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Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 1, Part 3

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College of Health Sciences (CHS)

 

BBOSA Nicholas

A molecular phylogenetic and modelling approach towards understanding the transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda

Dr. BBOSA Nicholas used molecular phylogenetic and modelling approaches to dissect the transmission dynamics of HIV in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. The fishing communities are disproportionately affected by HIV relative to the general population and for a long time, the dynamics of HIV transmission were not well understood. His research revealed for the first time in Uganda that the fishing communities were a sink for HIV transmission from the general population and negated the generally held assumption of the fishing communities being viral reservoirs. The findings have contributed towards informing public health policies on the implementation of targeted interventions for effective HIV epidemic control in most at-risk populations. This study was funded by the UK Medical research council, and was supervised by Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Prof. Andrew Leigh-Brown, Dr. Bernard S. Bagaya, Assoc. Prof Noah Kiwanuka and Dr. Rebecca N. Nsubuga.

 

BWIRE Godfrey

Molecular characterization and rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae in Uganda: the relationship between human pathogens and aquatic environment.

Dr. BWIRE Godfrey studied Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for repeated cholera outbreaks in Uganda to determine their genetic profile, spread, transmission, virulence, aquatic environmental reservoirs and a field cholera rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The study found that cholera outbreaks in Uganda were due to three genetically related V. cholerae clones. The clones showed transmission within Uganda, East and Central African regions. The surface water sources in Uganda were possibly not reservoirs for the epidemic V. cholerae. The accuracy of the cholera RDT, a modified Crystal VC® dipsticks was high. This study enhances our understanding of cholera outbreaks and may help in prevention, control and elimination of cholera in Uganda. The study was jointly funded by the Uganda Ministry of Health and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (USA) and supervised by Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach (MakSPH) and Prof. David Allen Sack (John Hopkins University, USA).

 

EGESA Moses

Human B and T cell responses to novel Schistosoma mansoni skin-stage antigens

Mr. EGESA Moses studied human immune responses to parasite components expressed at the vulnerable skin larva stage of the human blood fluke, Schistosoma. It was not known how endemic populations respond to recombinant components of the larvae and how these immune responses relate with intensity of infection when people get re-infected. The recombinant antigens induced inflammatory cytokine responses. Additionally, antibodies to these antigens were detectable and were affected by treatment. Although not associated with reinfection intensity, the information generated informs the selection and prioritization of vaccine targets. This study was funded by a Wellcome Trust Strategic Award and the DELTAS Africa Initiative and supported by European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme, and was supervised by Dr. Bernard Bagaya, Prof. Maria Yazdanbakhsh and Dr. Stephen Cose.

 

KADDUMUKASA Martin

Sodium intake in post-stroke patients – its influence on blood pressure, knowledge and perceptions and stroke outcomes in Uganda

Dr. KADDUMUKASA Martin’s thesis focuses on salt intake and cardiovascular stroke. He estimates the daily intake and its association with blood pressure and stroke. He further investigates knowledge, perceptions, and consumption decisions after stroke. He uses 24-hour urine to determine the salt intake in stroke patients. He notes that stroke survivors with high blood pressure have twice the levels of salt compared to stroke survivors without blood pressure. Poor knowledge, perceptions, and salt use beliefs. Finally, a high frequency of stroke recurrence and death was observed in this group. This study recommends primary stroke prevention through salt intake reduction and population salt awareness through education. This study was supported by NIH MEPI-linked Neurology Award (No. 5R24TW008886), Fogarty International Centre and was supervised by Prof. E. Katabira, Prof. Martha Sajatovic, Prof. Larry Goldstein and Dr. Pundik.

 

KAYIMA James

Hypertension in Uganda: epidemiology and association with HIV infection and genetics

Dr. KAYIMA James investigated the association of HIV infection and selected genes with blood pressure traits among Ugandans. He observed that, unlike the western populations, the frequency of hypertension was lower among HIV-infected compared to uninfected subjects in Uganda. Further, he uncovered the profound negative effect of SUB/NPR3 gene on systolic blood pressure. These finding suggest a protective effect of HIV on hypertension; and a potential modifying effect of SUB/NPR3 gene on hypertension in African populations. This work elucidates the role of HIV and population-specific genetic factors in the control of hypertension risk. It builds a foundation for formulation of prevention efforts for cardiovascular disease among high-risk groups; and for pharmacogenetic studies to identify appropriate medication for hypertensive black populations. This study was funded by Medical Education Partnership Initiative on Cardiovascular Disease (MEPI-CVD), and was supervised by Dr. Achilles Katamba, Prof. Harriet Mayanja Kizza, Prof. Xiaofeng Zhu and Prof. Mahboob Rahman.

 

MBOOWA Gerald

Functional host-genetic loci associated with pediatric HIV-disease progression in Uganda and Botswana

Dr. MBOOWA Gerald used genomics and bioinformatics approaches to identify a set of genes that informs us which person if HIV-infected will take many years to develop AIDS (symptoms) without HIV-treatment. His research revealed that following HIV infection, there are two groups of people; Rapid-AIDS progressors (develop symptoms in 3-years or less after infection) and Long-term non-progressors (>10-years to develop symptoms) without HIV-treatment. These findings have implications for the current “Test-and-Treat and Treat-for-Life” HIV-treatment policy; when one tests HIV-positive and started on treatment-for-life exposing them to drugs’ dangerous side-effects yet some HIV-infected people have nature ability to stay for many years without developing symptoms in absence of HIV-treatment. This study was funded by the Collaborative African Genomics Network-(CAfGEN) and Training Health Researchers into Vocational Excellence in East Africa-(THRiVE-2), and supervised by Prof Moses Joloba and Dr. David Kateete.

 

MPIMBAZA Arthur Mwambari

Determinants of severe malaria among children hospitalised at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Dr. MPIMBAZA Arthur Mwambari studied determinants of severe malaria among children in the Busoga sub-region. Risk factors for severe malaria included delayed care seeking by more than 24 hours after fever onset and seeking care at a drug shop as the initial response. For convenience, drug shops were the most common provider sought by caregivers of children with severe malaria. However, drug shops offered sub-optimal healthcare services compared to public health facilities. Hemoglobin S heterozygotes, alpha thalassemia heterozygosity and homozygosity were associated with protection against severe malaria. Drug shops were a problem, contributing to delay and severe malaria. The role of drug shops in caring for children with malaria needs to be re-evaluated and services at public health facilities strengthened. This study was funded by NIH Fogarty International Center (TW009343 and TW007375) and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Charles Karamagi, Prof. Anne Katahoire, Grace Ndeezi and Philip J Rosenthal.

 

NABATANZI Rose (Ms)

Innate immune system recovery after long-term antiretroviral therapy in an African cohort

Dr. NABATANZI Rose studied whether key blood cell populations of HIV infected adults recover completely after at least seven years of treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). This research found that despite at least seven years of effective ART, key first line defence cells among HIV-infected individuals were still fewer and produced low chemical mediators of first line defence against invading germs; compared with age-matched healthy HIV uninfected individuals. More emphasis should be put on ways of improving the body’s defence system for individuals on long-term ART to levels comparable to HIV-uninfected individuals, to prevent or delay HIV-associated complications among adults aging with the disease. This study was funded by DELTAS Africa Initiative, the Wellcome Trust and UK government and Alliance for Global Health and Science at University of California, Berkeley, USA; and was supervised by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Prof. Moses Joloba, Prof. Stephen Cose and Prof. Sarah Rowland Jones.

 

NAJJUKA Christine Florence (Ms)

Characterisation of extended spectrum Beta lactamases elaborated in Enterobactereaceae in Uganda

Dr. NAJJUKA Christine Florence investigated the prevalence of Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamases (ESBLs), the factors associated with gastrointestinal carriage, genotypes, transmission dynamics and co-resistance among clients attending outpatient clinics in Kampala, Kayunga and Mpigi Districts. She found predominance of cefotaximase in Kampala and presence of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase genes, especially in ceftriaxone-susceptible Escherichia coli. Use of ciprofloxacin, inoculation and routine health follow up were risk factors, while rural residency and visiting lower health centres were protective of carriage of resistant bacteria. Transmission was predominantly by horizontal gene transfer of cefotaximase with at least two non-beta-lactam resistance genes. The findings inform widespread gut colonisation by bacteria resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins and commonly used non beta-lactam agents, a source for transmission and infection with unpredictable and limited treatment options. This study was funded by Sida-Makerere Bilateral Research Programme and the Carnegie Cooperation of New York, and was supervised by Prof. Moses L. Joloba and Prof. Sabiha Y. Essack.

 

ZIDA Andre

Creating and institutionalizing supports for evidence-informed decision making, including a rapid response service, in the Burkina Faso health system

Dr. ZIDA Andre’s research focused on decision making in the Burkina Faso health system. His investigation focused on the institutionalization of a policy support unit called rapid response to provide evidence for urgent decision-making. The study showed that the institutionalization of decision support units demands a robust framework and political will. It can be non-linear, and it depends on the leadership of unit managers to implement relevant activities, mobilize funding, and recruit and maintain sufficient human resources. This study developed a clear roadmap for evidence-informed decision-making and policy unit institutionalization. This study was funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the European Union, and was supervised by Prof. Nelson K. Sewankambo, John N. Lavis and Dr. Bocar Kouyate.

 

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1 : Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

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Mark Wamai

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Makerere University and Goucher College Explore Strategic Collaboration

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (L)and Ms. Nenelwa Tomi holding a Goucher College's banner after the engagement on 2nd Oct. 2025.

Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.

Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.

The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.

Ms. Nenelwa Tomi

Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.

In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.

Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.

In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.

The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo  (Head of the Department of History).

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Nkrumah Hall Holds its 2nd Nkrumah Day Public Lecture

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Keynote Speaker and Chief Guest Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire

Africa Must Wake Up and Unite

In commemoration of the Africa’s iconic leader, the late Kwame Nkrumah, a public lecture was celebrated on Friday, 26th September 2025. It was a day to celebrate and reiterate Nkrumah’s history and his dream of a one and united Africa through Pan-Africanism. The event was held under the theme ‘Transforming Young African Minds: Lessons We Can Draw from Kwame Nkrumah’s Ideas.’ As echoed by the Nkrumah hall’s chairman, Mr. Arinaitwe Peter, it was a day to transform the minds of activists. “Nkrumah Hall is not just a building but a temple of ideas, innovation and research.” he added highlighting the remarkable importance of Nkrumah’s legacy. With this spirit, Nkrumah hall’s leadership made it a responsibility to organise sports and charity works to the needy aiming at building brotherhood and lifting one another.

In the same regard, the Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire the State Minister for Internal Affairs highlighted the theme of the event affirming that Nkrumah lived dream for the unity of the African continent and that that is what inspires him. Reflecting on his journey as a student at Makerere 53 years ago, he mentioned that him and other colleagues became part time students and full-time guerrillas fighting for the love, peace and stability of their country, Uganda to liberate it from Idd Amin’s regime. “I rather live fighting than live on my knees begging…” he added.

He urged the youths to embrace the Africanism and unite Africa following Nkrumah’s dream therefore reinstating that if youths rise as Ugandans in oneness altogether, they shall be unbreakable. He added that we are living in a continent that encompasses countries that are democratically poor thus cannot do great things like going to the moon, inventing high end machinery and so on.

Maj. Gen. Kahinda, emphasized youths to do away with their cultural and religious beliefs and indifferences to develop the desire for the unity of Uganda, East Africa and Africa. Showing his worry, he stated that youths should wake up and stop being used fighters hence uniting the good as opposed to the bad ones. “I want you, young people to be Africans because I am an African and will be enough for me to go to my grave and rest.” he made a call to the youths. He articulated that Africa shouldn’t confine itself in the colonial borders forced on it by the colonialists but rather a border-less continent for all Africans thus cherishing in being a mayor in Africa than being a minister in Uganda.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli pointed it out that the university focuses at interesting students towards leadership and aims to honour the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah by raising a generation that will respect Africa’s values and stand the taste of time as Nkrumah’s name has done. Honoured to host the event, she added that the university prides in research and innovation.

As a norm to digest the Nkrumah’s dream of ‘Pan Africanism and Unity,’ a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Suzie Muwanga was conducted. On this platform, it was addressed that;

  • The African people failed to get dignity and thus for Pan Africanism to prevail, dignity needs to be attached to the people.
  • Nkrumah’s dream was to see an Africa that could stand on its own; Intra-African, intra-state and intra-regional.
  • Africa still holds its strength and wealth which key in attracting Africa’s enemies to continually endeavour to destabilise it to obtain Africans’ wealth. This therefore calls for Africans to discard such for Africa to stand.
  • Nkrumah’s efforts continued to inspire the next generations thus a call to every African to embrace the great duty of advancing the ideals, principles and values of Pan Africanism and not only expecting it from the existing leaders but as everyone’s personal duty.
  • With the spirit to shape the pathway of Pan Africanism, young people should understand that they live because their forefathers fought and should carry on the same spirit to also fight for where their children will live.

As the event came to an end, it was re-echoed that it is very is important for youths/young people to shift their mindset from being a special group of people that should be only catered for. Therefore, young people should harness the international community and embrace diversity to awaken and expose their mindset. As a call, young people/youths were called to action to ensure that the right decisions are done for the betterment of a united people of Africa as it was foreseen by Kwame Nkrumah.

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Prof. Sarah Ssali commends Makerere University’s longstanding relationship with the Mastercard Foundation

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Participants of the co-creation workshop pause for a group photo

By Antonny Tugaineyo

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.

“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.

Prof. Sarah Ssali delivering opening remarks.

Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.

“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.

The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explaining of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s interests

Pillar 1: Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education

  • Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
  • Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
  • Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students

Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs

  • Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
  • Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
  • Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years           
  • Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations

Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre

  • Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
  • Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
  • Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
  • Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.

Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change

  • Partner with 5 Public Universities (Gulu University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Muni University) to develop joint research initiatives and community engagement programmes
  • Conduct 14 climate science-policy-practice dialogues to co-create transformative climate resilience solutions.
  • Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
  • Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa – Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:

  • Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
  • Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
  • Cross-cutting course on Climate Resilience for Livelihoods, Economy, and Ecosystems: The Collaborative will work with Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) to co-develop and co-deliver this course to all students.

Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.

The Africa Climate Collaborative is a new partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being carried out in collaboration with three other universities: The University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge.

Antonny Tugaineyo is the Principal CRSC Coordinator for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University

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