Prof. John F. Mugisha (PhD)

i) Academic and Professional Qualifications

1. PhD Health Planning and Management, Keele University (England), 2011
2. MSc Health Services Management, Uganda Martyrs University, 2002
3. Adv. Dip. Health Services Management, Makerere University (MIPH/MoH), 1999
4. BA(Hons) Social Sciences, Makerere University (Uganda), 1996

ii) Teaching and Research Record

1. Taught courses in Health Services Management, Hospital Management and Public Health at Masters, Bachelor and Diploma University levels from 2022 to 2016
2. Supervised 4 PhD Theses, over 60 Master level and 40 Diploma and Bachelor level students in Research leading to dissertations and eventual graduation
3. Designed and conducted several research projects with Hospitals, National Health Projects, Education Institutions and Rural Communities
4. Consulted widely (either applying Rigorous Research Methodologies and Tools) with Governments and multilateral and National Public Health Agencies in areas of Human Resources for Health, Health Planning and Management, Health Economics and Financing; and Reproductive Health Services
5. Published widely in peer-reviewed journals, reviewed for journals and sat on Journal Editorial Boards

Selected Research and Publications

1. Nakidde G, Kumakech E and Mugisha JF. Maternal mental health screening and management by health workers in southwestern Uganda: a qualitative analysis of knowledge, practices, and challenges. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth; (2023) 23:477
2. Muluya KM, Mugisha JF, Kithuka P, Kibaara KR, Muwanguzi DG, Ochieng OG, Yitambe A and Wananda I. Incentives for mothers, health workers and “boda–boda” riders to improve community-based referral process and deliveries in the rural community: a case of Busoga Region in Uganda. Reproductive Health January 2022; 19:24.
3. Muluya KM, Mugisha JF, Kithuka P, et al. Effect of Training “Boda-boda” Riders on Community-Based Referrals for Maternal Outcome: A Case of Busoga Region, Uganda. Gynecology & Reproductive Health. 2021; 5(1): 1-12.
4. Muwanguzi, DG; Ochieng, OG; Kibaara, KR; Mugisha, JF; Muluya, KM; Kithuka, P. Challenges faced by Health Unit Management Committees in rendering Health Services to Communities in East-central Uganda. Direct Research Journal of Public Health and Environmental Technology 5 (5), pp. 84-91, July 2020
5. Muwanguzi, DG; Ochieng, OG; Kibaara, KR; Mugisha, JF; Muluya, KM; Kithuka, P. An Enabling Environment for the Effective Performance of Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs) in Health Centres in Busoga Sub-region. Direct Research Journal of Public Health and Environmental Technology 5 (5), pp. 77-83, July 2020
6. Muluya, KM; Kibaara, KR; Kithuka, P; Mugisha, JF; Muwanguzi, DG; Ochieng, OG; Wananda, I.  Training of Mothers for Attitude Change to Support Community Based Referrals for Maternal Outcome in East-Central Uganda Direct Research Journal of Public Health and Environmental Technology 5 (4), pp. 63-71, June 2020
7. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. The persistent challenges and strategies for effective rehabilitation among obstetric fistula patients at Kitovu Mission Hospital, Uganda: a qualitative study. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2020 Apr;7(4):1580-1586
8. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. The levels of self-efficacy among obstetric fistula patients in different repair categories at St. Joseph Kitovu Hospital, Uganda. A cross-sectional survey. Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal; Volume 11 Issue 2 – 2020
9. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. The Relationship Between Self-fulfilling Prophecies and Social Reintegration Among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Different Repair Categories at St. Joseph Kitovu Hospital, Uganda. Gynecolology & Obstetrics (Sunnyvale),10 Iss.10 No:517; Feb. 2020
10. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. Self-efficacy for Re-acceptance in Communities Among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Africa: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Data. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics March 2020; 8(2): 39-44
11. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. Extent of involvement in social rehabilitation among obstetric fistula patients at Kitovu Hospital, Uganda. Journal of Rehabilitation Therapy. March 2020;2(1):6-15
12. Atuhaire, S; Mugisha JF. Determinants of antenatal care visits and their impact on the choice of birthplace among mothers in Uganda: a systematic review. Obstet & Gynecol Int Journal. Feb. 2020;11(1):77‒81
13. Muluya, KM; Kibaara, KR; Kithuka, P; Mugisha, JF; Muwanguzi, DG; Ochieng, OG; Wananda, I. Influence of Communication Systems for Community-Based Referrals on Maternal Outcome in the Selected Districts of East-Central Uganda. Direct Research Journal of Public Health and Environmental Technology 5 (4), pp. 52-62, June 2020
14. Atuhaire, S; Odukogbe, A.A; Mugisha J.F; Ojengbede, O.A. Association of socio-demographic and obstetric factors with obstetric fistula patients’ perceptions towards life fulfilment in Kitovu Hospital, Uganda. Int J Community Med & Public Health. 2020 Apr;7(4):1220-1227
15. Muluya KM., Kithuka P., Kibaara K.R., Mugisha JF (2019). Community engagement to improve maternal and neonatal health in East-Central Region, Uganda: A case of selected Health Facilities. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol.3 (3), 2019. pp 20-29.
