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MakSPH-CDC Mark 12years of Mentoring Public Health Leaders

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The School of Public Health (MakSPH), College of Health Sciences, Makerere University together with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the MakSPH-CDC fellowship program organized the Fellowship@12 and grand dissemination workshop to celebrate 12 years of great service to the nation in the area of capacity building for health leadership and management in Uganda.

The workshop held on 17th December 2014 at Silver Springs Hotel, Kampala was also aimed at disseminating the findings of 13 fellows from the 2013/14 intake.
According to the acting Dean, School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach, the MakSPH-CDC fellowship program as the oldest and largest capacity building program at the school, has yielded tremendous results in terms of the number of individuals trained and their impact on the Ugandan health sector.

“Individuals who have gone through this program have been able to acquire leadership and management skills in various areas of public health. This has not only credited Makerere University as a training institution but also added value more value to the health and education sectors in Uganda,” he said.

Supported and funded by the US Government, the MakSPH-CDC Fellowship program was initiated in 2002 to develop health leadership and management capacity in Uganda. The program of offers various training sessions including the long and medium term fellowships, short courses and technical placements which all avail students with management and leadership skills in the public health sector.

At the function 13 fellow graduates shared experience, skills and knowledge they attained in social marketing, behavioral change communication, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation programs and communication strategy in public health, for the two years they have been under training. The MakSPH-CDC Fellowship program presented three awards to i) the Most Outstanding Fellow 2013-14, Ms. Joan Kabayambi-attached to the Center for Health, Human Rights & Development (CEHURD), ii) the Best Academic Mentor, Dr. Frank Kaharuza and iii) the Best Host Institution, Jinja District. The 13 graduating fellows of the year 2013-14 were also awarded certificates in recognition of their respective achievements.

In his speech the Makerere University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, acknowledged the tremendous support from US Government to this program, “I would like to thank the US Government, which has generously supported the Makerere University School of Public Health-CDC fellowship program, for the last 12 years.”

“Through this support we have not only trained over 300 young fellows who have made a great contribution to health sector in the country but also led to the re-establishment and expansion of the field training,” the Prof. Kagonyera added

The US Ambassador to Uganda His Excellency Scott DeLisi, congratulated the fellowship partner members for the visible and wonderful achievements accomplished during the program. The Ambassador therefore urged the fellows to utilize the skills they attained during the training to develop the community.

“Despite your personal successes, however, the challenge of developing Uganda’s human capital more broadly is daunting and will require your committed and focused leadership to make a difference in the years ahead,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador DeLisi outlined population growth, education and delivery of health services as important variables affecting human capital development in Uganda. He noted that an additional 200million dollars would be needed to fund the Government’s 90-90-90 HIV goal urged Ugandans to think of creative ways to fund this ambitious target. The Government of Uganda’s 90-90-90 goal envisages that by the year 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their status; 90% of all people diagnosed cases will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

In his remarks, the Associate Director for Communications at CDC Uganda and Acting Country Director, Mr. Erik Friedley applauded Makerere University School of Public Health for the doubled efforts in controlling health threats from infectious diseases in the country and the world at large.

“What you have done in shaping the country’s education and health future is typically important, besides the many challenges. You have indeed made new strides in the development of your community,” he said.

Honourable Victoria Sekitoleko is a former Minister of Agriculture in the Ugandan Government and former representative for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in China, Mongolia, and South Korea. In her motivational talk to the audience; Seizing Opportunities and Living a Life that matters, she shared that the only way to deal with one’s challenges is to turn them into opportunities. She encouraged the day’s graduates to take advantage of their training as leaders to fight against the inferiority complex which limit individuals from attaining their goals.

“Wherever you are, whichever way life treats you, insist on being leaders. I have been seeing all your articles in the newspapers so please do not stop writing. Family is very important so those of you intending to get into academic writing or research should learn how to optimally balance your time,” Hon. Sekitoleko advised.

The 13 Mak-SPH fellows for 2013-14 and their respective host institutions were; Daniel Mwanja-Mumpe-National Tuberculosis & Leprosy Program; Francis Lwanga-The AIDS Support Organisation; Joan Kabayambi-Center for Health, Human Rights & Development; Michael Kasusse-Central Public Health Laboratories; Sharon Nakanwagi-Reach Out Mbuya; Sharon Ahumuza-AIDS Information Center; Elizabeth Asiimwe-Jinja District; Vincent Kiberu-Ministry of Health Resource Centre; David Roger Walugembe-Knowledge Translation Network, MakSPH; Michael Owor-Baylor Uganda; Anne Nabukenya-Mildmay Uganda; Stephen Alege-Uganda Health Marketing Group; and Rosette Mugumya-Ministry of Health STD/AIDS Control Programme.

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office

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Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit

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Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga (4th Right), Hon. Balaam Barugahara (4th Left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Rear: 3rd Left), and Mr. George Turyamureeba (3rd Right) with Members of Management and stakeholders at the First Ever Alumni CEOs Summit on 2nd September 2025. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.

The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.

Government Endorsement and Call to Action

The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.

Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:

  • “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
  • “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
  • “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
  • “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
  • “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:

  1. From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
  2. Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
  3. Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
  4. Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
  5. Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.

She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.

The Minister’s Reflection

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.

He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.

Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined

Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential

Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.

He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Convocation’s Strategic Role

MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

CPA George Turyamureeba. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba.

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began

In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.

He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:

  • The past to the future,
  • Business and industry to academia, and
  • Learning to market needs.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa.

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework

The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.

Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.

Proceedings

The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right). Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right).

The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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