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Mak wins sub-Saharan Africa Ebola Grand Challenge Design Award

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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.”

Structural view of the redesigned Ebola treatment tent by School of Public Health, CHS and CEDAT that aims to substantially change the working environment for health care workers, February 2015, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

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.  

External view of the redesigned Ebola treatment tent by School of Public Health, CHS and CEDAT that aims to substantially change the working environment for health care workers, February 2015, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

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

http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/feb-11-2015-united-states-announces-additional-results-grand-challenge-fight-ebola

“Solutions through Innovation”

Article by Harriet Adong, ResilientAfrica Network

 

Mark Wamai

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Extension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027

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A mid-morning shot of the Senate Building as seen from the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. Date taken: 18th May 2023. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Private and Government Sponsorship for the 2026/2027 Academic Year that the deadline has been extended from 27th February, 2026 to Friday 13th March, 2026.

Applicants who have already applied need not apply.

For any additional information, refer to Announcements and requirements for Diploma/Degree holders Entry Scheme for Undergraduate programmes for 2026/2027 Academic Year, click the links below.

Privately Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/advert-admissions-for-diploma-degree-holders-under-private-sponsorship-2026-27/

Government Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/call-for-applications-diploma-holders-under-government-sponsorship-2026-2027/

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Advert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

EITHER

Hold at least a Second Class/Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma or otherwise as specified in the Diploma Holders’ requirements from a recognised chartered institution, relevant to the programme applied for. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online. 

OR

Be a Graduate from a RECOGNISED CHARTERED UNIVERSITY. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photography MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

 Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website

Diploma Holder applicants who hold class three (3) diploma certificates or Pass Diplomas are not eligible for admission and therefore should not apply, except where stated in the Diploma Holders requirements. 

HOW TO APPLY                                                    

Applications shall be submitted online using the ACMIS system for all applicants. Diploma/degree holders and internationals will have to submit certified copies of their transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315, Level 3, Senate Building after submitting the application online and payment of application fees.                          

Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide                          

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY WITH EFFECT FROM 5th JANUARY, 2026.  

A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF SHS.55,000/= FOR UGANDAN AND EAST AFRICAN APPLICANTS OR $76.5 OR EQUIVALENT FOR INTERNATIONALS, (UGX.286,250=) PLUS BANK CHARGEs SHOULD BE PAID IN ANY OF THE BANKS USED BY UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA)                                           

CANDIDATES WHO HOLD GRADES X, Y, Z, 7 AND 9 OF ‘O’LEVEL RESULTS SHOULD NOT APPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.     

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE                                                

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

  • Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile Number.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.  If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 611 with a deed poll and gazette supporting the name change.                                       
  • A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.                                         
  • The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.             
  • To fill a form (all form sections must be filled)the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
  • Obtain a pay reference nunber(PRN)  after submitting the application.
  • Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                        

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

1.   Dial *272*6# on MTN or Airtel                             

2.   Select option 3-Admission                                     

3.   Select option 3 Pay Fees                          

4.  Enter reference number obtained from Application portal                                      

5.  Details of Application form will be confirmed                                

6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                              

The closing date for receiving applications was extended to Friday 13th March, 2026.

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Call for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Diploma Holders only for admission under the Government Sponsorship Scheme (not exceeding 5% of the intake capacity) to the University Degree Programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic year listed in the document attached below.

  • Each applicant should possess at least a Credit or Second Class or equivalent Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised Institution plus a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 Passes (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least One Principal Pass and Two Subsidiary Passes obtained at the same sitting (or its equivalent).
  • A non refundable application fee of Shs.55,000/ = (Fifty five thousand shillings only) excluding bank charges using an ACMIS Pay Reference Number should be paid to any bank used by URA before submitting a system generated application form to the Admissions Office, Room 315 Level 3, in the Senate Building, Makerere University.
  • Certified copies of Diploma Transcripts (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions must be attached to the application forms. Incomplete application forms shall not be processed.
  • Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide
  • N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions.
  • Each applicant should also attach a copy of the Birth Certificate to the application form.

The closing date for returning the system generated application forms and certified copies of the academic documents to the University was extended to Friday 13th March, 2026.

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