General
MUEHSA 13th Annual Scientific Conference a Major Success
Makerere University Environmental Health Students’ Association (MUEHSA) is a student-led association started in 2002 by students on the Bachelors of Environmental Health Science programme at Makerere University School of Public Health. With the aim of promoting environmental health in Uganda, the association holds a variety of activities including celebrating annual international health days, community outreach programmes and lobbying for improved environmental health.
Year after year, since 2003, the association has been organizing annual scientific conferences hosting participants from different countries and fields related to health. The scientific conferences provide a platform for discussion and presentation of environmental and public health work in Uganda and elsewhere in the world; giving an opportunity for comparison of systems. It is also an opportunity for presentation of innovations and research papers from students, organizational activities and findings in public health. The conferences increase knowledge of students in public health practice and enrich and rejuvenate practitioners’ knowledge-base.
This year, the MUEHSA 13th annual scientific conference was held 7th – 8th April at Esella Country Hotel, Najjera near Kampala, under the theme “Intersectoral collaboration to enhance the role of Environmental Health towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” The conference aimed at providing a clear overview and understanding of the importance of collaborative action across different fields to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially in terms of health (defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.) and stressing the role of environmental health.
In a keynote address, Dr. Sheba Gita noted that unlike the 8 Millennium development goals that were closed in 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals emphasize 3 new aspects, i.e. universality (apply to every nation, sector, business, and organization,) integration (goals are interconnected. We need to achieve all goals, not just one,) and transformation to achieve (we require big changes to achieve the SDGs.) She therefore emphasized that the only way to achieve SDGs is through collaborative actions involving more than one agency. Dr. Gita also illustrated effective collaborative action with a case study on plague outbreak in Arua, 2008, in which an investigation team was set up, made of officials from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, an entomologist, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention officials, local government health practitioners, AFENET, Makerere University School of Public Health team, Veterinary doctors, engineers and anthropologists. They carried out activities including community sensitization on killing rats and keeping domestic animals out of their houses, radio talk shows on plague causes and control methods.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Okello Ayen (Director of Public Health, Kampala Capital City Authority), hinted on the interface of urbanization and health in his address. He also mentioned that health needs to be seen as an environmental aspect and not simply a hospital issue. He gave an example of the very big solid waste management problem in Kampala affecting air quality. He expressed that Kampala is a lakeside city translating into increasing water contamination and eutrophication due to industrialization and poor waste disposal. Things such as these result in the population having the second largest lake in the world but with water that cannot be used, incurring high water treatment costs. He challenged the participants to do something about the construction of pit latrines in Kampala a largely wetland area and to pay attention to the growing non-communicable diseases burden in the country. In conclusion, he said “at the end of this conference, every person should be able to stand out and teach the public about health according to what we have learned. Publish out something, like a summary! And approach KCCA for help and advice.”
Professor John David Kabasa, the keynote speaker of day 2, introduced the importance of the One Health concept. He said that one health is about policies and systems that will shape the next generation of youth 2035 – 2050. He mentioned that from the time of the industrial revolution and civilization set in, medicine has increasingly been available, there is a decrease in infectious disease mortality, life expectancy increase, population increase and exportation of western civilization among others.
“Today, there is shrinking earth paradigm indicated by overpopulation, global warming and climate change, resource and livelihood hunger and obscure future. As a result of high population, there is high demand for quality products and services, improvement in technology, while globalization and glocalization are running together. However, there are challenges among the youth that need to be addressed in international education and language i.e, integration, ideology, culture, politics, and religion”, Professor. Kabasa said.
He added that the increased interface with the animal world has led to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and Marburg. While in the food industry, urbanization and income growth in Africa are driving a diet transformation, posing higher risks of biothreats. Africa is also the most severely affected region in global water scarcity.
Professor Kabasa said in order to address the challenges, knowledge, ability (skills), attitude, networks, and integrity will be crucial for competition.
