Health
Uganda’s Swedish Embassy Celebrates Karolinska-Makerere 20-year Research Cooperation
Kampala, May 5, 2022—On May 4, more than 100 research and innovation stakeholders were hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda to mark the two-decade-long research partnership of the Karolinska Institute and Makerere University.
The teams from Makerere University led Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Rector Benadir University Professor Mohamed Mohamud Bidey, and President, Karolinska Institute Professor Ole Petter Ottersen were ushered into at the Swedish Ambassador’s Residence located along Elizabeth Avenue in Kololo, Kampala where the team held cordial discussions.
Adam Kahasai Rudebeck, the Deputy Head of Development at the Embassy speaking on behalf of the Ambassador H.E Maria Hakansson who is currently away on official duties back home said Sweden capacity strengthing, (at the level of individuals as well as institutions) and networking with Swedish universities/ institutes has always been at the center of the mission’s objective with a long-term commitment and a scientific cooperation on equal footing as important cornerstones.
“As we are all aware, with the emergence of the ‘knowledge economies’, nations and regions respond the new challenges that affect choices in the development of higher education, research and innovation systems,” he said.
Mr. Rudebeck said the Swedish Government has identified support to higher education and research as one important area of Swedish development cooperation. Over the years, in terms of monetary terms, the total Swedish support amounts to 120million USD.
“The production, accumulation, transfer and application of knowledge are all central factors in socio-economic development and are increasingly found essential to national and regional development strategies. And while access to local and international scientifically based knowledge is crucial to the development in all countries, it is critical in developing countries,” said Mr. Rudebeck.
These celebrations coincide with Makerere University’s 100 anniversary. Speaking at the event, Professor Ole Otterson said he was excited that the more than 20 years research collaboration gave birth to Karolinska Institute’s international flagship project — the virtual Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH), a collaboration between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet. He proposed a toast for the first 100 years of Makerere University citing that the collaboration has shown potential for sustainability and reciprocity.
“Not only do we celebrate 100 years since the foundation of 100 years of Makerere University, but we celebrate at least 22 years of the collaboration between Makerere University and Karolinska institute,” said Prof. Ottersen.
CESH seeks to develop capacity and mobilise actions to drive the agenda for sustainable health and the philosophy of the collaboration and the Centre is permeated by the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Ottersen says SDGs casts a responsibility on everyone to ensure we achieve the target three (3) of Good Health and Wellbeing for all, at all ages. “We all know that we have these goals, that we should reach within 8years from now, the sustainability development goals. Quite an ambition. But sustainability has a special meaning when it comes to collaboration and in particular academic collaboration,” he said.
“Sustainability means that we must have a special mindset. Whatever we do in terms of research, should have a long-term perspective. So not only should we in our collaborative research think ahead to the day that the publication is out with our findings… that is just a step. The very essence of sustainability is that we should think, one step further,” Professor Ottersen explains.
He urged researchers to be self critical and ensure they embrace value, and the importance and the necessity of reciprocity. “More often, we have been blind when we move into collaborative projects across continents. We have done this, perhaps, not having this open mind that there could be reciprocity. It means that we should have an open mind; that we should learn from each other in a reciprocal fashion; and this will make a difference when it comes to the health of the future generations,” Professor Ottersen.
Since 2000, Sweden has maintained bilateral research cooperation with Uganda with support particularly in research in the country through thematic regional programs.
The overriding rationale for this move according to the ambassador was that Uganda needed at least one research university that was able to produce graduates, with qualified analytical skills for the country at large.
“Against this background, it was decided to focus the contribution towards strengthening the capacity for research, and training to the country’s major university, Makerere University in Kampala. Since then, the Swedish research funding to Uganda has included components of institutional support that is organically linked to support for graduate training, institution-building, postgraduate training, and the existence of an environment that is conducive for research and research training are all part of one single effort,” he said.
In addition to supporting the Makerere University Library, Labs, ICT, GIS, Gender mainstreaming and cross-cutting PhD course among others, Sweden entered cooperation with four other public universities including Kyambogo, Busitema, Gulu and Mbarara University of Science and Technology from 2010,
According to the Ambassador, Uganda’s prosperity is important, both as a source of global growth and to promote an inclusive sustainable globalization. Further citing that effective, balanced international partnerships between Swedish and Ugandan Universities and in the region are essential for continuing to tackle the global challenges laid out in the SDGs.
“Your current 5 years agreement of the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Health will not only capitalize on the exciting partnership between the two institutions but is also an important next step in the long-standing collaboration and a significant contribution in the efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the representative to the Ambassador.
Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean, School of Public Health –Makerere University while speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe said the Swedish government and Karolinska Institute have truly been great partners to Makerere and a great part of the 100 hundred years.
