Grace Najjuka has over 25 years of experience in medical microbiology and laboratory work. She holds a Master of Medicine in Medical Microbiology from Makerere University and has worked in roles such as Medical Officer at Joint Clinical Research Centre and Assistant Lecturer at Makerere University. Her expertise includes infectious disease diagnosis, treatment, and research. She is currently serving as Acting Head of Microbiology at Joint Clinical Research Centre, where she supervises laboratory operations and staff.

1. Grace Najjuka
P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
Professional Summary:
Highly skilled medical officer with vast experience in tasks related to investigating, treating and preventing infectious
diseases. Interested in leveraging this experience in an innovative, and challenging clinical and or research environment.
Qualifications:
• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Medical Microbiology – Makerere University, Uganda
• Strong research skills in the area of HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs as demonstrated by the publication in Journal of
infectious diseases and extensive paid and volunteer research experience.
• Over six years of medical practice and research, and one year of teaching in the areas of HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs.
• Participated in and obtained certification in numerous professional seminars and training on HIV/AIDS
prevention, counseling and testing, behavior change, care and treatment.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills honed through supervisory roles at JCRC and Ebenezer Laboratory.
• Detailed and broad knowledge of Uganda’s operational environment, with good knowledge of the structure and
operations of the MOH, the environment for health care delivery at the national, and district level.
• Registered with the Uganda Medical Council (Uganda Medical Doctors and Dental Practitioners’ Association).
• Working knowledge of the full MS Office Suite including, Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint
• Excellent numerical skills for manipulating and reporting statistical data as required.
Education:
Master of Medicine (MMed), Medical Microbiology (Infectious diseases) 2009 – 2012
College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
• Dissertation: “Cryptococcus neoformans ex vivo capsule size association with intracranial pressure and host
immune response in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis”- Journal of infectious diseases, 2013
• Periodically clerked and examined patients suspected of having diseases associated with infectious agents.
• Examined patients to develop differential diagnosis for which I made requests for further investigations to assist
in reaching a final diagnosis to ultimately manage the patients.
• Carried out surveys for infectious agents on various wards in Mulago hospital.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) 2002 – 2007
Medical School, Makerere University
• Internship: Rotation through surgical, pediatric, gynecological and obstetrical and general and special medical
wards and outpatient clinics. - Mulago complex national referral hospital.
• Carried out emergency management of patients, Blood grouping and cross matching and then transfusion.
• Carried out vaginal and caesarian section assisted deliveries and many other surgical procedures.
• Carried out extensive team research on community health.
Diploma in medical Lab 1990 – 1993
School of Medical Lab Technology, Mulago
• Specialized in microbiology, and carried out a detailed study of infectious organisms.
Certificate in medical Lab 1986 – 1989
School of Medical Lab Technology, Mulago
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2. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
A ‘level certificate 1983 – 1985
Caltec Academy, Makerere
O ‘level certificate 1978 – 1981
Stella Maris College, Nsube
P.L.E 1971 – 1977
Bukasa New Model Primary School
Short Courses / Certificates:
Continuous Quality improvement at Joint Clinical Research Center 01/04/2016 -07/04/2016
Logistics Refresher Training at Joint Clinical Research Center with support from USAID 03/03/2016 – 05/03/2016
HIV & Mental Health [e] Education Computer Based Learning Course; 10/2015 – 12/2015
Kickoff workshop and symposium
Grants writing and award management workshop 01/09/2014 – 05/14/2014
JCRC/COHRE Program with support from NIH/FIC
6th Biannual UCSF East African Collaborative Scientific symposium 11/07/2014 – 12/07/2014
Infectious Diseases Institute Kampala, Uganda with support from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and
Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)
Dissemination and implementation Research 08/07/2013 – 12/07/2013
JCRC/COHRE Program with support from NIH/FIC
GCLP training 06/06/2013 – 07/06/2013
JCRC/COHRE Program with support from NIH/FIC
• Areas covered:
 Introduction to GCLP
 Laboratory safety
 Organization and Personnel
 Facilities and Equipment
 Testing Facilities and Operations
 Laboratory Information systems
 Verification of Performance
specifications
 Records and Reports, Specimen
tracking and management
 Quality management and Laboratory
Audit
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3. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
Applied and Diagnostic Molecular Biology/Immunology in the Tropics 11/07/2011 – 12/08/2011
Kampala, Uganda
Pediatric HIV/AIDS for the Health Professionals 23/02/2009 – 27/02/2009
Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative/ Centre for diseases control and prevention in partnership with Mulago
Hospital/ Makerere Department of Pediatrics and Child Health.
