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
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
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