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Address Drivers of Non-compliance to COVID-19 Guidelines, Researchers Urge Government

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By Joseph Odoi

Makerere University researchers and local leaders have asked government and other key stakeholders in refugee management to address community drivers of non-compliance to COVID-19 guidelines as increased cases continue to be registered across the country.

This call was made at the dissemination event of a study conducted by Makerere University titled Refugee Lived Experiences, Compliance and Thinking (REFLECT) in COVID-19. The REFLECT dissemination was undertaken at multiple sites in Kisenyi (Kampala), Kyaka II Refugee Settlement (Kyegegwa) and Adjumani (West Nile) on 14th December 2020.

The REFLECT study observed that compliance levels around COVID-19 guidelines drastically declined between May-August 2020 and continue going down despite increased infections from community transmission. The stakeholders at this event cautioned that addressing the drivers of non-compliance was necessary in light of the overwhelmed health system, currently ongoing political campaigns and massive social gatherings in the Christmas season and beyond.

Since March 2020 the Uganda government and its partners have conducted a fairly successful awareness campaign on the prevention of COVID-19. However, this knowledge has not translated into sustainable behavioural change and while there was strict observance of COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic, compliance has drastically dropped due to a number of reasons. This is why all prevention efforts should now focus on addressing the barriers to non-compliance as the country enters into the second wave and peak period of COVID-19 transmissions.

A study conducted from among 2,092 people in refugee settlements in Uganda has found a serious disconnect between the high knowledge levels and levels of compliance with the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures. A total of 13 settlements were considered for this study including Kisenyi in Kampala, Kyaka II in Kyegegwa district and 11 settlements in Adjumani district, West Nile.

Some of the stakeholders at the REFLECT dissemination in Kisenyi, Kampala. They include community leaders from Somali, Ethiopian and Eritrean communities; officials from National Water & Sewerage Cooperation (NWSC), NGOs, politicians and law enforcement
Some of the stakeholders at the REFLECT dissemination in Kisenyi, Kampala. They include community leaders from Somali, Ethiopian and Eritrean communities; officials from National Water & Sewerage Cooperation (NWSC), NGOs, politicians and law enforcement

Presenting findings of the study at Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa, South-Western Uganda, the research team led by Dr Gloria Seruwagi observed that compliance levels had declined over time (between March/April and July/August); unfortunately coinciding with increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Inappropriate use of masks was found prevalent in some of the study sites – including sharing of masks, and only wearing them when the refugees meet the Police. Researchers say these practices constitute a source of risk for infection, rather than being protective.

Scarcity of Facemasks

Sifa Mubalama, a Woman Councillor in Kyaka II while speaking to study investigators at Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa, South-Western Uganda late last year, revealed that there is non-compliance to COVID-19 guidelines due to inadequate masks and materials at the settlement.

 “We were all given one mask each in Kyaka II settlement which you have to wash often and use again, hence becoming too old getting torn after some time. There is also inconsistent supply of soap and water. Because of this, some of the community members have not been washing their hands consistently’’ Mubalama revealed.

Sifa Mubalama, the woman counsellor in Kyaka II at the dissemination event.
Sifa Mubalama, the woman counsellor in Kyaka II at the dissemination event.

According to Mubalama, each family gets Shs. 22,000 every month, which is she says is not adequate to sustain the families. As a result, majority refugees go out in the communities to do manual work, to supplement on the income citing that this puts their lives at risk of COVID-19 infection.

Mubalama further contends that children in the settlements were not adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) because their parents were not.

“It would be easier to implement these guidelines if the parents were adhering to them. Because the parents are not adhering to the guidelines, most children are also not. It’s really important that if we are to implement the SOPs, it should start from the parent,” she said.

According to Happy Peter Christopher, the Kyegegwa Sub County Speaker, ever since the lockdown restrictions were eased, the refugees abandoned following the COVID-19 guidelines like social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing or frequent washing of hands with soap. 

