Health
BMGF Program Officer Sambisa Pays Courtesy Call to Mak
Kampala -Uganda: Makerere University acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance & Administration, Prof. Tonny J. Oyana on Monday July 4th 2022 received Dr. William Sambisa from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in company of the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze.
Dr Sambisa, who is also the Program Officer for the COVID-19 Response and Shaping Policy in Eastern, Central and Western Africa (COVID Assessment project), a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project at MakSPH was on a 3-days visit to Makerere University as part of the evaluation of the project as it comes to an end.
The project has been implemented in partnership with several universities from the eastern, central, and western Africa including the University of Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar, Senegal; the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; the University of Kinshasa, DRC; and the University of Ghana.
This project sought to assess and curate the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and the outcomes in terms of COVID-19 control and continuity of essential non-COVID-19 health services within the COVID-19 period, to inform the COVID-19 response and recovery as well as health system resilience to future disease outbreaks in Africa.
Prof. Wanyenze is the Principal Investigator of the COVID Assessment project for Uganda. She has been working alongside Dr. Suzanne Kiwanuka Dr. Suzan Kizito, Steven Ndugwa Kabwama and Dr. Rawlance Ndejjo, among others.
Speaking at the Vice Chancellor’s office, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze said the School of Public Health was grateful for the partnerships with the BMGF that have impacted a lot of lives and influenced policy changes in Uganda and beyond. She thanked Bill and Melinda for their generosity and support towards research in Africa and capacity building.
“We have several grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We are proud that we are partnering with you for impactful research and meaningful capacity building. BMGF supports the Digital Health Payments initiative project, the Covid-19 assessment which is coming to an end, Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA), a project fueling a data revolution to guide family planning programs, and the Leadership for Malaria eradication that is equipping endemic country scientists, implementers and leaders of National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) with adequate skills with a view of obtaining the ultimate goal of global malaria eradication,” said Prof Wanyenze.
She added that; “We are talking with William to explore the establishment of a Centre for Health Security at Makerere University because we are in the Congo basis belt which has the largest number of disease outbreaks globally.”
On his part, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration who represented Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tonny Oyana said it was a great gesture for Makerere University to receive the BMGF support to various university research and capacity building projects citing that such partnerships need to be leveraged on in the next century.
“I am well informed that you have been generous to Makerere University through the School of Public Health. I am told the funding portfolio has increased under several projects. We are now celebrating 100 years of existence. Our main celebrations will be in October this year. So, we have come a long way and the BMGF are part of the Makerere University story and I hope that we can consolidate our gains with that funding support. When you go back, please tell Bill and Melinda that the Management of Makerere University is very grateful for your contribution and we should continue working together. Please do visit us again,” said Prof. Oyana.
Prof. Oyana also shared about the iconic university building Administration Block, the second oldest building in Makerere University, currently under reconstruction that was burnt to ruins on November 20, 2020. The Main Building, in the style of British architecture of the 1940s, had high white walls and blue-shuttered windows before the fire that broke out. It is a symbol of higher education in Uganda and Africa. Efforts are underway to maintain its exact architectural design and structure.
In appreciation, Dr. William Sambisa said he was excited to visit Makerere University and impressed by its position in research in Africa and beyond. He empathized with Makerere University for the loss of the iconic building during the fire.
“It is a pleasure working with Makerere University. This is my first time I set foot in this great institution. When we were growing up in Zimbabwe, we heard about Makerere, its academic stature and its role in activism those days. Sometimes you say I have read and heard about this Giant of Africa, I would like to be there,” said Dr. Sambisa.
He added that; “We have begun a journey. We are creating good foundational pillars, for the next growth of the institution itself and the way you will influence Africa in research and capacity building. If we are saying we want to rely on African institutions, are we putting adequate resources to build them? Are we holding them in that journey aspect of it? It would be unfair to drop this investment.”
The Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze led Dr. Sambisa on a guided tour to the Main Campus and inspected the construction site for the new home of MakSPH.
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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