Margaret Mungherera

Ugandan psychiatrist and medical leader

Margaret Mungherera

Margaret Mungherera (25 October 1957 – 4 February 2017) was a prominent Ugandan psychiatrist and a leading figure in the medical community both in Uganda and internationally. She was known for her advocacy for mental health, her leadership in medical associations, and her efforts to improve healthcare systems in Africa.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Mungherera was born in Jinja, Uganda, on 25 October 1957. She was the eldest of six children in her family. Her early education took place in Uganda, where she attended local schools before pursuing higher education. Mungherera was inspired to enter the medical field by her father, who was a medical assistant.

She attended Makerere University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa, where she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. She later specialized in psychiatry, earning a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry from the same institution.

Career

After completing her education, Mungherera began her career as a medical officer at Mulago National Referral Hospital, the largest hospital in Uganda. She quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and expertise in psychiatry.

Mungherera was a founding member of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) and served as its president from 1998 to 2005. Her leadership extended beyond national borders when she became the first female president of the World Medical Association (WMA) from 2013 to 2014. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as the migration of healthcare workers, the need for universal health coverage, and the importance of mental health services.

Advocacy and Contributions

Margaret Mungherera was a passionate advocate for mental health, a field often neglected in many African countries. She worked tirelessly to destigmatize mental illness and improve mental health services in Uganda and beyond. Her efforts included training healthcare workers, raising public awareness, and influencing policy changes.

Mungherera was also involved in various initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS in Uganda, recognizing the intersection between mental health and infectious diseases. She emphasized the importance of integrating mental health care into primary health care systems.

Legacy

Margaret Mungherera's contributions to medicine and mental health have left a lasting impact. She is remembered for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to improving healthcare systems. Her work has inspired many young medical professionals, particularly women, to pursue careers in medicine and advocacy.

Related Pages

• Makerere University
• Mulago National Referral Hospital
• Uganda Medical Association
• World Medical Association
• Mental health in Uganda