The rise and rise of Uganda’s AIDS warrior
IN 1965, it was clear that Dr. Peter Mugyenyi, was gifted in more ways than one. While at Kings College Budo, he was chosen to be one of the Pioneer students of The Express system.
By Edward Kayondo
IN 1965, it was clear that Dr. Peter Mugyenyi, was gifted in more ways than one. While at Kings College Budo, he was chosen to be one of the Pioneer students of The Express system.
Under this system, he sat his exams in a three-year O’ level course instead of the usual four years. Always at the top of his class, he was awarded a bursary of sh300, yearly, by the Burden Trust of UK, which used to sponsor bright children of the clergy.
Out on the field, Mugyenyi was a dependable and regular member of the Nigeria House’s football team. On numerous occasions, he demonstrated his power of speech, coming off as articulate during the school debates.
He was also a member of the Pilgrim Society. His interest in science started early in high school when he was appointed treasurer of the Scientific Society.
Today, Dr. Peter Mugyenyi is at the helm of HIV/AIDS research in Uganda. For 14 years, he has been the director of the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), an institution owned by the ministries of defence and health. The organisation is involved in advanced research in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
He has played a leading role in overseeing all activities of JCRC, including the development of infrastructure, capacity building and the setting up of clinical laboratories. He also initiated community and outreach programmes that have established satellite centres across the country.
And Mugyenyi’s effort has paid off. His career in the field of science and research is dotted with accolades and awards. The latest in his chain of honours came from Dr. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, late last year.
The award, an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Dublin, Ireland, described Mugyenyi as Uganda’s leading HIV/AIDS researcher. Presiding over the award, Dr. Robinson, also the Chancellor of the University of Dublin Trinity College, said the award recognises Mugyenyi’s work in the medical field, specifically in the area of HIV/AIDS.
Mugyenyi had earlier on picked other awards including the ‘Lifetime Membership Award’ of the International Association of Physicians Against AIDS based in Chicago, USA.
He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK. Mugyeni was also selected and profiled among the Most Caring Physicians of the World by the World Medical Association based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Back home, Mugyenyi won an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in recognition of his work in HIV/AIDS research, care and treatment in Africa, in 1993. The Parliament of Uganda also honoured him for his work in HIV/AIDS.
He holds the prestigious Medal of Achievement of Kings College Budo (2003) and Life time Achievement Award (Gold Medal).
Mugyenyi devotion to the activities of JCRC has not limited him from holding other positions. He chairs a number of committees, boards and dialogues both locally and internationally.
He is the chairman of the Ministry of Health AIDS Task Force; chairman of the Africa dialogue on the AIDS Committee; chairman Medical Sciences Committee of the Uganda Science and Technology Board; and chairman Uganda Blood Transfusion Services Board. He is also a director of the General Medical Stores.
He has held various other positions including chair of Mbarara University Council, President Uganda Paediatrician Association, HIV/AIDS Consultant Rockefeller Foundation, Secretary UNAIDS-Uganda HIV Drug Initiative and consultant Paediatric Physician.
Academically, Mugyenyi has been a lecturer, Makerere University Medical School, consultant Physician and Head of Department of Paediatrics and director of research and post graduate education at the Maternity and Children Hospital Heddah in Saudi Arabia. He also has over 50 publications to his name.
A man averse to attention, Mugyenyi has rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty. In 2003, he was invited as a special guest and sat with US First Lady, Barbara Bush when President George Bush was delivering the annual state of the union address to the House of Representatives.
In 2002, he addressed the US Congress on HIV/AIDS in Africa on the need for increased funding. The White House website refers to him as one of the leaders in the battle to combat the Global AIDS pandemic.
Mugyenyi was born on October 21, 1950 in Rukungiri to Rev. Canon and Mrs Ndimbirwe. He attended Kinyasano Primary School and completed Junior Two in 1964 at Kigezi High School. At Budo, the headmaster Ian Robinson, described Mugyenyi as a successful and firm prefect, willing to spend time on difficult students, with self-control, a strong mind, considerate, and prepared to disagree when necessary.
