Greetings from the Infectious Diseases Institute-IDI McKinnell Knowledge Centre at Makerere University Main Campus!
I would like to highlight the evolution of our work, from the vantage point of having been at the Institute since its inception. In nearly two decades, our fundamental mandate of freeing Africa from the burden of IDs has not really changed. However, to maintain relevance to societal needs, particularly here in Uganda, IDI has proactively embraced a strategic shift in the disease areas of focus.
As we envisaged achieving epidemic control of HIV (based on encouraging data from well-conducted surveys), we elected to embark on newer areas of contribution. That is why we created the Global Health Security (GHS) Programme to prevent, detect and respond to diseases like Ebola, and the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance. Our contribution to the prevention and managing HIV has been immense and undisputed. Yet, the whole
HIV/AIDS experience – in its own right a deadly and devastating experience – may just have been a practice opportunity for more devastating infectious diseases. Adversaries such as like Ebola or SARS or the novelSARS-COV-2, the cause of COVID-19!
With its long incubation period (anywhere between 7 and 11 years), HIV’s can be viewed as an epidemic in slow motion compared to Ebola and now COVID-19, which has an incubation period of just days. Comparatively, HIV allowed up the opportunity to set-up prevention, surveillance and health care delivery systems. I am convinced more than ever that our HIV experience is highly relevant to the COVID-19 response. Led by our Global Health Security Programme, IDI has supported the Government of Uganda since COVID-19 was anticipated. We have done this by enhancing systems at points of entry and are leading efforts to protect healthcare workers through IPC training, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and alcoholbased hand rub. I invite you to read our quarterly newsletter to bring you up to speed with our contributions.
Dr. Andrew D. Kambugu, Sande-McKinnell Executive Director, IDI
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala