Angella Musiimenta (PhD) is a Faculty and a Deputy Dean of Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
She has specific training and expertise in digital health technologies, global health, public health research methods, counseling psychology, research methods in humanitarian settings, electronic learning, implementation research, qualitative and behavioral science methodology, and quantitative research.
Musiimenta draws her expertise from participating in training and mentorship opportunities from world class universities and mentors including from the University of Manchester-UK, the University of Leeds-UK, Harvard Medical School-USA, McGill University-Canada, and Brown International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI)-USA.
She is an experienced postgraduate supervisor and has extensively published (over 50 publications) in health and digital technologies peer reviewed journals with over 1000 citations (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Q4iwkHsAAAAJ&hl=en).
Musiimenta has managed a funding portfolio of over 3 Million USD from various funders including the US National Institute of Health (NIH); Germany Ministry of Education and Research; SPIDER (Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions); National Frontiers in Research Foundation (NFRF), Canada; International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada; Google US, Association of Common Wealth Universities, UK.
Since 2013, she has been consistently funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA She is currently investigating an R21/R33 grant (R21 TW011657: PI: Musiimenta) aimed at supporting TB care through financial and behavioural incentives delivered through digital technologies. She is also investigating the ethical opportunities and challenges of using digital technologies to monitor medication adherence in southwestern Uganda (1K43TW010388-05S1: PI: Musiimenta).
She is also currently the Co-PI of a Digital Agrip project supported by the NFRF and IDRC Canada, which aims to enhance post-pandemic resilience among refugee women and youth (15-35 years) in NRS through capacity building, and providing digital information and agriculture input in Nakivale refugee settlement.
In 2016, she emerged the first Ugandan to win a 5-year prestigious ‘emerging global leader’ NIH-supported K43 award (1K43TW010388) that investigated the use of mobile health technologies to support TB medication adherence in rural Uganda. Also, as a PI, she investigated the ethical opportunities and challenges of using digital technologies to monitor medication adherence in southwestern Uganda with support from NIH (1K43TW010388-05S1). She has also previously successfully co-investigated two NIH-supported studies (R34MH100940, and R21 AI108329) aimed at supporting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients using digital monitoring technologies in Uganda.
In 2017, with funding support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, she emerged first Ugandan to win the German-African Innovation Incentive award (01DG18004) to support maternal health using mobile health multimedia technologies in Uganda. In 2021, with funding support from BMBF (01DG21014), she investigated a Mobile MomCare study that utilized mobile health videos and audios for COVID-19 prevention to rural illiterate breastfeeding women in Uganda.
From 2017-2021, She was supported (as a PI) by the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing and Emerging Regions (SPIDER) to implement electronic learning assisted programs in Nakivale refugee settlement. These projects aimed at providing access to quality learning resources (in mathematics and basic health literacy) among students and pupils in Nakivale refugee settlement (SU-323-5.1.2-0419-17, Dnr: SU-323-5.1.2-0140-20, Dnr: SU-323-0060-21, Dnr SU-323-0060-21: PI: Musiimenta).
Additionally, Musiimenta has also taken a lead in providing community services mainly aimed at fostering gender equality including successfully leading the implementation of projects supported by Google (TFR14-00388) and the Association of Common Wealth Universities for encouraging the girl child participation in STEM subjects, and women’s participation in scientific research career respectively.
Musiimenta is available for opportunities for research project collaborations, PhD supervision, and technical consultations.
Selected peer reviewed publications include:
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. (2024). Digital Adherence Technologies linked to Mobile Money Incentives for Medication Adherence among People Living with Tuberculosis: A Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Study. Accepted in JMIR Human Factors
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Mugaba AT, Musinguzi N, Muzoora C, et al. The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of real-time monitors and SMS on tuberculosis medication adherence in southwestern Uganda: Findings from a mixed methods pilot randomized controlled trial. PLOS Global Public Health. 2023;3(12):e0001813.
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. Digital Adherence Technologies and Mobile Money Incentives for Management of Tuberculosis Medication Among People Living With Tuberculosis: Mixed Methods Formative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023;7:e45301. URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45301. DOI: 10.2196/45301.
