Health
Mukono RDC Commends Mak on Empowering VHTs; Calls on Parliament to Appropriate Resources to Motivate them
Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, the Resident District Commissioner for Mukono district has appealed to Ugandan legislators to support efforts of community health workers (CHWs)/VHTs through appropriating some remuneration for them.
Hajat Nabitaka said she has moved the entire Mukono District during the COVID-19 pandemic period and throughout the taskforces and has since appreciated the great role played by CHWs.
“We thank you so much, you are the frontline soldiers. Because you do sensitize our people in the communities and you are always there throughout. If those in parliament could know what you do, they would speak passionately for you to receive some kind of salary,” said Hajat Nabitaka.
She was speaking at a dissemination workshop for Makerere University School of Public Health’s Cardiovascular Disease prevention program under the SPICES project held on December 8th 2021 at Colline Hotel in Mukono district.
“Sincerely speaking, we have many people who receive a lot of money, yet their out-put is minimal as compared to the work done by VHTs. I am appealing to the Commissioner [NCDs], researchers to advocate for renumeration for VHTs. I think this catchment area of the VHTs is the best. They are the ones who can solve some of the social problems affecting majority of families. Kindly think about the VHTs, keep up training the VHTs and speak for them,” she added.
Dr. Gerald Mutungi, assistant Commissioner Health Services- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) department at the Ministry of Health says currently, the VHTs are working under non-monetary motivation scheme.
“They have been working and we are discussing their small allowance in the Ministry. The problem is that the numbers are so big. Even when you give them small allowances the budget becomes so big,” Dr. Mutungi observes.
He further advances that; “But to tell you the truth, the discussion is in the Ministry. I don’t know how it will end but this adds on the evidence that they are so useful and that they need to be motivated.”
The SPICES project Principal Investigator Dr. Geofrey Musinguzi says the study has proven that if well trained, community health workers (CHWs/VHTs) have potential to deliver messages on prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases as well as enhance awareness amongst the various risk factors that raise cardiovascular diseases.
Through VHTs, the SPICES project reached a total of 10,936 people in households in 80 randomly selected villages in Mukono and Buikwe. Dr. Musinguzi contends that, trained VHTs that are trusted in communities are a gateway to increased community knowledge about CVDs and participation.
“As you observed, out of the many people the y [VHTs] visited, only 1% rejected them in their households. So, 99% were receiving them. So, to us we really think that is one resource that is available. If supported, they can actually deliver more in prevention of cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Musinguzi.
Under community intervention model of the SPICES project, Dr. Musinguzi notes that the key enablers of implementing the program is the availability of committed and motivated VHTs, receptive communities, supporting local and religious leaders as well as social gatherings and infrastructure like SACCOs, worship places, local infrastructure such as radios, public address system for health education.
Despite the unprecedented times brought by COVID-19 community health workers with support from SPICES project reached out a number of households in the project area in respect to CVDs. The project sensitized and empowered community health workers and health workers on COVID-19 prevention and subsequently equipped with tools such as facemasks, sanitizers, temperature monitors and standard operating procedures.
“Community Health Workers are largely motivated and over two years working with them, we have actually seen them do a lot of work, deliver these interventions. They have also reached quite a number of people in the households. COVID was a problem in reaching out those places but amidst that challenge, we moved to the community members,” contends Dr. Musinguzi.
Sarah Nalweyiso, a Village Health Team Member in Buikwe District says they (community health workers) received training in September 2020 under the SPICES project on how to continue with the work amidst the pandemic challenges.
“We received gumboots, notebooks, pens, sanitizers and masks,” says Nalweyiso.
She adds that they trained community members about behavior change and highlighting dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol, benefits of exercising, reducing consumption of cooking oils as well as eating fruits and vegetables.
“When we finished the training, we came back to our villages and started examining people using the risk factor assessment tools to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Esther Namaganda, another VHT member from Buikwe district says; “We moved around our communities mainly to screen the members for risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.”
