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Mak-UZH symposium tackles One-health from different perspectives

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Makerere University and the University of Zurich (UZH) held a two-day health-focused symposium aimed at strengthening the existing collaborations and paving way for new research partnerships.

The symposium which ran from 7th to 8th July 2014 brought together faculty, research teams and scholars from the University of Zurich, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to share ideas and knowledge premised on the theme, One health from different perspectives.

The symposium was held in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere and the University of Zurich in 2008, as a foundation for the North-South cooperation, which promotes exchange of knowledge and mutual intercultural learning through supporting sustainably well-conceived research projects, teaching and institutional capacity development.

Opening the symposium on 7th July 2014, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang reported that, as a result of MAK-UZH partnership, there are a number of active collaborations between both institutions.  These include partnership with: The College of Health Sciences/Infectious Diseases Institute; the SOUTH study that is currently implemented in partnership with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI); Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB); and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication and Department of Philosophy both under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).

“Convening here today represents a great commitment from both institutions, and I would like to urge the two partners to maintain their mutual collaboration, for the future academic excellence,” remarked Dr. Okello Ogwang, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University. He also encouraged the participants to use the symposium to explore and facilitate new research collaborations.

Recounting the formative stages of the partnership, the Principal College of Health Sciences Professor Nelson Sewankambo, then Dean, Faculty of Medicine, expressed his pleasure at having been part of the team that visited UZH, and successfully negotiated the terms that culminated into the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding in 2008. “I am therefore delighted to be part of this health-focused symposium today, as both institutions seek to strengthen the existing collaboration, and dialogue on the possibility of widening the partnership to encompass other academic disciplines,” he remarked.

Professor Sewakambo, also re-echoed to all partners and participants attending the symposium in the Makerere University Main Hall the need to uphold the clause on mutually beneficial engagements as this collaboration continues to grow.

Dr. Daniel Wyler, Vice President, University of Zurich (UZH) appreciated the partnership with Makerere University and reiterated, UZH’s support to research backed by the mutually beneficial activities as sealed by the MoU.

“I am really sure that this time, taking part in health issues affecting humans like the infectious disease is more important. Therefore I would like to encourage all researchers in both universities to engage in different research on both the environment and humans in a bid to reduce the rate transmission of infectious diseases in our countries,” he said.

The Executive Director, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), CHS, Makerere University Dr. Alex Coutinho highlighted that the symposium offered a great learning platform to science researchers in all health disciplines and expressed his belief that after the two days, participants and delegates alike would have acquired more knowledge.

Giving the day’s keynote address, Professor John David Kabasa, the Principal, CoVAB emphasized that the term health refers to the total wellbeing of the individual and appealed to participants to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to research and problems affecting humanity and society in general. With reference to Makerere’s ten year strategic plan, which stipulates the need for the University to reposition herself to meet emerging development challenges, Professor Kabasa encouraged academicians, scholars and participants in the symposium to embrace the paradigm shift from the ivory tower mentality to one of knowledge transfer partnerships with the community. He further encouraged the audience to align their collaborative activities in, teaching and learning, research and innovations to those of a development-focused university.

The audience which had for the entire duration of morning sessions been captivated by the well-researched presentations on ideology, cause and implications of infectious diseases then had the chance to engage the panelists in a lively academic debate. Professor John David Kabasa, Prof. Dr. Paul Torgeson, Head of Epidemiology at the Vetsuisse Faculty, UZH and Dr. Taurai Tasara, Head of the Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, UZH made up the panel that took on a broad range of questions from the eager audience.

The 7th July 2014 symposium programme climaxed with site visits to the Makerere University College of Health Sciencess, the Infectious Diseases Institute, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity.  The afternoon site visits, were aimed at sharing discipline-specific knowledge cognizant of the expectations of respective units.

At the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Dr. Clovice Kankya guided the participants on a tour of the teaching and research facilities such as the Small Animal Clinic, One-Health residency office, Avian Influenza laboratory among other facilities.

Article by:   Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.

While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.

“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.

In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.

I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.

Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.

She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.

“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

Mak Editor

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