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Ayebaza S, Kobutungi P, Mugaba AT, Asasira J, Mugyenyi GR, Katusiime J, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Haberer JE. (2022). Challenges in accessing maternal and child health services during COVID-19 and the potential role of social networking technologies. Digital Health, DOI: 10.1177/20552076221086769
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Mugaba AT, Muzoora C, Armstrong-Hough M, Bangsberg D, Davis JL , Haberer JE. (2019), Digital Monitoring Technologies Could enhance Tuberculosis Medication Adherence in Uganda: Mixed Methods Study, Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jctube.2019.100119 https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7401045.
- Musiimenta, A., Campbell, J.I., Tumuhimbise, W., Burns, B., Atukunda, E.C., Eyal, N. and Haberer, J.E. (2021). Electronic Adherence Monitoring May Facilitate Intentional HIV Status Disclosure Among People Living with HIV in Rural Southwestern Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, pp.1-8
- Musiimenta, A., Esther, C. A., Tumuhimbise, W., Emily E., P., Melanie, T., Wyatt, M. A., … Haberer, J. E. (2018). Real-time Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Interventions are Acceptable and Feasible in Rural Uganda: Mixed Methods Findings from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth ;6(5):e122) di:10.2196/mhealth.9031.
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Mugaba AT, Muzoora C, Armstrong-Hough M, Bangsberg D, Davis JL , Haberer JE. (2019), Digital Monitoring Technologies Could enhance Tuberculosis Medication Adherence in Uganda: Mixed Methods Study, Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jctube.2019.100119
- Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Mugaba, A.T., Muzoora, C., Armstrong-Hough, M., Bangsberg, D., Davis, J.L. and Haberer, J.E., Mobile Health Technologies May Be Acceptable Tools for Providing Social Support to Tuberculosis Patients in Rural Uganda: A Parallel Mixed-Method Study, Tuberculosis Research and Treatment, vol. 2020, Article ID 7401045, 8 pages, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7401045.
- Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Atukunda, E.C., Mugaba, A.T., Asasira, J., Katusiime, J., Zender, R., Pinkwart, N., Mugyenyi, G.R. and Haberer, J.E., 2022. A mobile health app may improve maternal and child health knowledge and practices among rural women with limited education in Uganda: a pilot randomized controlled trial. JAMIA open, 5(4), p.ooac081.
- Musiimenta, A., Campbell, J.I., Tumuhimbise, W., Burns, B., Atukunda, E.C., Eyal, N. and Haberer, J.E. (2021). Electronic Adherence Monitoring May Facilitate Intentional HIV Status Disclosure Among People Living with HIV in Rural Southwestern Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, pp.1-8
- Musiimenta A, Atukunda E C, Tumuhimbise W, Haberer J E. Resilience after withdrawing a technology-based medication adherence support intervention from people living with HIV in rural Uganda. AIDS care, 2018: p. 1-8.
- Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Mugyenyi, G., Katusiime, J., Atukunda, E. and Pinkwart, N., 2020. A Mobile Phone-based Multimedia Application Could Improve Maternal Health in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Mixed Methods Study. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 12(1).
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Pinkwart N, Katusiime J, Mugyenyi G, Atukunda EC. (2020). Pregnant Women’s perspectives on the use of a Mobile phone-based Multimedia Application for Maternal Health in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Mixed Methods Study. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Pinkwart N, Katusiime J, Mugyenyi G, Atukunda EC. (2021) A Mobile phone-based Multimedia Intervention to support Maternal Health is acceptable and feasible among Illiterate Pregnant Women in Uganda: Qualitative findings from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Digital Health; 7: 1–10.
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimhise W, et al (2021). Confronting COVID-19 with Social Networking Technologies in Uganda: Current Status, Missed Opportunities and Challenges, Digital Health
- Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Bangumya, E., Mugaba, A.T., Mugonza, R., Kobutungi, P. and Nankunda, M., (2019). Exploring the Gender Gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and Soft Skills, and Knowledge of Role of Models among Students in Rural Uganda. Journal of Education and Development, 3(3).
- Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Nankunda, M., Bangumya, E., Atuhaire, J., Mugonza, R., Kobutungi, P. and Mugaba, A.T., (2019). Electronic Learning May Improve the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics and Science in Marginalized Schools in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda: A Baseline Analysis. Journal of Education and Development, 3(2), p.63.
- Musiimenta, A. Social & Institutional issues in the Adoption of School-based Technology-aided Sexual Health Education Program. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2013, 5(2).