The poor health seeking behavior was one of the highlighted contributors to delayed presentation to health facilities with cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Isaac Ssinabulya, Cardiologist at the Uganda Heart Institute -UHI thanked SPICES Project on the great work it has done.
“We conducted research, myself and Dr. Mutungi on non-communicable diseases and established that the highest percentage of the most affected people are in communities, nearly 60%. We only see fewer people in hospitals,” Dr. Ssinabulya.
He adds that there are many people who flock UHI from farther places in this country coming for treatment and end up spending a lot of money, yet the diseases can be prevented.
Dr. Ssinabulya hailed the Community Health Workers for their support in ensuring people are empowered and are able to be screened early enough in order to mitigate the risks associated to advanced treatment of CVDs which include high cost of treatment as well as loss of life.
Pressure is one of the highly prevalent diseases in Mukono and Buikwe at 24%. “This high number requires to ensure that whoever visits our health facilities is screened and are counseled towards keeping healthy lifestyles. Let us work together to reduce the queues of people coming for treatment,” says Dr. Ssinabulya.
Dr Josephine Birungi, a Senior Research Scientist based at Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) in Entebbe underscored the role of VHTs and noted that their work and contribution can be sustained through continuous engagement and training.
She commended the VHTs on the good work. “We need to deploy family-centered-approach to educate the masses about these challenges such as NCDs. It will help efforts by SPICES project to continue. For instance if I knew my husband has diabetes, I will not put a lot of salt in food. But if I don’t know, we shall not make a change.”
She tipped both health workers and the Ministry of Health on continuous capacity building as well as sensitization of the masses.
“We need to sensitize the masses. We should reciprocate the attention we give to HIV/AIDs to NCDs. I appeal to all of you to support sensitization of our communities not only about heart diseases but also on other diseases such as HIV/AIDs among others,” Dr. Birungi.
Article originally published on MakSPH website.
Through a European Union (EU) funded initiative, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital are hosting a German oncology reconstruction specialist Professor Dr. Thiha AUNG. AUNG is a surgeon, trainer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), and researcher on cancer from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
With his international expertise in oncology and medical management roles at his home institution, his visit is a valuable addition to Uganda’s capacity building efforts in medical advancement.
Prof. Aung who arrived in Uganda in late September 2026 and has since then conducted free identified patient specialised surgeries and training for locals. These are expected to span two weeks. For the period, his service intersects medical expertise and humanitarian efforts.
This is not Prof. Aung’s first time in the country; his first major visit was in 2023, when he performed life-changing free surgeries on early patients. He then made medical history in June 2024 when he arrived to perform Africa’s first-ever lymph node transplant at Mulago Hospital.
It was against this background that the Makerere Public Relations Office engaged him in an exclusive interview to share his philosophy on medical service, his experiences in oncology reconstruction, and his unwavering belief that passion and dedication rather than just resources are the true drivers of sustainable medical progress.
Transforming Lives Through Oncology Reconstruction
At the heart of his mission through the ERASMUS – Oncology/Lymphedema project, is the treatment of lymphedema, a condition often referred to as elephantiasis.
In Europe, such surgeries can cost between 80,000 and 100,000 euros, making them inaccessible to many.
Thankfully, Professor and his team, including some of his post graduate students like Anna Friedrich (B.Sc) and Sophia Waser (B.Sc., PA) from the Institute of Medical Science and Engineering, have once again brought this specialised care to Uganda pro bono.
He highlights the story of a teacher who, after receiving surgery, regained her quality of life and returned to the classroom. For him, the impact is exponential. “You change one life, but this person changes a lot in the community.”
This shift from individual surgery to the long-term wellbeing of the community, reinforces the local impact of these services.
Professor AUNG’s Personal Conviction
The professor confessed that inherently, he commands himself that beyond knowledge, true progress is driven by passion and will rather than resources.
He does not agree with those that think money and resources are the sole prerequisite for change in the medical world, stating, “you cannot change with money only.” Rather, he upholds the importance of personal decision and commitment.
