Health
COVID-19: Handwashing Adherence Drops by 93% in Kampala Hotspots
By Joseph Odoi
As Uganda continues to fight tirelessly to control the spread of COVID-19, results from a field-based survey in Kampala’s informal settlements have indicated that citizens have abandoned hand hygiene, a key pillar in stopping the spread of a virus.
To beat the virus today and ensure better health outcomes beyond the pandemic, hand hygiene, especially through handwashing with soap have been emphasized as a top priority.
But results of a study titled: Adherence, Lived Experiences and Resilient Transformation among “slum dwellers” (ALERTs) in COVID-19: A study of Ki-Mombasa and Kabalagala-Kataba slums in Kampala present an urgent need to intervene in these communities in order to improve public hygiene practices such as handwashing, if the intended objectives are to be achieved.
Dr. Gloria Seruwagi, a behavioural scientist at Makerere University School of Public Health has observed that some of the set Standard Operating Procedures such as physical distancing, regular sanitizing and use of face masks are less likely to be followed and implemented due to congestion in the settlements.
While presenting an overview of results from the study, Dr. Seruwagi said Ugandans had gone back to their old ways and abandoned best hygiene practices such as handwashing, which is critical in the fight against COVID-19.
“Residents say they can’t afford masks and those who have them say masks make breathing uncomfortable. Sanitizing is a luxury to most people in Bwaise and Kataba communities. While the practice of handwashing was feasible and adhered to at the beginning of March, it has drastically dropped by up to 92.6%.
Dr. Seruwagi, who is also the Study Principal Investigator observed that residents of Ki-Mombasa and Kabalagala-Kataba still have a major infodemic challenge of misinformation surrounding COVID-19, also exacerbated by multiple power centres and enforcers who locals say give confusing messages and seemed to have an uncoordinated response strategy.
“The community told us that everyone seems to be a “little king” in enforcing COVID SOPs and guidelines – from the police to Division leaders, food distributors, VHTs and local village leaders. They were not working in harmony and were giving different, sometimes confusing, messages and instructions. This greatly contributed to confusion and partly resulted in community noncompliance” she said.
According to Hilda Namakula, ALERTs study Co-Investigator people living in informal settlements had vast knowledge of COVID-19 signs, symptoms and how it is spread.
For instance, in this study, up to 82% mentioned high fever as a symptom while 80.2% mentioned sore throat as a symptom. Meanwhile 80.8% knew that sneezing and coughing were symptoms and 78% mentioned body pain.
Despite this knowledge, Namakula contends that communities have multiple – and sometimes contradictory – sources of information which affect their adherence to the preventive measures.
“In Kampala, TV takes lead as the main information source at 78%, social media 14%. Other sources include radio, family members and neighbors. In addition to multiple information sources, multiple enforcement authorities in Ki-Mombasa and Kabalagala-Kataba have contributed to confusion on which information to follow.’’ said Ms. Namakula.
In a bid to establish reasons for non-compliance to COVID-19 SOPs such as physical distancing or staying home, researchers also found that livelihoods and the need to make a living were the most common explanatory factors.
“Other reasons for non-compliance include perceptions that COVID-19 is a political ploy, declining enforcement and multiple implementers with confusing messages and warring power centres. Moreover, in their power struggles, the different actors who were enforcing SOPs were themselves not adhering for example by wearing masks” Namakula added.
According to the study, communities reported lot of myths and misconceptions about COVID-19 as key drivers of high risk behaviour. For example; people living in Kampala’s informal settlements believe that taking alcohol reduces the risk of infection (16.8%); that sunbathing protects against COVID-19 (47.9%); and that Africans are immune by virtue of their skin Colour (46.5%).
Following the survey findings, Makerere University researchers underscored the need for sustainable community-led interventions to minimize the pandemic implications. The researchers observe that the current efforts to contain the pandemic cannot yield better results unless there is harmony and consistency in messages shared out.
The project team set out to engage health workers and community leaders of Ki-Mombasa Bwaise and Kabalagala-Kataba slum communities to jointly co-design tailored interventions on Thursday 17th December 2020. The engagement climaxed with a dialogue held at Makerere University Central Teaching Facility (CTF-1) with key stakeholders in attendance, including representatives from Makerere University, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Division and political leaders, Village Health Teams (VHTs), community, administrative leaders, religious leaders among others.