The two-day scientific event hosted over 250 participants, including students and staff from 10 institutions of higher learning in Uganda, Cardiff Metropolitan, and Nottingham Trent University (both of the United Kingdom), representatives from district health departments, civil society organisations, among others. Up to 25 presentations were made by local and international participants, focusing on;
1. Partnerships for health
2. One Health concept
3. Air pollution, climate, and health
4. Affordable and clean energy
5. Water, sanitation, and hygiene
6. Food safety and food security
7. Reproductive health
8. Occupational health
9. Public health legislation
10. Opportunities for students
The MUEHSA patron, Ms. Ruth Neebye Mubeezi, commended the always growing enthusiasm of the students and appreciated the organizing committee. She noted that such conferences are important for health in the nation and that focusing on intersectoral collaboration this year is more than just a great idea for wider coverage but is also a perfect timing for the health systems which require more than independent silos but togetherness in action for health.
The outgoing MUEHSA president, Ms. Anyonga Prisca cherished the work of fellow students and gave open appreciations to all supporting partners especially the school administration, and gave tokens of appreciation, awards to different presenters and participants at the conference.
Article by OHCEA Communication Team
General
Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumna, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education
Malvin Akwara obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature, from Makerere University in 2023, with support from the Mastercard Foundation. Since graduating, she has developed a passion for helping young people with disabilities access education at both secondary and university levels.
Who is Malvin Akwara
Malvin was born on 22nd November 1998 in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, into a family of six children (three girls and three boys). Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Kampala, where her father worked as an accountant. In 2009, her father lost his job, marking the beginning of a difficult period for the entire family. When her father who was the only breadwinner lost his job, the family returned to Tororo because they could no longer afford the high cost of living in the city.
Early Education
At the age of three, Malvin began her early childhood education at Clever Junior School in Kitintale, a Kampala suburb, where she attended Nursery School through Primary Three. Here, life was quite good, and she enjoyed being dropped off and picked up by her father, as was typical of most Kampala middle-class families. Unfortunately, it was not long before life took a different twist when her father lost his job and the family moved back to Tororo. In Tororo, she joined Morukebu Primary School, where she sat for her Primary Seven Leaving Examinations. Unlike her experience of a reasonably good life at school in Kampala, she had to walk long distances to and from school (14 kilometres each way) with her siblings, because her father could no longer afford to take them. The family had taken to subsistence farming to earn a living. The family worked together on the farm to grow food for home consumption and to sell some to pay school fees.
Pursuing Secondary Education
With her hard-earned 15 points from the Primary Leaving Examinations, Malvin embarked on her journey towards secondary education. She attended St. John’s Wakitaka in Jinja for her O-level from 2013 to 2016. However, in 2015, just before sitting her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, her father passed away due to peptic ulcers. His death devastated the already struggling family, and life became even harder. Left in the care of her single mother, with no steady source of income, Malvin and her siblings’ prospects looked bleak. Her father’s passing significantly affected her final results; she scored 39 points, which was poor compared to her earlier performance. With support from her paternal uncle, she later joined Budini Boarding Secondary School in Kaliro district, where she scored 14 points in History, Economics, Literature, and Divinity in 2018. By then, her other siblings had dropped out of school due to lack of fees, as their mother could not afford to keep them in school. To make matters worse, family disputes arose when her father’s relatives evicted her mother from the family land, leaving them homeless and with only enough land to grow food for their own consumption.
Pursuing University Education
With 14 points in her 2018 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, Malvin was hopeful about pursuing her university education with the support of her paternal uncle, who had helped her through A-level. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived when her uncle shared the difficult news that he could not afford to send her to university because he needed to support his own children financially. The news was a significant setback to her dreams of being the first girl in her family to attend university. Unable to join a university at that time, Malvin embarked on a journey to find small jobs to support her mother and help the family.
It was during her job search that she came to Kampala to work for a family as a house help, mainly caring for her boss’ mother, who was in her sickbed at Kiruddu Hospital. During the three months she spent in the hospital as a caretaker, she learnt about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University through one of the family’s children, who was studying there.
Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Armed with the necessary information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Malvin applied in 2019 and was delighted to be selected. Soon after, she was given the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature. While at university, Malvin did not forget her family back home in Tororo. She allocated part of her stipend to support her mother and to ensure her siblings returned to school. During her second year at university in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, bringing everything to a halt, including education at the university.
