In Press

Mak research raises hope on Covid-19 severity

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2020

Mark Wamai

L-R: Prof William Bazeyo, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and Dr Bruce Kirenga. Photo: The Observer.

_{By Derrick Kiyonga}

Covid-19 has wreaked havoc globally and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. In Uganda, the pandemic has so far been managed and we are yet to register any death much as the total cases have risen to 489 by June 2.

However, there is no reason to panic after a study on the first 56 Covid-19 patients led by Makerere University’s lung institute found that show that they were able to recover on supportive care through managing the symptoms and treatment with antibiotics without the need for admission to Intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilation, writes DERRICK KIYONGA

On May 26, the Makerere University Lung Institute released the characteristics and outcomes of initial patients diagnosed and treated with Covid-19 in Uganda. Codenamed COVIDEPI, the six-week study rotated around the behaviour of the Coronavirus and its impact on the lungs.

The research, funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MAKRIF), was a collaboration among various health service providers in the country and was led by Prof William Bazeyo, the Makerere University deputy vice chancellor.

Dr Bruce Kirenga, the institute director, noted that the aim was to prepare study the severity of Covid-19, the patient’s reaction to treatment as well as using the findings to prepare the country to manage other contagious diseases.

“At admission, only two patients met the classification of severe disease. Patients were closely monitored to identify any signs of severe disease. Temperature and oxygen saturation were monitored three times a day,” he said.

Related Topics:COVID-19 COVIDEPI ICU innovation lung Mak-RIF MLI Research study Ventilator

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In Press

Registration without incentives won’t grow business in Uganda, experts warn

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2025

Mak Editor

Prof. Marcus Larsen presenting the research insights. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By John Odyek}

Business and tax registration alone are not enough to secure the survival, growth, or sustainability of firms in Uganda, according to new research that has been released.

The study conducted by scholars from Makerere University, Copenhagen Business School, and the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) found that formalisation must be supported by targeted reforms, government incentives, and strong backing from business associations and civil society if it is to deliver green and inclusive growth.

Titled “Firm Formalisation and Sustainable Development,” the study launched on August 28, 2025, at Makerere University.

In Press

Climate change puts Uganda’s trade future at risk

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2025

Mak Editor

Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Dr. Peter Babyenda}

Uganda’s growing integration into regional and global markets is facing a serious threat from climate change, according to a new study examining the country’s trade performance between 1990 and 2023. The study reveals that rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are undermining export capacity, damaging vital infrastructure, and pushing up the cost of trade.

The writer is a Research Fellow, Lecturer and Policy Engagement Coordinator at EfD-Mak Centre, School of Economics, CoBAMS, Makerere University; Email: pbabyenda@gmail.com

In Press

The crisis of impressions in Uganda

Published

4 months ago

May 26, 2025

Mak Editor

Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu officially opening the workshop. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

OKUMU MIKE IBRAHIM | In recent times, I have come to better understand why many frontier organisations such as the Economic Policy Research Center now prefer to observe prospective employees—through internships, consultancy roles, or temporary assignments—before offering permanent contracts. This trend reflects a broader social phenomenon: the rise of impression management, what we locally call kufera. Unfortunately, this culture of appearances has crept into the realm of public service, where form often triumphs over substance, and packaging overshadows the true content of delivery.