A team of committed rehabilitation professionals from Uganda recently showcased their work on the ReLAB-HS International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT) at the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Congress, held in Cape Town in September 2024.
The congress in Cape Town this year brought together rehabilitation experts from across the globe. Among the attendees were four dedicated Ugandan professionals, who – supported by USAID funding through the ReLAB-HS activity – shared their experiences in implementing the IRETT.
Building a cohesive and capable rehabilitation workforce is crucial, particularly in addressing the growing need for rehabilitation services in resource-constrained regions like Uganda. Calvin Kisembo (speech and language therapist), Margaret Namatovu (orthopaedic technician), Amon Nuwahereza (physiotherapist) and Herbert Omoding (physiotherapist) have been collaborating with professional associations, regulatory bodies and educational institutions to implement the IRETT in Uganda. Their focus on fostering interprofessional collaboration aims to enhance workforce development in the country. This dedication earned them the chance to present their achievements to peers from across Africa at the congress in Cape Town.
Thanks to the support from the Physiopedia team through the ReLAB-HS project, the Ugandan team was guided through the entire process, from using the IRETT tools to delivering their presentations. This support included mentorship in abstract writing and submission, preparation for the presentations and navigating the conference environment. Multiple practice sessions helped the team feel more confident and ready to present their work.
“I am [now] definitely more confident as an academic…the networking actually gave me hope that we can move heights together.” – Amon Nuwahereza, Ugandan physiotherapist
The congress was not only an opportunity for the Ugandan team to share their successes but also served as an invaluable space for learning and networking. The experience has inspired the team to promote further research within Uganda’s rehabilitation community, where research engagement has traditionally been limited.
“I’m planning to write research projects and help others build their research skills, which will take our association to another level.” – Margaret Namatovu, Ugandan orthopaedic technician
The Ugandan team is eager to share the knowledge and experiences gained at the congress with their colleagues, students and wider professional networks. Amon has already begun applying these learnings, especially in developing the curriculum for a master’s programme in physiotherapy in Uganda. Additionally, the group is collaboratively working on launching Uganda’s first interprofessional online training course focused on research and abstract writing.
Herbert emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: “It is very hard usually to find that relationship between rehabilitation professionals. We always think the next rehab professional is going to be snatching away either patients or services from you, and yet actually we can complement each other for the betterment of the services that we offer, but also the people we work with.” Their commitment to interprofessional collaboration was a highlight for the audience at the presentation, who praised the team’s successful use of IRETT tools.
The Ugandan team expressed their gratitude to USAID for making this experience possible, and to Victor Alochi, President of the Occupational Therapy Association of Uganda, for his support in the lead-up to the event. Being selected to present their abstracts was a proud moment, reflecting the team’s hard work and determination.
With renewed enthusiasm for interprofessional collaboration and a stronger focus on research, the team is well-positioned to advance the field of rehabilitation in Uganda. Their journey to Cape Town was more than just an opportunity to present—it served as a catalyst for lasting change, shaping the future of rehabilitation in Uganda.
