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Cardiothoracic experts to help establish Mulago open heart surgery unit
A team of five Egyptian experts from the University of Suez Canal, Egypt were recently in the country to discuss issues regarding collaboration in Cardiothoracic surgery with the College of Health Sciences , Makerere University.
A team of five Egyptian experts from the University of Suez Canal, Egypt were recently in the country to discuss issues regarding collaboration in Cardiothoracic surgery with the College of Health Sciences , Makerere University.
The team led by Prof M. El-Badawi and Dr. Ibingira Charles, Dean, School of Biomedical sciences paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba in his office on Friday 29th 2010, whereupon the team revealed that they had already visited Kenya and Ethiopia on a similar mission.
The team headed by Prof. M. Morsi Amin, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery revealed that these visits were aimed at assessing the manpower and infrastructure in the respective countries, before deciding on which city they would chose to start with. He disclosed that so far, some Doctors had been picked from Ethiopia and Kenya and they were already undergoing training in Egypt. This he hoped would help brighten the future of cardiothoracic departments in Ethiopia and at Moi University Kenya, and hoped to extend the collaboration to Makerere in Uganda, but are expected to first hold talks with the Ministry of Health as well as Mulago Hospital.
In the case of Uganda, and College of Health Sciences/Mulago Referral Hospital in particular, the team proposed to the facilitate training of Staff interested in the field of open heart surgery, in two ways; Sending their teams of experts to conduct training in Kampala, as they participate in open heart surgery at the College/ Mulago Hospital and Training Ugandan teams in Egypt. In addition they promised to offer open heart surgery to some patients who are currently in need in Egypt.
The experts also proposed to facilitate the establishment functionality of an open heart surgery unit at Mulago Hospital. To achieve this, the team will assess the needs at the College/Mulago Hospital regarding teaching, research and equipment during their visit and see how they can intervene. All the collaboration will be preceded by Agreements with the concerned units.
Prof. Baryamureeba thanked the team for their kind gesture and revealed that their visit had coincided with the Government’s plans to forge relations with partners in the health field. With the establishment of an open heart surgery unit as the eventual goal, he pledged the commitment of Makerere University to further collaborations with the University of Suez Canal, which partnership would eventually benefit all Ugandans.
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
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