Following presentation of findings, there was consensus from all participants that it was still possible to reverse the non-adherence and high-risk behaviour.
The stakeholders identified priority areas for interventions underscoring the need for community leaders (Village Chairperson, VHTs) to be at the forefront. The co-design process comprised proposals for re-adaptation of some existing interventions or focusing more on some than others (e.g. emphasising wearing facemasks vs. social distancing); and practical ways for operationalizing the Community Engagement Strategy (CES) amidst increasing community transmission; designing a community behavioural change communication component; as well as undertaking joint rigorous resource mobilisation at the next phase to implement some of the proposed interventions.
Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health launched the National Community Engagement Strategy (CES) for COVID-19 Response in October 2020. This strategy arose from the need to stem the wide spread community transmission amidst low levels of compliance to the COVID-19 SOPs.
This strategy puts responsibility to community individuals, local leaders, households and communities to take charge and ensure optimal compliance. The CES also spells out the key role of VHTs, other local leaders the roles of the proposed village health Taskforce (VTF) and expected outcomes.
This study is funded by the Government of Uganda, through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF). The ALERTs study is dual-pronged and phased in implementation that combines an innovative citizen science approach with a participatory project co-design phase.
Ms. Carol Kamugira, a Mak-RIF representative applauded the research team for being innovative and bringing community members to devise community-led sustainable solutions in the fight against the coronavirus.
“It is the first time I have seen this kind of arrangement, bringing real community members to co-design interventions here at the university. Such interventions will be successful because they came from the people concerned and who will monitor the process. As the RIF we are very proud of Dr Seruwagi and her team and that is why we are here to support such meaningful studies. The government gave us resources, we advertised and received many research proposals. The proposal for this research was among those selected for funding because it was strong and very innovative,” Ms. Kamugira said.
She hailed the Uganda Government for the support rendered towards research and other training needs at Makerere University.
Other Key Findings
• The living arrangements in the informal settlements affect people’s adherence to SOPs like social distancing –emphasis should be on encouraging them to adhere to the other more plausible measures like hand washing or wearing masks.
• The participants reported doing the following often: the washing of hands with water (38.3%); washing hands with water and soap (33%); covering the mouth while sneezing/coughing (28.5%); using a mask while in a public place (32.2%); consumption of fruits (25.8%); regular drinking of water (35.5%).
• A big proportion of the study participants knew that chronic illness increases the risk of death from COVID-19 (81%); and that those infected with the disease should be isolated (93%).
• While children living in informal settlements were aware of COVID-19, they are generally not adhering to the SOPs because it is believed that their age group is not at risk.
• COVID-19 has increased levels of violence, including violence against children and SGBV. It has also significantly contributed to increased cases of defilement, early marriages, teenage pregnancy and pimping children for transactional sex. For example, forced sex among the respondents during lockdown was reported at 2% and slapping 4%.
• The study also revealed that some men are survivors of violence whose condition has been worsened by COVID through not having an income source and depending on their wives who job is commercial sex work (CSW). Other men are clients of CSWs who target them claiming nonpayment; or their husbands who don’t want clients sleeping with their partner.
• Study findings also highlight some adults, including parents, local leaders and law enforcement officers as being more collusive than supportive in cases involving violence against children.
• Local duty bearers and key stakeholders in child protection such as social workers and police officers need more support to effectively undertake their roles in child protection and wellbeing.
• Schools remain both a cognitive and physical safe space for children. The closure of schools presented heightened vulnerability for children as they became more exposed, over prolonged periods of time, to multiple rights violation including lack of food and all forms of violence. Nearly all children in study sites are not benefitting much from the Education Continuity Programme and most caregivers were not in position to support learning during school closure. Children wanted to return to school and worried about an uncertain future.
• There is also evidence of belief of the politicization of COVID-19 for example the impression that the related measures are intended to curtail the activities of the opposition politicians.
• Slum communities reported limited knowledge and access to COVID-19 testing services in their communities or within Kampala as a whole.
Recommendations:
The researchers recommend that, building on from its massively successful awareness campaign on COVID-19, government should now work on addressing the barriers of non-compliance; emphasising personal responsibility and the community’s own contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
Moving forward, the researchers recommend that:
1. Government and all stakeholders should focus on addressing the drivers of non-compliance and enforcement fatigue. These drivers include:
- The feasibility of interventions: Guidelines like physical distancing are not feasible in crowded informal or slum settings and need to be revisited. Emphasis should be placed on feasible ones like hand washing and masking.
