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CARTA – Call for PhD Applications, 2016/2017

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10 years ago

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Makerere University, Main Building in the background.

Background

The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is an initiative of nine African universities, four African research institutes, and select northern partners. CARTA offers an innovative model for doctoral training in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen the capacity of participating institutions to conduct and lead internationally-competitive research.

The multi-disciplinary CARTA program is open to staff of participating institutions who are interested in conducting their PhD research on topics relevant to the broad fields of public and population health. We welcome applications from any discipline, such as public health, demography, anthropology, communication, and economics, among others, as long as the research question aims to contribute to public and population health issues in Africa.

Over the medium-term, CARTA aims to produce a critical mass of high-quality graduates trained to address the complex issues surrounding health and development in Africa, retain them in the region, and provide them with a vibrant intellectual environment, as well as viable and challenging research and growth opportunities. CARTA aims to achieve reforms in higher education by:

1. Assisting universities to develop enriching and vibrant academic and research environments; and

2. Supporting promising African scholars who teach at affiliated universities to obtain high-quality doctoral training in public and population health-related fields.

CARTA is currently offering a collaborative doctoral training program in public and population health. This program has been developed in response to the great challenges faced by Africa’s institutions of higher education in addressing the training and retention of the next generation of academics in the region. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Specifically, CARTA seeks to fund candidates who will be future leaders in their institutions; that is, young, capable, and committed individuals who, in time, will ensure that their universities will be the institutions of choice for future generations of academics and university administrators wishing to make a positive impact on public and population health in Africa.

Successful applicants will attend CARTA’s innovative series of Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS) for cohorts of doctoral students admitted and registered in the participating African universities.

Both the development and delivery of these courses are jointly-led by regional and international experts. The seminars consist of didactic sessions, discussions, demonstrations, and practice labs. These activities collectively serve to:

1. Expose students to key theories and concepts, seminal readings, and research methods of disciplines relevant to public and population health;

2. Train students in critical research skills; and

3. Build and maintain a network of researchers for scientific collaborations, professional support, and mutually beneficial exchange of scientific resources.

The advanced seminars are offered once annually for four years to each cohort and build skills and conceptual depth from year to year. Each JAS runs for 3 to 4 weeks. Specific topics covered in each JAS include the following:

  •  JAS-1 builds critical thinking, technical skills, and other core research competencies, and introduce students to the essential concepts and seminal articles of the disciplines brought together under CARTA
  •  JAS-2 focuses on data management and analysis. Fellows learn to use software packages for qualitative and quantitative data management and analyses. Practice sessions use real research data and current software packages for hands-on training
  • JAS-3 focuses on data presentation, the doctoral dissertation, and scientific writing and communication skills to facilitate results dissemination and policy engagement
  •  JAS-4 addresses professional development including skills necessary to manage and teach large class sizes, raise and manage research funds, grant writing and research management. JAS-4 is also designed to serve as an opportunity for senior fellows to practice mentoring of junior fellows through discussions and laboratory sessions, software training, and general information sharing.

During the 2016/2017 academic year, the CARTA program is planning to offer up to 25 PhD fellowships. The Fellowship, which is tenable at one of the participating African universities, includes the cost of fellows’ participation in the advanced seminars; a modest monthly stipend; small grants for research activities; a laptop loaded with relevant software; funds for travel to conferences, as well as costs for participating in joint program activities. The fellowship runs for a maximum of four years. Fellowships cover tuition fees, medical insurance, and other university fees in special circumstances only. Partner institutions have committed to continue paying Fellows’ salaries (or equivalent) and to modify workloads for the fellows to enable them to fully participate in CARTA organized activities pertaining to their PhD program and also to concentrate on their PhD studies. Fellows are encouraged to seek supplemental funding to cover additional costs of their doctoral program.

Participating African Universities

  • Makerere University, Uganda.
  • Moi University, Kenya.
  • Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
  • University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
  • University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
  • University of Malawi, Malawi.
  • University of Nairobi, Kenya.
  • University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
  • University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Participating Research Institutes

  • African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya.
  • Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa.
  • Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania
  • KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya.

Northern Partners

  • Brown University, USA.
  • Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR), Canada.
  • Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Switzerland.
  • Umeå University, Sweden.
  • University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • University of Warwick, UK.