When Malvin was grounded at home, just as all her colleagues were, she didn’t let the misery that came with COVID-19 break her down; instead, she used it as an opportunity to support people in her community who were facing social and economic barriers to opportunities. Using her little savings, she started a piggery project to help single mothers in her community by giving them piglets to rear, multiply, and distribute to others experiencing similar challenges.
The piggery project helped several single mothers send their children to school. It is through this piggery project that Malvin came across Omukaga Samuel, a young person living with a disability who had been out of school because his parents could not afford to pay his school fees. With support from the piggery project, Malvin worked together with Samuel’s parents to help their son return to school. This experience with Omukaga Samuel ignited Malvin’s passion for supporting learners living with disabilities to access education.
Life After Makerere University
Upon graduating in 2023, Malvin immediately found a position teaching English Language and Literature at Elite High School, one of Kampala’s top secondary schools. At this school, Malvin has grown into a professional teacher, career advisor, and mentor to many young people both within and outside the school.
Through mentorship, she has focused on supporting young people living with disabilities to return to school by helping them secure bursaries for secondary education and apply for scholarships to access university. For example, she assisted Omukaga Samuel in applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education, as well as Patricia Namiwanda, who is presently studying for a Master’s degree in Human Rights at Makerere University, all thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Malvin has also used her resources to build a decent house for her mother, where she now lives with her siblings in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda, restoring hope after the family lost their home due to land disputes.
Impact on the Community
As the first-generation girl to achieve a university education, Malvin has inspired many young girls in her home district of Tororo to pursue further studies and has continued to support them through peer mentorship. Although she works and resides in Kampala, she travels home every Friday to meet and mentor young girls in secondary schools, encouraging them to stay in school and avoid early marriage, which remains a significant challenge for many young girls in Tororo and across Eastern Uganda.
In addition, her piggery project has expanded across the entire district, improving the economic well-being of many participants in her community.
Looking into the Future
Malvin is optimistic about a bright future ahead, judging by the progress she has made in her life. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Languages at Makerere University. She aspires to specialise in curriculum development and work with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to design an inclusive curriculum that will help young people living with disabilities access meaningful education in Uganda. She also envisions building a school in her community that will specifically support young people living with disabilities to attain inclusive, quality education.
Message to Fellow Young Women
Malvin urges young women not to despair or give up in the face of difficult situations.
“I urge my fellow young women not to give up or despair when faced with difficult situations. They should always challenge themselves to emerge stronger from such circumstances.” Malvin shares.
Words of Gratitude
Malvin expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for the support that enabled her to attain a quality university education at Makerere University.
“If it were not for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I wouldn’t have attained a university education. I am therefore grateful and humbled for the opportunity extended to me and other Mastercard Foundation Scholars through this life-changing program.” Malvin remarked.
Malvin further urged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Makerere University and other Mastercard Foundation partners to reach out to distant areas so that more young people facing social and economic barriers can also access university education.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) has been officially inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council on 23rd October 2025, and moderated by the Secretary to the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike
In her address, Mrs. Magara commended the outgoing board, led by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their remarkable stewardship that saw the Fund grow from UGX 8.66 billion in 2021 to UGX 14.54 billion in 2025. She underscored the Endowment Fund’s vital role in ensuring the University’s financial sustainability amidst fluctuating public funding, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to providing policy and institutional support. Mrs. Magara further urged the incoming Board to uphold transparency, strengthen alumni engagement, and pursue innovative investment strategies to expand the Fund’s impact as Makerere continues to build for the future.
