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Request for Expression of Interest: Development of a Risk Management Framework at CTCA

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Institution: Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA)

Project Title: Development of a Risk Management Framework at the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa Ltd.

Expression of Interest Number: CTCA/EOI/ 2022-002

Background on CTCA

The Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA) was established in July 2011 following a recommendation of the stakeholder meeting that was held in Accra, Ghana in June 2008. The Centre was established by World Health Organisations (WHO) through a competitive process in response to a call by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Makerere University, housed the center at the School of Public Health.

Makerere University therefore has the responsibility to ensuring that the Centre runs effectively and serves the African tobacco control agenda. The responsibility for managing the center shifted from WHO to The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in 2014 to date. As the tobacco control landscape continued to change, the tobacco control stakeholders increased, scope and coverage of services expanded, it became imperative that visibility ought to be heightened necessitating a review and path to autonomy of CTCA.

Autonomy

CTCA has undergone transformation from an entity housed with Makerere University to an autonomous institution guaranteed by Makerere University. In view of the transition to an autonomous entity, CTCA registered under section 5(1) subsection (a) & (b) of the Companies Act, 2012 as a Company limited by guarantee. The guarantors are Makerere University represented by the Vice Chancellor and the University Secretary. CTCA attained an autonomous status within Makerere University.

This autonomous status within the university leverages the multidisciplinary collaborations across the continuum. The relationship between CTCA, program support countries and other Universities across Africa and beyond will be governed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Centre is currently in a final transition process and needs to situate itself in a broader operating context thus any potential risk that may interfere with/in its operation require addressing. Therefore, the Centre needs to carry out a risk profile and propose remedial actions through a structured framework.

Vision of CTCA

The vision of CTCA is to achieve a “Tobacco-free Africa”.

Mission of CTCA

The mission is to enhance African governments’ capacity to formulate and implement Tobacco Control programs through partnerships and cooperation.

Goal of CTCA

The goal of the Centre is to reduce the production and consumption of tobacco by supporting governments in implementing evidence-based tobacco control strategies in Africa. Currently the Centre is guided by a 7-year $15 million strategic plan spanning 2019 to 2025 with 5 strategic objectives namely to;

SO1: To strengthen the capacity of countries in Africa to formulate and implement FCTC compliant programs
SO2: To promote evidence-based tobacco control policy formulation and program implementation
SO3: To mobilize human, material, and financial resources for sustainable tobacco control in Africa
SO4: To promote partnerships for tobacco control at national, regional and international levels
SO5: To enhance CTCA’s ability to support capacity development in tobacco control

Strategy pillars

The five pillars of CTCA Strategic Plan 2019/2025 are based on the overarching strategic issues that call for attention in the planning and implementation period. They form the very issues upon which success is measured. They are:

Pillar 1: Capacity Development
Pillar 2: Expanding evidence
Pillar 3: Resource Mobilisation
Pillar 4: Partnerships
Pillar 5: Institutional development

Rationale for Risk Management

The objective of this assignment seeks to make CTCA a more effective agency in building institutional capacity for Tobacco Control (TC) on the African continent which entails strengthening its capacity to deliver, improving its visibility and redefining its niche to respond to the changes in the TC landscape.

To achieve the aforementioned goals, CTCA requires a risk management framework that identifies, reports, remedies and eliminates the challenges that are likely to be faced by the Centre in delivering upon its vision and in line with the CTCA Board recommendation to get the framework in place.

Call for action

Against this background, CTCA intends to contract a competent, qualified and experienced consultant(s) to undertake this important assignment over a 30-person days period.

Scope of the assignment

The consultant, as part of executing this assignment, is required to undertake extensive documents review and key stakeholders’ consultation to ground the following;

a) Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of CTCA and compile an organisation-wide risk register;
b) Include the standard components of identification and assessment of internal and external risks, determination of appropriate risk responses, establishing policies and procedures, controls, systems and accountabilities to support identified risk responses, communication of risks, mitigation plans and monitoring effectiveness of the mitigation efforts;
c) Consider the different categories of the organisation’s objectives including strategic, operational, reporting and compliance to inform the Risk Mitigation Framework;
d) Specify the allocation of risk management responsibilities to different levels in CTCA reflecting the resources and other contextual characteristics of the organisation;
e) Include a risk management policy and all its derivative tools, including but not limited to risk strategy, risk appetite and risk architecture;
f) Make provisions for embedding of risk assessment in the organisation’s decision making processes;
g) Include provisions for a business continuity management program for CTCA, and;
h) Include all organisational units/departments and the authority.
i) Cover the broad scope including but not limited to programmatic, IT and cyber dimensions, financial human resources and operating environment.

Key deliverables

a) Inception report, completed within one weeks of commencement of assignment. The inception report shall include:

  • A detailed description of the methodology and timeline for the risk assessment and strategic
  • planning process.
  • The documents to review
  • The list of persons to interview.
  • A description of the meetings/workshop(s) and any other activities envisaged.

b) Risk assessment report.
c) Risk register
d) Risk management consultative meeting/workshop
e) Risk management policy
f) Business continuity plan

Institutional arrangement

The Consultant will report directly to the Chief Operations Officer. The Chief Operations Officer will provide all the necessary background documents and support the consultant(s) in organising meetings and activities all stakeholders.

Expected attributes of the consultant(s)

a) Experience in conducting and facilitating similar risk management and strategic planning processes with public and private institutions
b) Thorough understanding of operation of similar organisations
c) The consultant should have documentary proof that s/he has expertise in Risk Management
d) Strong analytical skills;
e) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate shared positions; and
f) Excellent communication skills and fluency in English and or French or bilingual

Timing

The activity should be executed within 30 person days spread between 15th September to 30th October 2022

How to apply

All applications should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, CTCA. Apply electronically including a cover letter, CV, copies of academic and professional documents with at least 2 reference letters. Address your application to EOI@ctc-africa.org

Application Deadline:

Wednesday 7th September 2022 at 5:00pm EST

Mark Wamai

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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