16. Muwanguzi D.G; Otieno G.O; Kibaara K.R; Mugisha JF, Muluya KM (2019). Training of Health Units Management Committees (HUMCs) and Performance of Health Centers in Eastern Uganda. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol.3 (3), 2019. pp 9-19.
17. Muwanguzi D.G; Otieno G.O; Kibaara K.R; Mugisha JF, Muluya KM (2019). Correlates of Non-adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) among Adolescents at Namungalwe Health Centre IV Iganga District. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol.3 (2) 2019. 24-32.
18. Muluya KM., Kibara KR., Kithuka P., Mugisha JF (2019). Training of Motorcycle (Boda-boda) Riders to Improve on Maternal Referrals from the Community in Selected Districts of East Central Uganda. A Baseline Survey. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol.3 (2) 2019. 63-76.
19. Muwanguzi DG., Ochieng GO., Kibara KR., Mugisha JF (2019). Pillars to Effective Performance of Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs) in Eastern Uganda. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol.3 (3) 2019. 30-37.
20. Muwanguzi DG., Ochieng GO., Kibara KR., Mugisha JF (2019). Evaluation of Utilization of Health Management Information System by Health Unit Management Committees in Luuka District, Uganda. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education. Vol. 1(3) 2019. 9-17.
21. Kiwujja J., Mugisha JF (2019). Sexual risk associated with gambling among the youth in Rubaga Division, Kampala. International Journal of Health Planning and Management 2018;1-13.
22. Atuhaire S., Ojengbede OA., Mugisha JF.,Ondukogbe ATA (2018). Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Obstetric Fistula Patients Before and After Repair in Sub-Sharan Africa: A Systematic Review. Nepalese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. November 24(1) 5-14.
23. Buuka – Zziwa G., Anguyo RO., Govule P., Mugisha JF, Ayiko R. (2015). The Effects of Performance Based Financing on the Health Centres of Jinja Diocese, Uganda. International Journal of Public Health Research, 3(4): 162-167.
24. Govule P., Mugisha JF., Katongole SP., Maniple E., Nanyingi M., Anguyo AO (2015). Application of Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs (WISN) in Determining Health Workers’ Requirements for Mityana General Hospital, Uganda. Journal of Public Health Research, vol. 3(5): 254-263.
25. Katongole SP., Mugisha JF., Anguyo RO., Maniple EB., Nantume LW. (2015). Perceptions of Health Workers and Managers on the Use of Non-Monetary Human Resource Motivation Tools in General Hospitals of Central Uganda. Inter Journal of Public Health Research, vol. 3(5): 264-270.
26. Kajungu TM and Mugisha JF (2015). Role of Remuneration in Retention of Health Workforce in a Rural District Setting in Uganda. International Journal of Public Health Research. Vol. 3, No. 1, 2015, pp. 94-10.
27. Musiime KE and Mugisha JF (2015). Factors Associated with Sexual Behaviour among Students of Uganda Martyrs University. International Journal of Public Health Research. Vol. 3, No. 1, 2015, pp. 85-93.
28. Mugisha JF (2015). Improving continuing professional development for health workers: is learning theory relevant? The American Journal of Innovative Research and Applied Sciences; 1(2):85-93. Available at https://www.american-jiras.com/Abstract_5315.html
29. Mugisha JF. (2009). Using information and communication technology to revitalise continuing professional development for rural health professionals: evidence from a pilot project. Rural and Remote Health 9: 1222 (International online Journal). Freely available online at: http://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1222.pdf
30. Mugisha JF. (2009). Interaction of Continuing Professional Development, Organisational Culture and Performance in Health Service Organisations: A Concept Paper. Health Policy and Development. Vol. 7, no. 1, April, pp. 51-59; on: http://www.bioline.org.br/request?hp09007
31. Mugisha JF and Namaganda G. (2008). Using the workload Indicator of Staffing Needs (WISN) methodology to assess the work pressure among the Nursing staff of Lacor Hospital. Health Policy and Development, vol. 6, No.1, April, pp. 1-15; on: http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?hp08003
32. Barugahara, P., Maniple, E. and Mugisha JF. (2008). The Challenges of managing government-seconded health workers in private-not-for-profit health facilities of Kibaale District, Uganda. Health Policy and Development, Vol.6, No.3. pp 142-152; on: http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?hp08017
33. Mugisha JF., Maniple E., Pemba SK., Petit, P. (2007). Funding mechanisms for PNFP Health Training Institutions in Uganda. Health Policy and Development, Vol. 5. No. 1, April, pp. 35-47: http://www.bioline.org.br/request?hp07005
34. Mugisha JF (2004). Reduction of user fees in the Private-not-for-profit hospitals in Uganda: Implications for equity and sustainability. Health policy and development; Volume 2 No. 3, December, pp. 209-216. Available on: http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?hp04034
35. Mugisha JF. (2003). Unrest over health sector remuneration: what is the problem? Health policy and development. Volume 1 No. 1 of December, pp. 1-20. On http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?hp03002

