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The dawn of a new era of Pharmacy training at Makerere 

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Magnificently perched on Cassia Hill Road, Makerere University, it catches your eye instantly with its 21st century modern architectural look.

Magnificently perched on Cassia Hill Road, Makerere University, it catches your eye instantly with its 21st century modern architectural look.

The Magnificent Pharmacy Building, Makerere UniversityHer Excellency the Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy Nathalia Feinberg on Tuesday 23rd November 2010 handed over this new Pharmacy Building to Makerere University. This additional infrastructure will enable Makerere increase the number of pharmacy graduates to 320, a dream come true for the department that has only been able to house 10 students annually.

This state of the art structure is also living evidence of the strong relationship between the Government of Uganda and the Government of Denmark and the great support the Government of Denmark has shared with the Uganda and Makerere University, contributing to the development in the Health Education Sector of this country.
Dr. Isaac Okullo-Dean, School of Health Sciences(L) conducts Mrs. Oteba Neville (2nd L) and Amb Nathalia Feinberg on a tour of the building
In 2005, the Government of Uganda obtained funding from DANIDA – Government of Denmark, under the funding framework of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Uganda Health Sector Programme Support Phase III. Part of the support, valued at DKK 15million (approx. 2.8million USD) was earmarked to support the Pharmaceutical Human Resource Management for the Health Sector. It is this support that has brought the Pharmacy building to life, as a foundation for improvement of the capacity to train pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the country.

Prof. Richard Adome Odoi, Department of PharmacyAfter a worthwhile tour of the breathtaking building, the founder and father of the Pharmacy Department, Head Prof. Richard Adome Odoi highlighted that this was a great accomplishment of what started as far back as 1988.
“Makerere University started the Pharmacy Department in 1988 after realizing that the Health cadres in pharmacy were very deficient in the country,” said Prof. Odoi.

In this country, there are currently 390 registered pharmacists and the ratio to population is 1: 82000. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of 1:2000. Prof. Odoi, in his remarks confidently highlighted that this building will go a long way in training more pharmacists so as to bring the current ratio closer to WHO standards.
Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, Principal College of Health Sciences
Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, the Principal, College of Health Sciences noted with enthusiasm that this was a stepping stone for the department of Pharmacy to grow into a school of its own. He further challenged the department to not only work closely with other academic programmes but also to extend its collaboration to the lower cadres of training so as to reach the farthest places of this country.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza not only thanked the Danish Ambassador for the Danish Government’s generous support. She assured Her Excellency that the infrastructure would boost the Department of Pharmacy further in increasing the Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza makes her remarks at the handoversupply of pharmaceutical Human Resource so as to support other universities such as Mbarara University and Kampala International University in Bushenyi, which have set up pharmacy departments, and Gulu University which is yet to set up a pharmacy department.

What is important and significant to note is that the pharmaceutical sector takes up over 45% of the Health Budget annually in Uganda. It is therefore not surprising at all that the Government of Uganda pays significant attention to these health cadres who are necessary to effectively manage the pharmaceutical sector.

Mrs. Oteba Neville, Ministry of Health representativeRepresenting the Minister of Health, Mrs. Oteba Neville confessed that Uganda faces a very low supply of the Human Resource in this sector. “With the establishment of this building, it is my hope that there will be an increase in the number of pharmacists trained in the country, which will play a significant role in increasing the established positions in government pharmaceutical health units by the Government of Uganda.” Mrs. Oteba said.

In a calm and sophisticated manner, the Danish Ambassador Nathalia Feinberg remarked that in as much as Uganda has made a great progress towards fulfilling most of the Millennium Development goals, there is still a challenge in maternal and infant mortality rates and many others.

H.E. Amb Nathalia Feinberg makes her remarks at the handover“Human resource development has been one of the core components of Denmark’s support to the health sector in Uganda for over two decades with the hope that this will go a long way in fulfilling the millennium development goals and the health sector,” highlighted the Ambassador H.E. Feinberg further noted that as long as there was a lack of pharmacists and technicians, the health sector goal of ensuring the availability of adequate essential medicines and health supplies required for delivery of national minimum health care package would not be met.

The Ambassador concluded by confessing that the Danish Government has been working hard to ensure that there are quality and affordable medicines in the Ugandan health sector. This has been done through strengthening the Uganda National Medical Stores’ capacity to procure, store and distribute medicines, alongside initiatives like the construction of the Pharmacy building, to ensure that there is more appropriate manpower to support these efforts.

MDD students entertain guests at the function“I hope we are going to see more pharmacists being trained now that this structure is in place.” Ambassador Feinberg remarked.

Downloads 

Ambassador Nathalia Feinberg's speech MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version

Minister of Health Remarks at Handover Ceremony MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version

VC Remarks at Handover ceremony MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

Denis Wamala

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

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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

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

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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

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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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

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