Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo

Lecturer


Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo is a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist, academic, and global health researcher with extensive experience in reproductive health, medical education, and health systems research in low-resource and post-conflict settings. He is currently a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at Umeå University, Sweden (2024–2028), and a Fogarty Global Health Fellow under the Harvard–Boston University–Northwestern University–University of New Mexico (HBNU) Consortium. Dr. Pebalo is a Lecturer and former Acting Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gulu University, Uganda. He is a Fellow of the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FCOG-ECSA) and has played a central role in curriculum development, undergraduate training, and research mentorship. He founded the Gulu University Sexual and Reproductive Health Resource Centre and established innovative platforms for simulation-based learning, tele-education, and lecture production to enhance clinical training in resource-limited settings. His research portfolio includes maternal and neonatal outcomes, cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV, family planning, post-abortion care, adolescent and refugee health, sexual and gender-based violence, and reproductive health service integration. He has led and participated in multiple internationally funded projects supported by institutions such as CIRHT, UN Women, USAID partners, and the British Foreign Commonwealth Office. Dr. Pebalo has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and regularly presents at national and international conferences. His work is guided by a commitment to improving quality, equity, and access to reproductive and maternal healthcare across sub-Saharan Africa.

Qualifications

Institution Period Degree obtained
Harvard University, Boston University, Northwestern University & University of New Mexico (HBNU Consortium), USA 2025 – 2026 Fogarty Global Health Fellowship
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 2015 – 2018 Master of Medicine (MMed) in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda 2005 – 2010 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

Other Qualifications

Institution Period Qualifications obtained
Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA 2022 – 2023 Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education (Training to Teach in Medicine)
Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), Geneva, Switzerland 2014 – 2015 Postgraduate Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research

 

Research Interests

Maternal and reproductive health; cervical cancer prevention in HIV care; family planning and post‑abortion care; sexual and gender‑based violence; adolescent and refugee health; medical education innovation; health systems strengthening in low‑resource settings.