TB-HIV Management training program 10/05/2009 – 17/05/2006
Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University
Advanced Counseling 2005
Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University
Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV/AIDS care support 14/08/2004 – 21/08/2004
JCRC – TREAT Collaboration program
Work Experience:
Acting Head of Microbiology 01/2016 – Present
Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda
• Appointed acting Head of Microbiology - head and supervise the running of the Microbiology Laboratory.
• Promoted to Medical Officer/ Medical Microbiologist (on 09/06/2015) from Microbiologist/ Medical Technologist
• Directly deal with patients to diagnose, treat and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Advice and hold discussions with other members of the team and research centre on how to prevent the spread
of infectious diseases, safety precautions and best treatment for infectious conditions.
• Perform routine patients’ specimens’ analysis concurrently with internal and external quality control assurance.
• Supervise newly qualified Laboratory Technology interns and students at JCRC.
• Written and reviewed over 13 Standard operating procedures (SOPs) that were subpar in the bacteriology section
for quality management of infectious specimens.
• Write research proposals on various gaps in the health care system.
• Initiated and spear-headed the local /internal continuous medical Laboratory training of Laboratory staff at JCRC
• Wrote and competed for a CIPHER Pediatric Research grant. Have recently submitted the requisite proposal and
awaiting feedback.
• Actively involved in the infection awareness and prevention campaign through power-point presentations to
staff members of JCRC.
Specialist Advisor on Laboratory Issues 07/2011 –08/2012
Institute of Infectious Disease (IDI), Kampala, Uganda
• Worked as a Specialist advisor on Laboratory Issues on the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing (COAT) study.
Assistant Lecturer (Part-time) 07/2011 –08/2012
School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
• Organized and gave lectures on infectious diseases and their causes to Medical students.
• Conducted highly interactive and instructional Tutorials for Medical students.
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4. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
• Developed illustrations and provided guidance to students during Microbiology and parasitological practical.
• Created examination materials and invigilated Medical students during their examinations.
Medical Internship 02/2008 –08/2009
Mulago complex national referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
• Rotated through special and general; surgical, pediatric, gynecological, obstetrical and medical wards and
outpatient clinics, under the supervision of consultants in each department.
• Clerked and examined patients suspected of having infectious and non-infectious diseases.
• Examined patients to come up with differential diagnosis for which I made requests for investigations to assist in
reaching a final diagnosis.
• Carried out emergency management of patients, blood grouping and cross matching and then transfusion.
• Carried out vaginal and caesarian section assisted delivery of babies and many other surgical procedures.
Laboratory Technologist 12/1999 – 09/2010
Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda
• Carried out infectious specimens processing; ranging from cultures, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, Gram and ZN
staining, to wet preparations, while at the routine Microbiology Lab.
• Performed Serology testing for Brucella, Cryptococcus, Streptococcus, T.Pallidum and HIV –Elisa, as well as Media
preparation and storage.
• Strictly observed the necessary quality control measures.
• Actively involved in preparation of blood spots and plasma for HIV DNA and RNA analysis and carried out
specimen storage and retrieval, while on the Hormonal research project.
Laboratory Technologist 01/1993 – 12/1999
Ebenezer Limited Clinical Laboratory, Kampala, Uganda
• Solely manned the Microbiology section, carrying out routine infectious specimens processing: - Wet
preparations, Gram and Ziehl-Nelsen staining of fixed films, culture and drug sensitivity testing and Microscopic
examination of the wet and iodine stained preparations, and stained smears.
• Obtained specimens for fungal investigations from the patients; part of the sample was for culture and the rest
for KOH preparation. Made the culture media both multipurpose and selective.
• Stringently observed the necessary quality control measures, both internal and external.
• Carried out Serological testing for Brucella, T. pallidum, pregnancy test, Rheumatoid factor and Salmonella as
well as Media preparations.
• Supervised Lab technicians and Lab attendants at the laboratory.
Laboratory Technician grade 1 01/1989 – 01/1993
Mulago complex National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
• Performed routine bacteriological and parasitological investigations on Patients’ specimens.
