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Request for Expression of Interest: Writing the CTCA Story

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Project Title: The story for the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa Ltd then, along and
now

Expression of Interest Number: CTCA/EOI/ 2022-001

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). MakerereUniversity, housed the center at the School of Public Health.

The Centre has had three phases of funding. Phase 1 covered 2011-2014 was executed under the oversight of the Work health organization; Phase 2 was implemented from mid 2014 through early 2019 under the African Capacity Building Foundation; Phase III started mid 2019 to September 2022. All phases were funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding formed the core of CTCA. There were multiple other funding streams from IDRC, Research Council UK, WHO, Government of Uganda, USAID and NIH not aligned to the funding phases presented above but specific to announcements for funding as they became
available.

The core business of CTCA is Capacity Development for Tobacco Control (TC) and research forms a strong arm to generate continuous evidence for time focused and tailored interventions.

The Center has correspondingly undergone evolution to a self-operating legal entity to serve the African continent on the tobacco control front and on the path to a Go-to-Centre of excellence and reference. During its period of existence, the Center has had paradigm shifts in program focus from policy-focused support interventions to strategy, and now sustainability.

Vision of CTCA

CTCA has a defined institutional direction reflected in its profile and program hierarchy as hereunder. The vision of CTCA is to achieve a “Tobacco-free Africa”. The mission is to enhance African governments’ capacity to formulate and implement Tobacco Control programs through partnerships and cooperation. 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 $15.9 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.

The strategic objectives are anchored in five pillars of CTCA Strategic Plan 2019/2025 based on the overarching strategic issues that call for attention in the planning and implementation periods. 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 CTCA journey, “then-along-and-Now”

The objective of assignment is to tell the CTCA story from inception, along and now. Understanding the trajectory and journey will inform future discussions in shaping the Africa continental TC response. The story should chronical the events as they occurred in the CTCA journey then, during and now to propose the future path.

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

Scope and Method of the assignment

The consultant is required to undertake a search strategy for extensive documents review and conduct key stakeholder consultations. The scope of the assignment will include;

a) Review of phase 1, 2 and 3 documents including the appraisal documents, grant agreements, performance reports, program review reports, missions reports, program strategy and policy documents, and institutional manuals (WHO, ACBF, Makerere, CTCA)
b) A trend analysis of governance manuals, success stories, lessons, challenges, minutes, and concept notes.
c) Review and examine the organizational governance and technical structure over time and how this has impacted CTCA performance
d) Examine the pre-CTCA context and justification for its birth, the status during the business phase and project the future outlook.
e) Tell key success stories and the stakeholder’s overtime
f) Analyze the philosophy and theory of change of CTCA to inform the future direction.
g) Relevant graphics and pictures through the review period for story
h) Document the impact trend of CTCA interventions in Tobacco Control then, along, and now

Key deliverables

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

  • A detailed description of the methodology and timeline for developing CTCA story
  • The documents to review
  • The list of persons to interview.
  • A description of the meetings/workshop(s) and any other activities envisaged if any.

j) Consultative process report
k) Draft story book
l) Final validated story book

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 report writing
b) Demonstrated experience in program reviews, evaluations, and compiling program profiles
c) Should have published at leas five articles in peer reviewed journals
d) Strong analytical skills
e) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and work with teams
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 EOI@ctc-africa.org

Application Deadline:

Wednesday 7th September 2022 at 5:00pm EST

Mark Wamai

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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