Publications

Anena S, Okello MO, Ouma RC, Olum R, Akiya OC, Pebolo FP . (2026) . Uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age enrolled in HIV care: a facility-based cross-sectional study in rural Northern Uganda , p. 395
. (2026) . Does ChatGPT enhance equity for global health publications? Copyediting by ChatGPT compared to Grammarly and a human editor
Otika D., Okello O. M., Opee J., Ayikoru J., Okema J.N., Olum R., Ajilong H., Akera P., Baluku J.B., Pebolo P. F., Ebbs D. S., & Bongomin F. (2026) . (2026) . Caregiver acceptability, and uptake of voluntary male circumcision among male children under 5 years in Gulu city, Northern Uganda
Otika D, Odongo G, Muzaki RM, Lamwaka B, Bongomin F, Pebolo FP . (2025) . Factors associated with repeat teenage pregnancy in refugee settlements in Uganda
Alanyo LG, Masereka EM, Pebolo FP, Kimera E . (2025) . Photovoicing experiences of teenage mothers with teenage pregnancy and motherhood in Western Uganda
Laker F, Okot J, Ojara FW, Akello F, Amone D, Pebolo FP, Awor S, Atim P, Bongomin F . (2025) . Emergency contraceptive utilization and associated factors among adolescents and young adults in Northern Uganda. Women’s Health
Pebolo FP, Kimera E, Kalengayi FKN, Namatovu F . (2025) . Prevalence, types, and determinants of intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Northern Uganda , p. 3059
Winnie, K., Pebalo Francis, P., Ronald, O., Jerom, O., Jimmyy, O., Silvia, A., Simple, O., Michael, K., Grace, M., & Felix, B. (2025). . (2025) . Prevalence and factors associated with violence against women who exchange sex for money in Gulu City, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study . BMJ Public Health, [online] Volume 3(1). Available at: https://bmjpublichealth.bmj.com/content/3/2/e001486
Kibone W, Pebolo FP, Olum R, Okot J, Opee J, Awor S, Ouma S, Kakinda M, Madraa G, Bongomin F . (2025) . Prevalence and factors associated with violence against women who exchange sex for money in Gulu City, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Acayo JP, Oryema SP, Edilu R, Ochola H, Ojara S, Pebolo FP, Bongomin F . (2025) . Contraceptive use and associated factors among women with HIV receiving care at a faith based tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda
Okot J, Ochola H, Blasich NP, Aeku MJ, Pebolo FP, Bongomin F, Ouma S . (2025) . Major depression among pregnant women attending a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Uganda assessed using DSM V criteria , p. 504
Pebolo PF, Bongomin F, Awor S, Arwinyo B, Ojara S, Opee J, Jackline A, Okot J, Ssennuni E, Ouma S, Nakimuli A . (2025) . Effectiveness of pre-recorded presentation of postpartum intrauterine device insertion training for medical students in Uganda , pp. 14-25
Ajilong H, Bongomin F, Pebolo FP, Obol JHO . (2025) . Differentiated service delivery strategies to optimize modern contraceptive uptake among adolescents with HIV in Northern Uganda , pp. 111–125
Donald Otika, George Odongo, Ruth Mary Mary Muzaki, Beatrice Oweka Lamwaka, Felix Bongomin, Francis Pebalo Pebolo . (2024) . Prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy in refugee settlements of northern Uganda post-COVID-19 (2020-2023): a cross-sectional study . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39732494/
Ayikoru Jackline, Jimmyy Opee, Felix Bongomin, Harriet Akello, Sandra Fiona Atim, Francis Pebalo Pebolo . (2024) . Exploring the utilization of postabortion care services and related factors among women at a tertiary health facility in Gulu, Northern Uganda . Women's Health
Solomon Oguta, Brian Serumaga, Lameck Odongo, Donald Otika, Jackline Ayikoru, Raymond Otim, Jimmyy Opee, Baifa Arwinyo, Francis Pebolo Pebalo, Vincentina Achora, Sande Ojara, Benard Abola & Silvia Awor . (2024) . Factors associated with malaria in pregnancy among antenatal care mothers at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in northern Uganda . Malaria Journal
Jimmyy Opee, Keneth Opiro, Priscilla Manano, Margret Sikoti, Jackline Ayikoru, Harriet Akello, Fiona Gladys Laker, Maria K. Wolters, Silvia Awor, Francis Pebalo Pebolo & Felix Bongomin . (2024) . “We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda . Contraception and Reproductive Medicine