i) Employment History

1. 2017 – June 2024: Vice-Chancellor, Cavendish University Uganda
2. 2016 – 2017: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Cavendish University Uganda
3. 2011 – 2016: Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU)
4. 2006 – 2010: Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, UMU
5. 2002 – 2006: Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, UMU
6. 2000 – 2002: Senior Hospital Administrator, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health, Uganda
7. 1996 – 2000: Hospital Administrator, Itojo District Hospital, Ministry of Health Uganda

ii) Summary Description of Attributes and Experience

Prof Mugisha is a passionate Teacher, Academic Leader, Writer and Researcher of over 20 years. He taught and Coordinated Programmes at different levels for over 14 years (2022 – 2016). During this period, he presided over curriculum design and development, crafted and introduced new methods of assessment of learning targeting higher order thinking skills (e.g. through open books examinations, debates and presentations) and contributed to adoption of interactive pedagogy in education such as use of the Socratic Method, Cooperative Learning, Open Space Technology and use of the Case Study Method in Teaching and Learning.

In universities, he chaired various committees and taskforces including the Committee of Deans for 4 years, sat on Senate and Governing Council (for over ten years), and written projects that attracted funding. He presented papers and conducted workshops to the Academia in various universities across continents on topics such as: mordern methods in students’ assessment, teaching with case study method, collaborative learning, research supervision, student-centricity in higher education, avenues for publishing for academic staff, curriculum design and critical thinking, just to mention only a few.

Outside the academia, Prof Mugisha facilitated various health related institutions to establish their workload-based staffing requirements, calculate the cost of providing health services and develop institutional strategic plans, among others. He also developed and delivered short courses to Hospital Managers, Health Planners, Commissioners of Health Services and Consultant Doctors, District Health Management Teams and Diocesan Health Coordinators in and outside Uganda.

He undertook professional training in ‘teaching and learning in higher education’ with a number of educational networks. These include: Advanced Teachers’ Training Programme in Nepal, Thesis Supervision in Morocco, Policy Engaged Research in Nairobi – Kenya, Teaching with Case Study Method, in Nairobi – Kenya, Interactive Pedagogies in Nairobi – Kenya, Critical Thinking in Pretoria – South Africa, Curriculum Development in Peru; and cooperative learning in Bangalore – India. He effectively mentored some colleagues in these areas in a bid to create a mass of competent and more effective university teachers.

