[1] Negesa has an XY disorder of sex development and a natural testosterone level in the male range.

Under rules set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), she had to reduce her testosterone levels in order to compete in the women's category.

[2][3][4] The inadequate medical aftercare and physical and mental damage resulting from the surgery effectively ended her career.

She returned to the track at the 2017 Ugandan Championships but completed the 1500 metres in 5:06.18 – nearly a minute below her best and a time which ranked her as a club level runner rather than an elite athlete.

[5][6] While the IAAF denied recommending or paying for the surgery, Negesa's case fueled controversy over the treatment of athletes with differences in sex development.