The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) flags off the Nkobazambogo Association mini-marathon at the Freedom Square, Makerere University on 27th February 2022.
Makerere University Nkobazambogo Students Association in conjunction with the School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS) on Sunday 27th February 2022 organized a mini marathon at the Makerere University Freedom Square intended to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among University students as well as amplify voices against Gender based Violence-GBV.
The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Umar Kakumba who set the runners off. Other guests included Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, and the Patron of Nkobazambogo Dr. Sauda Namyalo, among others.
Professor Umar Kakumba giving his remarks after the marathon (Photo by Alex Mugalu)
The two kilometre run attracted hundreds of runners who turned up at the Freedom Square to take part in the event. The top five runners in both men and women categories were recognized by the organisers of the event.
In his remarks Professor Kakumba highlighted the vital role of cultural groups in instilling discipline and promoting unity amongst the university students. “First of all cultural groups instill discipline in students and everyone in this world needs disciplined to succeed however intelligent you are; without morals you are less important.”
The Dean of Students applauded the Nkobazambogo Students Association for the initiative and urged them to double their efforts in the cause to end the pandemic. “Universities are at risk of HIV they are risk ins and this is because they are composed of the youth that are sexually active and I believe the students are ideal ambassadors to create awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, they can take this lead by having interventions such sexual public education programs, spreading messages that reduce the risk of HIV transmission and specifically focusing on young people” said Mrs. Kabumbuli.
Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli the Dean of Students addressing the guests. (Photo by Alex Mugalu)
The Dean of Students added that; “you can play this part by encouraging testing of people who are sexually active and making sure proper counseling in collaboration with Health service providers is made.”
Dr. Saudah Namyalo, Patron Nkobazambogo at Makerere expressed her gratefulness to the students for spearheading the campaign to end Gender Based Violence in Buganda .
“We have seen so many Gender Based Violence cases such as murder here in Buganda. However, it’s such an interesting and promising thing, seeing youth like you coming up to stop and fight such acts so that they come to an end in Buganda. I know and I believe that you can do it.” Dr. Namyalo revealed.
Professor Umar Kakumba (Middle) Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli (Second from Right) Kajoba Hamza (First from Left) and Dr. Sauda Namyalo (Third from Left) with winners of the mini-marathon. (Photo by Alex Mugalu)
Kajoba Hamza on behalf of Buganda Kingdom thanked the University fraternity for coming up with such amazing ideas that contribute to the development of Buganda.
“It’s so amazing for students of Makerere University to come together with the University Administration and organize activities like this one which have a good cause for the people of Buganda.” Kajoba said.
Buganda Kingdom in 2020 inaugurated a theme titled “Men for Good Health and Ending AIDS by 2030” intended to end HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030. His Highness the Kabaka of Buganda who was appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for engaging men on HIV prevention in the Eastern and Southern Region of Uganda uses events such as the mini-marathon to sensitize and create awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus by encouraging the youth to take lead in the fight.
According to statistics by UNAIDS, in 2018 1.4 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Statistics further indicate that 84 percent of people living with HIV in 2018 knew their status, 72 percent were on treatment and 64 percent had the virus suppressed. However, Kabaka Mutebi believes the statistics of new transmissions can be overturned if people remain vigilant.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce the 3rd U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium in partnership with and hosted by the Republic of Rwanda. The upcoming meeting will be held on February 18-20, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The application is now open for scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and African Union member countries to submit their application online before the deadline of July 7, 2024, 11:59 PMET (Washington D.C. time).
This program brings together outstanding early/mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals (within 15 years of most recent degree), from the United States and the member countries of the African Union for a series of symposia to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The goal of these meetings is to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue among early-to-middle career researchers in African countries and the United States, including the African science diaspora, and through this interaction facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region. Another unique aspect of the Frontiers events is the pluri-disciplinarity of the participants’ backgrounds and research interests.
One of the main objectives of this Frontiers symposium is to advance our understanding of cutting-edge S&T trends in the U.S. and Africa and to foster dialogue and collaborations across disciplines. The upcoming symposium will address the following topics:
Session I: New Solutions for Decarbonization
Session II: Biotechnology
Session III: Precision Agriculture
Session IV: Advances in Space Research
Session V: Smart and Connected Cities
We encourage early-career scientists, engineers and medical professionals working on related research to apply to this multidisciplinary meeting, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Each general participant will also have the opportunity to present their research during poster sessions. Travel of selected participants will be covered. More details on the symposium, organization, and program can be found on the symposium webpage.
Please submit your application online by 11:59 PM ET on July 7, 2024. For more information on the U.S.-Africa Frontiers Program, please visit our program website. Please email USAfricaSTEM@nas.edu with any questions.
Mobility for Clean Energy Solutions to promote energy independence and environmental well-being through collaboration and innovation, addressing climate challenges across Africa.
Background:
Africa, a continent brimming with potential, faces a critical challenge: ensuring energy access and tackling climate change. Over 50% of its population lacks electricity, and relying on unsustainable practices threatens their health and the environment. Yet, Africa possesses a wealth of untapped renewable resources – a golden key to unlocking a brighter future. The Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) Solutions Project steps in to address these challenges with a vision driven by African ingenuity. We are empowering universities, the private sector, and local communities to develop clean energy solutions tailored to their specific needs.
The objectives of Homegrown Clean Energy:
Promote the development of Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) solutions for underrepresented communities.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer among participating institutions.
Enhance entrepreneurship skills in clean energy solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa.
Promote gender equality and social inclusion in clean energy solutions.
Participating Institutions:
Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMIN), Nigeria
Makerere University is pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator) within the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MakSBSREC). This is an excellent opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the ethical oversight of research involving human participants.
Duration: 1 Year, renewable upon satisfactory performance
Duty Station: Kampala
Qualifications, Desired Skills, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Humanities, Medicine and Surgery, Ethics and Human Rights, or any related field.
Master’s degree in Bioethics (an added advantage).
Up-to-date training in Human Subject Protection or Good Clinical Practice.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written).
Prior experience in regulatory work in research studies or projects.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit a soft copy of their application documents and a motivation letter to deansbs.chs@mak.ac.ug with the subject line “Application for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator)”. Address your application to the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences.
Deadline for submission: July 2, 2024, by 5:00 pm Ugandan time.
Please provide a reliable 24-hour phone contact. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.