Prof. Mugerwa's family says he battled depression

Medical fraternity and academics are mourning the passing of Prof. Roy Mugerwa, a cardiologist and Professor of Medicine who died on Friday.

According to Gerald Sekitoleko, one of the bereaved brothers, the deceased was depressed, which triggered other illnesses.

Sekitoleko also revealed that Mugerwa lost his wife in November last year.

"He has been a pillar in the family both financially and academically and this explains why we have many doctors in the family," he said, adding that Mugerwa was a disciplined person both professionally and in his daily life.

Prof. Pauline Byakika, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) vice president, said Mugerwa died at Nakasero Hospital on Friday last week after a long illness.

At the time of his death, he was professor emeritus at Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

Byakika said he was also a member of the academic alliance that established the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and was also a founding member of the Uganda Heart Institute.

"This institute (IDI) cares for over 10,000 Ugandans infected with HIV by giving antiretroviral treatment and treatment for opportunistic infections. The institute also has research, prevention and training programs," she said.

He also conducted research on Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS was the principal investigator in collaboration between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the United States of America.

Dr Charles Kabugo, the Kibuli Hospital director and a nephew to the deceased said Mugerwa belonged to a group of Ugandan and American doctors (Fogarty), that provides training grants to doctors.

"He was a farmer, businessman, teacher and an elder who always guided us," he said.

Survived by 11 children, Mugerwa was born to Yowana Ziryawula and Maria Namatovu on January 2, 1942. He went to St, Mary's College Kisubi for both O and A‘ level and Makerere University where he studied Medicine.

Sekitoleko said his brother also pursued further studies in the United Kingdom, USA and Holland.

A vigil will be held in his memory, this Thursday at his home in Bugolobi, Luthuli Avenue and a requiem mass on Friday at Our lady of Africa Catholic Church, Mbuya.  

Burial will take place in Meru village, Butenga Sub County, Bukomansimbi district on Saturday.