Board composition
The newly inaugurated 3rd Board of Trustees (2025–2029) brings together a team of distinguished professionals whose expertise spans business, academia, finance, governance, and social advocacy. Notably, some members have been reappointed in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the Fund’s growth during the previous term. The Board is chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, a seasoned business leader and former Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). She is joined by accomplished members including Ms. Jennifer Mwijukye, CEO and founder of Unifreight Cargo Handling Limited; Mr. Ninsiima John Chris, Director of Programmes at NUDIPU and member of the Makerere University Council; Mr. Kenneth Mugambe, former Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Makerere University’s Academic Registrar and Professor of Forestry Resource Economics; and Mr. Sam Ayesiga, a governance and investment expert with vast experience across Africa. Their diverse backgrounds and renewed commitment are expected to steer the Fund toward even greater stability, innovation, and impact in the years ahead.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the outgoing Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund for their exceptional service marked by growth, innovation, and accountability. She noted that the growth of the fund to UGX 14 billion is a clear testament to strategic vision, prudent management, and confidence in Makerere University’s long-term sustainability. Prof. Ssali praised the Board for initiatives that have united thousands of alumni, staff, and partners, notably through the Makerere Run, which has supported disability inclusion and empowerment.
She also recognized the introduction of the MakAdvance digital platform as a milestone in promoting efficiency and transparency. She welcomed the incoming Board, and challenged the new team to grow the Fund beyond UGX 25 billion through deeper engagement, innovative fundraising, and stronger partnerships. She reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting the Fund within robust governance frameworks that inspire stakeholder confidence, emphasizing the shared vision of building a financially resilient Makerere University.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, the Chairperson, reflected on the remarkable progress achieved under the 2021–2025 term, noting the Fund’s growth from UGX 8.66 billion to UGX 14.54 billion — a 68% increase despite global economic challenges. She highlighted key milestones including the institutionalization of the Makerere Run, establishment of the Makerere Gift and Souvenir Shop, launch of The Legacy e-newsletter, and the creation of the Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Education, supported by NAMA Establishment in the UAE. Dr. Kigozi expressed gratitude to the outgoing Trustees and reaffirmed her commitment, alongside the new Board, to advance transformative projects such as the construction of the Makerere University Students’ Centre and development of the Makindye land. She emphasized that the Fund’s goal remains to build a financially sustainable Makerere University capable of supporting innovation, research, and academic excellence for generations to come.
At the inauguration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta underscored the Fund’s central role in ensuring Makerere’s financial sustainability and institutional legacy. He described the Endowment Fund as a cornerstone of the University’s vision—an instrument through which Makerere secures its future, strengthens its independence, and sustains strategic investments in teaching, research, and innovation. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Board, chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their dedicated service and strong leadership that fortified the Fund’s governance, fundraising, and asset management.
Welcoming the new Board, he congratulated the members on their appointment and urged them to continue expanding and mobilizing resources with integrity and innovation. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to providing administrative and financial support to ensure that the Fund thrives beyond annual budgetary constraints, contributing meaningfully to Makerere’s vision of becoming a research-led, financially resilient, and globally respected institution.
The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) was established to secure the University’s financial sustainability by mobilizing, investing, and managing resources to support its core functions of teaching, research, and innovation. Originating from donations made as early as the 1930s, the Fund has evolved into a strategic vehicle that aims to reduce dependence on public funding. It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the University Council, responsible for overseeing investments and resource mobilization. Through initiatives like alumni engagement, digital giving, and events such as the Makerere Run, the Fund continues to grow and strengthen Makerere’s vision of being a research-led and financially resilient institution.
The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Held in the Main Hall for the first time since the Main Building’s reconstruction, the AGM was a chance for the Board of Trustees led by Dr. Michael Kizito to showcase the dedication, strategic initiatives and resilience that had enabled the fund to grow by 16.2% from UGX 409.2 billion as at 30th June 2024 to UGX 475.5 billion as at 30th June 2025.
MURBS asset classes and contributions
Some of these strategic initiatives included investing 86.4% of MURBS’ portfolio in long-term Ugandan Government Bonds. This decision was in line with the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA)’s approved waiver, allowing investment of up to 90% in this asset class. Investments in other asset classes included Unit Trusts (10.3%), Real Estate (3.19%), as well as Equities and Fixed Deposits at 0.08% each.
Additional contributors to the fund growth included the remittances from the Sponsor, Makerere University, which grew by 6.4% from UGX 34.4 billion to UGX 36.6 billion. Of particular significance were remittances from staff on projects amounting to UGX 4.59 billion, attracting the Chairperson’s commendation.