Geoffrey Okot, Samuel Omara, Musa Kasujja, Francis Pebolo Pebalo, Petrus Baruti, Naranjo Almenares Ubarnel . (2024) . Incidence and factors associated with immediate adverse neonatal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals in labor at a tertiary hospital in Uganda: a prospective cohort study
Okot G, Omara S, Kasujja M, Pebolo FP, Baruti P, Ubarnel NA . (2024) . Incidence and factors associated with immediate adverse neonatal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals in Northern Uganda . BMC Pregnancy and Childbirt, 24(1)
Robert Edilu , Aaron Sanvu, James Ecuut, Alban Odong, Felix Bongomin, Ritah Nantale, Jackline Ayikoru, Baifa Arwinyo, Sande Ojara, Pebalo Francis Pebolo . (2024) . Comparing visual estimation and hematocrit change in the assessment of blood loss among women undergoing cesarean delivery in a tertiary facility in northern Uganda , pp. 1-13
Awor S, Bongomin F, Kaggwa MM, Pebolo FP, Musoke D . (2024) . Liver and renal biochemical profiles of people with sickle cell disease in Africa: a systematic review and meta analysis . Available at: https://ir.gu.ac.ug/items/584d7fc4-feeb-4024-98f8-3af975549d34/full
Pebolo PF, Jackline A, Opwonya M, Otim R, Bongomin F . (2024) . Medical education technology in resource-limited settings. Advances in Medical Education and Training . Advances in Medical Education and Training, [online] Volume . Available at: https://irbackend.gu.ac.ug/server/api/core/bitstreams/e21acd8e-c58b-4f85-96b5-ebe3819255f2/content
Eric. Ssennuni., Felix. Bongomin., Elvis. Akuma., Kizito. Lukujja., Henry. Kule., Keneth. Opiro., Silvia. Awor., Baifa. Arwinyo., Sandra. Ojara., Jimmyy. Opee., Ayikoru.Jackline., Francis. P.P., 2024. . (2024) . Caesarean section rates in a tertiary teaching hospital in northern Uganda: a retrospective analysis using the robson ten group classification system . BMC
Mark. M. Kaggwa., Joan. Abaatyo., Donald. Otika., Pebalo. F. Pebolo., Felix. Bongomin., 2024 . (2024) . Chronicity of self-harming behaviors among adolescent teenage girls living in refugee settlements in Northern Uganda . BMC Psychology
Julie M. Buser ,Pebalo F. Pebolo ,Ella August ,Gurpreet K. Rana ,Rachel Gray ,Faelan E. Jacobson-Davies ,Edward Kumakech ,Tamrat Endale ,Anna Grace Auma ,Yolanda R. Smith. 2024 . (2024) . Scoping review of qualitative studies on family planning in Uganda . PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
Pebalo Francis Pebolo, Jerom Okot, Felix Bongomin, Silvia Awor, Baifa Arwinyo, Sande Ojara, Jimmyy Opee, Ayikoru Jackline, Eric Ssennuni, Simple Ouma . (2024) . Efficacy of the Gulu University Reproductive Health Simulation Training for final year medical students and interns: a before-and-after study . Sexual and Reproductive Health Across Africa: Challenges and Opportunities - Original Research, 18
Keneth Opiro, Jimmy Opee, Margret Sikoti, Pebolo Francis Pebalo, Jackline Hope Ayikoru, Harriet Akello, Priscilla Manano & Felix Bongomin . (2024) . Utilization of modern contraceptives among female health care workers at Gulu university teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda . Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 9(1), p. 13
Opiro K, Pebolo FP, Scolding NJ, Hardy C . (2024) . Can reproductive health services be used to screen for sexual and gender-based violence in post-conflict Northern Uganda? – a pilot study
Joad Magezi1, Joshua Wacha, Pebolo Francis Pebalo . (2024) . Chronicles of an uncommon term abdominal pregnancy with successful outcome: a case report . Journal of Medical Case Reports
Pebalo FP, Bongomin F, Awor S, Arwinyo B, Ojara S, Opee J, Ayikoru J, Okot J, Ssenuni E, Ouma S, Nakimuli A . (2023) . Comparing Flipped Classroom with Traditional Instruction for Post-Partum Intra-Uterine Device Training Among Medical Students in a Ugandan Public University . Available at: https://ir.gu.ac.ug/items/2e009fa8-9453-4990-b1d1-a42c495c175e/full
Julie M Buser, Ella August, Faelan E Jacobson-Davies, Felix Bongomin, Edward Kumakech, Rachel Gray, Pebalo Francis Pebolo, Anna Grace Auma, Tamrat Endale, Yolanda R Smith . (2023) . Partnering to Improve Mentorship Capacity for Ugandan Reproductive Health Researchers: Program Description and Evaluation . The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, [online] Volume 110(1), pp. 188-193. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37983934/
