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MUII celebrates 10 years of partnership in research and capacity building

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On Wednesday 7th February 2018, the Makerere UniversityUganda Virus Research Institute centre of Excellence of Infectious and Immunity Research and Training organised a symposium to celebrate the successful 10 years of hard work in capacity development and implementation of basic science, cutting edge technology and modern analytic methods to address health research needs in Uganda and the region.

Officially opened by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the symposium provided a platform to scientists to discuss the various solutions to the health issues that affect human capacity on the African continent.

The Makerere UniversityUganda Virus Research Institute centre of Excellence of Infectious and Immunity Research and Training symposium was held as part of the general annual meeting. The Symposium brought together African institutions, African Scientists and global leaders in scientific research, and equal partners with international colleagues in conducting research to solve the health problems of Africa and the World.

The Centre of Excellence was launched in 2008 as a partnership between Uganda’s leading research institutions. To date the programme has supported Masters, PhDs, Post-Doctoral and research group leaders fellowships for 50 fellows as well as providing small grants for many centres members to foster training and collaboration regionally and internationally.

Addressing the participants, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged the tremendous achievements realised by the Centre since its inception. According to him, the measures of success that have been reported in terms of further funding achieved and research papers published are striking, and demonstrate the contribution of the programme to scientific excellence, leadership and progress.

MUII is aligned to Makerere University’s motto “We build for the future” and to the University’s strategic focus to be a research led University. This partnership is contributing to educating the leaders of tomorrow, and to the transformation of the University. We value this initiative and congratulate MUII members on their achievements. We thank the Welcome Trust, the UK Department for International Development and NEPAD for this investment at our University, and AESA (the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa) at the African Academy of Sciences for management of the programme,” he said.

He applauded the former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Livingstone Luboobi who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health that recognised the historically close training and research partnership between Makerere University and UVRI, the two premier Ugandan institutions in academia and health research respectively.

The MoU signed by the two institutions formalised the partnership, and strengthened the emerging MUII initiative to work closely. This enabled MUII to support important developments first at the College of Health Sciences, and also in the Colleges of Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and others. Prof. Luboobi also played an instrumental role in the nurturing of Bioinformatics at Makerere University.

“We have undergraduates given internship placements at UVRI. Immunology graduate training and research has been strengthened at the University through the establishment of a state-of-the art immunology laboratory facility, an MSc graduate course in Immunology and Microbiology was established at the College of Health Sciences, and a new Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology has been launched with a MUII fellow as its leader,” he remarked.

Prof. Nawangwe was happy to note that several Makerere University workshops have been held in the key disciplines of immunology and bioinformatics at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and UVRI research infrastructure for bioinformatics and immunology has been made accessible to Makerere University scientists. He thanked the international and regional partners, particularly the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for the support they have rendered to MUII to ensure that it fulfils its objectives.

The Director, MUII-PLUS Prof. Alison Elliot remarked that the symposium provides an opportunity to scientific researchers around the world to get together and share scientific research ideas that have benefitted and developed the country’s health sector as well as the continent. She recognised the tremendous achievements realised by the centre in health research and developments and urged the institutions involved to continue supporting the centre in the journey of achieving a better health service.

“That Great strides in research and training capacity are being made at both institutions with MUII alumni and fellows taking up positions of leadership as Deans and Heads of Departments at the University. Makerere University graduate students are given access to specialised laboratory equipment at UVRI, and dissertation co-supervision at UVRI, and we have academic scholarly benefits from honorary appointments of UVRI staff to college departments,” he said.

Reiterating the importance of the Centre, The Director of Uganda Virus Research Institute Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, said that with both financial and infrastructural support at the centre, scientific researchers have embarked on a journey of strengthening infection control in the country. He emphasised the importance of research as the solution to the health problems that have long affected people in the world.

“Research should be community responsive, it should be used to inform policies and research findings should be integrated in our strategies that are developed to deliver health services in our communities. As we discuss the common diseases that affect our health, we should take it as an opportunity to improve our health and research,” he said.

Prof. Abdoulaye Djimde, the Director, DELGEME at University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali delivered a key note address on Malaria genetics. The day’s presentations focused on Trypanosomiasis, Helminths and metabolism, emerging and re-emerging of infectious diseases, HIV and Tuberculosis, Maternal neonatal and reproductive health.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.

While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.

“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.

In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.

I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.

Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.

She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.

“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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