“MURBS Trustees appreciate the Sponsor’s compliance and are grateful for the engagements so far to settle historical debts” enthused Dr. Kizito, before adding “We equally recognize Principal Investigators, Accountants and College Principals who remitted to MURBS retirement contributions for their staff on contract and under different projects.” Thirteen new projects were registered by MURBS during the last quarter of FY 2024/2025, bringing the total number of projects remitting staff benefits to the Scheme to 174.
Membership and savings
As such, the number of MURBS Members actively contributing to the scheme grew from 3,137 last year to 3,368 as at 30th June 2025. Of these, the majority i.e. 1,648 (48.93%) had savings below UGX 50 million, followed by 524 (15.56%) with savings between UGX 500 and 550 million. The minority i.e. 1 (0.03%) member has the highest savings between UGX 650 and 700 million, followed by 2 (0.06%) with savings between UGX 600 and 650 million.
Retirement of staff is a normal practice and as such, MURBS paid benefits worth UGX 21.7 billion last financial year. As alarming as this figure was, the Chairperson reassured members that the rise in benefits paid is a normal trend “because it corresponds to rise in the value of individual holdings for members.
“Our retirement benefits packages now include partial withdrawals after retirement, annuity arrangement with reputable industry partners, and Mid-Term Access,” explained Dr. Kizito.
Milestones registered
MURBS registered a number of achievements during the last financial year in its bid to ensure transformative growth. These included completion of a benchmarking process that will see the procurement and introduction of a modern Management Information System (MIS) to strengthen operational efficiency. The Chairperson equally announced that the MURBS Mobile App had been developed and is ready for deployment. The App, he added, will “dramatically enhance the member experience by offering instant access to benefit calculators, account information, and real-time statements.”
Other milestones highlighted by Dr. Kizito included the implementation of Document Management System (DMS) for efficient records management, and the acquisition of new office premises to accommodate the scheme’s growth and offer more member-focused services. On this note, the Chairperson appreciated the Makerere University Council and Management for their support in ensuring that MURBS continues to deliver “an enabling environment that promotes productivity, accessibility, and efficiency for both members and staff.”
Sector Regulator applauds MURBS Trustees
Speaking on behalf of URBRA, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS Trustees on leveraging sector rules to ensure that members receive the best return on investment for their benefits. “From this year’s presentation, your funds were invested more than 80% in government securities, which shows that your trustees were proactive enough to take advantage of shifts in the marketplace” he commended.
Mr. Lotukei urged MURBS members to use the platform provided by the AGM to not only question the Trustees decisions but also improve their own awareness of how scheme business is conducted. He equally encouraged members to make the most of the regular free online trainings provided by URBRA. “Those two hours could change a lot in terms of enabling you to plan better for your retirement”.
A pledge to continue delivering value
True to Mr. Lotukei’s encouragement, the AGM was concluded with a lively question and answer session, where members thoroughly probed the Trustees on various issues presented in the annual report. In addition to the Chairperson, other Trustees namely; the Board Secretary – CPA Francesca Angida Mugyema and Members – Mr. Joseph Ikarokok, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Mr. George Bamugemereire, and CPA Edna Rugumayo were on hand to provide responses, while Trustee Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi moderated the session.
In addition to Trustees, the Board’s co-opted experts include; CPA David Ssenoga, Dr. Saul Nsubuga, Mr. Alan Lwetabe, and Mr. Paul Kuteesa. The Board of Trustees is supported in the daily running of Scheme business by the Secretariat that is made up of; Ms. Susan Khaitsa, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Ms. Julian Marembo, Mr. Marvin Kakumba, Ms. Rhonah Asingwiire, Ms. Rebecca Nairuba, and Ms. Doreen Namono.
In closing, the Chairperson reassured Members of the MURBS’ Trustees unwavering commitment to continue focusing on optimizing operations, enhancing revenue streams through alternative investments, and delivering value to stakeholders.
-
General2 weeks agoCall for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General1 week agoMakerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings
-
General2 weeks agoZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI
-
General1 week agoMak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
-
General6 days agoMak Management Decries Student Violence at Mitchell Hall