“People are not putting on masks and are careless. Refugees also buy food from the nationals and there are intermarriages. So, the spread of COVID-19 is very possible. For us we would like, if possible, to ask government to bring back the total lockdown so that we are protected”.

He also reported that, up to now, some areas in Kyegegwa had still not received the government distributed masks and called upon government to deliver masks to all refugees and also add more efforts in enforcing SOPs.

It is against this background that researchers at Makerere University and local leaders have appealed to government and other stakeholders in the refugee management to address the community drivers of non-compliance to COVID-19 guidelines as cases continue to surge in Kyaka II refugee settlement in the South Western district of Kyegegwa.

Government has been asked to address the drivers of non-compliance, as a necessity in light of the overwhelmed health system, by the currently ongoing political campaigns and the massive social gatherings during the festivities.

Dr. Misaki Wayengera the Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the COVID-19 Taskforce in the Ministry of Health explained why some districts did not get enough masks, saying there was an urgency to distribute to candidates returning to school.

“We intended to distribute masks to the entire 139 districts of Uganda. However, this was not possible because we opened up schools. As the Ministry [of Health], we had to negotiate with the Ministry of Education to prioritise the candidate students who were going to school; every student receiving 2 masks. As a result, we have not been able to distribute masks across the entire country,” he explained.

Dr Misaki Wayengera (1st right)  the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee , National Covid-19 Taskforce in the Ministry of Health and Dr  Gloria Seruwagi
Dr Misaki Wayengera (1st right)  the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee , National Covid-19 Taskforce in the Ministry of Health and Dr  Gloria Seruwagi Photo by New Vision

According to Dr. Wayengera, there is a need for all stakeholders dealing with refugees to appreciate that they are equally susceptible to COVID-19 like any other person.

“In terms of providing support, we must ensure that we provide things like masks, soap, sanitizers and also educational materials around the SOPs,” he said.

Adding that; “there are targeted efforts to make sure that we roll out Rapid Diagnostic Tests to make sure that we can screen the populations especially as children go back to school, we screen them but most importantly know who is infected and pull them out from the community”.

Dr Misaki Wayengera (1st left) Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee -COVID-19 Taskforce in the Ministry of Health, speaking to the Media
Dr Misaki Wayengera (1st left) Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee -COVID-19 Taskforce in the Ministry of Health, speaking to the Media

Discussion of Study Results  

Dr. Gloria Seruwagi, also the Principal Investigator notes that whereas more than half (about 60 percent) of the members of the refugee community are well informed about COVID-19; up to 40% were found to have knowledge gaps on the nature, transmission, symptoms and dangers of COVID-19.

The study results also showed that between 1-40% of the refugee population across the different study sites adopt at least one risk behaviour likely to lead to transmission of COVID-19 including behaviours related to hygiene and social interactions including related to hygiene, congestion, and physical activity.

While men appeared more knowledgeable about the virus compared to women and children, women were found to be more compliant than men. Also, refugees who were Muslims were more compliant to COVID-19 guidelines compared to their Christian counterparts while younger refugees appeared more knowledgeable about COVID-19 than the elderly.

A wide knowledge gap was found among the children and adolescents, with up to 75% not fully knowledgeable on causes, transmission, risk/protective factors and management of Covid-19.

The Myths

Study results show that refugee communities had a belief that Africans have immunity against COVID-19; and that COVID-19 is not real but is instead a fabrication of scientists and politicians; and that their religious faith would protect them.

On threats and opportunities towards compliance, social media and the diaspora were reported as the key knowledge agents among refugee communities whose effect is divisive by simultaneously encouraging both compliance and non-compliance.

While a lot of information about COVID-19 has been provided by government and other stakeholders including implementing partners from civil society, UN bodies and local leadership, researchers revealed that children, youths and s the elderly and people with disabilities were not particularly targeted with appropriate information; and had largely not been reached.

Children and COVID-19

During the investigations, researchers found that despite government and other key and agencies churning out COVID-19 related information, it largely focused on adults and missed out children and adolescents.

