General
Mak Needs UGX6bn Annually for Research on NCDs
The College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University is in need of UGX6bn annually to facilitate research on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The research is intended to provide evidence for prevention, early screening, treatment and health education interventions to address the NCD epidemic.
NCDs are the leading cause of the deaths worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 2025, NCDs will account for 80% of the global burden of diseases causing 8 out 10 deaths in developing countries.
"Extensive research will help us understand what we are dealing with and will be the basis for effective strategy on stopping this epidemic of NCDs," the Principal CHS, Dr. Charles Ibingira said during the 1st International NCD Symposium. The conference under the theme ‘Building Momentum to Address the Growing Epidemic of NCDs in Africa' is being held from 12th to 15th February 2018. Sub-themes of the conference include; Cardiovascular Disease, Renal Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Mental Health, Trauma and its Complications, Implementation Research in NCDs and Health Systems and Policies on NCDs.
Last year a research fund was launched and so far UGX652million has been raised. Ibingira said "The investment in research on NCDs will in the end bear fruit not only in lowering mortality rates in the country, but also to boost local drug industry through drug development using local herbs that have been tested and proved to be effective in the treatment of NCDs."
King Augustus Mulenga the Chairman, Board of Trustees, St Augustine International University said that his university will contribute sh100m towards the research fund.
In 2014 the Ministry of Health carried out the National NCD risk factor survey and found out that 1 in 4 adults had high blood pressure, 1.4% had diabetes, 14.5% were overweight, 4.6% obese, 12% people were using tobacco and 28.5% were taking alcohol. The survey also revealed that about 76.1% of people with high blood pressure were not aware of their condition, or taking any form of medication.
Dr. Ibingira appealed to Government to pass a law to ensure that every school has a playground and that sports should be mandatory to promote physical fitness for learners and staff. "Most schools nowadays have relegated co-curricular activities and focus on teaching for purposes of passing exams," he noted.
The Minister of Health Dr Ruth Aceng said NCDs said government has decentralised NCDs to health centre III level so that Ugandans can easily access treatment. She added that at the moment health personnel are undergoing refresher training course in diagnosis and management of NCDs. In Uganda, NCDs including injuries account for 40 % of all deaths annually.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended CHS for establishing a research fund and appealed to Government and development partners to contribute towards this fund.
Photography by Landmark Media Consultancy
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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