- Musiimenta, A. A Controlled Pre-Post Evaluation of a Computer-based HIV/AIDS Education on Students’ Sexual Behaviors, Knowledge and Attitudes. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2012, 4(1), PMID:23569636, DOI:10.5210/ojphi.v4i1.4017
- Musiimenta, A. Information Technology-Mediated Issues in Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Education. Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 2012, 53(3).
- Musiimenta, A. Contextual Mediators influencing the Effectiveness of Behavioral Change Interventions: A Case of HIV/AIDS Prevention Behaviors. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2012, 4(2). PMC3615813, DOI:10.5210/ojphi.v4i2.3988
- Musiimenta, A. Can Schools Become Centres for Sexuality and HIV/AIDS Education? Valuable Insights from the Implementation and Adoption of a Computer-assisted Sexuality and HIV/AIDS Intervention, (2012). ISBN: 978-3-659-00126-0. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. KG. Germany.
- Baryashaba A., Musimenta A., Mugisha S., Binamungu L.P. (2019) Investigating the Adoption of an Integrated Hospital Information System in Rural Uganda: A Case of Kisiizi Hospital. In: Nielsen P., Kimaro H. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies for Development. Strengthening Southern-Driven Cooperation as a Catalyst for ICT4D. ICT4D 2019. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 552. Springer, Cham. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/ 978-3-030-19115-3_26
- Haberer JE, Musiimenta A, Atukunda EC, Musinguzi N, Wyatt MA, Ware NC, Bangsberg DR. (2016). Short message service (SMS) reminders and real-time adherence monitoring improve antiretroviral therapy adherence in rural Uganda. AIDS. 30(8):1295-300. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001021.
- Ware NC, Pisarski EE, Tam M, Wyatt MA, Atukunda EC, Musiimenta A, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. . (2016). The Meanings in the Messages: How SMS Reminders and Real-time Adherence Monitoring Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Rural Uganda. AIDS.
- Tumuhimbise, W., Atukunda, E.C., Ayebaza, S., Katusiime, J., Mugyenyi, G., Pinkwart, N. and Musiimenta, A., 2020. Maternal health-related barriers and the potentials of mobile health technologies: Qualitative findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial in rural Southwestern Uganda. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(7), p.3657.
- Atukunda E, Siedner M, Obua C, Musiimenta A, Ware N, Mugisha S, Najjuma J, Mugyenyi G, Matthews L. Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of SupportMoms-Uganda, an mHealth-Based Patient-Centered Social Support Intervention to Improve the Use of Maternity Services Among Pregnant Women in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Randomized Controlled Trial, JMIR Form Res 2023;7:e36619. URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e36619, DOI: 10.2196/36619.
- Atukunda EC, Mugyenyi GR, Obua C, Musiimenta A, Najjuma JN, Agaba E, Ware NC, Matthews LT. When Women Deliver at Home Without a Skilled Birth Attendant: A Qualitative Study on the Role of Health Care Systems in the Increasing Home Births Among Rural Women in Southwestern Uganda. Int J Womens Health. 2020 May 27;12:423-434. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S248240. PMID: 32547250; PMCID: PMC7266515.
- Tumuhimbise, W., Atwine, D., Kaggwa, F. and Musiimenta. Acceptability and feasibility of a mobile health application for enhancing public private mix for TB care among healthcare Workers in Southwestern Uganda. BMC Digit Health 1, 9 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-023-00009-0
- Tumuhimbise, W., Atwine, D., Kaggwa, F. and Musiimenta, A., 2022. Enhancing tuberculosis care in southwestern Uganda: Facilitators and barriers to utilizing mobile health technologies. Global Implementation Research and Applications, pp.1-11.
- Tumuhimbise, W., Musiimenta, A. Barriers and Motivators of Private Hospitals’ Engagement in Tuberculosis Care in Uganda. Glob Implement Res Appl (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43477-021-00030-3
- Tumuhimbise, W. and Musiimenta, A., 2021. A review of mobile health interventions for public private mix in tuberculosis care. Internet Interventions, 25, p.100417. PMID: 34401376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100417 .