- Myths and negative perceptions: Majority of the community has not fully bought into the seriousness ofCOVID-19 and think it is not only a joke but is also a political and monetary ploy advanced by politicians, some scientists and supremacists or population control enthusiasts. These myths need to be addressed.
- Shielding community from the reality of COVID as cases are managed out of the community. More profiling of COVID-19 trends and cases should be undertaken for behavioural change impact. 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”.
2. The issue of livelihoods and food security must be resolved as a key bottleneck to compliance.
3. Innovative multi-sectoral and tailored approaches should be adopted to address COVID-19 effects, including violence against children, men and women.
4. Children and adolescents should be effectively targeted in COVID-19 interventions. They need awareness, products (e.g. fitting face masks), voice and protection from the effects of COVID-19 including being witnesses and victims of different forms of violence.
5. Local and community leader 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 putting their lives at risk.
6. The timeliness and critical role of the recently launched Community Engagement Strategy should be leveraged. Local health system capacity should be strengthened and equipped to effectively take up the implementation and enforcement of SOPs for COVID-19 prevention. Equip community health systems and other enforcement structures with the knowledge, required supplies and supportive infrastructure.
Mak Researchers-Slum Communities Designing interventions
In this dissemination, Makerere University researchers and slum community leaders and journalists engaged in co- designing behavioural change interventions to address COVID-19. The results of these sessions will form the final part of the ALERTs study objectives and will be presented in its final reporting. However, some of the suggested “quick” solutions from the groups include:
- Involvement of women in sensitization drives around COVID-19
- Preventive treatment of suspected cases
- Skilling of Youth at Village Level
- Health Education
- Incorporating church leaders in the fight against COVID-19
- Politicians should incorporate COVID-19 Messages in their campaigns
- There is need for VHT support to counter community Spread
- Cultural leaders should join the sensitization
- Incorporate Youth Leaders in awareness
- Have local leaders and Police enforcing directives
- Incorporate NGOs in the fight against COVID-19
- Employ musicians in COVID-19 since they have a huge following
- There is need to incorporate drama and plays with key messages highlighting COVID-19 dangers and how to fight it.
More about the Study
The ALERTS Study was conducted by researchers from Makerere University and Gulu University with funding by Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research Innovation Fund (MakRIF).
The total number of study participants was 807 in two slum communities of Kampala i.e. Kataba-Kabalagala-Kataba in Makindye and Ki-Mombasa Bwaise in Kawempe Division.
The Study Team:
1. Dr. Gloria Seruwagi – PI, Makerere University
2. Prof. Stephen Lawoko – Co-Investigator, Gulu University
3. Catherine Nakidde Lubowa – Co-Investigator, CHASE-i
4. Hilda Namakula – Co-Investigator, CHASE-i
5. Dr. Eric Lugada – Co-Investigator, CHASE-i
6. Daniel Magumba – Coordinator, Makerere University
7. Flavia Nakacwa – Administrator, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University
Article originally posted on MakSPH
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) continues to advance its internationalization agenda by strengthening cross-border partnerships and expanding student and staff mobility in response to global health training needs. Recognizing international collaboration as a cornerstone of contemporary health professional education, the College has established strategic partnerships with leading institutions, including the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), the Medical University of Graz (Austria), and Universitas Syiah Kuala Faculty of Medicine (Indonesia). These collaborations focus on joint research initiatives and the training of dentists and physicians.
During the period July–September 2025, MakCHS recorded increased inbound student mobility, hosting 86 short-term international students. The majority (73%) came from eight partner institutions, with Europe accounting for 64% of all inbound students. Norway led with students from the University of Bergen and the University of Agder, followed by Italy and the Netherlands. The College also hosted students from Somalia International University, Moi University (Kenya), and institutions in the United States. Most visiting students were medical trainees, with placements mainly in Paediatrics at Mulago National Referral and Teaching Hospital, as well as Emergency Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
These exchanges demonstrated strong bilateral commitment, notably with the Medical University of Graz, which sent students to MakCHS while simultaneously hosting MakCHS students, even in the absence of Erasmus Mundus Plus funding. Inbound mobility enriched the learning environment through intercultural exchange, inclusiveness, and exposure to diverse clinical and academic perspectives.
