Margaret Mungherera

Margaret Mungherera
Born	25 October 1957 Uganda
Died	4 February 2017 Kampala, Uganda
Nationality	Ugandan
Occupation	Psychiatrist
Known for	President of the World Medical Association

Margaret Mungherera (25 October 1957 – 4 February 2017) was a prominent Ugandan psychiatrist and a notable figure in the field of medicine. She was the first female African to be elected as the President of the World Medical Association (WMA).

Early Life and Education

Margaret Mungherera was born on 25 October 1957 in Uganda. She pursued her early education in Uganda before attending Makerere University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. She later specialized in psychiatry and earned a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in Psychiatry from the same institution.

Career

Mungherera began her medical career at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she worked as a psychiatrist. She was instrumental in advocating for better mental health services in Uganda and played a key role in the establishment of the Butabika National Referral Hospital as a center for mental health.

In addition to her clinical work, Mungherera was actively involved in medical associations. She served as the President of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) and was a founding member of the Association of Uganda Women Medical Doctors (AUWMD).

World Medical Association

Margaret Mungherera made history by becoming the first female African President of the World Medical Association in 2013. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as the global health workforce crisis, medical ethics, and the rights of patients and healthcare workers.

Advocacy and Legacy

Mungherera was a passionate advocate for mental health and worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in Uganda and beyond. She was also a strong proponent of gender equality in the medical profession and worked to empower female doctors through her involvement with the AUWMD.

Her contributions to the field of medicine and her advocacy for mental health have left a lasting impact on the medical community in Uganda and internationally.

Death

Margaret Mungherera passed away on 4 February 2017 in Kampala, Uganda, after a battle with cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the field of medicine and mental health advocacy.

See Also

• World Medical Association
• Uganda Medical Association
• Butabika National Referral Hospital
• Makerere University

References

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