When discussing the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, he maintains a simple, direct explanation “it’s always beyond the money.”
Ultimately, the Professor believes that if he can provide the spark, his students and patients can carry through with the same flame for significant change.
Motivation to Serve in Uganda
When asked about his inspiration for entering the field and now volunteering to work in Uganda, he explained that his primary goal was always to serve others. “That’s why I finished my medical school to help as many people as possible with my skills.”
He views his medical expertise not as a tool for the privileged, but as a universal resource., “People are all the same, their anatomy is the same. So, I can help all these people pretty well,” Prof AUNG remarked.
His approach is motivated by a pay it forward dogma where treating a single patient creates a broader societal benefit. He illustrates this through his work with patients who, after surgery, are able to return to their professions like the teacher earlier mentioned.
Tips for Medical Professionals working in Uganda
As a foundation for professional growth, the Professor advised medical professionals working in Uganda to prioritise genuine interest in their work because he believes it is “the most important…” for “if you are interested, you will go far in the profession.”
He further reinforced the human capacity point, noting, “no matter what kind of equipment you have… it all depends on the people operating them and the patient.”
Professor AUNG concluded by encouraging doctors to overcome resource fears through action, stating, “If you want to create impact or change, you do.”
Dr. AUNG is part of the Lymphoedema Warriors Association (LWAU) in Uganda. He describes it as a grassroots organisation and commends them for “leveling the grond”. He reiterated his commitment to work with the organisation in reviewing patient reports to determine the best course of treatment.
Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH) showcased research, training and international partnerships supported through European Union funding during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026 held at Makerere University.
The fair brought together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and development partners to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation and international collaboration, while celebrating 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
Through its exhibition, MakSPH highlighted research and capacity building initiatives addressing public health challenges including infectious diseases, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and pandemic preparedness.
18 EU funded projects supported at MakSPH
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Students, School of Public Health, said the School has benefited from 18 EU funded projects over the past five years, supporting research and training across several areas of public health.
She said the projects have contributed to the training of PhD researchers and the development of research addressing infectious diseases and prevention, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and health.
Prof. Wanyenze also highlighted a new five year programme which started in 2021 that is aiming at strengthening capacity for research on pandemic preparedness and response, including outbreaks such as Ebola.
Another programme being undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Karolinska Institute focuses on improving maternal health while also addressing adolescent pregnancy and the health of mothers and children.
She described partnerships as critical to advancing science and innovation, noting that collaboration allows researchers in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and strengthen the impact of research on communities.
Research partnerships strengthen innovation
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase EU funded projects across the University.
He noted that the School of Public Health alone has more than 18 such projects, while other colleges also have several EU supported initiatives.
One of the projects showcased was PREPARE TID, a partnership aimed at developing rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging and re emerging infectious diseases.
Prof. Julius Okuni, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Molecular Diagnostics at Makerere University, said the project brings together universities, industries and other organisations from Africa and Europe.
The project is working to develop technologies that can quickly identify pathogens responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, Rift Valley fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to Prof. Okuni, Makerere is involved in field and laboratory work to test and refine the technologies before they can be delivered to end users.
Fair provides platform for research visibility
For researchers at MakSPH, the fair also provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of ongoing research and create new connections with researchers, policymakers and potential funders.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, said such exhibitions allow researchers to share their work and identify others working on related challenges.
He cited the CONNECT for Health project, which focuses on transforming non-communicable disease care in Uganda through collaboration with partners across several countries.
Dr. Tweheyo said exhibitions can help researchers connect with policymakers, civil society organisations and other partners who can contribute to translating research into practical solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Angelina Kakooza Mwesigye, Associate Professor and Child Neurologist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, also emphasised the importance of exposing young people to international research opportunities.
She said the long standing Uganda Europe partnership provides opportunities for the next generation of researchers to learn, build networks and prepare for future research collaborations.
The School of Public Health’s participation highlighted the role of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and developing evidence based responses to Uganda’s public health challenges.
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