Makerere University and the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Mak-Sida) held an exhibition to showcase research and the latest innovations from different Colleges of Makerere University. The exhibition, held on Monday, 8th April 2019 was one of the activities scheduled for the 2019 Makerere-Sweden Bilateral Research Programme Annual Planning Meeting which will run from 8th to 12th April 2019.

Exhibitors included students and stakeholders from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Health Science (CHS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University Center for Health and Population Research (MUCHAP) and Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC).

Exhibitors from the College of Health Sciences offered free screening of Non Communicable Diseases, checking for blood pressure, Diabetes and Body Mass Index (BMI).

The Africa Institute for Strategic Services and Development (AFRISA), CoVAB showcased valued added fish and meat products such as sausages as well as smoked, frozen and tinned fish which helps to give the delicacy a longer shelf life. They also exhibited products made from leather such as belts, shoes and bags.

MUCHAP has supported over 26 PhD researchers, several masters and undergraduate students from various universities in Uganda. They presented their recent research findings on population and Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) risk factors survey carried out in Iganga and Mayuge Districts.

The following are some of the recent studies conducted by MUCHAP;
•    Injury and Disability study
•    Implementing community dialogues to enhance patients reporting of diverse drug reactions (ADRs) to improve pharmacovigilance.
•    TB Vaccine Trial Site Preparedness
•    Epidemiological and implementation research on Cerebral Palsy
•    Malaria Vaccine Preparedness Study.

CREEC sensitized participants on the activities they do which include;
•    Hands on and online training courses by an accredited assessment center
•    Applied research that ensures the delivery of sustainable energy solutions for off grid communities.
•    Extensive experience in solar energy to offer expert advice and support for the design of solar innovations
•    Capacity building and transferable skills for technicians, students and other stake holders
•    Testing solar Photovoltaic (PV) products like solar panels, batteries and lanterns in a high tech facility
•    Analyzing solar PV products in field laboratories to study customers behaviors and preferences

The research and innovations showcased are funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in partnership with Makerere University.

Written by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office