One Health Central and Eastern Africa (OHCEA) initiated in 2010, is an international network in eight countries in Eastern, Central and Western Africa, rooted in 24 Institutions in 16 Universities including Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). In 2017 a third Institution, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) joined the Network. The overall goal of OHCEA in Uganda is to develop a One Health higher education system that will produce a One Health graduate with transformative knowledge and ability to prevent and mitigate infectious disease outbreaks.
One Health is a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral collaborative undertaking to attain optimal health for our people, our animals (domestic and wild) and our environment. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Emerging Pandemic Threats phase-two (EPT-2) program, through the One Health Workforce (OHW) project has supported OHCEA to implement activities that promote the One Health education approach in Makerere University. Partners at the University of Minnesota (Project Lead) and Tufts University regularly provide support to OHCEA.
Over the course of 2017, OHCEA undertook a series of multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary activities implemented by faculty, undergraduate and graduate students in partnership with government ministries and universities in the US. These included; the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry (MAAIF), Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the National One Health Platform, the EPT-2 partners with Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) projects funded by USAID: PREDICT-2, FAO-ECTAD, Preparedness and Response and the USAID Mission, Uganda.
Some of the activities undertaken included creating a new curricu¬lum for the Executive MPH-MBA (Masters Public Health-Masters Business Administration) programme in partnership with the University of Minnesota and teaching principals of One Health to undergraduate and graduate students from CHS, CoVAB, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Other activities included One Health field attachment to the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha and Kasese-Hima communities in Western Uganda where teams sensitized the population on; practices of preventing bilharzia, proper hand washing techniques and Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR). Teams also participated in the redesign of the community slaughter slab in Hima to segregate solid and liquid waste as well as taught communities to recycle charcoal dust by making briquettes. HPV and Hepatitis B immunization campaigns were also carried out among select communities.
OHCEA further supported the placement of 10 Graduate students at institutions such as; FAO-ECTAD-2 project, Amref Health Africa, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), AFRISA, ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) and the Uganda National Health Laboratory Systems.
Students also participated in disease outbreak response and public health interventions in partnership with and under the mentorship of the sector Ministry or National and District Task Force which foster One Health approach. Interventions included epidemiology studies on the: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak in February 2017; Anthrax High Alert in Arua, July 2017; Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Nakaseke and Kiboga Districts , September 2017 and Marburg Haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Kween and Kapchorwa Districts, November 2017.
OHCEA also seeks to build skills in risk communication and public health interventions through experiential learning and community engagements. In this regard, students solely initiated and undertook a Rabies Vaccination and Awareness Outreach project in the communities of Kanyanya, Kabowa and Kawaala using a One Health Approach in commemoration of World Rabies Day.
A team of officials from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) today visited Makerere University and, together with the University’s top management, discussed ways in which the three institutions can collaborate in the areas of intellectual property (IP) and patenting. During the discussions, ARIPO called for the institutionalization of IP courses across various levels of the curriculum, with the aim of enhancing awareness, fostering innovation, and equipping students and researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and commercialize their intellectual property. The teams also held training seminars with staff of the university.
On Thursday 24th April 2025, the Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and E-learning under the College of Education and External Studies presented the dissemination results of phase 1 of the e-Learning initiative at Makerere University to over 75 participants and key stakeholders.
The dissemination brought on board Members of Makerere University Management, the Principal and staff from College of Education and External Studies (CEES), a representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), student leaders, the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS), Mastercard Foundation, Arizona State University (ASU)-USA and a representative sample of staff from academic and administrative units of Makerere University.
The dissemination of results of phase 1 of the e-Learning initiative follows the successful conclusion of the implementation process that kicked off in 2021 and ended in 2024. Phase 1 of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program e-Learning initiative has been implemented by the Institute of Open, Distance and E-learning (IODEL) in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs).
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda presents the findings.
Addressing the participants, the Director of IODEL and the Principal Investigator, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda stated that the overarching goal of phase 1 was to enhance the e-learning capabilities with partner institutions. He elaborated that in phase 1, the Mastercard Foundation worked with 10 universities to digitally transform the teaching and learning processes.
“During the implementation of Phase 1, Makerere University has registered significant achievements in e-Learning. I am glad that you have convened here today during the e-Learning Digital Transformation workshop, to receive the dissemination results as we work together to prepare for Phase 2,” said Prof. Birevu Muyinda.
