Health
Launch of the Early Intervention Psychiatry Services at Makerere University Hospital
By Immaculate Acan
On 30 October 2025, the Department of Psychiatry at Makerere University, together with its clinical partner, Makerere University Hospital, publicly launched the Early Intervention Psychiatry Services (EIPS) clinic, a landmark initiative intended to reshape how psychosis and other serious mental-health conditions are treated in Uganda.
The launch was attended by a broad coalition of stakeholders. From the Makerere University Department of Psychiatry, faculty and students gathered under the leadership of Dr Dickens Akena, the Head of Department. Hospital staff joined the event, led by the Hospital Director, Professor Josaphat Byamugisha. The core operational team of the clinic, the psychosis working group, was present, led by the Principal Investigator, Dr Emmanuel Kiiza Mwesiga. Equally significant were the lived-experience experts (people who have attended the clinic and benefitted from its services) whose presence underscored the patient-centred ethos of the programme.
The EIPS clinic, which began operating in June 2024, offers community-based early psychosis intervention for first-episode cases as well as general mental-health services for Makerere University students. The clinic is staffed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of three psychiatrists, two nurses, a psychologist, and one laboratory personnel. Services are available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and include clinical assessment and diagnosis, laboratory investigations, psychological interventions, pharmacological treatment, and long-term follow-up care. Plans are underway to broaden the scope of service, with social-intervention components being developed for future implementation.
A wide array of sponsors has backed the initiative: Wellcome Trust, African Population and Health Research Center, Uganda Society for Health Scientists, MQ Mental Health Research, Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute, the University of Cape Town, the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. Such wide international engagement underscores the relevance and urgency of early-intervention psychiatry in low- and middle-income settings.
At the launch event, Professor Akena stressed the importance of early treatment. He said, “The longer somebody stays with mental disorders … that are not treated, the worse the prognosis becomes.”
Dr Mwesiga drove the point home with hard data, “On average, patients take 8-10 years before they reach a mental-health professional. They go to physicians, paediatricians, surgeons, traditional healers, etc. We needed to find a way to find patients early and manage them.”
In his remarks, Professor Byamugisha expressed the hospital’s intent, “We want to reach people at a stage where treatment is easier… Let’s see how we can help more people live better mental-health lives.”
This launch marks a significant milestone, not simply for Makerere’s psychiatry programme, but for Uganda’s journey toward accessible, evidence-based mental‐health care. The EIPS clinic stands out for its dual mission: capturing early psychosis cases (when intervention has the highest potential for impact) and meeting the mental-health needs of the university student community (where demand is growing, and lag times are long). The multidisciplinary model, weekly clinic schedule and long‐term follow‐up pathways all reinforce a shift from reactive to proactive psychiatric care.
As the clinic grows, key challenges will remain: sustaining funding, integrating with community-based supports, scaling up outreach so first‐episode cases are identified earlier, and ensuring that social interventions (which the programme plans to launch) catch up with clinical services. But the launch signals that meaningful action is underway. For the staff, students, and community served, the message is clear: mental disorders are not simply to be managed; they can, and should, be intervened upon early.
Through a European Union (EU) funded initiative, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital are hosting a German oncology reconstruction specialist Professor Dr. Thiha AUNG. AUNG is a surgeon, trainer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), and researcher on cancer from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
With his international expertise in oncology and medical management roles at his home institution, his visit is a valuable addition to Uganda’s capacity building efforts in medical advancement.
Prof. Aung who arrived in Uganda in late September 2026 and has since then conducted free identified patient specialised surgeries and training for locals. These are expected to span two weeks. For the period, his service intersects medical expertise and humanitarian efforts.
This is not Prof. Aung’s first time in the country; his first major visit was in 2023, when he performed life-changing free surgeries on early patients. He then made medical history in June 2024 when he arrived to perform Africa’s first-ever lymph node transplant at Mulago Hospital.
It was against this background that the Makerere Public Relations Office engaged him in an exclusive interview to share his philosophy on medical service, his experiences in oncology reconstruction, and his unwavering belief that passion and dedication rather than just resources are the true drivers of sustainable medical progress.
Transforming Lives Through Oncology Reconstruction
At the heart of his mission through the ERASMUS – Oncology/Lymphedema project, is the treatment of lymphedema, a condition often referred to as elephantiasis.
In Europe, such surgeries can cost between 80,000 and 100,000 euros, making them inaccessible to many.
Thankfully, Professor and his team, including some of his post graduate students like Anna Friedrich (B.Sc) and Sophia Waser (B.Sc., PA) from the Institute of Medical Science and Engineering, have once again brought this specialised care to Uganda pro bono.
