MASINDI, UGANDA – In a poignant display of humility, the newly appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour, & Social Development, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, served refreshments to mourners at the funeral of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi in Masindi today. This act of service mirrored the character of the late Dr. Musinguzi, a seasoned public servant who dedicated his life to ending HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a distinguished medical doctor, public health physician, and epidemiologist, passed away on Friday, June 7th, 2024, at the age of 61, after undergoing heart valve replacement surgery in India.
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His tireless efforts contributed significantly to the impressive reduction in HIV infection rates in Uganda, making the country’s AIDS response one of the most robust in the region.
Dr. Joshua Musinguzi was born in 1963 in Hoima, Uganda. He was the son of the Late Rev. Seremosi, a headmaster and clergyman in the Church of Uganda. Dr. Musinguzi attended Duhaga Boys Primary School and King’s College Budo, where he formed lasting friendships with future leaders in medicine. He pursued a medical degree at Makerere University Medical School and later earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Leeds in 1988.
Dr. Musinguzi’s career spanned decades, serving as the Assistant Commissioner and Programme Manager for the AIDS Control Programme (ACP) at Uganda’s Ministry of Health from 2012 to 2023. He was a staunch advocate for evidence-based programming and decision-making, promoting comprehensive healthcare and facilitating collaborations in research and policymaking.
His legacy includes instrumental support for impactful research studies, advocacy for primary HIV prevention, condom programming, retention of mothers in Option B+, and family planning among HIV-positive women. He championed access and availability of anti-retroviral drugs and strongly supported HIV self-testing to reduce stigma.
Dr. Musinguzi’s contributions to public health in Uganda are commendable, and his vision for a more informed and proactive approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment continues to inspire us. His involvement in various projects, including the INTE-AFRICA project, demonstrates his multi-faceted approach to healthcare, enabling revolutionary healthcare approaches for Africa and beyond.
The Makerere University School of Public Health and the entire health community mourn the loss of a dedicated colleague, friend, and great partner. His contributions to public health will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