Outbound mobility also expanded significantly. MakCHS students undertook clinical rotations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Austria. Two students completed hematology and oncology rotations at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, while others trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center–Fairview. Additional students undertook highly specialized rotations in paediatric surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and cardiac surgery at the Medical University of Graz, gaining exposure to advanced, patient-centred healthcare systems and strengthening their global clinical outlook.
Staff outward mobility was equally notable. Several MakCHS staff and graduate students participated in the Annual Global Health Conference organized by NUVANCE Health, an international partner. MakCHS faculty contributed through presentations, posters, and panel discussions, highlighting research on decolonization in global health education, adolescent health, and global mental health. These engagements provided valuable networking opportunities with global health funders and reinforced the importance of transnational academic partnerships in advancing health equity.
Through sustained partnerships, increased mobility, and active global engagement, MakCHS continues to position itself as a key contributor to global health education, research, and practice.
Health
Makerere University and Tsinghua University Launch Landmark China–Uganda Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning
Makerere University has taken a decisive step in strengthening Uganda’s and Africa’s capacity for public safety, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience with the official launch of the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, a flagship collaboration with Tsinghua University of China.
Launched during the Makerere University–Tsinghua University Symposium on Public Safety and Natural Disaster Management, the Joint Laboratory positions Makerere as a continental hub for cutting-edge research, innovation, and policy-relevant solutions in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and emergency response. The Laboratory will be hosted by Makerere University and is the only facility of its kind in Africa under this cooperation framework, underscoring its regional and global significance.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Research, Policy, and Practice
In his opening remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University and Ugandan Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory, traced the origins of the partnership to 2018, when a Makerere delegation visited Tsinghua University and the Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research. He recalled being deeply impressed by China’s advanced capacity in public safety research, disaster monitoring, and emergency management capabilities that directly respond to Uganda’s growing exposure to floods, landslides, epidemics, and other hazards.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the successful establishment of the Joint Laboratory followed a competitive grant process under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, supported by the Government of Uganda and regional partners, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. He emphasized that the Laboratory aligns squarely with Makerere’s strategic ambition to become a research-led and research-intensive university, while also advancing its internationalisation agenda.
“This Laboratory will significantly enhance Makerere University’s ability to generate evidence-based research that directly informs government policy and public safety interventions. It will serve not only Uganda, but Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
He further underscored the Laboratory’s national importance, noting that similar facilities in China are regarded as national-level laboratories, entrusted with supporting government decision-making and national resilience. Relevant Ugandan institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UPDF, Uganda Police, Ministry of Health, and humanitarian actors, are expected to actively participate in the Laboratory’s work.
Tsinghua University: Advancing Science Diplomacy and South–South Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of Tsinghua University, Prof. Yuan Hongyong, Dean of the Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research and Chinese Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory, described the initiative as both a scientific milestone and a powerful demonstration of South–South cooperation.
He emphasized that natural disasters transcend national borders and demand collective, science-driven responses. By combining Tsinghua’s technological expertise, including satellite monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and integrated early warning systems, with Makerere’s deep regional knowledge and policy engagement, the Joint Laboratory provides a robust platform for innovation, applied research, and practical solutions tailored to African contexts.
The Laboratory will function not only as a research centre, but also as an operational platform for natural hazard monitoring, early warning, risk assessment, and capacity building, supporting Uganda and the wider African region in building more resilient communities.
Government of Uganda: Research as a Pillar of National Resilience
Representing the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Frederick Edward Walugemba, reaffirmed the government’s strong support for the Joint Laboratory, recognizing research as a cornerstone of effective public safety and disaster management. The OPM highlighted its constitutional mandate to coordinate disaster preparedness and response through institutions such as the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC).
He mentioned that the Office of the Prime Minister is committed to working closely with Makerere University and its partners, underscoring the importance of multi-agency collaboration, robust data systems, and timely policy advisories to address the complex, multidimensional nature of public safety challenges.
China–Uganda Relations and the Role of Science Diplomacy
Mr. WANG Jianxun, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda, lauded the Joint Laboratory as a concrete outcome of the growing China–Uganda Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that the collaboration reflects China’s commitment to knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and people-centred development, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
He also highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative as a framework that extends beyond infrastructure to include scientific cooperation, academic exchange, and innovation-driven development, with the Joint Laboratory standing as a model of how universities can advance diplomacy through science.
Makerere’s Multidisciplinary Strength at the Core
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s readiness to operationalize the Laboratory through a multidisciplinary research team spanning public health, geography, engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, social sciences, and the built environment.
