October 15,2025 The journey of transforming urological care at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) was front and center this week as a distinguished team paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor’s office.
The delegation was led by Dr. Marvin Mwesigwa, a Senior Urologist from the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Surgery, and featured a global partnership in the form of Professor Ryan Terleckii, Professor and Vice Chair of Urology at Wake Forest University in the U.S. They were joined by Dr. Denis Mucungunzi, who recently completed his Masters in Urology at Kimanjaro christian medical college and his fellowship with the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
Charting the “Baby Steps” to Excellence
The team shared the remarkable strides or “baby steps,” as Dr. Mwesigwa humbly put it the Urology Unit has taken to date.
Dr. Mwesigwa recounted how his own training and that of Dr. Mucunguzi was made possible by the Health and Development Aid Abroad Australia Fund Inc. (HADA) Austria chapter. He added that HADA raises funds for approved projects that align with its mission, focusing on healthcare access and development initiatives.Marvin said that HADA supported them with the aim of developing Urology services in South Western Uganda. https://hada.org.au/
He appreciated that he was introduced to HADA through Prof. Judith Goh, https://www.greenslopesprivate.com.au/Our-Doctors/Specialists/greenslopes-private-hospital/urogynaecology/103159/prof-judith-goh-ao who later introduced them to Prof. Gupal Badlani, https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/b/gopal-h-badlani a professor of urology at Wake Forest University. Professor Badlani introduced them to the current partners whose support is now backing the urology camp. (Prof. Ryan Terlecki https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/t/ryan-terlecki and Associate Professor Robert Caleb cowell)
Dr. Mwesigwa highlighted the unit’s commitment to growing local talent, noting that this support was now extended to Dr. Mucungunzi.
“The unit has taken baby steps, but we deeply appreciate the steadfast support from the University and MRRH,” Dr. Mwesigwa stated.
The team reported on the success of a recent outreach camp, which provided full-board care to 16 male patients. The camp involved a blend of international and national expertise, with three specialists from the USA Associate Professor Robert Caleb Cowell, Program director urology rebuilding director of reconstruction urology Dr. Briana Goddard clinical instructor wake forest university , and Dr. Ryan working alongside three fellows from Makerere University.
A vision for the future: Training and Space
Looking ahead, Dr. Mwesigwa shared the unit’s crucial “prayer list.” The first request was for the recruitment of another Urologist to enable the unit to finally launch its own Master’s programme.
The second, and perhaps most ambitious, was for dedicated space specifically land for the construction of a permanent Urology Unit. This vision is within reach, as the team’s international sponsors have already shown keen interest in providing the necessary support.
Professor Ryan Terleckii articulated his deep commitment to the cause, emphasizing his passion for global health. “As I mentor, I learn a lot from communities, especially community cultures and how they relate to healthcare,” he said. He expressed being particularly moved by the selflessness observed in Uganda, stating, “I was moved about people in Uganda and how they care for others and take time off busy schedules to support each other. In all, I love what I am doing.”
Vice Chancellor Pledges Full Support
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Pauline, began by thanking the team for the selfless spirit demonstrated by their community outreach camp. She appreciated Dr. Mwesigwa’s leadership but gave special thanks to the visiting team from the US and the fellows from Makerere University.
“It has always been my dream to support sub-specialized training due to the growing demand of the increasing population,” she affirmed. “We need clinical services to double for better healthcare in the region.”
The Vice Chancellor pledged full support to the unit and gave a special welcome home to Dr. Mucungunzi. She lauded his decision to return and serve the region, noting that “many seek greener pastures and never return.” To solidify her commitment to the unit’s future, she showed the team the master plan, confirming the availability of land for the construction of the permanent Urology Unit.
With the University’s top leadership throwing its weight behind the unit’s expansion and a dedicated global team providing mentorship and resources, the vision for a robust, regional center of urological excellence at MUST is set to become a reality.
Committed to support you: Vice Chancellor shares the architecture designs of the new MUST school of health Sciences, showing the progress of infrastructural development and availability of land for any development