He joined Makerere University Medical School in 1969 and qualified in 1975. He obtained a Diploma in Child Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 1981.
In 1983, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland 1983 and a fellow in 1998.
IN 1965, it was clear that Dr. Peter Mugyenyi, was gifted in more ways than one. While at Kings College Budo, he was chosen to be one of the Pioneer students of The Express system.
Under this system, he sat his exams in a three-year O’ level course instead of the usual four years. Always at the top of his class, he was awarded a bursary of sh300, yearly, by the Burden Trust of UK, which used to sponsor bright children of the clergy.
Out on the field, Mugyenyi was a dependable and regular member of the Nigeria House’s football team. On numerous occasions, he demonstrated his power of speech, coming off as articulate during the school debates.
He was also a member of the Pilgrim Society. His interest in science started early in high school when he was appointed treasurer of the Scientific Society.
Today, Dr. Peter Mugyenyi is at the helm of HIV/AIDS research in Uganda. For 14 years, he has been the director of the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), an institution owned by the ministries of defence and health. The organisation is involved in advanced research in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
He has played a leading role in overseeing all activities of JCRC, including the development of infrastructure, capacity building and the setting up of clinical laboratories. He also initiated community and outreach programmes that have established satellite centres across the country.
And Mugyenyi’s effort has paid off. His career in the field of science and research is dotted with accolades and awards. The latest in his chain of honours came from Dr. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, late last year.
The award, an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Dublin, Ireland, described Mugyenyi as Uganda’s leading HIV/AIDS researcher. Presiding over the award, Dr. Robinson, also the Chancellor of the University of Dublin Trinity College, said the award recognises Mugyenyi’s work in the medical field, specifically in the area of HIV/AIDS.
Mugyenyi had earlier on picked other awards including the ‘Lifetime Membership Award’ of the International Association of Physicians Against AIDS based in Chicago, USA.
He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK. Mugyeni was also selected and profiled among the Most Caring Physicians of the World by the World Medical Association based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Back home, Mugyenyi won an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in recognition of his work in HIV/AIDS research, care and treatment in Africa, in 1993. The Parliament of Uganda also honoured him for his work in HIV/AIDS.
He holds the prestigious Medal of Achievement of Kings College Budo (2003) and Life time Achievement Award (Gold Medal).
Mugyenyi devotion to the activities of JCRC has not limited him from holding other positions. He chairs a number of committees, boards and dialogues both locally and internationally.
He is the chairman of the Ministry of Health AIDS Task Force; chairman of the Africa dialogue on the AIDS Committee; chairman Medical Sciences Committee of the Uganda Science and Technology Board; and chairman Uganda Blood Transfusion Services Board. He is also a director of the General Medical Stores.
He has held various other positions including chair of Mbarara University Council, President Uganda Paediatrician Association, HIV/AIDS Consultant Rockefeller Foundation, Secretary UNAIDS-Uganda HIV Drug Initiative and consultant Paediatric Physician.
Academically, Mugyenyi has been a lecturer, Makerere University Medical School, consultant Physician and Head of Department of Paediatrics and director of research and post graduate education at the Maternity and Children Hospital Heddah in Saudi Arabia. He also has over 50 publications to his name.
A man averse to attention, Mugyenyi has rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty. In 2003, he was invited as a special guest and sat with US First Lady, Barbara Bush when President George Bush was delivering the annual state of the union address to the House of Representatives.
In 2002, he addressed the US Congress on HIV/AIDS in Africa on the need for increased funding. The White House website refers to him as one of the leaders in the battle to combat the Global AIDS pandemic.
Mugyenyi was born on October 21, 1950 in Rukungiri to Rev. Canon and Mrs Ndimbirwe. He attended Kinyasano Primary School and completed Junior Two in 1964 at Kigezi High School. At Budo, the headmaster Ian Robinson, described Mugyenyi as a successful and firm prefect, willing to spend time on difficult students, with self-control, a strong mind, considerate, and prepared to disagree when necessary.
He joined Makerere University Medical School in 1969 and qualified in 1975. He obtained a Diploma in Child Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 1981.
In 1983, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland 1983 and a fellow in 1998.