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Govt called upon to Fund Research in NCDs: Diabetes can be Prevented and Effectively Managed

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“Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a rapidly growing health burden in Uganda, and many other low and middle income countries. I call upon the Government of Uganda to fund research in NCDs. Most people with NCDs do not know that they are suffering from NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or heart diseases. For diabetes, about half of the people with diabetes in Uganda do not know that they have it,” said Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report of 2016, deaths from NCDs were on the rise, with developing countries hit hardest. NCDs are the leading cause of death globally. In 2016, they caused 71% of all deaths (40.5 million) up from 60% in 2000.

Opening the SMART2D Research Dissemination Workshop to various stakeholders held on 21st March 2019, Prof. Wanyenze applauded researchers from Makerere University School of Public Health for teaming up with other partners to undertake a multi-country four year research project aimed at identifying strategies to better prevent and manage Type-2-Diabetes, one of the NCDs.

She commended the research team headed by the Uganda co-Principal Investigator, Prof. David Guwatudde for not only describing problems, but also providing prevention and management strategies for Type-2-Diabetes.

The Dean, School of Public Health, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze applauded the SMART2D research team for undertaking the multi-country four year research project on NCDs

The co-Principal Investigator of SMART2D, Prof. David Guwatudde emphasized that the primary aim of the four year research was to strengthen capacity for both prevention and management of Type-2-Diabetes.

“Health systems in most parts of the world were struggling to diagnose and manage Type-2-Diabetes especially in low and middle income countries. More than 50% of people with diabetes in Uganda are undiagnosed. They are not aware that they have diabetes. Further in Uganda, only about 30% of people with diabetes have ever had their blood tested for high blood sugar,” he said.

Funded by the European Union (EU) and Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the SMART2D research presents a people-centered approach through Self-Management and Reciprocal Learning for the Prevention and Management of Type-2-Diabetes.

Prof. Guwatudde revealed that Type-2-Diabetes is more of a lifestyle disease, which can be prevented if we modify our lifestyle and behaviour. The nutrition aspect is one of the factors leading people to get diabetes.

According to Dr. Juliet Kiguli, co-Investigator on the SMART2D, some of the factors putting one at the risk of getting diabetes included: consumption of unhealthy foods (eating sweet things, too much oil, alcohol); physical inactivity (not exercising); Worrying; and ignoring the advice from medical personnel.

L-R: Dr. Juliet Kiguli, Dr. Roy William Mayega and another member of the research team a the Workshop

With Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa sharing statistics that diabetes wields a tremendous economic burden on society (to patients and the economy at large); and further revelation from Dr. Roy William Mayega that most of the patients the research team interviewed, could not afford the drugs and equipment to monitor their blood sugar, yet often there are stock-outs of these at Government health centers.  He emphasized that SMART2D advocates for strategies aimed at prevention and effective management of diabetes. “Prevention is better than cure. Since diabetes can be prevented and the prevalence of pre-diabetes is high, preventive efforts should be stepped up so as to save lives as well as resources that are going to be spent on treatment.”

For those living with diabetes, Prof. David Guwatudde emphasized that if they follow the advice of the medical personnel and take the prescribed medicines; they can live a normal life. “It is not true that when they diagnose you with diabetes you die soon. If you take the prescribed medicines and follow the advice from medical personnel, you will live with diabetes and still live a normal life.”

The SMART2D research team consists of the following researchers: Prof. David  Guwatudde, Dr. Juliet Kiguli, Dr. Roy William Mayega, Dr. Barbara Kirunda Tabusibwa, Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa Kiracho, Dr. Francis Xavier Kasujja, Dr. Anthony Muyingo, Mrs. Max Walusimbi, Ms.  Gloria Naggayi, Mr. Edward Ikoona, and Mr. Kusolo Ronald.

Some of the challenges in the prevention and management of NCDs include: Inadequate prevention strategies; a large proportion of people with NCDs are undiagnosed; lack of funds to buy the recommended medicines; and poor retention into care.

Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa shared statistics on the economic burden of diabetes on patients and the economy

To address the four challenges, the SMART2D research team came up with a set of Facility and Community interventions.

Minimal improvements in organization of facility-based care significantly improved the percentage of patients with diabetes that are retained into care by over 30%. It also improved control of the disease in the patients by over 10%, and prevented the development of diabetes among people at high risk by over 50%.

In line with WHO report published in 2002 titled Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions: Building Blocks for Action which noted that a community has a crucial role to play in chronic care, Dr. Francis Xavier Kasujja reiterated that peer groups were instrumental in the ongoing support to diabetes patients in Iganga and Mayuge communities.

Delivering a personal testimony, one of the patients with diabetes said that they significantly benefited from the engagement and trainings received during the SMART2D project.
However, with the end of the project, most of the patients were worried because they cannot afford the cost of treatment for management of diabetes.

Dr. Francis Xavier Kasujja shared the importance of peer groups in supporting diabetes patients in the Iganga-Mayuge communities

Presenting the implications of their findings on policy, Dr. Roy William Mayega highlighted the following recommendations:

•    Health Centres from level III+ should be supported to establish diabetes care and prevention services and accredited in a phased way
•    Roll-out of a minimum package of equipment, and essential drugs from Health Centre III and above, supported by a regular supply, inclusive of hypertension medicines
•    Need to roll out lean clinical guidelines and a care algorithm to all facilities
•    Scaled training (pre- and -in-service), supervision and clinical mentorship of nurses and clinical staff on care and prevention
•    Strengthen the information system for chronic care including appointments, clinical records and follow-up
•    A simple health education and coaching approach and manuals should be rolled out to facilities targeting patients and people at high risk
•    A task shifting approach should be scaled up where stable patients are managed by nurses
•    Need to strengthen self-care so that patients can manage themselves

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Gerald Mutungi the Senior Medical Officer in Charge on Non-Communicable Diseases shared with workshop participants some of the strategies being undertaken:  The Ministry of Health has a technical working group on NCDs; ongoing research aimed at studying the effectiveness of the integration of HIV/AIDS and NCDs into the chronic care clinic; and Government entering into a strategic partnership with Novartis, an NCD drugs manufacturer, to ensure that drugs for NCDs are available at all Government health facilities.

Dr. Roy William Mayega's presentation revealed that most patients could not afford the drugs and equipment to monitor their blood sugar

Some of the key stakeholders who attended the SMART2D Research Dissemination workshop include: Dr. Gity Behravan,1st Secretary and Senior Research Advisor, Swedish Embassy- Kampala,  Dr. Fred Makumbi-Deputy Dean of Mak School of Public Health, Dr. Esther Buregyeya, Dr. Noah Kiwanuka and officials from the World Health Organisation, Ministry of Health, NCD platforms, diabetic associations, lung and heart institutions, district health workers, patients from Iganga and Mayuge, Makerere University Directorate of  Research and Graduate Training, and among others.

Written by:  Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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