Eligibility

  • A Masters degree in a relevant field.
  • Prior admission into a PhD program is not required for application but awards are contingent on such admission being obtained at one of the participating African universities.
  • Applicants for this program must be teaching or research staff at one of the participating African institutions and should be committed to contributing towards building capacity at their institutions.
  • Applicants’ PhD research proposal must be related to public and population health.
  • Fellowships are only open to people who have not yet registered for a PhD or are in the very early stages (first year) of the PhD program.
  • Applicants must commit to participation in all four annual residential Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes), and to engage in inter-seminar activities designed to keep fellows actively engaged and in continual communication with peers and mentors.
  • Male applicants must be under the age of 40 years and female applicants under the age 45 years.

Application Procedure

  1. Contact the CARTA focal person) at your institution to discuss your interest and obtain application materials. Application forms may also be downloaded from the CARTA website (www.cartafrica.org)
  2. Submit your application to the local CARTA committee in your institution (also email a copy of all application materials to (carta@aphrc.org ), which will conduct the initial screening process and submit successful applications to the CARTA secretariat. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2016.
  3. If successful at the university selection level, the CARTA secretariat will inform and contact you to proceed to the next level
  4. Successful applicants at the university selection level will be expected to:
  5. ​ Complete an online-based pre-JAS, Part I tasks
  6. A competency course (June 5, 2016 – July 5, 2016)
  7. Send a full application to the CARTA secretariat. The deadline for submission of the full application is July 5, 2016.

5.​ Final fellowship decision, which is independent of the university application, will be communicated by CARTA secretariat by November 1, 2016. 

The Application Form can be accessed from the link below.

CARTA Focal Persons

1. Makerere University, Uganda

Prof. Anne Katahoire

Director, Child Health and Development Centre
Faculty of Medicine
Makerere University
P.O. Box 6717, Kampala, UGANDA
Tel: +256 414 541684/530325
Email: annekatahoire@yahoo.co.uk

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UGANDA Tel: +256-414-530983 Cell: +256-774515366 Fax: +256-414-533809 Email: buyinza@rgt.mak.ac.ug; buyinza@forest.mak.ac.ug

2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Prof. Anthony Aluko Mabayoje

Department of Sociology & Anthropology Faculty of Social Sciences Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA Tel: +234 8 054 854 861 Email: niyialuko@oauife.edu.ng, maoaluko@yahoo.com   Prof. Peju Esimai College of Health Sciences Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA Tel: + 2348037211457 pejuesimayi@yahoo.com

3. Moi University, Kenya

Prof. Anne Nangulu Director, Quality Assurance Moi University P.O. Box 3900 30100 Eldoret, KENYA Tel: +254 53 43093 (office) Mobile: +254 733 870 502 Email: anangulu@yahoo.com; deanarts@mu.ac.ke

 

4. University of Ibadan, Nigeria

 

Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun College of Medicine University of Ibadan, NIGERIA Tel: + 234 803 323 0457 Email: omigbodun@yahoo.com; omigbodun@gmail.com   Dr. Funke Fayehun Department of Sociology University of Ibadan, NIGERIA Tel: + 234 803 323 0457 Email: cl_funke@yahoo.com

5. University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Dr. Pierre Claver Rutayisire

College of Business and Economics University of Rwanda Huye-campus BP 117, Butare, RWANDA Tel: +250788864744 Email: p.c.rutayisire@ur.ac.rw ; rutayisirepc@gmail.com   Dr. Egide Ntangungira Kayonga College of Medicine and Health Sciences Po. Box: 3286 Kigali, RWANDA Email: entagungira@ur.ac.rw

6. University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Prof. Esther W. Dungumaro Director of International Relations University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35091 Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA Tel: +255 757 753396 Email: edungumaro@udsm.ac.tz; dungumaro@gmail.com

 

Dr. Lucy Namkinga Molecular Biology & Biotech Department University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35091 Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA Email: odulajalucy@yahoo.com

7. University of Malawi, Malawi

Prof. Kamija Phiri College of Medicine University of Malawi Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, MALAWI +265 999957048 Email: kamijaphiri@gmail.com   Prof. Adamson S. Muula Department of Community Health College of Medicine University of Malawi Private Bag 360,Blantyre 3, MALAWI Tel: +265 884 233 486 Email: amuula@medcol.mw

