By Agnes Kiconco

Dr. Timothy Magaya, a proud KIU alumnus shares his inspiring journey to becoming a medical doctor and president of Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) President 2024 / 2025.

Interviewer: Congratulations on your graduation and election as FUMI President.

Dr. Magaya: Thank you. All thanks to our MD Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba and KIU administration for giving me an opportunity to achieve my childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor.

Interviewer: What inspired you to pursue medicine?

Dr. Magaya: Originating from humble beginnings having lost both my biological parents when I was only 10 years of age in 2000, my maternal aunt raised me and provided for me till I finished Primary 7. By God's grace my paternal uncle Mr. Alex Nzindo, a generous man came into my life and shined so much hope on my future. He took me in and ensured I got the best despite the challenges. He wanted to be a doctor but due to financial setbacks back in the day, he couldn't afford medical school and instead settled for secondary school teaching. Having had a similar dream since childhood, I was inspired and confident to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

Interviewer: How did KIU prepare you for your dream as a medical doctor?

Dr. Magaya: I can confidently say that KIU prepared me well for this career path, thanks to the KIU administration for coming up with the idea of having clinical sites where we were always posted from 3rd year to 5th year to better our clinical skills. I was posted at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (RRH) and Jinja RRH which were key in equipping me with clinical skills.

Interviewer: Please share with us your academic and leadership journey.

Dr. Magaya: While at medical school, my academic journey was filled with ups and downs. The most outstanding challenge besides COVID-19 was tuition. The late payments posed a major threat during the examination period, as it was difficult to concentrate with the mounting pressure of whether I would do exams or not. However, I persevered till the last minute and the happiest moment came on graduation day (November 2023).

My leadership journey started in medical school where I served as a class representative for my entire medical school, and served as LEOs club President of KIU-WC and President of Abasoga Nseete Students Association of KIUWC. Currently, am the FUMI President a responsibility that did not come so easily since it required constant engagement with other pre-interns from about 15 medical schools.

Interviewer: As the President of FUMI, what are your primary objectives, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Dr. Magaya: These are mainly better welfare advocacy for interns, improved working conditions, improved internship policy, inclusive leadership, and unity. Achieving the above objectives will be through negotiations, engagement, lobbying, dialogue, and advocacy with the Government, Ministry of Health, professional associations, and councils on board.

Interviewer: What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you navigate them?

Dr. Magaya: Balancing internship and leadership roles can be tasking and equally challenging but thanks to my site supervisor's guidance I have been able to effectively execute my various roles. Other challenges are the usual ones every leader expects like pressure from the medical interns, and lack of finances since at some point there is a need to fund some projects of the federation.

Interviewer: How has your alma mater, KIU, contributed to your success?

Dr. Magaya: Am much indebted to my alma mater because it allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream, and it opened my doors to the world such that I can explore the heights.

Interviewer: How do you stay connected with the KIU community, and what role do you see yourself playing in its future?

Dr. Magaya: Am a member of the KIU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION and it's through the association that I remain connected to the KIU community. I urge the KIU administration to draw the Alumni Association much closer to the university's daily programs such that we are fully engaged, and our impact is truly felt.

Interviewer: What are your long-term career goals, and how does your current experience align with those aspirations?

Dr. Magaya: I want to extend my leadership skills to the UGANDA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION and other health sector agencies where I can contribute and create a positive impact directly to our health sector.

Interviewer: What message would you like to convey to aspiring medical professionals and student leaders?

Dr. Magaya: I do not like to lose at anything, yet I have grown most not from victories but setbacks. So, perseverance and patience are key in life. Stay focused, set goals, and work on achieving them.

About FUMI

The Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) is an umbrella for all medical interns in Uganda. Its mission is to foster a dynamic environment that empowers all medical interns across Uganda.