General
Makerere Graduates 60 CARTA PhD Fellows from 13 African Institutions
On 28th March 2018, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration)-DVCFA, Prof. William Bazeyo officiated at the closing ceremony of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS) 1 and 4 that have been running at the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), School of Public Health (SPH), Kololo, for the last 4 weeks from 5th to 28th March 2018.
At the Closing Dinner held at Piato Restaurant, we received excellent feedback from the 60 PhD Fellows from partner institutions including; University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) Kenya, Makerere University, University of Nairobi, Moi University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Rwanda, University of Malawi and Ifakara Health Institute. In their valedictory speeches, the Fellows expressed their gratitude to Makerere University for the high level of scholarship, environment conducive for learning and quality educational resources provided to them.
CARTA, a collaboration jointly led by the APHRC Kenya and Wits, South Africa. CARTA was formed to support the development of a vibrant African academy able to lead world-class multidisciplinary research that impacts positively on public and population health. CARTA enhances the capacity of African universities to create sustainable multidisciplinary research hubs by supporting junior faculty members to undertake their doctoral training locally and to become internationally recognized research leaders. CARTA therefore strengths university wide systems to support research.
During the ceremony, we congratulated the Fellows upon completing JAS 1 and 4, awarded certificates to JAS 4 Fellows and bid them farewell as they returned to their home institutions. The dinner was also attended by: Prof Anne Katahoire, CARTA Focal Person for Makerere University; Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, Principal-College of Business and Management Studies (CoBAMS); Prof Buyinza Mukadasi, Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) and several staff from RAN and SPH.
A number of Makerere University Staff have attained their PhDs with CARTA funding. These include: Dr. Drago Kato; Dr. Andrew Tamale; Dr. Tumwiine Gabriel-College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and Dr. Stephen Wandera (CoBAMS). Many others are yet to complete their PhDs and these include: Mr. Godwin Anywar-College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS); Mr. Fred Maniragaba (CoBAMS) among others. Dr. Kasozi from CoNAS has always played a critical coordination role.
On the basis of Makerere’s exemplary research training environment, the CARTA Board has approved and entrusted the University with the responsibility of hosting the JAS for the next two years (2019 & 2020), which is a big stamp of approval upon our academic and research excellence. The University Management is grateful to Prof. Anne Katahoire for championing and sustaining Makerere's interest in the consortium.
Article by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director DRGT
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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