He highlights the story of a teacher who, after receiving surgery, regained her quality of life and returned to the classroom. For him, the impact is exponential. “You change one life, but this person changes a lot in the community.”
This shift from individual surgery to the long-term wellbeing of the community, reinforces the local impact of these services.
Professor AUNG’s Personal Conviction
The professor confessed that inherently, he commands himself that beyond knowledge, true progress is driven by passion and will rather than resources.
He does not agree with those that think money and resources are the sole prerequisite for change in the medical world, stating, “you cannot change with money only.” Rather, he upholds the importance of personal decision and commitment.
When discussing the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, he maintains a simple, direct explanation “it’s always beyond the money.”
Ultimately, the Professor believes that if he can provide the spark, his students and patients can carry through with the same flame for significant change.
Motivation to Serve in Uganda
When asked about his inspiration for entering the field and now volunteering to work in Uganda, he explained that his primary goal was always to serve others. “That’s why I finished my medical school to help as many people as possible with my skills.”
He views his medical expertise not as a tool for the privileged, but as a universal resource., “People are all the same, their anatomy is the same. So, I can help all these people pretty well,” Prof AUNG remarked.
His approach is motivated by a pay it forward dogma where treating a single patient creates a broader societal benefit. He illustrates this through his work with patients who, after surgery, are able to return to their professions like the teacher earlier mentioned.
Tips for Medical Professionals working in Uganda
As a foundation for professional growth, the Professor advised medical professionals working in Uganda to prioritise genuine interest in their work because he believes it is “the most important…” for “if you are interested, you will go far in the profession.”
He further reinforced the human capacity point, noting, “no matter what kind of equipment you have… it all depends on the people operating them and the patient.”
Professor AUNG concluded by encouraging doctors to overcome resource fears through action, stating, “If you want to create impact or change, you do.”
Dr. AUNG is part of the Lymphoedema Warriors Association (LWAU) in Uganda. He describes it as a grassroots organisation and commends them for “leveling the grond”. He reiterated his commitment to work with the organisation in reviewing patient reports to determine the best course of treatment.
Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH) showcased research, training and international partnerships supported through European Union funding during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026 held at Makerere University.
The fair brought together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and development partners to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation and international collaboration, while celebrating 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
Through its exhibition, MakSPH highlighted research and capacity building initiatives addressing public health challenges including infectious diseases, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and pandemic preparedness.
18 EU funded projects supported at MakSPH
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Students, School of Public Health, said the School has benefited from 18 EU funded projects over the past five years, supporting research and training across several areas of public health.
She said the projects have contributed to the training of PhD researchers and the development of research addressing infectious diseases and prevention, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and health.
Prof. Wanyenze also highlighted a new five year programme which started in 2021 that is aiming at strengthening capacity for research on pandemic preparedness and response, including outbreaks such as Ebola.
Another programme being undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Karolinska Institute focuses on improving maternal health while also addressing adolescent pregnancy and the health of mothers and children.
She described partnerships as critical to advancing science and innovation, noting that collaboration allows researchers in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and strengthen the impact of research on communities.
Research partnerships strengthen innovation
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase EU funded projects across the University.
He noted that the School of Public Health alone has more than 18 such projects, while other colleges also have several EU supported initiatives.
One of the projects showcased was PREPARE TID, a partnership aimed at developing rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging and re emerging infectious diseases.
Prof. Julius Okuni, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Molecular Diagnostics at Makerere University, said the project brings together universities, industries and other organisations from Africa and Europe.
The project is working to develop technologies that can quickly identify pathogens responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, Rift Valley fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to Prof. Okuni, Makerere is involved in field and laboratory work to test and refine the technologies before they can be delivered to end users.
Fair provides platform for research visibility
For researchers at MakSPH, the fair also provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of ongoing research and create new connections with researchers, policymakers and potential funders.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, said such exhibitions allow researchers to share their work and identify others working on related challenges.
He cited the CONNECT for Health project, which focuses on transforming non-communicable disease care in Uganda through collaboration with partners across several countries.
Dr. Tweheyo said exhibitions can help researchers connect with policymakers, civil society organisations and other partners who can contribute to translating research into practical solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Angelina Kakooza Mwesigye, Associate Professor and Child Neurologist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, also emphasised the importance of exposing young people to international research opportunities.
She said the long standing Uganda Europe partnership provides opportunities for the next generation of researchers to learn, build networks and prepare for future research collaborations.
The School of Public Health’s participation highlighted the role of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and developing evidence based responses to Uganda’s public health challenges.
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