NAMYALO FLORENCE

NAMYALO

FLORENCE

What Did you enjoy about the program?

My participation in the Research Tools and Software in Biostatistics program hosted by the FREYA International School of Research and FISORI, was a transformative experience that significantly bridged the gap between theoretical biostatistical concepts and practical application. The program's focus on the essential tools and software used in the various stages of research methodologies provided a robust foundation for designing and conducting high-quality tech-oriented research. As the program expertly transitioned from fundamental principles to advanced analytical techniques, my major highlight was in learning to explore and navigate large datasets with precision confidence.

The online delivery via the True Talk Learning Management System enhanced the learning experience by providing a flexible, yet structured learning environment. The program's organized course modules and an intuitive interface made technical learning accessible regardless of the geographical locations and the time zones. The interactive live sessions with the lecturers enabled blended learning and active participation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the hands-on exposure to the standard software and tools essential for modern biostatistical work. Gaining proficiency in the use of R-Studio, SPSS and advanced features of Excel empowered me to automate data cleaning, perform complex hypothesis testing and creating publication-quality visualizations.

Ultimately, the program fostered in me a comprehensive understanding of how to translate raw data into actionable insights. The guidance of experts tutors equipped me to support evidence-based decision-making in public health. This professional development has provided me with an invaluable toolkit for contributing meaningfully to the scientific community in my country and beyond.

PROFILE

Name: NAMYALO FLORENCE

Namyalo Florence is a highly skilled result oriented Psychiatric Clinical Officer and Public Health Officer with extensive experience in clinical practice, public health programming, and mental health research both within development and humanitarian settings in Ugandan contexts.

Currently, Florence serves as a key mental health professional with TPO-Uganda, where she plays a crucial role in managing and implementing comprehensive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs in complex humanitarian settings. Her work involves direct clinical supervision, program design, and utilizing data to monitor intervention efficacy and ensure evidence-based practices reach vulnerable populations, including refugees and host communities.

She spearheaded the establishment of Suicide Audit Committees under the UNHCR-funded project in Southwestern Uganda, contributing to reduction of suicide incidences in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement. Florence also led implementation research on early identification and management of psychological distress to prevent suicide among learners, presented at the 3rd National Mental Health Conference (2024). Additionally, Florence was a panelist in the mental health awareness webinar on suicide prevention as part of the crowning of the TPO Uganda’s Stand for Life Campaign.

She also contributes to global health initiatives by scaling the innovative design thinking methodology by the UNLEASH global Community as both an UNLEASH Facilitator and as an UNLEASH Mentor. She joined the UNLEASH Hack Kampala on Climate Resilient Cultural Tourism as a lead facilitator and guided youth across Kampala, Uganda in crafting innovative solutions to solving real-life challenges. As a mentor, Florence supported in the Mindforward Campaign sponsored by RIVET and UNLEASH where youth across the globe were selected and funded to produce innovative solutions to the mental health challenges faced by youth.

Her background is strengthened by significant experience in formal academic research through her previous role as a Research Assistant and Psychiatric Clinical Officer with the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (formerly the Medical Research Council). In this capacity, Florence contributed to vital epidemiological and intervention studies focused on mental health and substance misuse among high-risk fishing communities. This research work provided hands-on experience in data collection protocols, ethical research conduct, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications as well as shaping evidence-based interventions for high-risk populations.

Florence holds a robust understanding of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies and is eager to enhance her proficiency in biostatistical software and data management best practices. Her application to this program was driven by a commitment to leveraging robust statistical tools to improve the accountability, integrity, and impact of humanitarian mental health interventions.

Florence’s foundation is grounded in both clinical psychiatry and public health principles making her excel at bridging the gap between clinical care delivery and community-based public health strategies Her career reflects a commitment to advancing mental health accessibility and integrating innovative and sustainable mental health solutions into the broader public health framework across Uganda.

WORK EXPERIENCE

January, 2023 to date Psychiatric Clinical Officer and Clinical Peer Supervisor: TPO – UNHCR (Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement)

 Offering technical supervision to the TPO Uganda Psychiatric Clinical Officers in Southwestern Uganda.

 Diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with mental, neurological and substance use conditions.

 Participating in planning, budgeting, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating mental health program field activities.

 Coordinating suicide response within the settlement and host communities.

 Prepare training materials and carry out on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship of general health workers about mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders.

 Conduct quarterly mentorship trainings of community structures and teachers in basic MHPSS principles

 Planning and conducting mental health outreaches in areas far from the service centers.

 Initiating and participating in research activities.

