APU President Dr Lydia Nakiyingi: Advancing Research and Bringing Specialist Care Closer to Communities
The Association of Physicians of Uganda (APU) celebrates its President, Dr Lydia Nakiyingi, whose work in clinical care, tuberculosis research and mentorship is featured in the November 7–8, 2026 edition of Weekend Xtra.
The feature explores her journey into medicine and her commitment to improving patients’ lives—a commitment shaped by her mother’s work as a nurse and personal experiences of losing people close to her.
Research with an impact on patient care
Dr Nakiyingi’s research has focused on diagnosing tuberculosis among people with advanced HIV, including patients whose infections are difficult to detect using conventional methods.
Her work on urine-based TB testing contributed to evidence informing World Health Organization recommendations on TB management. For patients who struggle to produce sputum, additional diagnostic approaches can help identify infection and support earlier treatment.
Her story illustrates the contribution that research conducted in Uganda can make to clinical practice locally and internationally.
Bringing specialist services closer to communities
As APU President, Dr Nakiyingi advocates for physicians and greater access to specialist medical services, particularly in underserved communities.
The newspaper feature highlights the Association’s medical camp at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, which brought together specialists from different fields to provide consultations to patients in northern Uganda.
The outreach also drew attention to the consequences of delayed access to specialist care, including patients presenting with complications of conditions such as diabetes. It underscores the need for earlier diagnosis, timely referral and continued specialist follow-up.
Before becoming President, Dr Nakiyingi served the Association as Treasurer and General Secretary. Her leadership continues to support professional engagement through continuing medical education and medical outreach.
Supporting the next generation
Alongside her clinical and research work, Dr Nakiyingi has mentored young people pursuing careers in science and medicine. Together with colleagues, she helped establish Women in Science, an initiative supporting and mentoring African women in scientific careers.
Her commitment to mentorship reflects the importance of preparing future researchers, clinicians and professional leaders.
For APU, her story highlights the value of connecting research, professional development and community service to improve access to quality medical care.
Source: Newspaper profile by Richard Ategeka, Weekend Xtra, November 7–8, 2026, pages 30–31.