• Effectively executed the responsibility of being in-charge of the Sputum, pus swabs and Body fluids analysis
• Routinely made smears for Ziehl Nelsen and Gram stain and Microscopy, as well as wet preparations and cell
counting on fluids from sterile body sites, antibiotic sensitivity testing and typing of micro-organisms.
• Carried out analysis of specimens from non-sterile body sites and Serology for Brucella, T. pallidum, pregnancy
test, Rheumatoid factor and Salmonella as well as Media preparations.
Volunteer Experience:
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5. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
Medical officer, Joint Clinical Research Center outpatient department 02/2009 - 09/2009
• Clerked and examined patients suspected of having diseases of infectious agents origin.
• Examined patients to develop differential diagnosis for which I made requests for investigations to assist in
reaching a final diagnosis. Ultimately managed the overall treatment of the patients.
• Investigated patients and where necessary referred them to counselors, before testing for HIV serology and the
other appropriate tests such as: CD4, CD8. This was essential for guidance on whether to initiate antiretroviral
medication or continue prophylaxis medication with continuous monitoring.
• Prescribed medication for opportunistic infections as well as anti-retroviral for HIV control.
• Monitored the progress of patients on ART and those who had not yet reached the stage of taking antiretroviral
therapy (ART).
• Proficient in English and Luganda and have Intermediate level Runyakore-Rukiga.
Awards:
Government of Uganda Scholarship 2002
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
• Awarded to outstanding Ugandan A ‘level graduates
Details of Education:
Master of Medicine, Medical Microbiology
• Subjects:
 Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Research
Methods
 Advanced Immunology
 Applied Haematology
 Advanced Bacteriology I
 Advanced Bacteriology II
 Laboratory Management
 Histopathology
 Health Systems Management
 Cellular & Molecular Biology
 Chemical Pathology
 Laboratory attachment
 Clinical Microbiology I
 Clinical Microbiology II
 Parasitology
 Virology I
 Virology II
 Mycology
 Serology/Advanced Immunologic
Techniques
 Applied Molecular Biology
 Dissertation proposal
 Laboratory attachment
 Immunology of Infectious Diseases
 Nosocomial Infections
 Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
 Public Health Microbiology
 Dissertation defense
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
• Subjects:
 Human Anatomy
 Physiology
 Biochemistry
 Psychology
 Sociology
 Genetics
 Biostatistics and Research Methods
 Pharmacology
 Microbiology
 Bacteriology
 Virology and Mycology
 Immunology and Parasitology
 Medical Ethics
 Pathology
 Systematic Pathology
Haematology
 Forensic Medicine
 Psychology and Counseling
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6. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
 Radiology
 Public Health
 Introduction to public health
 Epidemiology and Biostatics
 Health policy and management
 Disease control and
Environmental health
 Community health
 Clinical Pediatrics
 Pediatrics and Child Health
 Lectures in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
 Clinical methods and skills in Obstetrics
and Gynaecology
 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practice
 Principles of Surgery and Clinical
Surgery
 Clinical Medicine theory and Methods
 Medical special
 Community diagnosis and Primary
Healthcare
 Surgical specials (Ophalmalogy, ENT)
Diploma in medical Lab
• Subjects:
 Parasitology
 Mycology
 Immunology
 Microscopy
 Virology
 Serology
 Bacteriology
 Multipurpose and selective culture
media
 Theoretical and Practical Analysis of
infectious specimens
 Detailed information on stains.
Certificate in medical Lab
• Subjects:
 Microbiology
 Parasitology
 Immunology
 Virology
 Bacteriology
 Microscopy
 Stains and culture media
 Theoretical and Practical
Analysis of infectious
specimens
 Hematology and blood transfusion
 Theoretical and Practical
Analysis of Haematological
specimens
 Blood groups, grouping and
cross matching
 Blood and blood related
inheritable diseases
 Histopathology
 Types of Tissues, Fixatives,
stains
 Theoretical and Practical
Analysis of Pathological
specimens
 Clinical Chemistry
 Flame Photometry
 Colorimetry
 Electrophoresis
 Distillation
 Theory and Practice of Chemical
Analysis of Clinical specimens
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7. Grace Najjuka P.O.BOX 10005, Kampala (Cell) 0752-652564 gbangissibano@gmail.com
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