“The fact that they (children and adolescents) have not been targeted means that no one has even given them masks. The masks which are on the market are all big and if a child wears it, it is going to fall down. We decided to channel some of the study resources into making customised and re-usable masks for some of the older children,” explains Dr. Gloria Seruwagi.

Children putting on masks donated by REFLECT Project during the dissemination exercise at Kyaka II, Kyegegwa district in South Western
Children putting on masks donated by REFLECT Project during the dissemination exercise at Kyaka II, Kyegegwa district in South Western

Behavioural change messages needed

The REFLECT study team observed during the study that there was a great and urgent need for engaging leadership at all levels as well as developing Behavioral change messages to positively influence behavior.

Some of the REFLECT Study SBCC Materials at the Dissemination Event in Kyaka II, which were translated into the local languages
Some of the REFLECT Study SBCC Materials at the Dissemination Event in Kyaka II, which were translated into the local languages

During the dissemination exercise, the REFLECT Study Team donated masks to support the refugees “walk the compliance talk” in the fight against COVID-19. 

The study team physically sensitised and demonstrated to the refugees on proper wearing of masks. They strongly discouraged the improper use of masks including “chin” masking, partial masking, inconsistent masking, sharing of masks as well as wearing ill-fitting masks.

Dr. Gloria Seruwagi handing over masks to the Chairman of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa
Dr. Gloria Seruwagi handing over masks to the Chairman of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa

On the whole, researchers applauded government and development partners’ efforts on undertaking a largely successful awareness campaign around COVID-19.

They note however that this awareness has not translated into positive change, emphasising the need for more effort towards behavioural change, building on from the COVID awareness campaign.

A REFLECT SBCC poster translated by the Somali refugee community in Kisenyi, Kampala
A REFLECT SBCC poster translated by the Somali refugee community in Kisenyi, Kampala

The research team recommends thus;

  1. Government and all stakeholders should focus on addressing the drivers of non-compliance and enforcement fatigue. These drivers include:
  • Reviewing the feasibility of interventions: Guidelines like physical distancing are not feasible in crowded refugee settings and need to be revisited. For crowded settings emphasis needs to be put on some guidelines and not others, for example handwashing and consistently wearing fitting face masks instead of physical distancing or sanitizing.
  • Debunk myths and negative perceptions: Majority of the community has not fully bought into the seriousness of COVID-19 and think it is not only a joke but is also a political and monetary ploy advanced by politicians, some scientists, supremacists or population control enthusiasts. These myths need to be debunked and instead replaced with factual information about COVID-19.
  • More profiling of COVID-19 trends and cases should be undertaken for behavioural change impact. This is because more than 90% of study participants had not seen a single COVID case. However, stigma and other potentially related dilemmas should be carefully managed.
  • Leaders, implementers and enforcers of COVID-19 guidelines should be consistent and “walk the talk”. This is especially needed now with the political campaign season where masses are gathering and politicians are not leading by example.
  • The issue of livelihoods and food security must be resolved as a key bottleneck to compliance.
  • Culture: Local leaders, cultural leaders and grassroots organisations should be recognised and engaged more in behavioural change campaigns – for instance to engage their communities identify alternative social norms for greetings, for showing love and kindness etc., without put their lives at risk.
  1. The timeliness and critical role of the recently launched 2020 Community Health Engagement Strategy (CES) should be leveraged whereby:
  • Local health system capacity is strengthened to effectively take up the implementation and enforcement of SOPs for COVID-19 prevention.
  • Community health systems and other enforcement structures are equipped with knowledge, skills, supplies and adequate infrastructure.
  1. Key sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 risk should guide tailored impact messaging and other interventions.
  2. Children, adolescents and youth should be effectively targeted in COVID-19 interventions. They need awareness, products (e.g. fitting face masks), visibility, voice and protection from the effects of COVID-19 including being witnesses and victims of different forms of violence.
  3. The awareness message found high among adults should be reinforced and consolidated – equitably this time.

“We believe that these are low-cost interventions but which will bring about high impact in a very short time and reverse not only the trend of COVID-19 transmission but also its negative effects across the health socioeconomic spectrum” Dr Seruwagi said.

