologists to regional referral hospitals and other health facilities across the country.
The fellowship programme was established to build a critical mass of neonatologists, strengthen care for high-risk newborns, develop expertise in advanced neonatal procedures, and produce leaders and advocates for newborn health.
A unique feature of the programme is its strong clinical apprenticeship model, complemented by international placements at leading institutions, including Yashoda Hospital in India and Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ministry Commits to Expanding Neonatal Services
Representing the Ministry of Health, Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi, congratulated the graduates and commended Makerere University and its partners for establishing the fellowship programme.
Dr. Mugahi revealed that the five graduates join another five neonatologists already serving in Uganda, bringing the country’s total number of neonatologists to ten. He described the locally trained fellows as a critical addition to Uganda’s healthcare workforce.
“The Ministry’s vision is to have a neonatologist at every Regional Referral Hospital,” he said, adding that Uganda aims to have at least 14 neonatologists by 2030.
He further outlined government plans to strengthen newborn care through the establishment of specialized neonatal care units at different levels of the health system, ranging from Health Centre IVs to Regional Referral Hospitals and super-specialized facilities such as Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital.
Dr. Mugahi assured the graduates that the Ministry of Health is investing in equipment and infrastructure to support advanced neonatal services and pledged to advocate for improved career progression pathways for super-specialized health professionals.
Makerere’s Commitment to Advanced Medical Training
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, congratulated the fellows and their families on the achievement.
He praised the College of Health Sciences for its contribution to national development and noted that programmes such as the Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Fellowship enhance Makerere University‘s position as a leader in knowledge generation and societal transformation.
Prof. Alinaitwe paid tribute to the graduates’ families, particularly their spouses and children, for supporting them through the demanding years of specialist training.
“The work you do is truly priceless,” he told the fellows. “The contribution you make to humanity is immeasurable.”
Graduates Hailed as Future Leaders in Newborn Health
In attendance were the director of Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Dr. Sam Ononge, Deputy Director Mulago Referral Hospital, Dr. John Sekabira, Dr. Mary Nyanzi from Kawempe Referral Hospital, Sr. Dr. Assumpta Nabawanuka, the Director of St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Dr. Irene Atuhaire from Seed Global Health Uganda and Ms. Ritah Akankwasa from ELMA Philanthropies Services, who partnered with the college in training the fellows.
The training partners described the graduates as pioneers who had demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment throughout the rigorous training programme.
They applauded their contributions to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and supportive supervision, noting that their work had already contributed to improvements in maternal and newborn health services in Kampala and other regions of Uganda.
“As Kawempe National Referral Hospital, we have been privileged to witness your growth, not only as clinicians but also as leaders and advocates for newborn health,” Dr. Nyanzi said.
The graduates
- Dr. Tumwebaze Anita Kiiza Muhumuza
- Dr. Ediamu Tom Didimus
- Dr. Kezia Kibedi
- Dr. Hellen Kyokutamba
- Dr. Gerald Ojambo
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