Health
An Indigenous Community-Led Model to Address Type 2 Diabetes: Through Evidence Informed Cross-Cultural Learning and Adaptation in Uganda
By Joseph Odoi
Globally, an estimated 462 million individuals are affected by type 2 diabetes, corresponding to 6.28% of the world’s population. In high-income regions like Europe, of all persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), 39.3% are undiagnosed. Low-income countries in Africa have the highest prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, estimated at 66.7%. In Uganda alone, a steady increase in the number of diabetes cases has been observed in various regions
Despite the increasing burden of Type 2 diabetes in the country, there is hardly any Community-led Behavioral Science oriented change model to address the risky factors that increase chances of developing Non-Communicable Diseases including Type 2 diabetes among Rural Population in Uganda.
To counter this implementation science – practice gap, researchers from Makerere University led by Dr Juliet Kiguli have embarked on a journey to develop and pilot-test a community-led Behavioral Change Model in Teso, Lango, Busoga and among the Samia cultural groups in Uganda. This Development follows a study by Makerere University researchers with funding from Government of Uganda and Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) who sought to understand the patterns of socio-cultural norms in two high incidence districts namely, Busia and Bugiri, in Eastern Uganda.
While facilitating at the cross-cultural learning event in late July 2023, Ramadhan Kirunda one of the Co-Principal Investigators noted that addressing Type 2 Diabetes requires a cross-cultural approach where communities take lead in identifying drivers of T2D and also share what works in context to their areas.
Ramadhan noted that the team is developing a behavioral change approach for type 2 diabetes risky factors because this condition is a behavioral and lifestyle disease. We are planning to engage religious leaders, cultural leaders, local leaders (LC1s), health workers, para-social workers, VHTs, husbands, wives, and in-laws in co-designing and co-implementing this change behavioral change approach. This intervention is designed to look at the community and the affected people as implementers as opposed to looking at them as beneficiaries of the intervention – hence the potential for sustainable change is high. In addition, it targets some duty bearers and thus social accountability for healthy behaviours can be enhanced. This study started as an “exploratory to co-design to pilot testing to implementation” study, making it one of the few that directly link research and practice.
At this event, Dr. Gerald Mutungi, Assistant Commissioner of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the seriousness of Type 2 Diabetes and its significant consequences. He highlighted the urgent need to address this issue effectively.
Dr. Mutungi further noted that ‘’While there are established interventions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other advising agencies, it is encouraging to see efforts being made to find local solutions for Type 2 Diabetes’’. He added that this study is of great importance as it will provide us with valuable insights into the factors contributing to the increase of Type 2 Diabetes in our local communities. Furthermore, it will enable us to understand the perspectives of local stakeholders and leaders, informing us about effective strategies specific to our context, rather than simply adopting approaches from countries like Switzerland or the USA.
Regarding the factors contributing to the rise of Type 2 Diabetes, Dr. Mutungi said, “Ugandans are continuously eating poorly. They say they are eating well but eating badly by consuming processed foods, fried foods, and fast foods.” He also highlighted the issue of physical inactivity, stating, “Ugandans are becoming physically inactive because they are using motorized transport even where they could have walked. They spend a lot of time in offices and go to sleep.”
On the significance of the study, Dr. Gerald noted, report from the study will inform programming and action around Type 2 Diabetes in Uganda.
Andrew Ochole, the Deputy Prime Minister of the TESO Cultural Union, expressed his sincere appreciation to Makerere University and the Fidelitas Scientific Execution Facility for their pioneering efforts in conducting the first-ever Type 2 Diabetes Study in the Teso Region.
’Despite Type TWO Diabetes being a killer, No Type TWO Diabetes Research has never been done in TESO and no one has been coming up to find local ways of lowering even when we have peculiar and shared norms that facilitate Type 2 Diabetes, I’m happy that Makerere University has taken up this initiative and we are ready to take it up as a community’’ explained Ochole.
