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Mak-Karolinska Institute to establish a Centre of Excellence in Non-Communicable Diseases

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On 8th  June 2018, a delegation from Makerere University led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, together with a team from Karolinska Institute (KI), Sweden led by its President, Prof. Ole Petter Ottersen concluded discussions on further areas of collaboration.

During their meeting at KI, the delegates agreed to jointly fundraise for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). They also underscored the need to develop capacity in managing the growing incidences of NCDs, particularly stroke, breast cancer and others. 

Building on the collaborative history and mutual commitments between KI and Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), opportunities are being explored to address common research interests, such as different aspects of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The global economic burden of NCDs is large. In almost all countries, development of health systems that are responsive to the challenge of prevention and treatment of NCDs is a priority. NCDs consist of a vast group of conditions, but in terms of premature mortality emphasis has been on cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. The challenge is truly global. The generation of knowledge is global, and research results a global public good. Strategic alliances are essential. 

from L-R, T he Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the  of Principal College of Health Sciences Prof. Charles Ibingira, a delegate from Karolinska Institute   and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director of Research and Graduate Training.

In August 2016 a delegation from KI led by Professor Maria Masucci, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs, visited Makerere University and had successful discussion on how KI and Makerere University can work together and be partners regarding NCD research. Since then, project leaders have been identified at both universities. Project proposals have been submitted for funding and the ethical permit has been processed and approved for the pilot study ”Exploring the feasibility of a population cohort to facilitate long-term studies on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Uganda”. 

Professor Anders Gustafsson, Dean of Research, Associate Professor Bruna Gigante and Ms Monika Berge, International Co-ordinator had successful meetings at Makerere University in February 2018, and participated in the NCD conference organised by Makerere University. The feasibility study – Advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in Uganda, is planned to start at the The Iganga-Mayuge Demographic Surveillance Site in June 2018.

During their discussions on further collaboration held on 8th June 2018, the team from Makerere University and KI also agreed to conduct joint research and education programmes. The Makerere University delegation, comprising Prof. Charles Ibingira, Principal College of Health Sciences and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director of Research and Graduate Training also held discussions with various departments at KI including the departments of Dentistry and Comparative Medicine.

the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University  Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, together with the President of  Karolinska Institute (KI) Prof. Ole Petter Ottersen.

The collaboration between KI and Makerere University (MU) is the most comprehensive international collaboration at KI, from education to research activities. The first Memorandum of Understanding confirming the partnership, and the initiation of the double degree program, was signed in 2003. In 2011 the two universities entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding for their mutual development. It was signed and endorsed during a formal ceremony at Makerere University in Kampala. 

The MOU was in 2016 extended for a new five-year period. An implementation Agreement was signed on 11 February 2015, regarding a Joint Doctoral Training towards degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD, under which a substantial number of students affiliated to Makerere University College of Health Sciences have completed a double PhD degree at KI and Makerere University in the past years. As of 2018, there have been 37 PhD thesis defended as a result of the collaboration. Over 200 students and teachers from KI and Makerere University, have taken part in exchange studies on undergraduate and advanced level, financed by the Swedish Linnaeus-Palme program.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office 

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Call For Abstracts: National Symposium on Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda

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Call For Abstracts: National Symposium on Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda. Submission Deadline: 9th June 2026

Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Tufts University, and Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), invites researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community actors to submit abstracts for the National Symposium on:

Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda: Local Voices for Policy Impact

Date: Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Venue: Makerere University Main Hall

The symposium will examine the drivers, patterns, and impacts of climate-induced youth migration in Uganda, while advancing evidence-based and community-informed policy responses.

Theme: Climate-Induced Youth Migration and Urban Futures in Uganda: Evidence, Voices, and Pathways for Action

Submission Deadline: 9th June 2026

Submit Abstracts To: citiesofyouth@musph.ac.ug

Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to contribute research findings, case studies, policy analyses, and practice-based experiences. Abstracts will be considered for oral and poster presentations.

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University. Photo: Nano Banan 2

Makerere University, in partnership with Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Independent University of Bangladesh, Eduardo Mondlane University, and Pokhara University, with funding from Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), is implementing a project: ‘Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL).

The expected outputs of the project include strengthened educational and research capacity, improved knowledge on inclusive Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and Community Based Adaptation (CBA) including delivering skilled knowledge co-creators, and partnerships to support needs-driven, locally-based and contextually sensitive adaptation. The outputs are anticipated to influence policy, planning and practice around LLA and CBA through collaborative learning and knowledge translation.

In line with targets and activities for 2026/2027, COLOCAL project is offering research support for three (3) Master’s students who have completed their first academic year of taught classes at Makerere University and are interested in undertaking research under one of the following thematic areas. The students MUST have undertaken the course offered under the auspices of the project on Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development.

Requirements:

  • A first degree from a reputable university in a field related to the focus of the project
  • Ugandan citizen below 35 years
  • Good command of English (spoken and written)
  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive and climate resilient development
  • Evidence of practical experience in conducting relevant research during and after undergraduate level
  • Evidence of full payment of all university fees for the first academic year
  • The Masters programme being undertaken MUST have explicit content on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Special consideration will be given to students with disabilities, financial challenges, students from ethnic minority groups, internally displaced students, among others

Scholarship and study/research conditions

Availability to complete all research activities in a maximum of 10 months.

Scope of the scholarship

The project will specifically cover stipends and support for field activities only. Support with tuition fees, for the research year, will be provided for students who will complete and submit the research thesis for examination within 10 months from the date of receiving the scholarship offer letter.

How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following documents: Application letter, research concept note of not more than 2 pages, academic transcripts/certificates, an updated CV (including contacts of at least two referees) and two recommendation letters.

Send applications via email to: colocal.caes@mak.ac.ug, not later than 20th May, 2026. This contact can as well be used for inquiries, where necessary.

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Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert

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Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

The Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Limited implemented a Gates Foundation training program dubbed “Principle of Management Excellence for Research training” PRIMER in francophone countries, namely, Mali, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This training was delivered by content experts and experienced practitioners, not professionally trained experts. As such, limiting the quality of slide decks, which were largely fragmented with text rather than graphical and infographic elements that suit a mature audience. To effectively deliver a research training program, advanced, engaging, and efficient tools are critical for fostering audience engagement and participation, and for learning and assessment in research management excellence. To achieve this, IDI seeks to hire an expert to:

  1. design and deliver a set of integrated advanced slide decks combining text, visual learning materials (graphical and infographics) and case scenarios
  2. develop a virtual bilingual community learning platform (VBCLP), i.e. with in-built French and English to engage alumni,
  3. develop and automate a pre-course assessment system that potential trainees fill out, and it automates results that are presented in statistical form for easy interpretation and decision making.

Details: https://shorturl.at/Rzn8d

Apply to: EAkankwasa@idi.co.ug

Deadline: 5 June 2026, 5 PM EAT

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