Prof Mugisha was a Visiting Speaker to the University of Padova in Italy, Keele University in England, Queen Margaret University in Scotland and University of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania. He has supervised and marked Masters and doctoral theses in different universities and published widely. One of his publications entitled: Mugisha JF. (2009). Interaction of Continuing Professional Development, Organisational Culture and Performance in Health Service Organisations: A Concept Paper. Health Policy and Development. Vol. 7, no. 1, April, pp. 51-59 has been listed since 2011 among “most popular titles” by WHO-HRH-Global Resource Centre.

See https://www.hrhresourcecenter.org/Most_Popular_GRC_Titles+.html (bullet number 5).

iii) Key Personal Skills And Experiences Relevant To Academic Leadership

1. Extensive experience in presiding over Faculty and University growth in terms of students’ enrollment, introduction of industry-relevant programmes and study schedules and modes that attract several students among the working adults.
2. Sound knowledge of academic affairs and educational programmes of the university including evidence-based pedagogy and techniques of teaching that deliver results.
3. Sound knowledge of planning, budget development and monitoring, fiscal management and expenditure control and reporting; thanks to my prior experience as Senior Hospital Administrator and currently as Vice-Chancellor.
4. Excellent knowledge of university resource mobilisation, targeted resourceful collaborations, project proposal development and grants writing; and negotiation of corporate training and sponsorship of some university events and initiatives.
5. Ability to prepare and deliver highly effective presentations to senior level management, conduct staff hands-on training, mentor and foster a culture of learning, improvement and performance.
6. Ability to work with technology especially the computer and use standard computer software efficiently and productively.
7. Experience with managing institutional transformation from traditional forms of teaching and learning to blended and technology-enabled learning; use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) and access to free online resources and educational materials.
8. Experience working harmoniously with University Councils and Boards: four years at Uganda Martyrs University; six years at Cavendish University Uganda; but also with the National Council for Higher Education and Inter-University Council for East Africa.

Record of selected professional and consultancy activities undertaken in the past

1. 2021 (April – June): Team Leader for feasibility study for relocation of Kilembe Mines Hospital which was swept by a flood from Rwenzori Mountains to a safer location. Funded by Together Rural Development Solidarity (Torudes) with support of German Government.
2. 2016 (February – October): Participated in costing of selected hospitals and establishing actual costs of treating major diseases in hospitals and Health Centre IIIs in West Nile and Rwenzori regions. This activity was funded by Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC).
3. 2016 (February): Developed a short course and delivered the training to selected staff of Intra-health, Ministry of Health and Religious Medical Bureaus in Uganda on the use of Workload Indicator of Staffing Needs (WISN) methodology. This was funded by USAID through CapacityPlus.
4. 2015 (January – March): Undertook a Consultancy Assignment in Mengo hospital to establish the workload-based staffing requirements for medical, administrative, teaching and support staff of the hospital. The activity was funded by Mengo Hospital.
5. 2014 (January – February): Conducted a study on “Think Tank – University Relations in Africa: The Case of Uganda”. This study was funded by the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), based in Nairobi, Kenya.
6. 2014 (July – January 2015): Developed a Strategic Plan for Our Lady of Good Council – Nkozi Hospital for 2015 – 2019. See: https://www.nkozihospital.org/. The activity was funded by Nkozi Hospital Board.
7. 2014 (April – May): Reviewed guidelines for practicum training for Nurses, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions and Medical Students in Uganda; funded by USAID thru Intra-Health.
8. 2013 (June – July): Conducted a study on “Workload assessment and calculation of workload pressure faced by health workers in the Basic and Comprehensive Emergency, Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC and CEmONC) facilities in Malawi”. The consultancy was funded by Malawi Ministry of Health and NORAD and KFW through Options Consultants Ltd, which is operating a Results Based Financing Project in Maternal and Neonatal Health in Malawi.
9. 2012 (March – July): Developed materials and conducted trainings in “Leadership Development for Hospital Management Teams” in Uganda, an activity financed by USAID through University Research Co. / Center for Human Services in Uganda.
10. 2011 (January/February): Developed materials and conducted training in “Change Management under Decentralisation” for middle-level managers in the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation through Health Systems Strengthening, Lesotho.
11. 2010 (Jan-March): Conducted an assignment leading to writing of a 5-Year Strategic Plan for Holy Family Virika Hospital in Fort Portal under the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau.