The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the world, reaching more than 150 countries in just over two months, infecting more than 100,000. From national lockdowns in Italy and China to disruptions in international travel , and closure of schools due to fears of contracting the infection . What should be done to address this crisis? What can government and the citizens do to contain this pandemic and manage the severe disruption it is causing?
To address these questions, The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH)-Uganda, World Health Organization (WHO)-Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Uganda and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) organized a Public Dialogue on the Coronavirus Disease on Friday 13th March, 2020 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
Speaking at the dialogue aimed at checking Uganda’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Dr. Henry Mwebesa – the Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health , called upon every Ugandan to play a role if corona virus is to be prevented
Mwebesa further revealed that whereas the ministry is struggling to keep Corona virus at bay, they are also battling misinformation spreading on social media and other platforms yet the issue is a national public health concern
“As the ministry, we ask all stakeholders , institutions and politicians to join us in this fight against corona virus, let everyone volunteer and work with us in any way they can‘’ he said.
As part of the fight, Mwebesa further revealed that the government through President Museveni is already championing prevention against corona virus.
On mass gatherings, he advised the public about the need to follow guidelines put in place like hand washing and sanitizing adding that the ministry of Health is working on a law to foster the fight against corona virus.
While chairing the public dialogue, the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health -Prof,Rhoda Wanyenze stressed the importance of getting information from right sources citing some of the rumors doing rounds on social media that blacks don’t get corona virus disease.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.