Nelson, O. A., Emmanuel, O. D. M., Johnson, N. O., Steven, B., Christopher, O., Denis, A., Denish, O. O., Pamela, O. A., Patrick, O. O., Godfrey, S. O., Francis, P. P., Freddy, W. D. O., Eric, N. I., Judith, A., David, L. Ki. . (2023) . Facemask wearing in COVID-19 pandemic: Correlates and prevalence; A survey after COVID-19 second wave in Uganda. , p. 26
Johnson, N. O., Nelson, O. A., Emmanuel, O, S, B., Christopher, O., Denis, A., Denish, O. O., Pamela, O. A., Patrick, O. O., Godfrey, S. O., Francis, P. P., Freddy, W. D. O., Eric, N. I., Judith, A., David, L. K. . (2023) . Trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic in Uganda. A cross-sectional study. Research Square
Felix Bongomin, Winnie Kibone, Jerom Okot, Simple Ouma, Grace Madraa, Francis Williams Ojara, David Musoke, Pebalo Francis Pebolo . (2023) . Pre-exposure prophylaxis use among female sex workers in Gulu city, Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37693859/
Felix Bongomin, Pebalo Francis Pebolo, Winnie Kibone, Pamela Okwir Apio, Lauryn Nsenga, Jerom Okot, Grace Madraa, Fiona Gladys Laker, Martha Akello, Simple Ouma, David Musoke . (2023) . Dual contraceptive use and associated factors among female sex workers in Gulu City, Uganda in 2023 . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37587526/
Pamela Atim, Nelson Onira Alema, Denis Acullu, Johnson Nyeko Oloya, Steven Baguma, Christopher Okot, Denis Ochula, Patrick Odong Olwedo, Smart Godfrey Okot, Francis Pebalo Pebolo, Freddy Wathum Drinkwater Oyat, Eric Nzirakaindi Ikoona, Judith Aloyo & David Lagoro Kitara. . (2023) . Prevalence and Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Adult Population in Northern Uganda. A Cross-Sectional Study. London Journal of Medical and Health Research . Great Britain Journals Press Headquarters, 23(7). Britain: , pp. 1-22
Christopher Okot, Florence Laker, Pamela Okwir Apio, Grace Madraa, Winnie Kibone, Francis Pebalo Pebolo, Felix Bongomin . (2023) . Prevalence of Teenage Pregnancy and Associated Factors in Agago District, Uganda: A Community-Based Survey . Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, [online] Volume 14. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37577045/
Ayikoru J, Harriet A, Otim R, Pebalo PF . (2023) . Dynamics of the Twenty-First-Century Midwifery Practice
Kitara DL, Baguma S, Okot C, et al. . (2023) . Perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine among different adult age group populations in Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study . Journal of Global Health Reports, 7
Emmanuel, O., David, M., Johnson, N. O., Steven, B., Christopher, O., Nelson, O.A., Denis. A, Denish, O.O., Pamela, O. A., Patrick, O. O., Godfrey, S. O., Francis, P, P., Freddy, W. D. O., Eric, N. I., Judith, A., David, L. K. . (2023) . Prevalence and Factors Associated with Compliance With COVID-19 Presidential Lockdown Measures: A Cross-sectional study
. (2022) . Healthcare providers’ attitudes toward abortion service provision in Northern Uganda . International Journal of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
. (2022) . Update and trend in episiotomy practice. InCurrent Challenges in Childbirth . IntechOpen
Gwokyalya G, Pebolo FP . (2022) . Utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV positive women in Northern Uganda
Pebolo FP, Ajeani J, Kaye DK . (2020) . Episiotomy related morbidities measured using redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge and apposition scale and numerical pain scale among primiparous women in Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda . Pan African Medical Journal
Pebolo FP, Ajeani J, Kaye DK . (2019) . Prevalence and factors associated with episiotomy practice in Uganda . International Journal of Pregnancy & Childbirth, [online] Volume . Available at: https://ir.gu.ac.ug/items/e8a855a0-3934-4f19-94c9-fd788dbbc1e7/full
Pebolo FP, Anthony O . (2015) . Primary uterine perforation with TCu 380A intrauterine device: a case report
F P Pebalo, N M Kwikiriza, C Kiyita, T Mahaba, E Muwanga, A A Tinka, H T Robert, E Tuhairwe, E I Odongo-Aginya . (2012) . Risk Factors for Road Traffic Accidents in Gulu Municipality, Uganda . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26852445/
Pebolo FP, Kwikiriza NM, Kiyita C, et al . (2012) . Risk factors for road traffic accidents in Gulu Municipality, Uganda . East African Medical Journal, 89(10), pp. 45-350

