General
Mak wins sub-Saharan Africa Ebola Grand Challenge Design Award
The ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) and School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University are set to design the next generation ergonomic tent to support humanitarian service delivery.
RAN’s (www.ranlab.org) proposed solution is a redesigned Ebola treatment tent that aims to substantially change the working environment for health care workers through its ergonomic design which allows for a significant increase in airflow and decrease in ambient temperatures in hot climatic conditions.
Prof. William Bazeyo and Dr. Roy William Mayega from School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), will lead a team of students and faculty teamed up with those from the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) to design the next generation tent to support humanitarian service delivery. The redesigned tent keeps the favorable features of current designs (simplicity, cheapness and structural safety) while re-imagining and re-engineering the mechanisms for heat and air exchange within, through integration of a convectional currents mechanism and porous walls. The change in ambient environment will have three major advantages over the current ones namely; improved patient management by reducing the heat stress faced by healthcare workers wearing heavy PPE materials, improved comfort for the patients and amenability to ‘plug-in’ accessories to support human-led service delivery, or “portable hospitals.”
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development in partnership with the White House Office of Science and Technology, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense to help health care workers provide better care and contain this devastating virus.In just two months, innovators from around the world submitted over 1,500 ideas focused on helping frontline health care workers to provide better, more timely care and to contain this devastating virus. Through a collaborative and rigorous expert review, the Fighting Ebola Grand Challenge Team has identified a dozen additional innovations that address existing gaps in the current Ebola response. In all a total of 15 innovations have been nominated for award to date.
These innovations can be employed rapidly to address the current Ebola response and better prepare for future outbreaks. The award nominees can be classified in several categories: 1) cutting edge tools for advanced patient care; 2) reimagining the health care setting to enhance care, increase access, and improve worker safety; 3) improving the safety of health care workers: suits and protective layers; 4) improving the safety of health care workers: decontaminates; 5) changing behaviour to eliminate Ebola; and 6) information communication technology solutions.
The primary objective is to get improved solutions into the field as quickly as possible. To ensure that this happens, the Fighting Ebola Grand Challenge Team is working to put in place clear and rigorous pathways to rapidly test and deploy the best ideas.
Frontline healthcare workers involved in management of suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in humid sub-tropical, tropical, and equatorial climates work under very stressful conditions characterized by extreme heat and humidity predisposing them to heat stress and its associated complications. These extreme environmental conditions also affect quality of care for patients. Health care workers cannot spend more than a couple of hours dressed in the full-body Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) because of the extreme heat and discomfort. This lessens patient care contact time yet much of the treatment for Ebola should be supportive. The frequent but short work-rest schedules put them at risk of infection. This is because they are more likely to make procedural errors as they move back and forth into contaminated and non-contaminated zones. Patients too have to endure the same conditions. The extremely hot environment in their isolation wards exacerbates their risk of electrolyte imbalances due to excessive perspiration, yet Ebola patients are already at a higher risk of physiological and bio-chemical imbalances. Countries affected by Ebola are located in sub-Saharan Africa along the Equator, with very hot and humid climates.
Please follow the links below for additional information;
http://www.ebolagrandchallenge.net/reimagined-ebola-treatment-units
“Solutions through Innovation”
Article by Harriet Adong, ResilientAfrica Network
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.
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/
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.
“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.
“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
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