8.University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Jude Igumbor

Senior Lecturer, PhD program Wits School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 72 791 59 27 Email: Jude.Igumbor@wits.ac.za ; judeigumbor@yahoo.co.uk

9. University of Nairobi, Kenya

Prof. Kimani Murungaru

Director, Population Studies & Research Institute University of Nairobi P.O. Box 30197 Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 318262 Ext 28029 Email: murungaruk@uonbi.ac.ke

Dr. Dismas Ongore

Senior Lecturer University of Nairobi School of Public Health P.O. Box 30197 Nairobi, KENYA +254 020 2724639 Email: dongore@uonbi.ac.ke.   Research Organizations

Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre, Tanzania

Prof. Honorati Masanja Project Head Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre P.O. Box 53, Mlabani Passage, Ifakara, TANZANIA Tel: +255 232 625 164; +255 232 625 377 Mobile +255784605046 Email: hmasanja@ihi.or.tz   Dr. Rose Nathan Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre P.O. Box 53, Mlabani Passage, Ifakara, TANZANIA Email: rnathan@ihi.or.tz; rosenathan2001@yahoo.co.uk

African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya

Dr. Chimaraoke Izugbara Director, Research Capacity Strengthening Division African Population and Health Research Center P. O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254-20-2720400/1/2 Email: cizugbara@aphrc.org

Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa

Prof. Kathleen Kahn Associate Professor Health and Population Division School of Public Health University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 11 717 2606 Email: Kathleen.Kahn@wits.ac.za

Elias Tuhereze

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Charting The Course for Tomorrow; Makerere University Unveils its Strategic Plan 2026-2030

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6 hours ago

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July 23, 2026

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By Murungi Gloria N.

Building a century of excellence, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2026-2030 lays a clear roadmap to strengthen research, innovation, transformative education as well as national and global development over the next five years.

Makerere University launches the strategic plan 2025-2030 central(c)Hon. Henry Musasizi, left(L) Mrs. Lorna Magara, second right Guild President Makerere University, third right Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe.

On Thursday 2nd July 2026, at Makerere Main Campus, the launching event gathered government leaders, development partners, university leaders and dignitaries such the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representative of the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority as well as the University Vice Chancellor. Makerere launched its strategic plan under the theme; ‘Optimizing the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation.’

Preparing the strategic plan

‘Preparing this plan has been a process,’ the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Herny Alinaitwe said. He emphasized that the strategic plan was developed through careful consultation, review and participation rather than being created in isolation. The previous Makerere University plan used to have long term of 10years. However, around 2019-2020 the National Planning Authority advised to adjust to the five years of National Development Plan (NDP IV) ensuring that the University contributes directly to the country’s development.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

Accelerating to national transformation

The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, began his speech by reaffirming University’s long-term vision. ‘Our vision is to be an outstanding leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.’ He added the Makerere’s mission is to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.

He emphasised that the new strategic plan is designed to transform Makerere into a research-led University and for this to happen we need to have more than 419 professors and 473 associate professors. Currently the university has 73 professors and 144 associate professors.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

‘We are not removing undergraduate programmes but we want to reduce them gradually and increase graduate numbers because those are the ones going to do the innovations and transform the economy,’ continued Prof. Nawangwe. He stressed the postgraduate students play a crucial role in research and innovation and increasing postgraduates from 10% to 16.1% enrolment is therefore central to achieving the University’s vison of becoming a leading research institution.

He said, ‘Makerere University continues to contribute its fair share to transforming human capital in the country and economic development.’ He thanked and encouraged the government and other partners to further increase the goodwill towards the institution.

‘Today marks not the end of the process but the beginning of an even greater responsibility it’s successful implementation,’ noted the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara. reminded stakeholders that the launch is only the first step and its success will depend on faithful implementation.

She highlighted the central roles of higher education, research and innovation in Uganda’s economic transformation. ‘Let us therefore move with courage, lead with integrity, purse excellence without compromise and together we will build a much stronger Makerere for a stronger Uganda.’