- Atukunda E, Matthews L, Musiimenta A, Mugyenyi G, Mugisha S, Ware N, Obua C, Siedner MmHealth-Based Health Promotion Intervention to Improve Use of Maternity Care Services Among Women in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Iterative Development Study, JMIR Form Res 2021;5(11):e29214. URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e29214. DOI: 10.2196/29214
- Atukunda, E.C., Matthews, L.T., Musiimenta, A., Agaba, A., Najjuma, J.N., Lukyamuzi, E.J., Kaida, A., Obua, C. and Mugyenyi, G.R., 2022. Understanding the effect of a healthcare provider-led family planning support intervention on contraception use and pregnancy desires among postpartum women living with HIV in Southwestern Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, 26(1), pp.266-276.
- Nakandi, R.M., Kiconco, P., Musiimenta, A., Bwengye, J.J., Nalugya, S., Kyomugisa, R., Obua, C. and Atukunda, E.C., 2022. Understanding patterns of family support and its role on viral load suppression among youth living with HIV aged 15 to 24 years in southwestern Uganda. Health Science Reports, 5(1), p.e46.
- Atukunda EC, Mugyenyi GR, Musiimenta A, Kaida A, Atuhumuza EB, Lukyamuzi EJ, Agaba AG, Obua C, Matthews LT. Structured and sustained family planning support facilitates effective use of postpartum contraception amongst women living with HIV in South Western Uganda: A randomized controlled trial. J Glob Health. 2021 Jun 5;11:04034. doi: 10.7189/jogh.11.04034. PMID: 34131487; PMCID: PMC8183159.
- Atukunda EC, Mathews L, Musiimenta A, et al (2021). Iterative development of an mHealth-based, health promotion intervention to improve utilization of maternity care services amongst women in rural Southwestern Uganda: A mixed method study. JMIR Formative Research, DOI:10.2196/29214
- Atukunda EC, Mugyenyi G, Musiimenta A, Obua C, Agaba E, Ware NC, and Matthews L. (2020). Sustained and structured family planning support facilitates effective use of postpartum contraception amongst women living with HIV in South Western Uganda: A randomized controlled trial, PLOS Medicine.
- Katusiime, J., Tumuhimbise, W., Rwambuka Mugyenyi, G., Kobutungi, P., Mugaba, A., Zender, R., Pinkwart, N. and Musiimenta, A., 2022. The role of mobile health technologies in promoting COVID-19 prevention: A narrative review of intervention effectiveness and adoption. Digital Health, 8, p.20552076221131146.
- Subbaraman R, de Mondesert L, Musiimenta A, et al. Digital adherence technologies for the management of tuberculosis therapy: mapping the landscape and research priorities. BMJ Glob Health 2018;3:e001018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30364330/
- Haberer JE, Musiimenta A, Atukunda EC, Musinguzi N, Wyatt MA, Ware NC, Bangsberg DR. (2016). SMS reminders plus real-time adherence monitoring improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy in rural Uganda. AIDS.
- Atukunda EC, Musiimenta A, Musinguzi N, Wyatt MA, Ashaba J, Ware NC, Haberer JE. (2016). Understanding patterns of social support and their relationship to an ART adherence intervention among adults in rural southwestern Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, DOI 10.1007/s10461-016-1559-7
- Campbell, J. I., Eyal, N., Musiimenta, A., Burns, B., Natukunda, S., Musinguzi, N., & Haberer, J. E. (2018). Ugandan Study Participants Experience Electronic Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence as Welcomed Pressure to Adhere. AIDS Behav. doi: 10.1007/s10461-018-2200-8
- Campbell JI, Musiimenta A, Burns B, Natukunda S, Musinguzi N, Haberer JE, Eyal N. (2018). The importance of how research participants think they are perceived: results from an electronic monitoring study of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. AIDS Care, doi: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1556381
- Campbell JI, Haberer HE, Musiimenta A, Eyal N.(2018) Dependence on Digital Medicine in Resource-Limited Settings, The American Journal of Bioethics, 18:9, 54-56, DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2018.1498949
- Campbell JI, Eyal N, Musiimenta A, Haberer JE. Ethical Questions in Electronic Adherence Monitoring. JGIM, Journal of General Internal Medicine; 2015.
