In recent years, there has been an increase in hospital and community acquired infections globally. Scientists all over the world have continued to emphasize the importance of hand hygiene as one of the most effective methods of prevention and control of infectious diseases including resistant microbes. Recently, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in partnership with Pharmacy Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity (COVAB), Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT), the Ministry of Health, and Wakiso District Local Government trained over 200 Community Health Workers (CHWs), locally known as Village Health Teams (VHTs). The training held in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District was on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) with emphasis on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices particularly handwashing. This training was conducted as part of a project on AMS funded by the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship Scheme (CwPAMS), an initiative of Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) under the Fleming Fund of the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Following these trainings, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) with support of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association spearheaded a fundraising campaign using crowd-funding that raised resources to extend the reach of AMS and IPC activities to other areas of Wakiso district. In early March 2020, a team from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) led by Dr. David Musoke (Lecturer, Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health) trained all CHWs on Bussi and Zzinga Islands on Lake Victoria in Wakiso district on IPC practices with emphasis on hand washing with soap. This training was timely given the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 940,000 people and led to more than 47,000 deaths globally, with hand washing as the critical prevention method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health (MOH).
The CHWs were taught the importance and proper hand washing technique which was further illustrated with the Glo Germ gel experiment. In addition to the training, every CHW was provided with a hand washing facility which included a plastic jerry can and metallic stand.
Bussi Secondary School, Zzinga Health Centre II, Bishop Kauma Zzinga Primary School, and selected local leaders also received hand washing facilities. During a session at Bussi Secondary School, Dr. Musoke sensitized students on infection prevention practices such as hand washing with emphasis on its importance in the prevention of the Coronavirus among other diseases.
The Zzinga Health Centre II in-charge Ms. Christine Wanyana greatly appreciated Makerere University and partners for considering island communities for health promotion interventions.
“Thank you Dr. Musoke and your team at Makerere University. We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the UK colleagues particularly Buckinghamshire hospital and the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association that led the fundraising for these handwashing facilities. Our VHTs have been empowered and I am sure they will be change agents in our communities. We are also grateful for the cleaning equipment that has been given to our health centre to improve sanitation.” Ms. Wanyana said.
The CHWs were very happy to have been empowered with not only knowledge but also provided with facilities with which to wash their hands as a means of improving sanitation and hygiene within their communities.
One of the CHWs said: “I am happy that I will have this handwashing facility in my home. Other members of the community will learn from me how to wash their hands. I am also pleased that we have been the first CHWs to be selected to receive these hand washing facilities in the entire Busiro South constituency despite the remoteness of these islands.”
During the handover of the hand washing facilities to the CHWs, Mr. Stanley Kabuye, the LC III Chairperson of Bussi sub county, Wakiso district emphasized how these hand washing facilities will help in the fight against diarrheal diseases and the emerging Corona virus. As Dr. Musoke addressed the CHWs, he thanked them for the tremendous work they do, and encouraged them to be proud of their contribution to the health system despite being volunteers.
“Don’t think you are not making an impact in our country. As VHTs, you do a lot of work to promote health and prevent diseases in your communities. You go to people’s homes and educate them about health issues, which cannot be by done health workers who are primarily based at health facilities, among other numerous roles you play. You therefore contribute significantly to the overall health of the community and your sacrifices as volunteers make a very big impact within the country.” Dr. Musoke emphasized.
The capacity building on IPC was conducted after a 2-day training of CHWs on non-communicable diseases in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, UK with funding support from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) England.
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.