The pioneer One Health Residency Program in Africa has successfully been completed at Makerere University under the auspices of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The former residents comprising 2 Veterinarians; Dr. David Muwanguzi, Dr. Shamilah Namusisi, and one nurse, Ms. Jacinta Waila (in absentia) received their postgraduate certificates of completion during a ceremony held in Kampala on 1st April 2015. Following a rigorous and highly competitive interview process, the residents were selected in 2012 to undergo this 2-year unique residency, the first of its kind in Africa.
Hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the One Health Residency was modelled along the lines of a Veterinary Public Health Residency Program offered by the University of Minnesota, where a team from CoVAB travelled to receive first-hand experience on how to run the program at Makerere. However, the program was upgraded to a One Health Residency to accommodate not just veterinarians, but other professionals in the health sector.
Recruits on the One Health Residency program are mentored to become One Health practitioners through applied, problem-based training. The program targets a combination of early- to mid-career health professionals such as Veterinarians, Nurses, Public Health specialists and Medical Doctors to work as a team while applying general knowledge towards complex health challenges. They are expected to participate in One Health projects comprising “practice” or “clinical” component in industry, government agencies, intergovernmental agencies and university faculty. The residents are also required to get a service component of 75%, working with the private sector, public sector & academia on competency based projects and an optional 25% towards an advanced degree for those who need academic growth. All the 3 residents enrolled for a Masters’ degree and are currently in the process of completing them. Dr. Namusisi and Ms. Waila enrolled for a Masters in Public Health while Dr. Muwanguzi, opted for a Masters in Infectious Diseases Management at Makerere University.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Shamila Namusisi said that the residency program was a turning point in her life. “I needed something fresh to rejuvenate myself to go back to communities and the Residency Program did it for me. Not only has my thinking and approach to issues changed,butI have also made a lot of connections, acquired skills and stepped beyond my comfort zone”, Dr. Namusisi noted.
Both Dr. Namusisi and Dr. Muwanguzi appealed to OHCEA to give an opportunity to as many professionals as possible to undergo this unique program, which according to them, is different from the one-way education system that is offered to students at University.
Prof. Francis Ejobi, the in-charge of the program at CoVAB explained that since this was the pioneer program, a lot of challenges were met but at the same time, a lot was learnt and that enough experience was therefore gained to make the next phase even better. “We hope to attract more residents and are looking into alternative funding for the second phase of this project,” he said.
The program Manager OHCEA Uganda, Dr. Geoffrey Kabagambe congratulated the residents upon the successful completion of the residency program. He encouraged them to document their experiences for purposes of promoting acceptability and understanding of the program within the University and beyond.
Dr. innocent Rwego, the representative from the University of Minnesota noted that his university was still interested and committed to supporting the residency program. He was also happy to note that unlike in 2010 when the University of Minnesota first approached CoVAB, the residency program has gained a little more acceptance and understanding within the College.
Dr. Kabagambe expressed optimism that under the new One Health Task force project, there is hope for further funding of the One Health residency program, which he said should be evaluated and findings used to assess its impact.
The Deputy Principal CoVAB praised the One Health Residency Program for producing well rounded professionals with a lot of skills that undergraduate students at the University usually lack at the time of graduation.She urged the former residents to be available when called upon in regard to propelling this program further since it has immense potential to contribute to Makerere University’s internationalization agenda.
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.