With support from Resolve To Save Lives, the Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu today, Friday 13th March, 2020 handed over equipment worth UGX310Million to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at Points of Entry (PoE). Resolve To Save lives is an American organisation dedicated to ending epidemics. The handover preceded a press conference at the Ministry Headquarters in Nakasero where the Health Minister Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng was present.
During the press conference, Dr. Andrew Kambugu, accompanied by his team that included the Head, Global Health Security Programme, Dr. Mohammed Larmode, thanked the Minister for the tireless efforts that led to the successful containment of the Ebola Virus Outbreak of June 2019.
“This achievement was made possible under the guidance and leadership of the Ministry of Health officials, working hard to ensure importation of cases does not result in onward local transmission.”
“Even while the COVID-19 pandemic has generated concern as it spreads rapidly, including to some countries in Africa, we are pledging our efforts to work in line with International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) so as to strengthen capacity at Points of Entry (PoE) to respond to public health threats through trainings,” he said.
The Executive Director said the equipment will be used to assist in risk mapping at border crossings using the Population Movement and Connectivity across Borders among other interventions. The PoEs to receive the equipment are Entebbe International Airport as well as Busia and Mpondwe border points in Busia and Kasese Districts respectively.
Dr. Aceng applauded the partnership with IDI saying that the Government acknowledges both local and international partners that continue to provide support in capacity building for preparedness and response to public health threats of international concern.
Earlier in the week, in support of One Health and knowledge of the threat posed by diseases that transfer from animals to humans, IDI through the same funding partner handed over similar equipment worth UGX200Million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Dr. Doris Kiconco, Assistant commissioner of Animal Health at MAAIF was at the IDI Headquarters, Makerere University to receive the equipment on Wednesday 11th March 2020.
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.