He stressed that effective disaster management must integrate technology, human behaviour, governance, and community engagement, noting the importance of sociological insights in addressing risk perception and public compliance during disasters. Makerere will also engage emerging universities and regional partners to ensure the Laboratory’s benefits are widely shared.
The Vice-Chancellor also commissioned an interim, multidisciplinary coordination committee to operationalise the Joint Laboratory, drawing expertise from health, climate science, engineering, artificial intelligence, social sciences, and government agencies.
Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo Officially Launches the Laboratory
The Joint Laboratory was officially launched by the Honourable John Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education, who applauded Makerere University and Tsinghua University for securing the prestigious grant and advancing Uganda’s science and research agenda.
Hon. Muyingo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting research that informs national development, public safety, and disaster preparedness. He urged Ugandan researchers to fully leverage the partnership to learn from China’s experience in transforming research into actionable solutions for society.
“This Laboratory is a clear demonstration of how strategic international partnerships can strengthen national capacity, inform policy, and protect lives,” the Minister said, as he formally declared the symposium and laboratory launch open.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Centre of Excellence
Makerere University already plays a critical role in public safety, disaster preparedness, and early warning through a range of research, training, and operational partnerships. Through the School of Public Health (MakSPH) and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), the University has led national and regional initiatives in epidemic preparedness, emergency response, and early warning, including Field Epidemiology Training, risk prediction modelling, and multi-hazard risk assessments that inform district and national preparedness planning. A national assessment of 716 health facilities conducted by MakSPH revealed widespread exposure to climate-related hazards and systemic preparedness gaps, directly informing the Ministry of Health’s Climate and Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP 2025–2030)
Makerere has also been at the forefront of disaster risk reduction innovation and community resilience through the Resilient Africa Network (RAN), which has supported scalable, evidence-based solutions such as EpiTent, a rapidly deployable emergency health facility; RootIO, a community-based radio communication platform used for risk communication and early warning; and RIAP Horn of Africa, which advances climate-resilient water harvesting technologies for drought-prone pastoralist communities.
Earlier, the University led the USAID-funded PeriPeri U project (2014–2019) and a disaster management collaboration with Tulane University, strengthening applied research, training, and early warning systems across Africa, efforts that laid the foundation for RAN and Makerere’s current disaster resilience agenda.
In collaboration with government and international partners, Makerere has supported the strengthening of Emergency Operations Centres, including the development of Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) dashboards to improve real-time coordination and situational awareness. IDI has further contributed to epidemic intelligence and early warning, supporting districts to update WHO STAR-based risk calendars, strengthen sub-national preparedness, and enhance real-time decision-making during outbreaks. Makerere teams have also been deployed regionally to support Marburg and Mpox outbreak responses in Rwanda and the DRC, while advancing outbreak modelling as an early warning tool for high-consequence infectious diseases.
Complementing these efforts, the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences conducts transdisciplinary research on floods, landslides, droughts, soil erosion, and land-use change, using geospatial analysis, earth observation, modelling, and participatory methods to translate complex data into actionable early warning and risk information for policymakers and communities. These ongoing initiatives collectively demonstrate Makerere University’s established capacity in public safety, disaster preparedness, and early warning, providing a strong operational and scientific foundation for the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory.
With strong backing from the Governments of Uganda and China, as well as leading international partners, the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning is poised to become a regional centre of excellence for disaster risk reduction research, training, and innovation.
The Laboratory will contribute to improved early warning systems, faster emergency response, stronger policy coordination, and enhanced scientific capacity, cementing Makerere University’s role at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing public safety challenges facing Uganda, Africa, and the global community.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office Makerere University.
Health
Makerere University Explores Strategic Partnership with Tsinghua University in Safety Science, Disaster Resilience and Public Health
Makerere University has taken a significant step toward strengthening global research collaboration following a high-level meeting between Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and a delegation from Tsinghua University’s Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research, one of China’s leading centres of excellence in disaster prevention, public safety, and emergency management. The engagement marked a renewed commitment to advancing scientific cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in addressing complex environmental and public health challenges that continue to shape national and global development.
A Partnership Anchored in Shared Challenges and Global Priorities
In his remarks, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that the concept of comprehensive public safety, spanning natural disasters, epidemics, infrastructure failures, and social risks, is increasingly relevant to all colleges and disciplines at Makerere. Uganda’s experience with epidemics such as Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19; frequent landslides in mountainous regions; flooding events; and rising traffic-related incidents place the University in a unique position to contribute applied research, community-based insights, and local knowledge to a global scientific dialogue.
