Health
BMGF Program Officer Sambisa Pays Courtesy Call to Mak
Kampala -Uganda: Makerere University acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance & Administration, Prof. Tonny J. Oyana on Monday July 4th 2022 received Dr. William Sambisa from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in company of the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze.
Dr Sambisa, who is also the Program Officer for the COVID-19 Response and Shaping Policy in Eastern, Central and Western Africa (COVID Assessment project), a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project at MakSPH was on a 3-days visit to Makerere University as part of the evaluation of the project as it comes to an end.
The project has been implemented in partnership with several universities from the eastern, central, and western Africa including the University of Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar, Senegal; the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; the University of Kinshasa, DRC; and the University of Ghana.
This project sought to assess and curate the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and the outcomes in terms of COVID-19 control and continuity of essential non-COVID-19 health services within the COVID-19 period, to inform the COVID-19 response and recovery as well as health system resilience to future disease outbreaks in Africa.
Prof. Wanyenze is the Principal Investigator of the COVID Assessment project for Uganda. She has been working alongside Dr. Suzanne Kiwanuka Dr. Suzan Kizito, Steven Ndugwa Kabwama and Dr. Rawlance Ndejjo, among others.
Speaking at the Vice Chancellor’s office, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze said the School of Public Health was grateful for the partnerships with the BMGF that have impacted a lot of lives and influenced policy changes in Uganda and beyond. She thanked Bill and Melinda for their generosity and support towards research in Africa and capacity building.
“We have several grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We are proud that we are partnering with you for impactful research and meaningful capacity building. BMGF supports the Digital Health Payments initiative project, the Covid-19 assessment which is coming to an end, Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA), a project fueling a data revolution to guide family planning programs, and the Leadership for Malaria eradication that is equipping endemic country scientists, implementers and leaders of National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) with adequate skills with a view of obtaining the ultimate goal of global malaria eradication,” said Prof Wanyenze.
She added that; “We are talking with William to explore the establishment of a Centre for Health Security at Makerere University because we are in the Congo basis belt which has the largest number of disease outbreaks globally.”
On his part, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration who represented Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tonny Oyana said it was a great gesture for Makerere University to receive the BMGF support to various university research and capacity building projects citing that such partnerships need to be leveraged on in the next century.
“I am well informed that you have been generous to Makerere University through the School of Public Health. I am told the funding portfolio has increased under several projects. We are now celebrating 100 years of existence. Our main celebrations will be in October this year. So, we have come a long way and the BMGF are part of the Makerere University story and I hope that we can consolidate our gains with that funding support. When you go back, please tell Bill and Melinda that the Management of Makerere University is very grateful for your contribution and we should continue working together. Please do visit us again,” said Prof. Oyana.
Prof. Oyana also shared about the iconic university building Administration Block, the second oldest building in Makerere University, currently under reconstruction that was burnt to ruins on November 20, 2020. The Main Building, in the style of British architecture of the 1940s, had high white walls and blue-shuttered windows before the fire that broke out. It is a symbol of higher education in Uganda and Africa. Efforts are underway to maintain its exact architectural design and structure.
In appreciation, Dr. William Sambisa said he was excited to visit Makerere University and impressed by its position in research in Africa and beyond. He empathized with Makerere University for the loss of the iconic building during the fire.
“It is a pleasure working with Makerere University. This is my first time I set foot in this great institution. When we were growing up in Zimbabwe, we heard about Makerere, its academic stature and its role in activism those days. Sometimes you say I have read and heard about this Giant of Africa, I would like to be there,” said Dr. Sambisa.
He added that; “We have begun a journey. We are creating good foundational pillars, for the next growth of the institution itself and the way you will influence Africa in research and capacity building. If we are saying we want to rely on African institutions, are we putting adequate resources to build them? Are we holding them in that journey aspect of it? It would be unfair to drop this investment.”
The Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze led Dr. Sambisa on a guided tour to the Main Campus and inspected the construction site for the new home of MakSPH.
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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