Phase 1 of the e-Learning initiative provided a platform to strengthen the existing Makerere University e-Learning Environment (MUELE), onboarding of the University leadership, staff and students for the successful implementation of e-Learning initiative, capacity building for staff and students, and involvement of the teaching staff to develop content for online courses.
Stakeholders that took part in the dissemination event pose for a group photo.
During the e-Learning Digital Transformation Workshop, Prof. Birevu Muyinda shared the dissemination results of phase 1 of the e-Learning initiative amidst applause from the participants, highlighting the following achievements:
Training of 1,280 faculty members
Development of 2,579 courses out of 2,560 representing 100.74%
Development of four (4) support services modules
Capacity building for over 7,000 students
Training and recruitment of 32 e-Learning champions
Acquisition of e-Learning infrastructure namely five (5) multi-media studios, a video streaming server and all in one printers.
Presenting the lessons learned, Prof. Birevu Muyinda informed the participants that top management support significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the program.
On this note, Prof. Birevu Muyinda acknowledged the University Council, the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), the Academic Registrar, the University Secretary, DICTS and the entire leadership at the different levels for the support rendered in the execution of the different activities of phase 1.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga contributes to the discussion.
In appreciation, Prof. Birevu Muyinda requested the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, and the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi to convey the message of gratitude to the Top University Management and Central University Management respectively.
Underscoring top management support as a pre-condition for successful digital transformation, he provided a detailed account of the lessons learned in Phase 1. These include:
Co-creation: Course co-creation breeds ownership and effective utilization
Learning Designers: Learning designers are necessary for the pedagogical design of e-Courses
Infrastructure: A robust integrated institutional, staff and students’ infrastructure is vital for successful e-Learning ecosystem
Capacity building: Inclusive capacity building for staff and students is essential for successful digital transformation
Multi-media Studios: Video content enhances flipped classroom pedagogy. This requires the setup of cost-effective multi-media studios operated by multi-media specialists who also provide ongoing technical support and capacity building
Pedagogical Building Design: The design of new buildings in the University should take into consideration all pedagogical and inclusivity requirements
Inclusivity: All courses should be designed following the universal design for learning principles
Student Support: The success of online courses heavily relies on well structured student support offered by the University (coaches, mentors, facilitators, technicians, career guidance, counsellors) among others
Central Unit: There should be a central unit (similar to Arizona State University-ASU’s EdPlus) to foresee the design, development and growth of digital and innovative pedagogy in the University
Design thinking: There is need to use design thinking approaches in digital transformation processes in the University
Partnerships: There is need to optimize collaborations for institutional growth
Background to Phase 1
The e-Learning Initiative is a program funded by Mastercard Foundation out of the need to address the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that constrained access and continuity of teaching, learning and community engagement activities at Makerere University.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (3rd Left) with a section of the audience at the dissemination.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the teaching and learning in a number of universities in Africa. As the pandemic intensified, the World Health Organisation and the respective countries issued Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) which limited physical interactions, gatherings and restricted movements. In extreme cases, the respective governments declared a lockdown to reduce the spread of the deadly pandemic. The lockdowns affected a number of Universities, higher education institutions and schools that had to stop operations, close and send students home in order to save lives.
Makerere University continued to conduct online teaching and learning aided by its home grown, Makerere University e-Learning Environment (MUELE), managed by the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning under the College of Education and External Studies.
Although MUELE enabled Makerere University to conduct online teaching during the difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience called for a robust approach to institutionalize MUELE and online teaching pedagogies.
In its strategic plan, Makerere University committed to providing innovative teaching and learning as well as adaptation to ICT trends. This strategic approach dictated the adoption of a blended approach towards teaching and learning. The COVID-19 period and post COVID-19 challenged Universities to come up with immediate, short-term and long-term measures to institutionalize e-Learning through onboarding of staff and students, creating content for online courses, and acquisition of the required infrastructure and equipment for e-learning.
Fortunately, the Mastercard Foundation issued a call for proposals for universities to compete for funding targeting quality delivery of and access to education during and post the COVID-19 era.
The IODEL team at Makerere University in partnership with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) seized this golden opportunity and submitted a proposal. Following the competitive processes and strict adherence to the required grant application procedures, Makerere University’s proposal was successful.
With the award of the USD 2million grant, Makerere University embarked on supporting colleges to develop high-quality content and revitalization of the Makerere University e-Learning Environment (MUELE). The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program e-Learning Initiative was officially launched on Tuesday 20th September 2022 by Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) at a colourful ceremony held at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.