He further reaffirmed TESO’s commitment to collaborate with researchers and development partners, such as Fedelitas, who are working alongside Makerere University in this study adding that Teso Cultural Union is prepared to actively disseminate the study’s innovations to educate and raise awareness among its community members in an effort to address Type 2 Diabetes.
In his remarks, the District Health Officer (DHO) of Busia District, Dr. Fredrick Ouma, emphasized the importance of recognizing that the world is a global village, with norms that cut across boundaries adding that there is an alarming prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda which can’t be ignored.
To address these health challenges, the DHO stressed the need to develop and disseminate messages that can effectively raise awareness and educate the community about Type 2 Diabetes.
Additionally, Dr. Ouma emphasized the importance of sharing original and accurate information as reliable data is crucial for making informed decisions and designing effective interventions to address the health needs in the community.
In terms of Lifestyle, He urged participants to be role models by engaging in continuous exercise and adopting healthy lifestyles. By embodying these behaviors, health workers can inspire others in the community to follow suit and become agents of change according to him
According to Dr Juliet Kiguli – the Principal investigator, notes that this study is intended to change the implementation landscape for NCD programs. She underlined the importance of connecting research with indigenous local organizations like Fidelitas Scientific Execution Facility (Fidelitas), who can support research uptake, further resource mobilization and support scale-up of the innovations developed by researchers.
In his closing remarks at the Workshop, Mr John King Odolon, the CEO Fidelitas Scientific Execution Facility, emphasized the importance of active participation from all participants to drive change in addressing Type 2 Diabetes – noting that the participation and zeal should continue upto field level. He urged them to play their respective roles effectively, recognizing that collective efforts are needed to make a significant impact.
Looking ahead, Odolon mentioned that the valuable lessons learned from the Workshop would be disseminated across the four regions. This dissemination aims to ensure that the insights gained from the study reach a wider audience and contribute to addressing Type 2 Diabetes on a broader scale.
As part of the study, researchers actively engaged with various health stakeholders. These stakeholders shared their experiences and insights regarding the behavioral factors influencing Type 2 Diabetes. Their input and expertise added valuable perspectives to the study, enhancing its comprehensiveness and applicability.
More about the study
In the next phase, the team working with Fidelitas is going to pilot test the intervention, through piloting and spreading the type 2 diabetes desired future state messages for social norms change. This will be done through a quasi-experimental implementation research intervention in the four regions of Busoga, Teso, Lango and the Samia cultural groups. Stay tuned for the results, learning brief and a publication!
On 2nd December 2024, Assoc. Professor Bruce Kirenga officially took over as Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS) in a handover ceremony held in the College Board Room. Dr. Kirenga succeeds Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who successfully completed her four-year term.
The ceremony was attended by members of the MakCHS Administrative Board and key university leaders, including Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Chief of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, & Deputy University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito, among others.
In her remarks, Professor Nakanjako reflected on her time in office with gratitude and pride since she assumed office in December 2020. She expressed her full support for MakCHS in contributing towards training and research in Makerere University.
Professor Nakanjako thanked the university top management for the support rendered to during her term of office as Principal. I thank family, friends and colleagues who supported and allowed me share my time with the college, especially beyond official hours.
Dr. Kirenga, a pulmonologist, researcher, and founding director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Makerere leadership and the search committee for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the college. He noted; “It’s a true honour to have been entrusted with this role. The search process was rigorous, but I learned so much from the ideas shared by my colleagues—it was a truly honourable competition.”
With a vision for collaboration and growth, Dr. Kirenga outlined his priorities, including improving staffing, improving relationships with teaching hospitals, and addressing infrastructure needs. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in inclusivity and teamwork, saying, “Let’s create a common vision through consultation and work together. I’ll visit every unit in the college to hear directly from staff about their challenges, needs, and ideas for moving forward.”
Dr. Kirenga also shared plans to establish a forum of past leaders to harness their collective wisdom and ensure continuity in leadership.
Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The recipients are;
⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.
⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.
⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.
⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.
UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.
Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.
Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.
On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.
“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.
Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.
Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”
Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.
National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.
Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.
“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.
She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.
“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said
A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.
UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.
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