Kyegegwa Authorities Speak Out

Jethro Aldrine, the Kyegegwa District Assistant Resident District Commissioner said government was committed to inclusive dissemination of information on MOH SOPs in order to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.

“As the COVID-19 district task force, we move from door to door to sensitize people on COVID-19 including children,” he disclosed.

He also noted that government was also sensitising the masses through radio stations to create awareness that COVID-19 is real and needs to be prevented. He thanked the REFLECT Project for carrying out the study that will help the district fight the current pandemic.

At a radio talk show conducted jointly with the study team, district officials and refugee community leaders, Mr Thomas Mugweri the Surveillance Officer in the District Health Office of Kyegegwa District Local Government also thanked the REFLECT Study Team for giving it new direction.  

“While we as a district have been massively sensitizing on awareness, now we know that people are not using the message they know about COVID. We are now going to start using all our behavioural change techniques to make sure that we bring out the desired behavioural change,” observed Mugweri

He urged the politicians to stop recklessly endangering the masses by calling them to campaign rallies and instead called upon them to donate masks and lead by example through observing COVID SOPs during their campaigns.

The REFLECT study PI Dr Gloria Seruwagi after a joint radio talk show in Kyegegwa with COVID taskforce leaders at the refugee settlement village, district and national levels
The REFLECT study PI Dr Gloria Seruwagi after a joint radio talk show in Kyegegwa with COVID taskforce leaders at the refugee settlement village, district and national levels

Youth Voices on COVID-19 in Refugee Settings 

As part of increasing the visibility and voice of young people in COVID-19, the REFLECT Study organised an engagement session with children, adolescents and youth during the dissemination. The engagement sessions were led by Francis Kinuthia Kariuki and Grace Ssekasala of Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i) who were supported by Catherine Nakidde Lubowa and Dr Gloria Seruwagi the study PI.

Some of the adolescents at the REFLECT engagement session in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement
Some of the adolescents at the REFLECT engagement session in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

During this exercise, the REFLECT Team discussed Coronavirus and it emerged that a number of issues are affecting the children and youth which needed to be addressed alongside COVID-19 prevention. Most critical, children and adolescents reported defilement, rape – leading to teenage pregnancies and a lot of other SRH challenges that affected their sexual health.

Many confessed they lacked information on menstruation hygiene products which citing that some of their families could not afford. Others decried inaccessibility of contraception despite being sexually active and access to youth-friendly counselling on SRH matters affecting them.  

Both male and female youths agreed that the high level of teenage pregnancies has been attributed to high poverty levels and being out of school. ‘’Sex is being used as a tool for economic gain and survival. This is not limited to the girl child only – two cases were reported where boys are being married by older women who lure them with money and soft life’’ explained Mr. Francis Kinuthia   from his engagement with adolescent boys and youth.  

Engaging South Sudanese children and youth with the COVID-19 prevention message in Adjumani, West Nile
Engaging South Sudanese children and youth with the COVID-19 prevention message in Adjumani, West Nile

Mental health issues were reported to be affecting adolescents largely boys who expressed worry about their future especially, now, that schools had been closed, and they are in a foreign country.

 Increasing crime rates were also reported and, following unemployment plus school closure, majority youths especially males have now resorted to drugs and substance abuse.

 In regard to COVID-19 the adolescents in general reported that they had experienced the negative effect of the pandemic in their lives such as reduction on monthly hand-outs, harassment by police and enforcers of COVID -19 guidelines, increased domestic violence, SGBV, teenage pregnancy, increased levels of drug and substance abuse, poor mental health and high cost of living among others.

 Asked what could be done to solve some the challenges they were facing; youth recommended the following;

  • Establishment of skill development centres to empower them and make them less dependent on hand-outs
  • Creation of employment opportunities by authorities
  • Identification, support and nurturing talent among them refugees and youths
  • Constant supply of sanitary towels/pads and other SRH products including contraception
  • Health education on contraception methods and having in place youth-friendly services at health facilities
  • Continuous awareness campaign on COVID-19 which involve youth and punitive policies or by-laws to severely punish the perpetrators of teenage pregnancies, rape and child marriages.