 Transformation objectives

Prof. Nawangwe and the chairperson University Council Mrs. Lorna presented possible targets in the strategic plan, among them increasing PhD student enrolment from 15% to 35%, registered patents from 15 to 45, commercialised innovations from 25 to 65, STEM enrolment from 32% to 55%, postgraduate enrolment from 3700 to 7000 by 2030 and raise graduate employability from 45% to 65%within six months of graduation.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

Government commitment to the strategic plan

Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi launched the strategic plan 2025-2030 describing it as a timely and forward-looking roadmap that aligns with Uganda’s vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Hon. Henry Musasizi

‘This Strategic plan comes at an important time as the country works to grow its economy from about USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040.’

 The Chief Guest, Hon. Herny Musasizi noted that Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy from approximately USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040 will require sustained investment in research, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development, with universities playing a central role in achieving these aspirations.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue working with Makerere University to build a growing income, industrialised and knowledge driven economy while stressing accountability, innovation and the need to apply research in solving Uganda’s development hardships. He also commended Makerere for aligning its strategic priorities with national development goals, explaining that such alignment would facilitate government support and resource allocation through the national budgeting process.

Leading to national economic transformation through universities

Reflecting on the central role of higher education in Uganda’s economic transformation, Samuel Kasule, the Senior Planner for Education and Skills, National Planning Authority appreciated Makerere roles.

Samuel Kasule

‘At the cornerstone of increased labour productivity is the role of universities especially in supporting the high impact sectors identified in the tenfold growth strategy,’ Mr. Kasule remarked.

He elaborated that universities are expected to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to drive innovation across sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism and agriculture. He also argued the by producing highly skilled human capital as well as fostering innovation institutions like Makerere University will play a pivotal role in increasing labour production and accelerate economic growth achieving Uganda’s ambition of becoming a USD500 billion from USD50 billion under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Conclusion

Guided by its strategies direction of excellence, accountability, professionalism, integrity and respect together with inclusivity, the University has reinforced its commitment to advancing quality education, research and innovation. The launch of strategic plan 2025-2030 reflects this commitment by positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development and transformation, consistent with national priorities.

Gloria Murungi

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Gulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations

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1 day ago

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July 22, 2026

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Staff from the Office of the Academic Registrar with the delegation from Gulu University at the Senate Building on 21st July 2026.

By Ochwo Gerald

The Office of the Academic Registrar on Tuesday 21st July, 2026, hosted a delegation from Gulu University on a benchmarking visit aimed at learning from Makerere University‘s long-standing experience in the administration and management of Mature Age Entry Examinations.

The Gulu University delegation was led by Dr. Helen Christine Amongin and included: Dr. Simon Peter Alarakol, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Emmanuel Okurut, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law; and Mr. Paul Oboke, Principal Assistant Academic Registrar (Admissions).

The delegation was received on behalf of the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, by Mr. Thomas William Baguma, Principal Registrar and Personal Assistant to the Academic Registrar. Also present were Mr. Simon Musoke, Head of Mature Age Examinations; Mr. Ochwo Gerald, Liaison and Communications Officer; Ms. Ssozi Priscila, Ag. Head of the Transcripts Section; and Ms. Assumpta Tushabirane from the Ceremonies and Certificates Section.

The Mature Age Scheme promotes inclusivity by catering for candidates who can meet admission requirements but are not be eligible to apply under the Direct Entry Scheme. To be eligible for Makerere’s Mature Age Entry Examinations, candidates must be at least 25 years old before 1st August of the year the exam is offered. The Scheme is open to Ugandans, East Africans and International applicants.

Ochwo Gerald is the Communications & Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University

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MakCHS Holds QA Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum

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2 days ago

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July 21, 2026

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Seated L-R: Dr Kalidi Rajab, Dr. Besigye Innocent, Dr. Dorothy Kyagaba & Dr. Ssenkusu Peter with the participants on 19th June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.

College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.

 Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop

The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.

The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.

Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel.

Objectives

  • Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
  • Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
  • Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
  • Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026.

The key focus areas for the training

  • Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
  • Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
  • Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
  • Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
  • Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
  • Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
  • Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel.

Key Outcomes for this training

  • The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
  • Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
  • Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
  • Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
  • Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
  • The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026.

During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:

  1. Who supervises the supervisor?
  2. What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
  3. The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
  4. How do we manage difficult supervisors?
  5. How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
  6. How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?

We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened.  We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.

Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University

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