General
Mak – CWRU Celebrate 30 Years of Research Collaboration
On 26th March 2019, Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) held a symposium to celebrate 30 years of research collaboration under the theme "Building Bridges, Fighting Diseases – Past, Present and Future."
The Uganda-CWRU Research Collaboration started in 1986 after a Presidential invitation to the Late Dr. Fredrick C. Robbins, CWRU Professor and Nobel Laureate, to visit Uganda and assist with the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Addressing the audience, the President of CWRU Prof. Barbara R. Snyder called upon Makerere University Professors, Doctors and Lecturers to nurture the next generation of researchers who will continue to manage diagnosis, treatment and develop vaccines.
“This symposium is a celebration of 30 years. It also provides us with an opportunity to look forward to the next 30 years in eradicating HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and other diseases. Therefore I challenge you to train and educate young scientists who will carry on with our,” said Prof. Snyder.
Prof. Snyder said that the collaboration conducted the first HIV/AIDS clinical trial from1997-2000. Highlighting some of the achievements from the collaboration, Prof. Snyder said that they had trained over 90 Ugandans in short courses, Masters and Doctoral programmes, of whom over 98% are in Uganda holding various prominent academic, health care, NGOs and policy positions.
Prof. Snyder revealed the celebration of 30 years of collaboration was a sign of a remarkable relationship between both Universities, and she looked forward to more years of collaboration.
The Minister for Science Technology and Innovation Hon. Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye revealed that the Government of Uganda under the Research Innovation Fund Framework would commit resources of about 500billion as startup fund to help in carrying out joint research collaborations, set up more research centers and laboratories and enhance capacity building.
“The Government of Uganda is willing to continue supporting Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in research activities. Through the Research and Innovation Fund will help in training young scientists, provide laboratory infrastructures, improve management technologies for diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, and hepatitis B,” said Hon. Dr. Tumwesigye.
He thanked Case Western Reserve University for offering him a scholarship to study at the University where he acquired skills that have helped him serve his country as a Minister and the world at large as a scientist.
“I was one of the students at Case Western Reserve University from 1995 to 1997. The training at the University positively impacted on my work not only in basic health care, but also in developing community-based health programs as well as involving me in scientific research,” said Hon. Tumwesigye.
Hon. Tumwesigye applauded Case Western Reserve University for working with Makerere University and Uganda at large in the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The best way to curb HIV/AIDS is to work together with partners. Therefore, I thank Case Western Reserve University for offering to train Ugandans to provide people who would work towards controlling HIV/AIDS,” said Hon. Tumwesigye.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University commended the collaboration teams for reaching out to Uganda Heart Institute, and the Cancer Institute, which has led to improved management of TB and Malaria. He appreciated the remarkable journey of the 30 years of collaboration, research, innovation and infrastructural development.
“We hope for the extension of the collaboration, joint programs, more research and publications and we look forward to being able to deliver more services to Makerere University, Case Western Reserve University and the country at large,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Amidst applause from the audience, Prof. Nawangwe presented a commemorative plaque to Prof. Snyder in recognition of the 30 years of partnership in research.
The Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ibingira, expressed gratitude towards Dr. Fredrick C. Robbins for the work and collaboration with Makerere University that has led to research innovation, publication and infrastructural development at the College.
Written by: Esther Joy Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
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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