 Organizing the monthly MHPSS sector working group meetings

 Compiling and submitting periodic reports January to December, 2022 Psychiatric Clinical Officer: TPO – UNHCR (Oruchinga Refugee Settlement)

 Conducting specialized case management for mental health cases.

 Generating and updating of the databases for clients receiving psychotropic medications

 Participate in developing community networks to support mental health patients in the community through linkages and collaboration with other MHPSS implementing partners and community structures

 Capacity building for partners in the identification and management as well as referrals for the clients with mental health conditions.

 Conducting training sessions with partner staff and community leaders on mainstreaming of MHPSS in their activities.

 Identifying manpower to work as community mental health support structures and their training needs

 Monitoring and evaluation of project activities as well as planning for MHPSS activities.

PERSONAL PROFILE

She is self-driven, hardworking result oriented certified and licensed Psychiatric Clinical

Officer, who pays attention to details and with good interpersonal, communication andsocial skills. Flexible and alwaysready to learn and meet new challenges, I believe in team work and timely execution of duties in a priority way.

November, 2020 to December, 2021 Mental Health Officer and In charge Mental Health department : International Rescue Committee, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

 Participating in planning, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating mental health activities.

 Managing project budgets in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

 Functionalize and overseeing the running mental health clinics at the three health facilities within the settlement

 Capacity building for other staff in management of mental, neurological and substance use disorders

 Spearheading the staff wellbeing activities focusing on self-care to prevent burnout.

 Conducting follow up home visits to establish social factors that may hinder drug adherence so as to reduce relapses

 Diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with mental, neurological and substance use conditions. 2019 to March, 2020

Project Administrator and Psychiatric Clinical Officer: Community WelLbeing And Mental Health Project among Refugees in Uganda (CLAMP-RU), InterAid Uganda and Medical Research Council

 Identification and recruitment of the Peer counsellors

 Training and presentations of the project approaches to the identified peer counselors.

 Supervising CLAMP-RU Peer Counselors during the screening, recruitment, interviewing and managing of clients under the project

 Capacity building in mental health to the rest of the team members and conducting stress management sessions

 Assessing, diagnosing and managing clients with severe mental Disorders including children and offer treatment.

 Working with the Clinical Psychologist to manage clients with suicidal ideation and psychological distress due to Gender Based Violence (GBV) who get referred by the CLAMP Peer Counselors.

 Preparing reports regarding clients’ response to CLAMP Peer Counselor led intervention.

 Making appropriate referrals of patients with severe depression who do not respond to treatment and clients with a severe suicidal risk who need admission or close observation.

CAREER OBJECTIVES

To constantly expand my knowledge, skills and experience, both at work and in my private life. Looking to make a lasting positive impact on people’s mental health by doing the best at whatever I do in line with my professional path.

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

2019 – 2022: Uganda Martyrs’ University, Bachelor of Public Health – Health Promotion

2012 – 2015: School of Psychiatric Clinical Officers, Butabika, Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry

2010 – 2011: Mityana Secondary School, Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education

2006 – 2009: Mityana Secondary School, Uganda Certificate of Education

SKILLS

Computer skills: Microsoft office (word, excel, power point, and outlook), Internet, online communication platforms (Teams, zoom, google meet), data management soft wares (SPSS, ODK and Kobo collect).

Personal skills and attributes:

Problem solving, conflict resolution, good leadership skills, team work, training and presentation, excellent interpersonal skills, respect for confidentiality, honesty, trustworthy, good time management, research.

OTHER TRAININGS/ SHORT COURSES ATTENDED

Completed the WHO online course on Engaging Communities in Preventing Suicide May, 2025

Completed Research Ethics online training by WHO in January, 2025

Completed an e-learning course in Good Clinical Practice on the 13 th May, 2024 by the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.

Attended the Epilepsy Assessment and Management Course 5.0 by Pretolla Global Health

Completed a 3-day course in Health and Risk Communication on 7 th , 9 - 10 th April, 2024

Completed an online course by the World Health Organization in Health Emergency Readiness for Response Operations in April,2024

Attended a week-long Global Innovation Lab on the Sustainable Development Goals from 2-8 th December, 2023

Completed a 3 weeks online course on Psychological first aid which was offered by Public Health England on Future learn.

Completed an online course in Anti-sexual harassment-Global from Kaya Humanitarian Academy.

Successfully attended and completed the WHO Basic Emergency Care Course which was organized by the Emergency Care Society of Uganda.

Attended a two days conference on Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) from 27 th - 28 th March 2017 which was held at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi.

Completed an online course on Protection of Human Participants in research.

Participated in the 6 th PAN AFRICAN PSYCHOTRAUMA CONFRENCE on Trauma, Culture and Healing

Attended a course on best practices in Suicide Prevention