“You did not give us the fish. You taught us how to fish. And you went beyond that in terms of the support for our systems for research. You supported the ecosystem for that research. So many years down the road, we have so many PhDs smart young people across generations that have used the knowledge and the skills that they picked from this support to be able to grow networks across Africa. We are doing so much work across Africa because of the skills and the capacity that we picked from this collaboration,” Prof. Rhoda said.
She also noted that the partnership needs to demonstrate that growth by helping others citing that true leadership means supporting and uplifting those that might not have had the same privilege and bring them along.
“The world has become so small although we continue to draw boundaries. The problems do not have boundaries and we now need to transcend those boundaries so that we can speak about the issues that move the world to the next level. I am really looking forward to the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health being that nucleus that can activate that change so that we can make this world a better place,” says Prof. Wanyenze.
She thanked the Swedish government for giving Makerere University an opportunity build capacity and continue inspiring other institutions across the region including Somalia, the DRC and the globe.
“To the Swedish government through the Embassy, there has been so much impact out of the investment which you have done. So, when you count the investment, it’s not just about the number of people that were trained. A lot of the networks that we have today, a lot of work what we are doing with colleagues in Somalia and in DRC, and so much more is as a result of the investment that you chose to do. To invest in us and that we can also invest in others so that this is sustainable. Thank you so much for contributing to the 100 years of Makerere and as our motto says we build for the future, so we are building for the next 100 years and more and professor peter and the team, colleagues from Somalia, it’s exciting to know that you are going to be part of the next 100 years as we build for the future,” Prof. Wanyenze said.
The Swedish government support through SIDA was built on establishing a partnership between Ugandan and Swedish Universities, and during the years, it has developed to a partnership between more than 17 Swedish universities/ institutions and 5 Ugandan universities that are also linked to several regional and international networks.
A Voice for Excellence, Equity and African Sovereignty
When Dr. Michael Makanga walked onto the stage at the 8th Galien Forum Africa in Dakar on 31 October 2025 to receive the Special Career Achievement Galien Prize, presented by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye under the theme Health sovereignty: an imperative for Africa, the moment carried weight beyond any medal or citation. “It is a celebration of a lifelong commitment,” he said, “but also a reminder of a responsibility I have never been willing to compromise: to inspire others to raise their voices for excellence, science, and equity.”
For more than two decades, Dr. Makanga has been a quiet architect of Africa’s health sovereignty. His work has unfolded far from cameras: in laboratories constrained by resources, in policy rooms where African priorities demanded a stronger voice, and in mentoring sessions with young scientists seeking reassurance that their ideas mattered.
Born and trained in Uganda, Dr. Makanga earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University before pursuing a master’s degree and PhD at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. His career spans nearly 30 years, encompassing tropical medicine, clinical trials in Africa and Europe, and senior international management roles. Since joining EDCTP in 2004, he has guided its growth as a unique Africa–Europe partnership, strengthening African capacity for high-quality, ethical clinical research while accelerating solutions for poverty-related diseases. Today, he leads the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
President Faye captured the essence of Dr. Makanga’s achievement: “Scientific excellence is not negotiable; it is earned. It underpins our credibility and our sovereignty.” For Dr. Makanga, the statement is a call to action. “I hope this recognition reminds us that Africa’s scientists and innovators can lead global health research with excellence and purpose. We owe it to the next generation to build the systems and confidence that make this possible,” he said.
Dr. Makanga’s peers describe him as a “builder”: someone who strengthens research systems, mentors emerging scientists, and fosters equitable partnerships long before “local ownership” became a policy buzzword. In his own words, the award honors his “career’s contribution to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty” while reinforcing his commitment to ensure younger scientists do not have to fight for legitimacy as previous generations did.
The 2025 Prix Galien Africa celebrated Dr. Makanga alongside innovators reshaping African science. La Ruche Health, a Côte d’Ivoire-based digital health platform, won for connecting users to certified providers through an AI-powered system. Senegalese computer scientist Adji Bousso Dieng received a special prize for applying artificial intelligence to the natural sciences, including spotting emerging viral variants using her “Vendi Score” tool. The awards were organised with the support of the Presidency of Senegal, the Gates Foundation, the West African Health Organization, and the Rockefeller Foundation, with a jury co-chaired by Dr. John Nkengasong and Professor Souleymane Mboup.
Yet the award’s true weight lies not in ceremony, but in its symbolism. Dr. Makanga’s career exemplifies how African scientists can lead, shape policy, and influence global health priorities when empowered and supported.
Makerere University colleagues attest to this impact. Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, a clinical researcher and epidemiologist, reflects: “EDCTP support allowed me to build multidisciplinary teams, enhance laboratory and trial infrastructure, and generate evidence relevant for policy and practice. It strengthened my scientific independence and expanded the long-term sustainability of my research, particularly on childhood vaccines.”
