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Journalists trained on proper dissemination of information on Non-Communicable Diseases

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Over 30 journalists from both mainstream and online media have been urged to consider the urgency of public awareness on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Convening at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, on Monday 4th December 2017, journalists were called upon to take the initiative and save the community from the rapid growing burden of NCDs epidemic through their professional expertise.

“Through you, we can save the community. We therefore need your expertise as we dig deeper in this matter. I am aware of your positive reporting on HIV that was rated the best information mechanism in the whole world. With your experience in research, investigation, writing, interaction, and dissemination, you let the world understand what HIV was, it’s causes and how to prevent it. This is what we need at this moment. The community needs to know about NCDs and how they can be prevented. This is a matter of urgency so we need to collaborate,” said Prof. William Bazeyo-Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Makerere University.

Non-Communicable Diseases represent a growing burden of morbidity and mortality globally. NCDs are now included in the sustainable Development Goals with the aim to reduce by one third premature deaths due to NCDs. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that by 2025, 70% of all deaths in people less than 70 years of age will be due to NCDs and that 80% of these deaths will occur in Low and middle income countries. It is also estimated that 28 million people in low and middle income countries die each year from an NCD. In addition, Sub-Saharan Africa which includes 48 low and middle income countries is expected to have the world’s largest increase in the burden of NCD- related death over the next decade.

The NCD Media training is one of the pre-activities organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences and St Augustine International University in preparation of the 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium that will take place from 12th -15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Officially opened by Prof. William Bazeyo-the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the media training aimed at providing journalists with a deeper understanding of Non-Communicable Diseases and to also encourage them to pay much attention to information received on the diseases when reporting.

Addressing journalists at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Prof. Bazeyo urged journalists to always have a cross check the accuracy of facts and figures before publishing any information. In the same spirit, he advised researchers and concerned members to always avail information to the media in order to avoid dissemination of wrong information.

“We need to engage the media so that they fully understand the initiative, this will not only give us a positive and wider coverage of the matter, but also help the journalists understand the cause and report appropriately. Our cordial relationship with them will help us send the message to the last person in the community hence reaching the target we want. Let us actively engage them in this noble cause,” he said.

In Uganda, NCDs including injuries account for 40% of all deaths each year. In a presentation he made Dr. Bruce Kirega said that Uganda recorded an estimated 21,542 deaths from cancer and 4,690 deaths from diabetes in 2012 and 2016 respectively. Dr. Kirega also revealed that 1.3% of Ugandans are still battling with diabetes and Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“In addition to that, The Risk factor survey found out that about one in four adults (24.3%) had raised blood pressure or had been taking medication for raised blood pressure. Moreover majority of those with raised blood pressure (76.1%) were not aware of their condition and not taking any medicine,” he said.

He cautioned the public on the use of tobacco, excessive drinking of alcohol and being physically inactivity as the major risk factors for NCDs. “The rate at which Ugandans smoke and consume alcohol is alarming. This is a country where many Ugandans are physically inactive, and majority of them do not consume fruits and vegetables to recommended levels,” he mentioned.

Despite the evidence of a high burden of NCDs and their risk factors globally and in Uganda, the response to these diseases in Uganda is still minimal. According to the Principal of College of Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ibingira, the minimal response to the NCDs by Ugandans has been due to low public awareness about the diseases, and weak health systems that are aligned to only communicable diseases and limited data to support the design of presentation and intervention.

“Many Ugandans have died due to lack of knowledge about the diseases. So many of them have gone to hospitals only to be diagnosed of cancer in its advanced stages. Another issues is that we have weak and poorly facilitated health centres with no screening equipment,” he said.

He encouraged the public to support the awareness drive that the College of Health Sciences together with St Augustine International University is organising to enable the society understand the preventative measures for Non-Communicable Diseases. The Principal urged the Government to support health centres with equipment and necessary facilitation in line with Non Communicable Disease prevention and awareness. He also encouraged people to go for screening so as to start treatment early in case they are found positive.

Reiterating the importance of research, the Chairman of St Augustine International University H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga, said that there is a need to invest in research on Non-Communicable Diseases. He therefore called upon the public to embrace the idea of establishing a research fund that will enable researchers to collect data aimed at finding lasting solutions on Non Communicable Diseases.

He advised all Ugandans to join the fight against Non Communicable Diseases when he said, “We should stop the habit of lamenting that it is always the Government that is supposed to work on each and very thing, we can also do something constructive. Through fundraising, we can be able to raise a good amount of money that can provide facilities in our health centres. Before you ask yourself what the country has done for you, ask yourself what you have done for your country.”

The 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium will take place from 12th -15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences and St Augustine International University under a theme: “Building momentum to address the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa,” the symposium focuses on creating attention to the NCDs epidemic in Uganda and the region among general public, business community, researchers, clinicians, funders, and policy makers that will result into a formidable multi-disciplinary response to stop the epidemic. It also aims at creating networks and consortium that will generate data and design interventions for prevention, early detection and treatment of NCDs as well as creating national policies, frameworks and multi-disciplinary health systems to curb the ill health and early deaths from the Diseases.

The symposium will run with a series of activities that started with the media training. Other activities including screening in different places of the country. “We will have a screening activity going on at the College of Health Science, and Parliament of Uganda to screen the public and Members of Parliament, Ministers among others, this is one way of creating awareness as well as providing information about the Non-Communicable Diseases,” said the Dean School of Medicine, Makerere University.

Other activities that will be carried out ahead of the Symposium include the Fundraising Dinner that will be held on 12th December 2017, with the aim of supporting and raising money for the Research Fund. “St Augustine International University will pioneer the fundraising drive with 100 million. Let us learn how to support the noble cause,” said H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

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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:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. 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.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. 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;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. 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).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

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.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

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Korean Language Courses-Semester

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Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

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NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

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