Health
3rd Award Ceremony of the Paediatric Heamatology and Oncology Fellowship: Profiles of the Fellows
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), established the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program to build capacity and strengthen care for children with cancer and blood disorders across the country and the region.
Since its inception in 2016, 24 pediatricians have been trained by the program and now serve as leaders in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology clinical services across ten hospitals in seven countries in Africa. This marks a remarkable transformation from just two trained paediatric oncologists in Uganda in 2016 and has contributed to significantly improved survival rates for children with cancer and blood disorders.
On the 30th July 2025, 16 Fellows of the PHO Fellowship received their awards after a two-year stint on the fellowship. Below are their profiles
2018/2020 Cohort
Dr. Nana Nakiddu is a Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist and lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences/Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Her career focus is on developing innovative models for the delivery of childhood cancer survivorship care in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where cancer survivorship care is still in its early stages despite major advancements in access to diagnosis and treatment. Her ultimate career goal is to lead research and care initiatives for the growing population of childhood cancer survivors across Africa. She is passionate about sports and has represented Uganda internationally in swimming. As a qualified sports medicine physician, she contributes to the field both nationally and globally. She currently serves as the Secretary General of the Uganda Society for Sports Medicine and is the immediate past chairperson of the Uganda Olympic Committee’s Medical and Anti-Doping Commission.
Dr. Heronima Joas Kashaigili is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Bugando Medical Centre and a lecturer Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Mwanza Tanzania. She is the Assistant Head of Oncology Services and leads the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at Bugando Medical Centre. She is recognized nationally as a mentor and leader in advancing pediatric cancer care to improve survival outcomes through capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Kashaigili earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences in 2009. She specialized in Pediatrics and Child Health at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College in 2017 and completed a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020 with support from the Texas Children’s Global HOPE program. She also has training and experience in clinical research and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Child Health (MSGCH).
Dr. Deborah Omeddo is a Paediatric haematologist and oncologist at Kisii teaching and Referral hospital and an adjunct lecturer at both the Kenya Medical Training college and Kisii University in Kenya. She has practiced as a paediatrician for the last 15 years during which she has keenly participated in research and clinical care of children. She has a passion for childhood haematological care and especially in Sickle cell disease. She has been a keen advocate for access of affordable care for sickle cell disease patients and is a patron of a number of the Sickle cell disease foundations. She has served in the Kenya paediatric association board where she advocated for childhood malnutrition and access to nutritional supplements. She is a member of the Kenyan ministry of health technical working group on childhood cancer where she has participated in development of management policy and guidelines. Her career goal has been to improve the research and clinical management of Sickle cell and other haematological disorders among children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Anne Akullo is a Pediatric Hematologist and oncologist and the current President of the Uganda Pediatric Association. She is the Associate Director of Clinical Operations for the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE (TCH-GH) supported programs in Africa, where she leads the Dissemination and Implementation Science program. She is passionate about advocacy for child health and uses the UPA platform to promote high-impact policies for child health initiatives, such as the scale-up of sickle cell disease care on a national scale. Dr. Akullo completed her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2005, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2014. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the same institution in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. In addition, she has training and experience in Project Management, Implementation Science, and child health advocacy.
Dr. Irene Nzamu is the Head the Pediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and an honorary lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics in the University of Nairobi. Dr. Nzamu chairs the Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee and is deputy chair of the Hospital Ethics Committee. Nationally, Dr. Nzamu is the paediatric lead in the Focal Team for the Kenya National Cancer Control Strategy, is a member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society. She has served as Treasurer in the Kenya Society of Hematology Oncology (KESHO).
She earned her both her undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Nairobi in 2005 and 2012 respectively. She completed the clinical fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2020. She is a graduate of the African Leadership University Public Sector leadership fellowship and has undertaken several trainings from the University of Washington. She is passionate about providing evidence-based childhood cancer care targeting to bridge the gap in survival for children in Low Middle-Income Countries.
Dr. Ankunda is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist based at the Cancer Center of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Western Uganda. She previously served as a lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Kabale University. She has spearheaded numerous childhood cancer awareness campaigns and conducted research focused on understanding the reasons for treatment abandonment among children with cancer. Her research interest is in solid tumors with a focus on understanding their biology in sub-Saharan Africa and improving the survival of children affected by solid tumors.
Dr. Ankunda earned her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2010, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 2017. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
2019/2021 Cohort
Dr. Innocent Adebayo graduated with a medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2006 and completed his residency in Paediatrics at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in 2018 with a Fellowship in Paediatrics (FMCPaed). Dr Adebayo’s completed his Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship Training in in 2021 from Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE program. He recently, in 2024, obtained a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in India/St Christopher’s Hospice in London, United Kingdom. Dr Adebayo’s areas of interest are newborn screening, disease severity and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Sickle Cell Disease.
