Health
Makerere University’s Mentorship Programme brings quality improvement at Ntuusi Health Centre IV in Sembabule
By Agnes Namaganda
On 10th June 2022, a team from the Ministry of Health, and Makerere University, visited Ntuusi Health Centre IV in Sembabule district. This visit was a follow-up on a mentorship training that was done at the health centre a month earlier by Makerere University under the RMNCAH (Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health) Project.
The RMNCAH project is housed under the Child Health and Development Centre (Mak-CHDC) which is in the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University. It is a collaboration between Mak-CHDC and several health professional associations like UNMU (Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union), (UPA) Uganda Paediatric Association, (AAU) Association of Anesthesiologists of Uganda and (AOGU) Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda.
The main objective of the project is to coordinate these Health Professional Associations and Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs) in implementation and provision of mentorship for RMNCAH at general hospitals, Health Centre IVs, and Health Centre IIIs in the Central South Region of Uganda.
The visiting team was led by the Director of Mak-CHDC, Dr. Herbert Muyinda. Dr. Eleanor Nakintu and her team from BAMA (Babies and Mothers Alive) was part of the team doing the monitoring and training. Dr. Gonzaga Ssenyondo, a Senior Obstetrics/ Gynaecologist Consultant at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital was also part of the team that was following to check if RMNCAH’s recommendations to the health facility during their previous visit had been implemented.
Dr. Ssenyondo thanked the staff for the great work and gave tips to the health staff about improving the quality of care at the health centre. He said this was key to seeing an improvement in the perception that the community has about the health centre. He also commended the health facility team for implementing many of the recommendations that had been cited as challenges at the previous visit. These included; painting the health facility, and improving the theatre.
This team was later joined by the Commissioner in charge of Reproductive Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi, the Chief Administrative Officer of Sembabule, the Town Clerk, the District Health Officer, and his Assistant.
According to the staff of Ntuusi Health Centre, challenges they face include shortage of medicines, limited human resource, no promotion at the workplace even after further studies, no accommodation at the workplace and uncoordinated transfers. These were all communicated to Dr. Mugahi.
To solve the problem of staffing, Dr. Mugahi promised that the facility will get another officer in less than 2 months. This would relieve Dr. Mohammed Kawuki, the health centre in-charge, of the heavy workload. He also promised to recruit an anesthetist for the health centre speedily to relieve the current anesthetist, Edwina Turyahebwa, of the heavy workload. He also promised to solve the issue of housing for the staff.
On the other hand, the Chief Administrative Officer promised to give the Centre an ambulance so that complicated cases are quickly referred to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
With each piece of good news, the staff who were in high spirits, gave a thunderous clap. The Commissioner informed the staff that he had worked in several health facilities all over the country. Having began his health services career as a VHT, he said he could perfectly identify with the challenges that the staff were facing like the lack of accommodation.
The Commissioner also affirmed that the staff would be getting a salary increase which government had promised in the next financial year that is starting in July, 2022. However, government was going to keep a close eye on them to make sure they perform accordingly.
Email the Writer: agnesvioletnamaganda@gmail.com
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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