The dissemination attracted members of the academia from Makerere, Gulu and other universities, central and district Government representatives, Refugee Representatives including their leadership from OPM, Refugee Welfare Committees (RWC), Village Health Teams (VHT), Youth, Women and Sub-County representatives, local politicians, Development and Implementing Partners like Save the Children, Red Cross Society, UNHCR, Nsamizi Institute for Social Development and the Private Sector.

REFLECT Co-Investigators Dr Betty Okot, Andrew Masaba (LWF) and Brian Luswata from the Ministry of Health (MoH) engage the community on radio talk show in Adjumani, West Nile
REFLECT Co-Investigators Dr Betty Okot, Andrew Masaba (LWF) and Brian Luswata from the Ministry of Health (MoH) engage the community on radio talk show in Adjumani, West Nile

Research Team

The REFLECT Study is funded by Elrha/R2HC (Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises) supported by UKAID, Wellcome and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The Study Team is led by Dr. Gloria Seruwagi.

The full team has Prof. Stephen Lawoko of Gulu University, Dr. Denis Muhangi, Dr.  Eric Awich Ochen, Dr. Betty Okot  all from Makerere University, Andrew Masaba of Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Dunstan Ddamulira from Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD and John Mary Ssekate from the National Association of Social Workers of Uganda (NASWU) Others are Brian Luswata and Joshua Kayiwa all from the Ministry of Health and Catherine Nakidde Lubowa, the Project Coordinator.

Article originally posted on MakSPH

Mark Wamai

Health

Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2025

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The Head, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics-Prof. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye (6th L) and the Head, Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health-Dr. Esther Buregyeya (4th L) pose with 25 graduands of the WASH Short Course on 20th July 2018, MakSPH, Mulago Campus, Makerere University.

Course Objectives

The course is intended to strengthen the capacity of practicing workers to successfully identify and manage Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) opportunities and problems by facilitating the acquisition of adequate knowledge, development of skills and attitudes through understanding and use of the 6 essential services of WASH. These are to:

  1. Monitor WASH status to identify and solve community environmental health problems.
  2. Diagnose and investigate WASH problems and health hazards in the community.
  3. Inform, educate and empower people about WASH issues.
  4. Mobilise community partnerships and actions to identify and solve WASH problems.
  5. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based WASH services.
  6. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to WASH problems.

Course Structure

The course is an 8-weeks programme of study. Participants will spend 3 weeks (full-time) at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) while 4 weeks will be spent at suitable workplaces / field sites. The final week of the course will be spent at MakSPH for presentation of project / field work, final examination, and the certificate awarding ceremony. This is a day programme and will run from 26th May to 18th July 2025.

Course Modules

  • Water Resources Management
  • Environmental Sanitation
  • Hygiene Promotion
  • WASH Policy, Planning and Financing
  • Field / Project Work

Mode of delivery of the course includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and field work.

Dates26th May to 18th July 2025
FeesUgandansInternationals
 UGX 900,000USD 500
Dates and Fees for the Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2025

Who should apply?

  1. Practicing officers in the WASH sector including those working in local government, non governmental organizations (NGOs) or the private sector.
  2. Environmental Health workers who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills as a form of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) so as to be better equipped to implement WASH activities.

Entry requirements for admission to the course are Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent with at least 1 year working experience in WASH.

How to apply?

Application forms and procedure can be obtained from the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hospital Complex or from the website below:
https://sph.mak.ac.ug/academics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash

The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday 26th March 2025.

For further details, contact:

Course Administrator
Ms. Irene Nassazi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: inassazi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256771671354

Course Coordinator
Dr. David Musoke
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: dmusoke@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256788572129

Co-Course Coordinator
Mr. Allan Ssembuusi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: assembuusi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256759955067

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New Principal at MakCHS

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Left to Right: Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Dr. David Patrick Kateete (Rear), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Richard Idro (Rear), Mr. Patrick Akonyet and Prof. Annettee Nakimuli at the handover ceremony on 2nd December 2024. Handover of Principal Office by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako to Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga, 2nd December 2024, College Boardroom, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 2nd December 2024, Assoc. Professor Bruce Kirenga officially took over as Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS) in a handover ceremony held in the College Board Room. Dr. Kirenga succeeds Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who successfully completed her four-year term.