Dr. Rizine Mzikamanda is a specialist consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi and Malawi National Cancer Center at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). He is the Medical Director of the Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence Program in Malawi.
Dr. Mzikamanda completed his medical degree at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences- KUHES) in 2010, specialization in pediatrics at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine and University of Pretoria in 2018, and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2021 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
His vision is to become one of the leading clinical researchers in childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). He is interested in developing locally appropriate treatment strategies for children in SSA and leading clinical trials in childhood cancer in this region over the next 5-10 years.
Dr. Catherine Muendo is a paediatric haematologist and oncologist working at the paediatric hematology and oncology department in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. She is the head of unit at the Hemophilia comprehensive care centre at Kenyatta National Hospital. She is the vice chair of the Paediatric Hematology Oncology Society of Kenya.
She completed her medical degree at the University of Nairobi in 2010, and specialized training in paediatrics and child health at the University of Nairobi in 2017. She completed her paediatric hematology and oncology fellowship training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2021
Dr. Emma Nsalazi Bambi is a Congolese paediatrician and subspecialist in paediatric haematology and oncology, currently pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He holds a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health from Makerere University, Uganda, and completed fellowship training in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE.in 2021.Dr. Bambi began his medical career after obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from Goma University in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and specialized training in pediatrics and child health at Makerere University.
Dr. Annet Nakirulu completed her medical degree (MBChB) at Kampala International University in 2012, higher diploma in Paediatric palliative care at Mildmay Uganda in 2016, specialization in paediatrics at Uganda Martyrs University Post graduate School Nsambya in 2019 and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2021
Dr. Annet Nakirulu is an associate consultant in Pediatric hematology at the Directorate of Pediatrics at Mulago National Referral Hospital. She provides evidence-based interdisciplinary medical care to children with sickle cell disease, plans and leads Paediatric Hematology Oncology education and outreach activities within the local and national community. She also participates in research, clinical quality improvement and program monitoring and evaluation activities for children with cancer and blood disorders at Mulago National Referral Hospital in collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE Program.
Dr. Moses Karashani began his medical journey at China Medical University, where he received comprehensive training in general Paediatrics and Child health. Driven by a passion for advancing care in childhood blood disorders, he pursued a fellowship in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE, completing it in 2021
Currently, Dr. Karashani serves at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila campus in Tanzania. His clinical and research interests focus on the management of both benign and malignant haematologic conditions in children, aiming to improve outcomes through evidence-based approaches and targeted therapies. His work bridges the gap between bedside care and academic inquiry, making him a vital contributor to Tanzania’s growing Paediatric haematology and oncology landscape.
Cohort 2020/2022
Dr. Rose Munge is the Head of Unit -Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) and a lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics at Mount Kenya University. Dr. Munge played a key role in establishing paediatric oncology services at KUTRRH, culminating in the successful commissioning of the unit in 2024. She is also an active member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Society. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nairobi in 2008 and completed specialized training in paediatrics at the same institution in 2015. In 2023, she completed a clinical fellowship in paediatric haematology and oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. She also holds additional training in healthcare leadership from the University of Washington. Dr. Munge is passionate about expanding local fellowship training opportunities in paediatric haematology and oncology and is committed to advancing research-driven, high-quality cancer care for children across Kenya.
Dr. Catherine Nabaggala is a Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Specialist at Global HOPE (Haematology-Oncology Paediatric Excellence) Program in Uganda, based at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Dr Nabaggala completed her medical degree at Makerere University in 2004, specialized in Paediatrics at Makerere University Medical School in 2013 and Paediatric Haematology and Oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2023 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. Her vision is to scale up essential care for children with haematological disorders especially Sickle cell disease to the most vulnerable children living in primary health care settings.
Dr. Jennifer Zungu is the Director of The Texas Children’s Global HOPE program in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Makerere University, a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child health from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and a Diploma in Health care Management from The Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). She completed her clinical fellowship training in paediatric haematology and Oncology at Makerere University Supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.
Dr. Zungu is passionate and deeply committed to, driving better outcomes in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology. She uses her experience in healthcare management along with her clinical training in Paediatric Haematology-Oncology to advocate for evidence-based paediatric haematology and oncology care, best quality services, and excellent customer experience in the Public Healthcare sector in Uganda and beyond.
Dr. Joseph Gore is Head of the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Unit at Alsabbah Children Hospital in Juba, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Juba, with a focus on improving sickle cell disease care & oncology services in South Sudan.
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.
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