Dr. Joseph Ngonzi, the Dean of Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) was promoted to the rank of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Allow me introduce a truly exceptional individual, Professor Joseph Ngonzi, who embodies the very spirit of academic excellence and leadership. His swift ascent to the rank of Professor at such a young age is not merely a testament to his remarkable intellect and rigorous scholarship, but also a clear indicator of the profound impact his work has already had within his field.
Beyond his own distinguished accomplishments, Professor Ngonzi possesses a rare and invaluable quality - the ability to galvanize and inspire his fellow academicians and students. He serves as a powerful catalyst, motivating colleagues and nurturing emerging scholars to strive for their own heights of intellectual potential and achievement. His presence fosters a culture of ambition and innovation, enriching the entire academic landscape.
In essence, Professor Joseph Ngonzi is a dynamic leader and a visionary in his discipline. He represents the future of academic thought, a brilliant mind dedicated not only to advancing knowledge but also to empowering others to do the same. We are privileged to have him among us.
Who is Joseph Ngonzi?
Born in rural Bundibugyo District and grown up in various parts of Uganda, Professor Joseph Ngonzi has interfaced with many tribes and learned numerous languages emanating from his interactions in the different barracks where his father served all over the country. Joseph is an obstetrician and gynecologist currently working at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologist and the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Mbarara, southwestern Uganda.
He is an alumnus of MUST where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) and Masters of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology degrees. He went on to pursue a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Antwerp in Belgium and is a fellow of the East, Central and Southern African College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Dean: He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the MUST, having previously served as the deputy Dean of the Faculty for four (4) years and as Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is the Chairperson of the Mbarara University of Science and Technology SACCO. At MUST, he is also a member of the MUST Senate, MUST Governing Council where he is a member of Appointments Board and the Students Welfare and Disciplinary Committees.
Professional membership: He is a member of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) and chairs the Council's Committee of Education, Training and Registration (ETR). He is a member of the Ntare School Board where he chairs the Academic Committee of the Governing Board. He also serves on the Governing Board of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Joseph is a member of numerous professional bodies such as Uganda Medical Association (UMA), Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC), Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda (AOGU), East, Central and Southern African College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FCOG-ECSA).
As an academician and mentor: Joseph has taught and mentored many undergraduate and graduate students at MUST and other institutions within Uganda and outside Uganda. He has been an external examiner in numerous institutions including Makerere University in the College of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Muhimbili University of Science and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Buea, Cameroon; University of Antwerp, Belgium; Kampala International University, Uganda; Nkozi University in the School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has examined both undergraduates and graduate (Masters and PhD) students. Joseph has supervised over 40 students at graduate level to completion (including Masters and PhD students) He has examined over 170 graduate students.
As a researcher: Joseph has published extensively over 132 peer reviewed papers in reputable journals. He has contributed to book chapters and won 11 competitive research grants. He has attracted substantial research funding to Mbarara University of Science and Technology. He is a reviewer of many notable journals, including the following: BMJ Open, BMC Public Health, BMC Reproductive Health, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, International Journal of Microbiology, PLOS One, Current Women and Health Reviews, Pan African Medical Journal and he is an editor in the Frontiers Journal. He has presented scholarly work locally, nationally and at international fora.Â
His clinical experience and exposure have so far inspired his research interests to be focused on understanding causes of sepsis, means to prevent it, and the responsible use of antibiotics; understanding the effects of HIV exposure to short and long term health outcomes in HIV-infected mothers and their HIV-exposed offspring in resource limited settings; placental pathology, placental image utilization and the use of artificial intelligence in developing diagnostic and predictive placental models and use of developing algorithms using cervical images to predict cervical pathology including cervical cancer.Â
Professor Joseph Ngonzi is an ardent reader of a wide range of literature on topics such as leadership and management, political science, societal transformation, medical education, religion and anthropology! His inquisitive mind into new knowledge has helped him keep abreast with the paradigm shifts in societal transformation. He is currently writing books on life skills, including soft skills as a highway to the high table! He is very passionate about mentorship of young people and helping them wholesomely shape their future and optimize their God given potential.
Joseph in the community: Joseph is actively engaged in community service and support. He has over seen numerous community service events and engagements. He supports various pupils and students, including donation of sports and games materials. He serves on a number of governance boards for some schools. He also serves on many charity organizations, including church and parachurch entities.
Joseph meeting with various stakeholders: Joseph has been at the forefront, together with colleagues, meeting with various stakeholders within Uganda and outside Uganda.
