Connect with us

General

Makerere Hospital now Reference Centre of Excellence for SMC

Published

on

It is a bright sunny afternoon on Tuesday, 11th December 2012 at the Makerere University Hospital and a few hours away from the official launch of the Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) services by the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Scott DeLisi. Under a semi-permanent structure at the back of the facility, a few young men and adult males are gathered and listening intently to a facilitator as she briefs them about SMC and post-surgery care. At the end of her delivery, she invites questions and is met with silence. The looks on their faces are a mixture of emotions, while the younger lot seems to still be digesting what they just heard; the older ones seem to be in awe of her boldness and candid delivery.

This is the first stage of the SMC service conducted under a newly constructed iron-roof structure, recently erected to cater for the increased demand for SMC in the Makerere community. Prior to this, the handful of participants had to make use of a tent, as the service was yet to be fully embraced by the community. However, thanks to the social marketing strategy model, where the circumcised shared their experience and referred their colleagues to the University Hospital, the numbers have swelled to over 60 surgical operations a day!

All this has been made possible thanks to the Makerere University HospitalMakerere University Joint AIDS Programme (MJAP) partnership, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), with technical support from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). PEPFAR has directly supported over 450,000 circumcisions since April 2010 and increased investment in SMC in Uganda from over $1.6 million in 2009 to over $31 million in 2012.

In his address, the U.S. Ambassador graciously accepted the thanks from Makerere University, MJAP, Ministry of Health, Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) but strongly rallied stakeholders to each play their part in the fight against the spread of HIV. “Success in saving lives depends upon all of us—ambassadors, government ministers, health care workers, students, young and old alike—playing our part and sharing in the responsibility we each shoulder,” said Ambassador DeLisi. “As President Museveni has correctly said, circumcision does not make us metal.  Nor does it mean we can be sexually irresponsible with no worries about the consequences,” he added.

Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, The Dean of Students who represented Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at the occasion commended the U.S. Government for helping Makerere achieve a multi-pronged approach in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He further noted that thanks to this support, the University Hospital had etched its mark on the SMC service delivery in Uganda. “The program has also trained and built 15 high performance circumcision teams that are able to circumcise over 20 clients per day per team,” he said.  “These teams have spread out all over the country, a feat that has transformed the hospital into a reference centre of excellence for SMC,” added Mr. Kabagambe.

Following the launch of SMC services at the University Hospital, patients are now able to get linked to other services at this facility, or at the MJAP-supported treatment site at Mulago Hospital, and elsewhere, based on their preference.

Please see attachments for full speeches

 

Related Article

Makerere University Joint AIDS Programme and University Hospital in Joint Safe Male Circumcision Service Delivery

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

Published

on

Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

General

Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

Published

on

One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

Published

on

Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending