General
Prof. Serwadda’s Nostalgic Student Life, Impactful Research and Joy of Mentoring Leaders
When Prof. Serwadda travelled to universities in the USA and other countries in the 1980s, he realised that students struggled to buy books in those countries. “They work in restaurants to be able to buy books and then I said oh My God, we were so privileged,” he says.
When Prof. David M. Serwadda joined Makerere University as a student pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in August of 1977, the University was offering the best to its students.
This was both in terms of the institutional environment for academia, students’ basic needs, and the general eco-environment. Halls of residence were less congested, for instance, Prof. Serwadda, who was a Livingstone resident, says he only shared a room in the first year.
Like any other student of his time, Prof. Serwadda had an account in the bookstore that would guarantee the purchase of any book that he wanted. “I would just go there, I pick this book, they deduct from my account. I would have in my bookshelf very many books,” he says. “I would be a second-year student, but buying books for third year because if you didn’t finish your account that year, when you get into the following year, you forfeit it and reset the account to zero.”
In a wide-ranging interview, Prof. Serwadda, who is retiring this year after 31 years of teaching, discusses his time at Makerere, the challenges and opportunities for the institution that is celebrating 100 years. Prof. Serwadda was in 1985 the lead author of a research paper entitled “Slim disease; a new disease in Uganda and its association with HTLV-II infection” published in The Lancet, one of the global top medical journals that first confirmed HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
When Prof. Serwadda travelled to universities in the USA and other countries in the 1980s, he realised that students struggled to buy books in those countries. “They work in restaurants to be able to buy books and then I said oh My God, we were so privileged,” he says.
When Prof. Serwadda travelled to universities in the USA and other countries in the 1980s, he realised that students struggled to buy books in those countries. “They work in restaurants to be able to buy books and then I said oh My God, we were so privileged,” he says.
A medical doctor and professor of infectious diseases at Makerere University School of Public Health, Serwadda is a co-founder of the Rakai Health Science Program (RHSP) which has in the past three decades pioneered research on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He was the first Ugandan academic coordinator of the Masters of Public Health program at Makerere University School of Public Health. He also served as Director of Makerere Institute of Public Health from 2003 and 2007 and Dean from 2007 to 2009 when the Institute became a School.
In December 2019, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the World Population Council and in the same month he was elected together with 36 others among the world’s most accomplished scientists living in or focused on the developing world by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
1970 and today’s generation of students, lecturers
Contrasting students and staff activism of his time, Prof. Serwadda says it was the time of President Idi Amin, the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979 who had crushed Makerere’s activism spirit.
Prof. Serwadda says the current generation of students have more space for activism but also opportunities to succeed because they have more freedom, liberty, and multiple platforms through which to speak out and make their demands. “You have a highly energised and a much larger population of students that can easily be organised to rally against any grievance they have,” he says.
Whereas students of his generation seemed much more obedient, students of today know their rights and are likely to talk and make staff members and management more accountable which is good if it’s not disruptive.
Students of his time were always busy. They had many job offers. He mentions for instance that during his campus days, he would never have time to idle around. From first year, Prof. Serwadda says he was on study projects working, in laboratories and wards thus many students had no time to engage in activism. For instance in my fourth year of Medical School, under Professor Charles Olweny, I was a student during the day and a research assistant throughout the night and all weekends including Christmas at Uganda Cancer Institute. “It is my perception that we were much busier than students of today and I feel that current context has made students much more demanding and engaged in more advocacy,” he says.
Regarding research and funding, Prof. Serwadda says the current generation of students and lecturers have better prospects to succeed. The internet has levelled the communication space, and created huge opportunity for global networks for research and learning. For example, if an organisation sends out a research fellowship, or scholarship opportunity, any person across the world can access the call and apply. But in the old days, only those countries with a functioning post office would receive information in a timely manner. “A new journal would come in the library and we were all booking to read them. But now, you go on the internet and download your journal,” he says.
“The world is flatter for all of us than it was. There are more funding opportunities and much easier ability to access them,” he adds.
For lecturers, as they complain about salary increments, they also need to broaden their concerns and to talk about the need for resources for research, health insurance, and expanding facilities for teaching. “They are in large part always complaining about pay, pay, we need to systematically advocate for a more comprehensive research and learning environment,” he says.
Out of the gates of Makerere, beginning of research career
After graduation in 1982, Prof. Serwadda reminisced about his internship at Nsambya Hospital after which he later joined Mulago Hospital, a National Specialised Hospital which was and still is the teaching facility of Makerere University College of Health Sciences as a Medical Officer in the Uganda Cancer Institute, UCI, in 1983. In 1985, Dr. Serwadda enrolled as a Senior Health Officer (SHO), studying a Masters of Internal Medicine at Makerere University. He would later graduate in 1989. He says he had a dead year at Makerere which he spent in the United Kingdom, the UK studying Metabolic Medicine at Newcastle Upon Tyne Medical School.
Prof Serwadda’s research in HIV/AIDS began when he was working at the Cancer Institute between 1983 to 1985. The institute was receiving patients of “Kaposi Sarcoma,” a disease which causes plaque-like lesions on the upper arms and legs and also in aggressive form involves the lymph nodes, internal organs, and mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and throat as often is seen with individuals with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. This was strange then because the clinical manifestations of Kaposi Sarcoma were at the time what was being seen in the United States of America where “men were having sex with men.”
More intriguing was, according to Prof. Serwadda, as time went on, almost all patients with aggressive Kaposi sarcoma that were admitted at UCI come from Masaka and Rakai districts.
“There used to be a surgeon called Mr. J.W Carswell, who linked us to a virologist in the UK called Dr. Robert Downing and we were able to send blood samples of some patients from Uganda Cancer Institute, some of whom were residents of Masaka and Rakai districts,” he says. “The results indicated that of the 25 samples I had sent, 4 were positive for HIV, which at the time was referred to as HTLV-III,” he adds.
Though the first cases of patients with Kaposi Sarcoma had first been identified in around 1982, these were the first blood tests to confirm HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Prof. Serwadda and his colleagues knew they were on to something big, hence they travelled to Masaka and Rakai–self funded–tested more blood samples which confirmed more positive cases, and then drafted a paper for The Lancet based on results from the tests. It would take months of back and forth communication with editors, through snail-mail given that there was no internet.
The paper was published in October 1985. The paper brought visibility for Prof. Serwadda which consequently had positive and negative impacts.
There was political resistance at the time from the Obote government when stories of patients with Kaposi sarcoma signs and symptoms started emerging. When local newspaper The Start, published on December 29, 1984, the headline “Mysterious disease Kills 100 people in Rakai” Ezra Nkwasibwe, the then minister of health in Obote II government sent out a team to investigate, they concluded that this was typhoid.
On the positive side, it brought recognition to the authors. Prof. Serwadda together with co-authors wrote a big proposal that was eventually funded to establish the Rakai Health Science Program (RHSP) in 1988. “It’s like when you have built a house, and you want to build another one, it’s easy to get funding,” he said, explaining how easy it becomes for researchers to get funding once they have established a reputation.
With significant funding over the years, he says they generated an impressive number of high-impact publications in the HIV/AIDS field which has enabled Uganda and the world to understand the dynamics of transmission better. But most importantly provided HIV prevention and care to over 200,000 clients in Rakai and the greater Masaka region.
Immense research output, nurturing leaders
During his three decades at Makerere University, Prof. Serwadda says he along with colleagues has contributed immensely to research, policy, and practice. This work has underpinned some of the significant contributions to the reduction of HIV transmission and acquisition, through treatment and prevention. Prof Serwadda has on several occasions been the recipients of annual awards from Makerere School of Public Health as the most prolific publisher. he says. “We have contributed our part in uplifting Uganda and Makerere University. Makerere University is known as a place one can do excellent medical research, however, we should and must increase our effort to invest in young researchers if it is to continue to have a top ranking.”
Prof. Serwadda says seeing his former students climbing ladders in academia and leadership gives him boundless joy. “Dean Rhoda Wanyenze was my student, I supervised her Masters of Public Health, we have done a number of projects together with her, and she is now the Dean, School of Public Health,” he says. Prof. Serwadda says there is no head of the Department at School of Public Health who has not been his student at the undergraduate, post graduate level. “Now they are my bosses and I like that. That is building for the future and that’s what Makerere is all about. Seeing my students in positions of effective leadership and being able to help where I can give me enormous satisfaction.”
Makerere University today joined the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a moment dedicated to reflection on inclusion and shared responsibility. As the world pauses to honor the dignity and leadership of persons with disabilities, the University is using this year’s commemoration to reaffirm its commitment to building a campus where every individual is supported to thrive. The day is not only a celebration of resilience and contribution, but also a call to the wider community—students, staff, policymakers, and partners—to actively participate in shaping an environment where accessibility, understanding, and respect are woven into everyday practice. Through this observance, Makerere positions itself once again as a champion of inclusive education and a beacon for transformative change.
Tangible gains made
During her address at the event held in the Main Hall, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, paid tribute to Makerere University’s leadership, longtime advocates like Hon. Safia Nalule, and the many individuals who have advanced disability rights from the early years of mere “talking” to the tangible gains seen today. Speaking candidly, she emphasized that disability is often shaped by societal attitudes rather than physical conditions alone, urging families, institutions, and communities to confront stigma at its roots. Drawing from her own educational journey and the barriers she faced—including inaccessible learning spaces, limited course options, and discriminatory hiring practices—she reminded the audience that inclusion must go beyond numbers to genuine opportunity.
Hon. Asamo’s message to persons with disabilities was equally empowering: visibility and assertiveness are essential in claiming space, shaping policy, and influencing resource allocation. With examples from government reforms, improvements in accessibility, and efforts to standardize sign language interpretation, she underscored that progress is possible when commitment meets intentional planning. Her remarks reinforced a powerful truth—disability inclusion is a right, not a favour—and institutions like Makerere must continue leading the way in creating environments where every individual can participate, contribute, and thrive.
The keynote speaker Hon. Safia Nalule Jjuuko, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission and a former Member of Parliament representing persons with disabilities for 15 years, delivered a keynote rich in personal testimony, institutional memory, and policy insight. She reflected on her own journey as a student—navigating inaccessible buildings, exhausting practical sessions, and discouraging attitudes—to illustrate how far the University and the country have come in strengthening inclusion. A proud alumna of Makerere, she celebrated the progress made, including improved infrastructure and increased representation of persons with disabilities in national leadership. She however highlighted that gaps remain, particularly the shortage of appropriately trained lecturers capable of supporting learners with disabilities across all levels of education.
Drawing from her work at the Equal Opportunities Commission, she emphasized the constitutional mandate to eliminate discrimination, promote affirmative action, and ensure a just and fair society for every Ugandan. Hon. Nalule unpacked the theme of the day by highlighting the global shift toward disability-inclusive development, stressing that concepts like intersectionality, “leaving no one behind,” and cross-cutting inclusion all speak to the same truth: inclusive planning is central to sustainable progress. She reminded the audience that disability is an evolving concept shaped by environmental barriers, negative attitudes, and lack of social support—and that participation, consultation, and awareness must always place persons with disabilities at the centre as experts of their own experiences.
Citing national statistics, policy frameworks, and ongoing reforms such as gender and equity budgeting, she challenged institutions like Makerere to engage actively in national planning processes, interrogate the cost of exclusion, and prepare graduates—especially those with disabilities—to benefit from Uganda’s development priorities in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services. Her address was both a celebration of progress and a call to action: a reminder that meaningful inclusion requires attention to detail, responsive planning, and intentional investment so that every student, regardless of ability, can participate fully and contribute to national transformation.
Makerere upholds responsiveness
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor Prof. Sara Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to building an inclusive campus that models the kind of responsive institutions needed for social progress, stressing that inclusion requires both empowering marginalized people and adapting institutional structures so they no longer have to “fit in.” Drawing on Makerere’s long record of intentional policies—from improved physical accessibility and the Disability Support Centre to inclusive teaching practices, staff training, and collaborations—she highlighted practical steps the University has taken while acknowledging more work remains, especially around intersectionality and tailored support for diverse disabilities.
Prof. Ssali urged departments to mainstream disability concerns in planning and budgeting, praised the everyday care provided by wardens and support staff, and called for research, innovation and accountability so that students and staff with disabilities can fully participate and contribute. She closed by renewing Makerere’s pledge to remove barriers and nurture the next generation of inclusive leaders.
Mr. Amon Muteganda, who represents staff living with disabilities on the University Council, reaffirmed Makerere’s identity as an inclusive institution, noting that whenever disability-related concerns are raised in Council, members listen attentively and respond with genuine commitment. He expressed appreciation to University Management for consistently acting on issues brought forward, highlighting recent improvements such as the introduction of dedicated transport for students and staff with disabilities—a proposal he and colleagues championed and which has now come to fruition. He highlighted the importance of representation at multiple levels of the institution, demonstrating that Makerere’s inclusivity efforts are not symbolic but actively shaping policy, practice, and everyday experiences for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, highlighted Makerere University’s deliberate efforts to foster a campus where every learner feels supported and able to thrive. She spoke about the active implementation of the University’s policy for persons with disabilities, alongside the safeguarding policy, both aimed at ensuring the welfare and dignity of all students. Dr. Kabumbuli pointed to the expanding range of accessible accommodation—such as designated halls for students with disabilities and the newly refurbished Mary Stuart Hall equipped with an elevator—as well as campus-wide additions like ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways.
She also emphasized the growing availability of assistive devices, including wheelchairs, Braille materials, and white canes, together with academic support measures such as extra time and readers during examinations. Her remarks captured Makerere’s intentional approach to inclusion, one that enables students with disabilities to navigate university life with comfort, confidence, and equal opportunity.
A student speaks out
First-year architecture student Sabiri Mungufeni shared a heartfelt account of his transition into university life, describing both his initial worries and the encouragement he found upon arriving at Makerere. He recalled fearing how his disability would fit within the demanding academic environment of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, especially when he discovered that much of the work in architecture is still done manually. Yet through determination and the support of staff and peers, he quickly realized he could excel. Sabiri noted that seeing other students with disabilities walking confidently across campus inspired him to believe he, too, belonged. He expressed hope that, as inclusion continues to deepen, students with disabilities will be able to pursue a wider range of academic programs beyond the usual pathways, demonstrating—like many trailblazers before him—that ability is not defined by limitation but by opportunity and support.
Personal accounts urge sustained momentum
The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Dr. Diana Ateenyi Ahumuza, offering a blend of academic, experiential, and advocacy-based perspectives on disability inclusion. The panel brought together Dr. Naboth Rwakazwaire, founder of Hope for People with Disabilities; Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES); Lord Councillor Peace Sserunkuma; and Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, a second-year law student. Their conversation explored practical solutions, policy gaps, personal experiences, and the role of institutions like Makerere in shaping a more inclusive society.
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), delivered the closing remarks by thanking all participants for their thoughtful contributions and the spirit of unity shown throughout the commemoration. He emphasized that inclusion is not a one-day event but an ongoing responsibility that requires empathy, patience, and deliberate action from every member of the Makerere community.
Drawing from personal experience and lifelong lessons of compassion, he encouraged staff and students to cultivate genuine sensitivity toward the needs of persons with disabilities and to champion inclusion in both mindset and practice. Prof. Mwine acknowledged the progress made—including accessible infrastructure, strengthened policies, and dedicated support services—while urging continued investment, collaboration, and accountability to ensure that Makerere becomes a place where all individuals can thrive without barriers. He ended by calling on the University to sustain the momentum built during the commemoration and to work together in building a more inclusive Makerere and Uganda.
Excitement filled the air on Friday evening as Makerere University’s student and staff Safeguarding Champions gathered at the serene Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Gardens for a memorable celebration of their Semester One achievements.
The event, which blended elegance with purpose, brought together Champions from across the University community to honour their hard work, dedication and shared commitment to building a safer campus for all.
The gardens came alive with warm conversations, laughter and energizing music as Champions checked in and made new friends.
The dinner was more than just a celebratory moment, it became an important space for learning, networking and strengthening collaboration. Champions shared experiences from the semester, discussed challenges they had faced while supporting peers and colleagues, and exchanged new ideas to improve safeguarding awareness across the University.
Addressing the champions, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden who represented the Dean of Students, Dr Winifred Kabumbuli, emphasized that the efforts of Safeguarding Champions continue to play a critical role in strengthening trust and ensuring the wellbeing of all students and staff.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, pride and a renewed commitment to building a safer and more inclusive community at the University.
Speaking at the dinner, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Director Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, applauded the Champions for their dedication, vigilance and exemplary leadership in promoting safety, dignity and respect on campus
“As we gather to celebrate our progress in enhancing the Safety and Wellness of Students and Staff, it is important to acknowledge those who have made this possible- The University Leadership, Student and Staff Safeguarding Champions. We also acknowledged our Partner the Mastercard Foundation for the support in strengthening safeguarding and inclusion at Makerere,” Prof. Namaalwa, said
During the dinner, different student champions shared their success stories for the semester.
“This semester has proved to us that when students and staff work together, we can create a University environment where everyone feels protected, respected and valued. Tonight is a celebration of our collective effort, but also a reminder that the work continues. We pledge to stay vigilant, to listen, and to respond with empathy and integrity,” Precious Ssenonga, a second-year student from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, said.
Samuel Ssempijja, a second-year student of pursuing the Bachelor of Education, noted that during the semester he encouraged fellow students to utilise the MakSafeSpace and that gave many confidence to report cases.
“During the MakRun, several students’ phones were stolen. I advised them to report the theft case through MakSafeSpace, our online safeguarding platform. The students were impressed by how quickly the security team responded, and it reassured them that their concerns are taken seriously by the University Management. MakSafeSpace has shown us that timely reporting and timely action can truly make a difference.” Ssempijja, noted.
The event closed with farewells and promises to carry the spirit of the evening into Semester Two. For many, it was more than a dinner, it was a reminder that together, they are building a University environment where every student and staff member feels safe, valued and included.
About Safeguarding Initiatives at Makerere
In this era of heightened awareness and scrutiny surrounding safeguarding practices, Institutions of higher learning are increasingly rated by not only their academic excellence but also on their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of their community.
The potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse, and physical assault.
Discrimination and neglect are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
Makerere University has a duty of care and to promote the wellbeing of all students, staff and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Safeguarding policy lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
General
From Mastercard Foundation Scholar to Changemaker: Dr. Ekwaro Ronald’s Vision for Eye Health in Uganda
Dr Ekwaro Ronald, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, is committed to enhancing eye health in Uganda. He plans to establish the country’s first Myopia Control Centre, dedicated to safeguarding the eye health of young people in Uganda and neighbouring nations. This goal is within reach, given his experience and commitment. At present, he is gaining valuable experience in the Optometry Department at Mengo Hospital, one of Uganda’s largest private hospitals. His dedication and efforts were recognised last year when he received the hospital’s best optometrist award.
His Early Life
Ronald was born on May 5, 1997, in the Oyam District of Northern Uganda. He is the youngest of eight siblings, comprising six boys and two girls. Tragically, Ronald’s father, a primary school teacher, passed away just two months after his birth. This loss placed Ronald and his seven siblings under the care of their mother, a single parent and smallholder farmer, who became the sole provider for the family.
Early Education
Ronald took a unique path in his education, starting school at the age of seven at Alutkot Primary School in his neighbourhood. With his elder brother’s encouragement and support, he completed Primary Five. He then moved on to Masindi Army Day Primary School for Primary Six, where he was supported and lived with his other elder brother, who served in the army at the time. For Primary Seven, Ronald returned to his village home and completed his primary leaving examinations at Loro Primary School. Despite the challenge of walking approximately 2 kilometres to attend school, he demonstrated determination and resilience in his pursuit of education.
Secondary Education
Despite the challenges he faced and the frequent changes of educational institutions, he completed Primary Seven with a first-grade distinction. One of his elder brothers, a primary school teacher, provided financial support for his continued education. Consequently, Ronald was enrolled as a boarding student at Blessed Comboni Secondary School in Kiryandongo District. However, due to financial constraints stemming from his brother’s limited income, he transferred to Masindi Army Secondary School in his second year. This transition occurred under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme, an initiative of the Ugandan government that offers free secondary education to young individuals from communities facing social and economic barriers.
While attending Blessed Comboni Secondary school, he lived with his elder brother in a military barracks, which exposed him to military life from an early age. This experience of living in an army environment significantly shaped his fearless and resilient character, enabling him to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.
In 2014, he performed excellently in his Form Four final examinations, earning a first-grade qualification. Afterwards, he received support for his A-Level studies through BRAC-Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He then joined Seeta High School Green Campus in Mukono, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
Joining Makerere University
In 2017, after excelling in his final A-Level exams, he once again became a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Optometry, a four-year eye healthcare programme at the College of Health Sciences.
“I chose Optometry because of my passion for optics and physics. At Seeta High School Green Campus, I was the only student to score an A in Physics in the 2016 Form Six final examinations. I wanted to combine my knowledge of Physics and Biology to help improve people’s vision,” Ronald explains.
While pursuing his studies at Makerere University, Ronald’s life transformed for the better, largely due to the robust support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The support provided him with the opportunity to support his family while continuing his education. Notably, he utilised a portion of his monthly stipend to help his elder sister with her tuition for her final semester of nursing school, exemplifying the impact of his journey on his life and his family’s lives.
Ronald took proactive steps to kickstart his career as an Optometrist even before graduating. While studying at the University, he sought out various learning experiences and volunteer opportunities in eye care facilities to enhance his practical skills. His volunteer work at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire significantly enriched his curriculum vitae and provided invaluable hands-on experience in the field.
“I did not wait for graduation to pursue my career aspirations as an optometrist. From the beginning of my academic programme, I actively sought opportunities and volunteered at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire. These experiences greatly enriched my curriculum vitae. I encourage fellow students at the university to begin exploring opportunities while still enrolled, as gaining relevant experience is vital for meeting the expectations of prospective employers upon graduation.” Ronald advises.
Life After Makerere University
Upon graduating from Makerere University in 2022, Ronald navigated the job market with remarkable ease, thanks to the strategic internships and volunteer positions he pursued during his studies. His proactive networking efforts paid off when he received an invitation to apply for a position at Mengo Hospital. Just two days before graduation, he was among three candidates shortlisted for interviews. This allowed him to celebrate his graduation with a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had already secured a job. He began his new role at the hospital shortly after graduation, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.
His Professional Life as an Optometrist at Mengo Hospital
Over the past three years at Mengo Hospital, Ronald has demonstrated professionalism, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues. His unwavering commitment to prioritising patients’ interests has not only earned him the 2024 Best Optometrist award at the Eye Department but also emphasised the positive impact of his work. Beyond his clinical duties, Ronald has developed a strong research interest. He is currently in the advanced stages of securing a grant from the World Council of Optometrists to study the progression of myopia (commonly known as short-sightedness) in children. He is optimistic that the findings will significantly aid advocacy efforts for myopia intervention strategies, ultimately helping to ease the challenges this condition poses for children in Uganda.
His Impact on the Community
With his siblings’ support, he successfully built a house for his mother in Oyam district, demonstrating his commitment to his family. He is also contributing to the tuition expenses of one of his nephews currently attending university, emphasising his dedication to education and the next generation. In 2024, he took part in a Mengo Hospital outreach team that screened and provided post-surgical care for over 100 patients who received free cataract surgeries, made possible by the generous support of Christian Blind Mission. The surgeries were performed at PAG Mission Hospital in Lira. Through his efforts, he mobilised numerous community members to take advantage of this initiative, leading to many people having their sight restored and enhancing the overall well-being of his community.
Looking into the Future
Ronald is on a mission to establish the first Myopia Control Centre in Uganda, aiming to make a significant impact on children’s eye health in the region. Currently, he is pursuing a Pediatric Optometry Fellowship at the Indian Academy of Optometry, where he is gaining valuable knowledge and expertise in myopia control. This training will empower him to lead a specialised centre dedicated to reducing the progression of myopia among children in Uganda. The centre will implement evidence-based interventions, including orthokeratology lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops, to effectively manage myopia.
Additionally, it will serve as a vital resource for identifying and addressing other childhood eye disorders that can hinder academic performance, such as squints, amblyopia (lazy eye), heterophorias, accommodative disorders, and convergence insufficiency. Through these efforts, Ronald envisions a brighter future for children’s vision and learning in Uganda.
Message to Fellow Young People
Ronald encourages other young people to establish clear developmental goals and set specific timeframes for each one. He emphasises the importance of discipline and focus, urging them to stay committed and continuously strive for progress.
Words of Gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and the entire Mastercard Foundation team for their pivotal role in transforming my life and providing opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Your support not only facilitated my education but also reinstated my hope, dignity, and sense of purpose in my journey. As someone who faced barriers to opportunity, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a significant turning point, shaping my future and empowering me to become the individual I am today.” Ronald remarks.
Ronald emphasises that through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, he gained access to quality education, mentorship, leadership training, and a community that believes in the power of young people to change the world. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enabled him to devote himself fully to his studies and to support his family during critical moments, demonstrating both academic focus and a strong sense of responsibility.
“I am especially grateful for the values the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program instilled in us: service, humility, leadership, and the responsibility to uplift our communities. These values continue to guide my professional journey and my commitment to improving eye health in Uganda.” Ronald pointed out.
The writer is the Principal Communication & Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
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