It is with great esteem that I welcome you to the 52^nd edition of the Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ). This edition of the Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ) comes at a pivotal moment in our country’s history, a time marked by change and a growing determination for voices to be seen and heard. Various platforms have given people the opportunity to do just that and the MMJ is one of these platforms because, here, we believe there is no greater joy than visibility and expression.

Writing is one of the purest forms of self-expression, and research represents its highest academic form: writing grounded in facts and figures. Research is the very backbone that shapes the future of humanity. The hallmark of any society progressing In an evolutionary direction is RESEARCH. It, therefore, felt essential to include the work of so many bold, young writers and researchers whose work will shape the landscape of science for generations to come.

We invite you to embark on this journey of inquiry and to open your mind to the powerful ideas captured within these pages. “Research is always the best the part of writing.” What we especially love about this is the fact that our writers take their time to do their research before making submissions which made our work particularly easy. We were impressed with the quality of the submissions in spite of the rigorous academic schedules. We hope their brilliant writing speaks volume to you like it did to us. This edition features articles that explore emerging innovations and evolving ideas in medicine, including cancer research, gene editing, and other compelling areas of study we hope you will find equally thought-provoking. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), continues to be a hub of research prowess and excellence. The number of undergraduate students producing high-quality research continues to grow, and we are immensely proud to showcase their work in our journal.

Additionally, we believe it is of the utmost importance to get inspiration and guidance from those who came before us. On that note, we have included an interview from Dr. Sabrina Kitaka and Prof. David Meya, who both continue to shape and nurture the next generation of clinicians. We have also included two study abroad pieces that highlight the journey of two of our medical students through Sweden and Italy. We believe their experiences will inspire and motivate those coming after them. MakCHS is home to vibrant clubs whose activities have shaped the landscape of the student experience, which we are proud to have featured.

This edition is especially meaningful as it represents the continuation and completion of the outstanding work of the 2024–2025 editorial team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them under the leadership of Mr. Karlos Samuel, as well as, to our patron, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, for her unwavering guidance and support. And finally, our deepest thanks go to you, our dearest readers, without whom this journal would not exist. We hope you find the inspiration you seek within these pages.

APILI LORRAINE,
MBChB V
Email: roritech[at]gmail.com

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_{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.

The Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS) invites researchers, academics, health professionals, students, policymakers, and development partners to submit abstracts for presentation at the 25^th Annual Scientific Conference of the Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS), scheduled to take place from 6^th–7^th August 2026.

Conference Theme

“Human-Centered Health Systems in Uganda: Leveraging Finance, Innovation, and Digital Technologies for Lasting Impact.”

Conference Sub-Themes

Abstracts are invited under, but not limited to, the following areas:

1. Malaria
2. Tuberculosis
3. HIV
4. Public Health and Policy
5. Data Science and Health Informatics
6. Mental Health and Well-being
7. Health Education and Capacity Building
8. Non-Communicable Diseases
9. Neglected Tropical Diseases
10. Emerging and Re-emerging Epidemics
11. Surgical Interventions
12. Biosafety and Biosecurity
13. Ethics
14. Laboratory Medicine
15. Vaccines
16. Health Financing

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Option A (Research Abstracts)

• Background
• Methods
• Results
• Conclusions

Option B (Programmatic/Implementation Abstracts)

• Background/Context
• Program Description
• Lessons Learned
• Recommendations

General Requirements

• Abstracts must be submitted in English and in Microsoft Word format.
• The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
• Tables and graphs may be included where applicable.
• Previously presented work at national or international meetings is eligible for submission.

Important Date

Abstract Submission Deadline: 23^rd June 2026

Submission

Please submit your abstracts via email to:
ushsecretariat@gmail.com
ushsugsociety@gmail.com

For further inquiries, contact the USHS Secretariat:

USHS Office, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Department of Anatomy, 2^nd Floor, Room C14
Tel: +256 414 531820
Mobile: +256 772 629695