Webinar title: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Uganda: Improving Early Recognition, Diagnosis and Access to Care
A clinically focused World Duchenne Awareness Day webinar for frontline and specialist health professionals in Uganda. The session will address early recognition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, appropriate diagnostic evaluation and molecular confirmation, multidisciplinary management, the clinical and lived-experience perspective, and evolving opportunities for treatment and care.
Speakers:
Byarugaba Umar, MCO – Is a Ugandan medical geneticist and rare-disease advocate working to advance the recognition, diagnosis and surveillance of rare genetic disorders. Through the African Rare Disease Research Centre (ARRC), his work focuses on genomic diagnostic access, rare-disease registries and research, clinician education, and strengthening pathways to appropriate care for affected patients and families.
Dr Deusdedit Birungi, MD – African Rare Disease Research Centre (ARRC)
Dr Deusdedit Birungi is a medical doctor, data scientist and Director at the African Rare Disease Research Centre (ARRC). He also serves as Research Project Manager at CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, where he contributes to Duchenne muscular dystrophy research and patient registry activities. His work focuses on rare diseases, clinical research, health data and strengthening evidence to support improved diagnosis, care and health-system planning in Uganda.
Dr Seth Tukashaba – Medical Officer, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital
Dr Seth Tukashaba is a Medical Officer at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital with a clinical interest in rare neurological and neuromuscular disorders. His experience includes evaluating complex clinical presentations and prolonged diagnostic journeys, with an emphasis on early recognition and appropriate referral of patients with suspected rare neurological conditions.
Objectives:
- Strengthen early clinical recognition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including key motor and developmental features that should prompt further assessment.
- Outline the diagnostic pathway from clinical suspicion and CK testing to appropriate referral and molecular confirmation.
- Improve understanding of multidisciplinary Duchenne care, including neuromuscular, cardiac, respiratory, rehabilitation, bone health and psychosocial management.
- Examine barriers to timely diagnosis and care in Uganda, and identify practical opportunities to strengthen referral, diagnostic access and continuity of care.
Date: Monday, 7th September 2026
Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (GMT +3)
Duration: 60 min
CPD Points: 1