He noted that the Tsinghua presentation revealed new areas of alignment, particularly in epidemic modelling, early-warning systems, and integrated emergency management, areas where Makerere’s public health scientists, medical researchers, and social scientists have extensive expertise.
“This collaboration offers meaningful opportunities for nearly every college at Makerere,” he noted. “Public safety touches the environment, public health, engineering, social sciences, ICT, humanities, and urban planning. The challenges we face as a country make this partnership both timely and essential.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Tsinghua University: A Global Leader in Comprehensive Public Safety.
The delegation from Tsinghua University outlined China’s national investment in Public safety over the past two decades, an effort driven by the recognition that life and security are the foundation of sustainable development. Tsinghua’s Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research has developed nationally recognised research platforms and large-scale simulation facilities dedicated to Natural disaster modelling (earthquakes, landslides, floods, typhoons, Infrastructure and urban systems safety, Public health emergencies and epidemic preparedness, Early-warning, monitoring, and emergency communication, Traffic and transportation safety, Post-disaster reconstruction and resilience planning.
Their systems currently support over 100 provincial and municipal emergency management centres in China, underscoring their global leadership in practical, scalable solutions for disaster risk management. The delegation reaffirmed that Uganda’s lived experience with multiple hazards presents opportunities for meaningful knowledge exchange. They expressed particular interest in learning from Makerere’s work on epidemic response, community health systems, and the social dimensions of disaster management.
Emerging Areas of Partnership
The meeting identified several promising pathways for long-term collaboration:
1. Joint Research in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate-Related Hazards
Both institutions expressed readiness to co-develop research projects on landslides, floods, urban resilience, and multi-hazard modelling, drawing on Tsinghua’s advanced simulation technologies and Makerere’s environmental expertise and geographic field realities.
2. Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Epidemic Response
Makerere’s renowned public health schools and research centres will collaborate with Tsinghua on epidemic prediction, early-warning systems, and integrated preparedness frameworks, leveraging Uganda’s decades of experience managing high-risk disease outbreaks.
3. Infrastructure and Urban Safety, Including Traffic Systems
With Uganda experiencing rapid urbanisation and high rates of motorcycle-related road incidents, Tsinghua shared insights from China’s own transformation, including infrastructure redesign, transport modelling, and public transit innovations. Collaborative work in this area would support city planning and road safety interventions in Kampala and other urban centres.
4. Academic Exchange and Capacity Building
Both sides expressed interest in student exchanges, staff mobility, co-supervision of postgraduate research, and specialised training programmes hosted at Tsinghua’s world-class safety research facilities.
5. Development of a Joint Public Safety Laboratory at Makerere
The institutions are exploring the establishment of a collaborative safety research platform in Uganda. This initiative could serve as a regional hub for innovation in emergency management, environmental safety, and technology-driven risk assessment.
Towards a Long-Term, Impactful Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to develop a structured partnership framework in the coming months, supported by both universities and aligned with Uganda–China cooperation priorities. Both teams acknowledged that the partnership must yield tangible results that enhance community resilience, bolster national preparedness systems, and foster scientific capacity for future generations.
Prof. Nawangwe commended Tsinghua University for its willingness to co-invest in research and capacity building, noting that such collaborations position Makerere not only as a leading research institution in Africa but as an active contributor to global scientific progress.
“This partnership has the potential to transform our understanding of the science of public safety to deliver solutions that safeguard lives.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
“It aligns perfectly with Makerere’s mission to be a research-led, innovation-driven university responding to the world’s most urgent challenges.” He added.
As part of this strategic partnership engagement, Makerere University will, on Wednesday, 17th December, co-host the Makerere University–Tsinghua University Symposium on Public Safety and Natural Disaster Management. The symposium will run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the University Main Hall, Main Building.
This symposium represents a deepening of collaboration not only between Makerere University and Tsinghua University, but also a broader strategic partnership between Uganda and the People’s Republic of China.
During the event, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, together with the State Minister for Higher Education, Government of Uganda, will officially launch the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning. The Laboratory will be hosted at Makerere University, positioning the University to play a central role in strengthening Uganda’s and the region’s capacity for natural disaster preparedness, public safety, and emergency management research.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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