- Campbell J, Musiimenta A, Natukunda S, Eyal Nir, Haberer JE. (2022). “The research assistants kept coming to follow me up; I counted myself as a lucky person”: Social support arising from a longitudinal HIV cohort study in Uganda. PLOS ONE
On-going projects:
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Title: My Mobile Wallet: An Intervention to Support Access to Tuberculosis Care and Medication Adherence in Rural Uganda
Acronym: My Mobile Wallet
Grant No. R21 TW011657, 4R33HD107985:
Duration: 01/06/2021-30/05/2026
Sponsor: NIH/NICHD
Amount: $1,011,548
PI: Angella Musiimenta
Co-Is: Professors Jessica Haberer and Sebastian Linnemayr
Partners: i) Harvard Medical School, US; ii) RAND Corporation, US; iii) Wisepill Technologies SA; iv) Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Uganda; and v) Yo Solution Uganda.
Overview: Uganda faces a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) with a prevalence rate of 253/100,000 people and an incidence rate of 201/100,000 people. Although treatment is freely available in Uganda, significant treatment adherence challenges remain, constraining TB treatment success and increasing its transmission. Implementation of DOTS (Direct Observed Treatment Short Course) has been limited primarily due to the significant time and financial burden it demands from patients as they travel to clinic. Lack of money limits access to treatment and therefore adherence. Economic interventions have been shown to improve treatment adherence and clinic attendance for HIV patients. A literature review indicates that cash transfer interventions may improve clinical outcomes even in very low-income settings. Howver, research utilizing incentives in TB care is limited, remains largely inconclusive, and has mainly focused on high-and middle-income countries, where financial incentives may have less effect. Importantly, the impact of these studies has been limited by providing incentives face-to-face; they are thus restricted by geographical boundaries, are time consuming, and involve transport costs. Alternatively, mobile services could be used to provide financial support. Indeed, use of “mobile money” (money accessed through mobile phones) services is nearly ubiquitous in Uganda and much of the developing world.
This study develops My Mobile Wallet—a behavioral and economic intervention to support tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence among 327 TB patients initiating treatment at Mbarara regional referral hospital in Uganda. We will first determine the optimal design and develop the My Mobile Wallet intervention and assess its initial feasibility and acceptability. We will then test the larger scale feasibility, acceptability, and impact of the intervention on TB treatment adherence as measured with a real-time monitor. For more information about this project, read the following publications:
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. Digital Adherence Technologies and Mobile Money Incentives for Management of Tuberculosis Medication Among People Living With Tuberculosis: Mixed Methods Formative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023;7:e45301. URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45301. DOI: 10.2196/45301.
- Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda E, Mugaba A, Linnemayr S, Haberer J. (2024). Digital Adherence Technologies linked to Mobile Money Incentives for Medication Adherence among People Living with Tuberculosis: A Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Study. Accepted in JMIR Human Factors
- Title: Digital Agripreneurship Innovation to Enhance Post-Pandemic Resilience
Among Refugee Women and Youth in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
Acronym: Digital Agripreneur Study.
Duration: 2023-2025
Sponsors: National Frontiers in Research Foundation (NFRF), Canada; International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Amount: CAD 500,000.
Co-PI: Angella Musiimenta
Nominated PI: Professor Ntebutse, Jean Gabin
Partners: i) Sherbrook, Canada; ii) University of Québec, Canada; iii) Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Uganda; iv) Capital Solutions Limited, Uganda; v) Light for All, Uganda; vi) ASD-INKINGI, Uganda
Overview: Entrepreneurship education is recognized to empower women and youth with economic security and resilience by improving enterprise performance, entrepreneurship skills and motivation. However, access to entrepreneurship training remains lacking in Nakivale refugee settlement (NRS). Besides, equipping women and youth with entrepreneurship skills, while important, is not sufficient without the financial capability to enable them start microenterprises, liberate themselves from poverty and contribute to food security. Additionally, the World Bank recommends leveraging the use of mobile phone-assisted digital technologies to reduce transactions costs, and increase access to timely agriculture information. Currently, over 47% of refugees in NRS own mobile phones. The use of digital technology in vegetable growing is associated with increase in net income and access to better markets in a low resource setting. Also, equipping vulnerable women and youth with digital skills is important in: i) addressing the current digital divide, ii) helping refugees stay connected to their displaced families, iii) enabling them get access to quality and updated information about best practices in agripreneurship.
The overall goal of the Digital Agripreneurship study is to enhance post-pandemic resilience among 240 refugee women and youth (15-35 years) in Nakivale refugee settlement through a Digital Agripreneurship innovation that includes digital and agripreneurship capacity building, access to modern digital agriculture information, and start up capacity in form of agriculture inputs.