Projects

Improving the Quality of Family Planning and Post Abortion Care Services at Gulu University Teaching Hospitals
    Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Principal Investigator
“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda
    Opee J - Principlal Investigator, Opiro K, Manano P, Sikoti M, Ayikoru J, Akello H, Laker FG, Wolters MK, Awor S, Pebolo FP, Bongomin F.
Utilization of modern contraceptives among female health care workers at Gulu university teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda
    Opiro K, Opee J - principal investigator, Sikoti M, Pebalo PF, Ayikoru JH, Akello H, Manano P, Bongomin F
Exploring the utilization of postabortion care services and related factors among women at a tertiary health facility in Gulu, Northern Uganda
    Jackline A, Opee J - Co-Principal Investigator, Bongomin F, Akello H, Atim SF, Pebolo PF
Improving Simulation Based Training at Gulu University
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Principal Investigator
Flipped Classroom in Postpartum Intrauterine Device (PPIUD) Training
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Principal Investigator
Improving Research Capacity for Gulu University and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Site Principal Investigator
Gulu University Sexual and Reproductive Health Resource Centre
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Project Lead / Principal Investigator
Safer Universities Project, Gulu University
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator and Peer Trainer
Using Reproductive Health Services to Screen for Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Post Conflict Northern Uganda
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Co Principal Investigator
Increasing Health Workers’ Involvement in Tutorship of Medical Students on Postpartum IUD Service Delivery
    Dr. Pebalo Francis Pebolo - Principal Investigator

Supervision

  1. Comparing Visual Estimation and Hematocrit Change in Assessment of Blood Loss among Women Undergoing Caesarean Delivery in a Tertiary Facility in Northern Uganda; MBChB Students: Robert Edilu, Aaron Sanvu, James Ecuut, Alban Odong,
  2. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression among Postnatal Women Attending St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor; B.Sc. Public Health Students: Assimwe Paul
  3. Teenage Pregnancy Proportion and Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes with Adult Pregnancy in Anaka General Hospital, Uganda; Student: Lapat Jolly Joe (MPH); Period: 2023–2024
  4. Pain Severity and Associated Factors among Post‑Caesarean Mothers in Adjumani Hospital, Uganda; Student: Akello Lucy Gen (MPH); Period: 2023–2024
  5. Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Mothers in Bardege Division, Gulu Municipality; Students: Luyiga Jovia Leticia, Muhwezi Alex, Mwondha Arthur, Natumanya Robert; Period: 2017–2019
  6. Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services and Associated Factors among HIV‑Positive Women Receiving Care at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital; Students: Ayebazibwe Ambrose, Gwokyalya Ginall Bagala, Nabanoba Shamirah M, Kinyera Cynthia; Period: 2017–2019
  7. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Use of Intra‑Uterine Devices among Women of Reproductive Age in Laroo Division, Gulu Municipality; Students: Mabuusi Brian, Byentaka Ben Alex, Musooko Milton; Period: 2019–2021
  8. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Uptake of Post‑Abortion Intra‑Uterine Devices among Women Receiving Care at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital; Students: Anying Janet, Didat Ahmed, Dramadri Alex; Period: 2019–2021
  9. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Puerperal Sepsis among Postpartum Women Receiving Care at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital; Students: Nuwamanya Primu, Ssenyonyi Rogers, Kuteesa Viola; Period: 2019–2021

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Use of Intra‑Uterine Devices among Women of Reproductive Age in Laroo Division, Gulu Municipality; Students: Mabuusi Brian, Byentaka Ben Alex, Musooko Milton; Period: 2019–2021

More Information

Key Projects (as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator)

  1. Improving Family Planning and Post-Abortion Care (2025–2027)
    • Funded by CIRHT-Global, USD 300,000
    • Established a model SRH clinic and improve improvement of SRH services in Gulu University Teaching Hospitals
  2. Simulation-Based Training at Gulu University
    • Funded by Sim for Life Africa/Mbarara University
    • In-kind support for team-based simulation training
  3. Flipped Classroom in PPIUD Training (2022–2023)
    • CIRHT–University of Michigan, USD 5,000
  4. Research Capacity Building (2022–2024)
    • CIRHT–University of Michigan, USD 390,000
    • Seed Grants awards to 28 Principal Investigators
  5. Gulu University SRH Resource Center (2021–2023)
    • CIRHT–Africa, USD 250,000
    • Establishment of Simulation Laboratory
    • Establishment of Lecture Production Studio
  6. Safer Universities Project (2019–2021)
    • Funded by UN-Women
  7. SGBV Screening via RH Services (2019)
    • British Foreign Commonwealth Office, GBP 10,000
  8. PPIUD Tutorship Training (2018–2019)
    • Funded by PSI Uganda, USD 10,000