General
Mak-Karolinska Institute to establish a Centre of Excellence in Non-Communicable Diseases
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.
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 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
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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