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Leveraging Drone Technology in the COVID-19 Rapid Response in Rural Areas of Uganda

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The Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University, with funding and technical assistance from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), officially launched a project to pilot the use of medical drone technology in the West Nile districts of Moyo and Adjumani. This project will support surveillance mechanisms, early reporting of any health threats or outbreak indicators within the systems, including rapid response to COVID-19.

Drone technology has the potential to solve several challenges that make the delivery of health care services particularly difficult in the West Nile. With geographical barriers like difficult terrains and very remote areas, drones can solve a piece of the logistical puzzle. They can transport test samples within drastically reduced timelines, kickstarting timely treatments. The project will be using two different drone types; a multi-rotor for short distances, up to 30km, and a fixed-wing drone for longer distances; over 30km.

This research project will assess the efficiency and effectiveness of drone deliveries as a viable solution for Uganda’s health sector. This is done in close collaboration with the health service teams on the ground, to ensure that the drones actually solve part of the puzzle, contributing to the sustainability of this solution.

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Mark Wamai

Health

Call For Applications: MakNCD Masters and PhD Training Opportunities

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An aerial photo of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University showing Left to Right: The Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library, School of Biomedical Sciences, Davies Lecture Theatre, School of Public Health, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital (MSWNH)-Background Left and Nakasero Hill-Background Right, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Non-Communicable Disease (MAK-NCD) Research Training Program is a research capacity building program based at Makerere University College of Health Sciences with collaboration at John Hopkins University and funded by the United States National Institute of Health-Fogarty International Centre (D43TW011401). The overall goal of this training program is to develop a comprehensive mentored research-training program in Uganda that will build local capacity to address the challenges of NCD control and management and promote the use of research findings to inform decision-making and policy.

PhD Fellowship

The PhD fellowship support is for up to three (3) years (full-time), subject to annual performance reviews and progress milestones. Successful scholars will be registered at Makerere University and may undertake sponsored didactic research methods training at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), USA, to receive additional skills development and mentorship in NCD research. This call is targeting mainly junior researchers with interest in building an independent research career in noncommunicable diseases research with focus on Epidemiology, Data Science and Implementation Science research to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and control in Uganda.

Masters Fellowship

MakNCD is pleased to invite applications for Master’s level training in the following disciplines: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health monitoring and Evaluation. These training opportunities are intended to build a critical mass of professionals equipped with research, leadership, health systems, and management skills relevant to addressing the growing burden of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries.

Application Deadline: 23rd February 2025; Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

See below for detailed adverts

Zaam Ssali
Zaam Ssali

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Health

Course Announcement: Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026

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Graduands of the 2025 Certificate Course in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) pose for a group photo at the Makerere University School of Public Health, following the successful completion of the short course in July 2025. Makerere University School of Public Health, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is pleased to announce the Certificate Course in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026.

This intensive and practical short course is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professionals involved in the planning, implementation, and management of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services. The programme responds to the growing demand for competent WASH practitioners in local government, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

Course Highlights

  • Duration: 8 weeks (01 June – 24 July 2026)
  • Mode: Day programme (classroom-based learning and field attachment)
  • Fees:
    • UGX 900,000 (Ugandans / East African Community)
    • USD 500 (International participants)
  • Application deadline: Friday, 27 March 2026

Who Should Apply?

  • Practising officers in the WASH sector
  • Environmental Health workers seeking Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
  • Applicants with at least UACE (or equivalent) and one year of WASH-related work experience

More Information

Additional details on course structure, modules, and delivery are available at: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/academics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash

Important Note for Applicants

Attached to this announcement, interested persons will find:

  1. The course flier, providing comprehensive programme details, and
  2. The application form, which should be completed and returned to MakSPH together with the required supporting documents.

For full course details, application procedures, and contact information, please carefully review the attached documents. Eligible and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to build practical competence in WASH service delivery.

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Holistic Retirement Planning includes Psychological, Emotional & Social well-being across all Career Stages

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The Chairperson MURBS Board of Trustees-Dr. Michael Kizito (8th Right) with Professor Seggane Musisi (7th Right) and Members after the session on 8th January 2026. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Member Sensitisation Session on "Understanding Identity Shifts; Developing Routines; Sustaining Motivation and Purpose", 8th January 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) on Thursday, 8 January 2026 organised a Member Sensitisation Session on “Understanding Identity Shifts; Developing Routines; Sustaining Motivation and Purpose”. The session focused on holistic retirement planning, emphasising that readiness for life after work goes beyond finances to include psychological, emotional, and social well-being across all career stages—from early career to post-retirement.

The session featured a keynote presentation by Professor Seggane Musisi, who highlighted how work-related titles and roles often shape personal identity, and how retirement can trigger a sense of loss if individuals are unprepared to redefine themselves. Members were encouraged to consciously design a post-work identity grounded in values, purpose, and community contribution.

Participants learned practical strategies for:

  1. Preparing early for retirement at different career stages;
  2. Developing healthy, meaningful routines that support mental stability and productivity;
  3. Sustaining motivation and purpose beyond formal employment;
  4. Managing stress, maintaining physical and mental health, and nurturing social connections; and
  5. Balancing family responsibilities with personal well-being.

The discussion also addressed cultural realities of retirement in Uganda, including family expectations, social obligations, and financial pressures. Special attention was given to age-related challenges such as dementia, depression, and chronic illness, underscoring the importance of preventive health care, emotional resilience, and timely professional support.

Overall, the session reinforced the message that retirement is a lifelong transition, not a one-time event. Members were encouraged to plan early, adapt continuously, and intentionally design a fulfilling, purposeful life beyond work—psychologically, socially, and financially.

To view the session, please click the embedded video below. Further below is the presentation.


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