The ceremony was attended by members of the MakCHS Administrative Board and key university leaders, including Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Chief of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, & Deputy University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito, among others.

Prof. Damalie Nakanjako (2nd Left) shows of her plaque as Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (2nd Right), Deputy US-Mr. Simon Kizito (Left), Dr. David Patrick Kateete (Right) and Dr. Richard Idro (2nd Right) witness. Handover of Principal Office by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako to Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga, 2nd December 2024, College Boardroom, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Damalie Nakanjako (2nd Left) shows of her plaque as Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (2nd Right), Deputy US-Mr. Simon Kizito (Left), Dr. David Patrick Kateete (Right) and Dr. Richard Idro (2nd Right) witness.

In her remarks, Professor Nakanjako reflected on her time in office with gratitude and pride since she assumed office in December 2020. She expressed her full support for MakCHS in contributing towards training and research in Makerere University.

Professor Nakanjako thanked the university top management for the support rendered to during her term of office as Principal. I thank family, friends and colleagues who supported and allowed me share my time with the college, especially beyond official hours.

Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga delivers his acceptance remarks. Handover of Principal Office by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako to Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga, 2nd December 2024, College Boardroom, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga delivers his acceptance remarks.

Dr.  Kirenga, a pulmonologist, researcher, and founding director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Makerere leadership and the search committee for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the college. He noted; “It’s a true honour to have been entrusted with this role. The search process was rigorous, but I learned so much from the ideas shared by my colleagues—it was a truly honourable competition.”

With a vision for collaboration and growth, Dr. Kirenga outlined his priorities, including improving staffing, improving relationships with teaching hospitals, and addressing infrastructure needs. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in inclusivity and teamwork, saying, “Let’s create a common vision through consultation and work together. I’ll visit every unit in the college to hear directly from staff about their challenges, needs, and ideas for moving forward.”

Dr. Kirenga also shared plans to establish a forum of past leaders to harness their collective wisdom and ensure continuity in leadership.

Zaam Ssali

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Four MakSPH Faculty inducted as Prestigious UNAS Fellows

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The four MakSPH Staff inducted into the UNAS Fellowship on 1st November 2024 from Left to Right: Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, Dr. David Musoke and Professor David Guwatudde. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.

The recipients are;

⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.

⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.

⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.

⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.

Professor David Serwadda (C) presents UNAS fellows from MakSPH during the induction ceremony. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor David Serwadda (C) presents UNAS fellows from MakSPH during the induction ceremony.

UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.

The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.

Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.

FUNAS fellows take their oaths during the induction ceremony at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
FUNAS fellows take their oaths during the induction ceremony at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.

Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.

Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.

On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.

Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa signs an Oath during the induction ceremony on Friday. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa signs an Oath during the induction ceremony on Friday.

“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.

Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi receives a certificate of members from the UNAS president Prof. Grace Bantebya. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi receives a certificate of members from the UNAS president Prof. Grace Bantebya.

Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.

Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).

Dr. David Musoke receives a certificate and fellowship membership instruments shortly after oath taking. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. David Musoke receives a certificate and fellowship membership instruments shortly after oath taking.

“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.

Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”

Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).

“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.

Professor Guwatudde delivers his appreciation message after being inducted a FUNAS. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Guwatudde delivers his appreciation message after being inducted a FUNAS.

“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.

National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.

Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.

Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University— and the first female head of the academy in a photo with Prof. David Guwatudde. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University— and the first female head of the academy in a photo with Prof. David Guwatudde.

“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.

She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.

“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said

A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.

UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.

The 2024 Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) shortly after induction. Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty induction into the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, 1st November 2024, Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The 2024 Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) shortly after induction.

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