She adds, “Dr. Makanga’s vision and commitment have strengthened institutions, built capacity, and fostered equitable partnerships, enabling African investigators to lead complex studies that address the continent’s priorities. His recognition shows what is possible when scientists are empowered, trusted, and supported.”
Dr. Alex Kayongo, an immunologist at Makerere University, describes EDCTP support as “catalytic,” enabling advanced training and a platform to study microbiome–immune interactions in HIV-associated COPD. His work is shaping mechanistic insights and strengthening Uganda’s capacity for complex respiratory immunology research. “Global health funding is increasingly competitive, making EDCTP’s role even more vital,” he says. “Africa needs sustainable support for complex, lab-intensive research. Continued investment in infrastructure, leadership, and fair partnerships is essential if African institutions are to drive innovation and secure true scientific sovereignty.”
Dr. David Musoke, an associate professor of disease control, credits his EDCTP fellowship with deepening his malaria research and advancing his career. His studies combined housing improvements, environmental management, and behavioural measures to complement traditional malaria prevention, shaping practical, community-informed interventions. “Dr. Makanga’s contribution to African science has been tremendous, and his continued stewardship gives us confidence that evidence generated on the continent will increasingly shape policy and practice,” he observes.
Dr. Makanga’s impact is visible not only in individual careers but across institutions and nations. Through EDCTP, he has championed African-led trials, strengthened laboratory capacity, and fostered cross-country collaboration. Colleagues emphasize that his leadership has created a generation of African scientists who are confident, collaborative, and globally competitive.
“My experience with EDCTP-funded programmes has shown the transformative impact of African-led research,” Dr. Nankabirwa reflects. “Dr. Makanga’s vision and commitment have strengthened institutions, built capacity, and fostered equitable partnerships, enabling African investigators to lead complex studies that address the continent’s priorities. His recognition shows what is possible when scientists are empowered, trusted, and supported, inspiring the next generation of research leaders.”
Dr. Makanga’s recognition is a tribute to perseverance, vision, and mentorship: a scientist who kept going when resources were scarce, a leader who refused partnerships that treated Africans as subjects, and a mentor who reminded young researchers that they belong at the centre of global science.
As he stood among Africa’s leading innovators in Dakar, the message was unmistakable: Africa can lead, Africa must lead, and it will lead, through science, excellence, and equity.
Makerere University is proud to celebrate Dr. Michael Makanga, one of its distinguished alumni, on receiving the Special Career Achievement Prize of the Prix Galien Africa 2025. This honor recognises his exceptional leadership in medical research and his role in advancing African-led science. Through his work, Dr. Makanga continues to strengthen institutions, mentor emerging researchers, and amplify Africa’s voice on the global health stage.
Kalangala, an idyllic archipelago often romanticised for its sunsets, today witnessed a historic leap in healthcare. Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, launched the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Kalangala Clinical Research Centre—the island’s first modern research facility.
“This is more than a building; it’s a lifeline,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “IDI is not only Uganda’s leading health partner, managing over 20% of HIV cases, but research is first on its agenda. If people are not healthy, they can’t work—it’s useless to invest in anything else.”
Kalangala ranks third in HIV prevalence nationwide at 13.1%, with fishing communities hardest hit. Until now, residents endured perilous boat rides to the mainland for advanced care. “Accessing healthcare has always meant a journey across waves—long, costly, and sometimes dangerous,” said District Chairperson Jajab Ssemakula. “You have not only invested in Kalangala; you have brought Makerere University to Kalangala.”
Supported by the Gates Foundation, the centre is part of a multinational HIV prevention study conducted across 31 sites in Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Its first mission: testing whether a monthly pill can protect adolescent girls and young women from HIV—a breakthrough that could transform vulnerable communities.
“This centre means access without barriers,” said Dr. Andrew Kambugu, IDI Executive Director. “Kalangala residents no longer need to travel long distances for clinical trials or advanced care.”
Prof. Samuel Luboga, IDI Board Chairperson, reassured residents of IDI’s long-term commitment:
“We are not a fleeting partner. This sentinel research centre aligns with our vision of freeing Africa from the burden of infectious diseases. The assurance I give Kalangala is—we are here to stay.”
Henry Ssebunya, Deputy Resident District Commissioner, praised IDI’s innovation and consistency:
“IDI has treated and cared for people living with HIV, deployed medical drones to deliver life-saving medicines, and now built a research centre. This is a new chapter for Kalangala.”
From a sleeping sickness camp in 1906 to a cutting-edge research hub in 2025, Kalangala’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope.
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