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Mak Needs UGX6bn Annually for Research on NCDs

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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.

Dr. Ruth Aceng (R) with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and Mr. Nelson Twinamasiko and his parents shortly after the launch of the latter's book "Ugandan Cancer Patient-Not a Fairy Tale" at the symposium

"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.

Prof. Khama Odera Rogo, Head of World Bank Group’s Health in Africa Initiative delivers his keynote address on "The growing epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa"

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 Department of Perfomring Arts and Film (PAF), Makerere University entertained guests at the Symposium's opening ceremony

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

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

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

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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