General
Prof. Maria Musoke a solid bridge between Health and Information Sciences
On 27th September 2016, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda hailed Prof. Maria Musoke for her tremendous work in bridging the gap between health and information. This was at a high profile launch of Prof. Maria Musoke’s book Informed and Healthy: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on the Value of Information to Health Care attended by renowned dignitaries, scholars, and academicians who convened in the Makerere University Main Hall. The launch was indeed a befitting celebration of their own; a renowned researcher, academician and mentor.
In a speech read by the Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister congratulated Prof. Maria Musoke for adding to a body of knowledge by authoring a book that clearly articulates the great power that is embedded in information.
“This book is very relevant and timely, it is written in the language that does not need deciphering. It highlights the value of information and confirms that indeed information is power,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for being selected by the author to write a foreword to the book when he said, “I am happy to write the Foreword to Dr. Musoke’s book and I pledge to be the one of the key marketers not only in Uganda but in the global village.”
In her own words, Hon. Karooro Okurut observed that whoever has worked with Prof. Maria Musoke can testify to her “Perennial hard work, dedication to duty, and focused and committed leadership,” further adding “she is endowed with a tickling brain which she has put to good use.”
In the same spirit, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu applauded Prof. Maria Musoke’s scholarly achievement in coming up with the book; a must-read for students and information professionals, Librarians and Professors of Information Science.
“Prof. Maria Musoke is an information authority in her own right, who made the most of her sabbatical leave to produce this important resource. Her work encourages us to achieve value for time during periods of research and sabbatical,” he said.
Through her book the Informed and Healthy: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on the Value of Information to Health Care, it is hard to underestimate the academic and scholarly efforts by Prof. Maria G N Musoke, to bridge the gap between health and information among people in the rural areas.
Informed and Healthy: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on the Value of Information to Health Care is an asset focusing on the value attributed to information by users and its effect on health care. The book also provides a new model of information behavior in which the value of information drives various information activities. According to the author, the book also demonstrates the value of having an informed audience when it comes to health issues.
“The book confirms that when people are informed they are healthy and when the health workers apply the knowledge in their work, there are many benefits to health care. It is a valuable resource for health professionals, planners, and policy makers, as well as researchers interested in health information systems and their applicability in different environments,” said Prof. Musoke.
To the Author, the book uses a case study of the health information system in Uganda and expands the analysis by comparing it to other systems utilized by different countries in diverse levels of development. It demonstrates the fitness of the value model for the phenomenon of information access.
Informed and Healthy: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on the Value of Information to Health Care was compiled and completed basing on research on women and health workers in four districts of Uganda which included Lira, Mukono, Masaka and Bushenyi. It focuses on the distribution of information pertaining to health among rural people.
"If we have an informed society, the health status must improve… If all Ugandans were informed that we should wash our hands after visiting the toilet, there would be minimum disease spread," she said.
The book is currently on market in the various bookshops in Uganda at UGX 100,000 and can be accessed online at US$ 56.95.
During the launch, two renowned Scholars; Prof. Grace Ndeezi from College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Dr. Joyce Bukirwa Muwanguzi from College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) added value to the day’s proceedings by authoritatively discussing Prof. Maria Musoke’s Book.
In her discussion Prof. Grace Ndeezi a Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health said that Informed and Healthy: Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on the Value of Information to Health Care is a vital book that addresses a big gap most of other scholars have reluctantly over looked. According to Prof. Ndeezi, the book is very instrumental to information delivery, access, and use of critical information for public health.
“So many diseases and other related health problems can be solved by information. I therefore state that the title of the book is befitting,” she remarked.
In addition, Dr. Joyce Bukirwa Muwanguzi observed that Prof. Musoke’s book portrays a paradigm shift of information. Heralding the book as a great contribution to Information Science as a discipline, Dr. Bukirwa Muwanguzi noted that the publication also affirms Prof. Maria Musoke’s passion for information dissemination. She highlighted the need to translate the book into several languages so as to benefit all the different people in the country. “Since the country is multilingual in nature, there is need to translate such literature for the benefit of all citizens,” she said.
Citing the importance of authors in addressing the several challenges in this country and the world at large through scholarly writings and publications, Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza said there is a need to improve the policies and laws governing authors and publishers in the country. This, she noted, would encourage more writers to come forth on the scene. She commended Prof. Musoke’s commitment in translating knowledge into practice and examining the value of information and its ability to affect the bottom line of better health.
“I therefore say, if you want to author another book and another, you should focus on the joy and thrills that you meet on your journey as a writer,” she said. The Lady Justice further said that authorship is a mark of academic growth and shared with the audience the challenge to write her own book describing her experience as a female Member of the Makerere University Management.
Introducing the author, the Deputy Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Dr. Agnes Semwanga Rwashana presented Professor Maria G N Musoke as a lady of many firsts. She is and will always be remembered as the first Ugandan woman to get a PhD in Information Science in 2001, which she obtained from the University of Sheffield, UK. She was the first Ugandan woman to become a Professor of Information Science in 2010, the first Librarian from the Sub-Saharan Africa to chair the Health and Bioscience Section on the International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA), and the first Ugandan woman to head Makerere University Library Services in 2004, a post she held for two terms until December 2014.
Prof. Musoke holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a concurrent Diploma in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science (LIS) from Makerere University, a Masters degree from University of Wales and a PhD in Information Science.
The guests were treated to a series of entertaining folk compositions by the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), Makerere University, led by their beaming Head, Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza.
Arrticle by: Mak-Public Relations Office
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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