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Publications Arising Directly from THRiVE-2 Funding in 2021

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4 years ago

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One of the authors, PhD Fellow Martin Mbonye, Left: While at the London School before Covid-19 struck and Right: during fieldwork. Photo credit: THRiVE
One of the authors, PhD Fellow Martin Mbonye, Left: While at the London School before Covid-19 struck and Right: during fieldwork. Photo credit: THRiVE
  1. Milugo TK, Tchouassi DP, Kavishe RA, Dinglasan RR, Torto B. Root exudate chemical cues of an invasive plant modulate oviposition behavior and survivorship of a malaria mosquito vector. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 20;11(1):14785. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94043-5.PMID: 34285252
  2. Kaaya, R.D., Kajeguka, D.C., Matowo, J.J, Ndaro A.J., Mosha FW, Chilongola J. O. and Kavishe R. A. Predictive markers of transmission in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania based on seroprevalence of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum. BMC Res Notes 14, 404 (2021).
    doi: 10.1186/s13104-021-05818-y
  3. Mosha MV, Msuya SE, Kasagama E, Ayieko P, Todd J, Filteau S.PLoS One. Prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. 2021 Apr 22;16(4):e0249595. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249595. eCollection 2021.PMID: 33886578
  4. Mosha MV, Kasagama E, Ayieko P, Todd J, Msuya SE, Grosskurth H, Filteau S. Description and comparison of physical activity from self-reports and accelerometry among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pilot study. AAS Open Res. 2021 May 17;3:40. doi: 10.12688/aasopenres.13118.4.eCollection 2020.PMID: 34056542
  5. Mcharo RD, Mayaud P, Msuya SE. Where and how do young people like to get their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information? Experiences from students in higher learning institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2021 Sep 16;21(1):1683. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-11728-2.PMID: 34530796
  6. Okello E, Ndagire E, Muhamed B, Sarnacki R, Murali M, Pulle J, Atala J, Bowen AC, DiFazio MP, Nakitto MG, Harik NS, Kansiime R, Longenecker CT, Lwabi P, Agaba C, Norton SA, Omara IO, Oyella LM, Parks T, Rwebembera J, Spurney CF, Stein E, Tochen L, Watkins D, Zimmerman M, Carapetis JR, Sable CA, Beaton A. Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in northern and western Uganda: a prospective, population-based study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Oct;9(10):e1423-e1430. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X (21)00288-6. Epub 2021 Aug 19. PMID: 34419237
  7. Beaton A, Okello E, Rwebembera J, Grobler A, Engelman D, Alepere J, Canales L, Carapetis J, DeWyer A, Lwabi P, Mirabel M, Mocumbi AO, Murali M, Nakitto M, Ndagire E, Nunes M, Omara IO, Sarnacki R, Scheel A, Wilson N, Zimmerman M, Zühlke L, Karthikeyan G, Sable CA, Steer AC. Secondary Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Latent Rheumatic Heart Disease. Accepted, NEJM, 8/24/21.
  8. Arthur Kwizera, David P Kateete, Ronald Ssenyonga, Lydia Nakiyingi, Jane Nakibuuka, Christine Namata, Arthur Mwanje, Emmy Okello, Daphne Kabatoro, Noah Kiwanuka, Robert C Bollinger, James Tumwine, Charlotte Summers. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an African Intensive Care Unit Setting: A Prospective Study of Prevalence and Outcomes. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021 Oct 19. doi: 10.1513/ AnnalsATS.202103-270RL.
  9. Christine Oryema, Karlmax Rutaro, Sam William Oyet and Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga. Ethnobotanical plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in rural Uganda Tropical Medicine and Health (2021) 49:92 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-021-00384-2
  10. Mulugeta Belay, Begna Tulu, Sidra Younis, David A Jolliffe, Dawit Tayachew, Hana Manwandu, Tenagnework Abozen, Emawayish A Tirfie, Metasebia Tegegn, Aboma Zewude, Sally Forrest, Jonathan Mayito, Jim F Huggett, Gerwyn M Jones, Denise M O’Sullivan, Henny M Martineau, Mahdad Noursadeghi, Aneesh Chandran, Kathryn A Harris, Vlad Nikolayevskyy, Julie Demaret, Stefan Berg, Martin Vordermeier, Taye T Balcha, Abraham Aseffa, Gobena Ameni, Markos Abebe, Stephen T Reece, Adrian R Martineau. Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in CD34-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells of asymptomatic tuberculosis contacts: an observational study. The Lancet Microbe, 2021 Jun. 2(6): p. E267-E275.
  1. Mosha MV, Kasagama E, Ayieko P, Todd J, Msuya SE, Grosskurth H Fulteau S.. Description and comparison of physical activity from self-reports and accelerometry among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pilot study [version 4; peer review: 2 approved]. AAS Open Res 2021, 3:40 (https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13118.4)
  2. Philemon RN , Mmbaga BT , Bartlett J, Renju J, Mtuy T, Mboya IB , Msuya SE. Do Women Enrolled in PMTCT Understand the Recommendations: A Case Study from Kilimanjaro 16 June 2021 Volume 2021:15 Pages 1301—1309 DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S307847
  3. Okello E, Ndagire E, Muhamed B, Sarnacki R, Murali M, Pulle J, Atala J, Bowen AC, DiFazio MP, Nakitto MG, Harik NS, Kansiime R, Longenecker CT, Lwabi P, Agaba C, Norton SA, Omara IO, Oyella LM, Parks T, Rwebembera J, Spurney CF, Stein E, Tochen L, Watkins D, Zimmerman M, Carapetis JR, Sable CA, Beaton A. Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in northern and western Uganda: a prospective, population-based study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Oct;9(10):e1423-e1430. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00288-6. Epub 2021 Aug 19. PMID: 34419237
  4. Joel L. Bargul, Kevin O. Kidambasi, Merid N. Getahun, Jandouwe Villinger, Robert S. Copeland, Jackson M. Muema, Mark Carrington, Daniel K. Masiga. Transmission of ‘Candidatus Anaplasma camelii’ to mice and rabbits by camelspecific keds, Hippobosca camelina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 15(8): e0009671. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009671
  5. Hudson Onen, Robinson Odong, Moses Chemurot, Frédéric Tripet and Jonathan K. Kayondo Predatory and competitive interaction in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato larval breeding habitats in selected villages of central Uganda. Parasites Vectors (2021) 14:420 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04926-9
  6. Dinah Amongin, Frank Kaharuza, Claudia Hanson, Annettee Nakimuli, Susan Mutesi, Lenka Benova and Lynn Atuyambe. “… I would have left that man long time ago but, …” exploring circumstances of and motivators for repeat adolescent birth in Eastern Uganda. Archives of Public Health (2021) 79:142
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00662-9
  7. TK. Milugo, D P. Tchouassi, RA. Kavishe, RR. Dinglasan & B. Torto. Root exudate chemical cues of an invasive plant modulate oviposition behavior and survivorship of a malaria mosquito vector Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports | (2021) 11:14785 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94043-5
  8. Getange, D.; Bargul, J.L.; Kanduma, E.; Collins, M.; Bodha, B.; Denge, D.; Chiuya, T.; Githaka, N.; Younan, M.; Fèvre, E.M.; et al. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Associated with Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Northern Kenya. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1414. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071414
  1. Dacal E, Bermejo-Peláez D, Lin L, Álamo E, Cuadrado D, Martínez Á, Mousa A, Postigo M, Soto A, Sukosd E, Vladimirov A, Mwandawiro C, Gichuki P, Williams NA, Muñoz J, Kepha S, Luengo-Oroz M. Mobile microscopy and telemedicine platform assisted by deep learning for the quantification of Trichuris trichiura infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Sep 7;15(9):e0009677. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009677. PMID: 34492039; PMCID: PMC8448303
  2. JM Muema, JL Bargul, JM Mutunga, MA. Obonyo, GO. Asudi, SN Njeru. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, Neurotoxic Zanthoxylum chalybeum root constituents invoke mosquito larval growth retardation through ecdysteroidogenic CYP450s transcriptional perturbations https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104912
  3. Nakanjako D, Kendall D, Sewankambo NK, Razak M H, Oduor B, Odero T, Garcia P, Farquhar C. Building and Sustaining Effective Partnerships for Training the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders. Annals of Global Health. 2021; 87(1): 66, 1–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3214
  4. Mosha MV, Msuya SE, Kasagama E, Ayieko P, Todd J, Filteau S (2021) Prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. PLoS ONE 16(4): e0249595. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249595
  5. Tushabe P, Howard W, Bwogi J, Birungi M, Eliku JP, Kakooza P, Bukenya H, Namuwulya P, Gaizi J, Tibanagwa M, Kabaliisa T, Mulindwa J, Muhanguzi D, Suchard M, Gumede N, Bakamutumaho B.J. Molecular characterization of non-polio enteroviruses isolated from acute flaccid paralysis patients in Uganda. Med Virol. 2021 Jan 17. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26804. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33458840
  6. Martin Mbonye, Godfrey Siu & Janet Seeley (2021) Conflicted masculinities: understanding dilemmas and (re)configurations of masculinity among men in long-term relationships with female sex workers, in Kampala, Uganda, Culture, Health & Sexuality. DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1891569
  7. Atuhairwe S, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Byamugisha J, Kaharuza F, Tumwesigye NM, Hanson C. Abortion-related nearmiss morbidity and mortality in 43 health facilities with differences in readiness to provide abortion care in Uganda. BMJ Glob Health. 2021 Feb;6(2):e003274. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003274.PMID: 33547174
  8. Bagasha P, Namukwaya E, Leng M, Kalyesubula R, Mutebi E, Naitala R, Katabira E and Petrova M. Comparison of the healthrelated quality of life of end stage kidney disease patients on hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis management in Uganda. Bagasha et al. BMC Palliative Care (2021) 20:52 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-021-00743-0
  1. Kwizera R, Katende A, Bongomin F, Nakiyingi L and Bruce J. Kirenga. J Misdiagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis as pulmonary tuberculosis at a tertiary care center in Uganda: a case series. Med Case Reports (2021) 15:140 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-021-02721-9
  2. Nattoh G, Bargul JL, Magoma G, Mbaisi, L, Butungi H, Mararo E, E Teal, JK Herren (2021) The fungus Leptosphaerulina persists in Anopheles gambiae and induces melanization. PLoS ONE 16(2): e0246452. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246452
  3. D. Abera, CK Kibet, T Degefa, L Amenga‑Etego, JL Bargul, and L Golassa. Genomic analysis reveals independent evolution of Plasmodium falciparum populations in Ethiopia Malar J (2021) 20:129 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03660-y
  4. Richard Kwizera, Emmanuel Mande, Denis Omali, Samuel Okurut, Sheila Nabweyambo, Rose Nabatanzi, Damalie Nakanjako and David B. Meya. Translational research in Uganda: linking basic science to bedside medicine in a resource limited setting. J Transl Med (2021) 19:76 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02747-z
  5. Amongin D, Kågesten A, Tunçalp Ö, Nakafeero M, Atuyambe L, Hanson C, Benova L. Later life outcomes of women by adolescent birth history: analysis of the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. BMJ Open 2021;11:e041545. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-041545
  6. Atuhairwe S, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Byamugisha J, et al. Abortion- related near-miss morbidity and mortality in 43 health facilities with differences in readiness to provide abortion care in Uganda. BMJ Global Health 2021;6:e003274. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2020-003274
  7. Milugo TK, Tchouassi DP, Kavishe RA, Dinglasan RR, Torto B. Derivatization increases mosquito larvicidal activity of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenin isolated from the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus. Pest Manag Sci. 2021 Feb;77(2):659-665. doi: 10.1002/ps.6131. Epub 2020 Oct 26.PMID: 33034953

Read more in the THRiVE Newsletter Oct-Dec 2021

Mark Wamai

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Research

Makerere Strengthens Research Ethics as Leaders Call for Reforms in Governance, Integrity, and Student Support

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5 days ago

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March 19, 2026

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High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Moses Lutaaya

KAMPALA — Leaders at Makerere University have renewed calls to strengthen research ethics, governance, and integrity systems, as the institution positions itself as a leading research-driven university in Uganda and the region.

The call was made during a high-level workshop that brought together regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees, with a shared focus on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight.

Dr. Fredrick Nakwagala, Chairperson of the Accreditation Committee at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, commended Makerere for hosting nearly a quarter of Uganda’s approximately 40 accredited research ethics committees. He described this as a strong indicator of the university’s leadership in scientific research and training.

Dr. Fredrick Nakwagala. High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Fredrick Nakwagala.

He noted that Uganda has made significant progress in building local capacity for research, moving away from reliance on foreign expertise. However, he raised concerns about gaps in institutional governance across the country, including weak research funding structures and limited administrative support in some institutions.

Dr. Nakwagala emphasized the need for standardization across ethics committees, expansion of ethical frameworks into emerging fields such as gene editing and environmental research, and stronger institutional mechanisms to address research integrity issues such as plagiarism, misuse of funds, and exploitation of students.

Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, stressed that ethical review is central to credible and impactful research. He warned that fragmented systems lead to delays and inconsistencies, calling for harmonization and collaboration among research ethics committees.

Prof. Edward Bbaale (Standing) makes his remarks. High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale (Standing) makes his remarks.

Prof. Bbaale also highlighted the need for efficient and responsive review processes, continuous training in emerging research areas such as artificial intelligence and climate studies, and stronger compliance systems to meet national and international standards.

On his part, Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research Innovations and Partnerships, underscored the importance of research integrity, noting that excellence must be measured not only by output but also by ethical rigor and societal relevance.

Prof. Robert Wamala. High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Robert Wamala.

He said the workshop aimed to strengthen coordination among research ethics committees, align university systems with national requirements, and enhance institutional governance through clearer guidelines, capacity building, and collaboration with regulators.

However, concerns about the impact of current systems on students were raised by Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training. He revealed that many graduate students face delays in receiving feedback from ethics committees, which affects their academic progress.

Prof. Julius Kikooma. High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Julius Kikooma.

Prof. Kikooma also pointed to complaints about the cost of ethics review, noting that most graduate students are self-funded and struggle to meet the required fees. He cited the example of the University of Ghana, where ethics review fees for graduate students have been waived, suggesting Uganda could consider similar reforms.

Participants at the workshop agreed that while ethical oversight remains essential for safeguarding research participants and ensuring quality, there is an urgent need to make systems more efficient, accessible, and supportive—particularly for early-career researchers.

Some of the stakeholders pose for a group photo. High-level workshop of regulators, academic leaders, and research ethics committees focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in research oversight, 19th March 2026, Conference Room, School of Business, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the stakeholders pose for a group photo.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen ethical standards, improve research governance, and reinforce Makerere University’s position as a hub for credible, impactful, and globally competitive research.

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Research

Call for PhD Student Fellowships under H-DATA

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2 months ago

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February 6, 2026

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Call for PhD Student Fellowships under Harnessing Health Data Science capacity to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Uganda (H-DATA) training grant, funded by the NIH through Fogarty International Center (Grant Number D43TW013056). A collaborative effort of multiple principal investigators from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and University of California, San Francisco, USA.

Program overview

The Harnessing Health Data Science capacity to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Uganda (H-DATA) is a training grant funded by the NIH through Fogarty International Center (Grant Number D43TW013056). This grant is a collaborative effort of multiple principal investigators from Makerere University, Uganda and University of California, San Francisco, USA.

Grant period: 2026/2030 | Principal Investigators: David Patrick Kateete; Charles Batte;   Joyce Nakatumba, Nabende;  Efstathios Gennatas Dimitrios

H-DATA seeks to recruit qualified Ugandans for full-time PhD training in Health Data Science registered at Makerere University.

Thematic areas

Candidates should propose research studies or concepts that apply health data science approaches (AI and Machine learning) to the following thematic themes:

  • HIV risk stratification
  • Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) comorbidities in HIV [Specifically Chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases / hypertension]
  • HIV treatment outcomes, adherence, and long-term ART trajectories
  • Non-Canonical HIV resistance mutations
  • Digital medicine and real-world HIV data
  • Health systems and policy analytics for HIV programs

Fellowship package

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 health data science methods training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA, to receive additional skills development and mentorship in health data science research.

Application Information

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:

– Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics/Biostatistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or another data-intensive discipline.
– Demonstrated interest and/or experience applying data science methods/technologies to health research or health systems.
– Strong quantitative or computational skills (e.g., programming, statistical analysis, machine learning, data management).
– Ugandan citizenship and commitment to advancing health data science in Africa.
– Ability to enroll in and complete full-time PhD training at Makerere University.

Note: Additional program- or department-specific admission requirements may apply.

Note: Proof of admission is not required at the time of application. However, preference will be given to applicants who have already secured admission to, or are currently registered in, a relevant PhD programme.		APPLICATION PACKAGE & SUBMISSION

Submit the following documents by email as a single application package:

– NIH Biosketch (maximum 4 pages) including relevant publications (if any).
– Cover letter (maximum 1 page).
– 2-page research concept note highlighting: research problem, specific aims, research design, and analysis plan.
– Academic transcripts and certificates for the relevant Master of Science (MSc) degree.
– Statement of purpose / motivational letter (maximum 800 words) for undertaking doctoral training in Health Data Science.
– Two letters of recommendation with up-to-date contact details from academic referees.

Email subject line (recommended): APPLICATION – Doctoral Scholarship – H-DATA PhD

File naming convention (recommended): LastName_FirstName_DocumentName (e.g., Batte_Charles_CV.pdf)

Application deadline: [February 28th 2026 by 5pm EAT]  

Program contact: [Dr Charles Batte at the address: hdatatraining@gmail.com]
hdatA Training Advert_Student Fellowships_F2Download

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International Fellows Recruitment – Wellcome Sanger Institute

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3 months ago

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January 8, 2026

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International Fellows Recruitment - Wellcome Sanger Institute. Photo: ImageFX

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is seeking exceptional early career stage scientists to join the Institute as an International Fellow, contributing to the Institute’s scientific portfolio. Up to six fellowships available. 

The Institute is an internationally outstanding genomic research centre with over 30 core faculty teams and 1,300 employees based south of Cambridge, UK.

Fellowship Eligibility:

  • You are typically an early-mid career group leader/faculty usually up to nine years post PhD, based at a research organisation in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). You may hold a faculty or equivalent position and are seeking to establish or strengthen your research team to develop an internationally recognised research portfolio. We also welcome applicants with equivalent experience, including those who have taken career breaks or followed non-traditional paths
  • Your main research aims should be focused on your local country and research priorities which contributes to or complements the Institute’s scientific strategy through their expertise.

Closing date: 13th February 2026

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