Health
Nottingham Trent University – Makerere University partnership celebrates over 10 years of collaboration
By Grace Biyinzika Lubega, Filimin Niyongabo, and Suzan Nakalawa
This year, the Nottingham Trent University – Makerere University partnership celebrated over 10 years of collaboration in research, bi-directional learning, knowledge exchange, and community service. The partnership between the UK based Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Uganda based Makerere University (Mak) won its first grant of 5,000 Pounds from the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) in 2012.
This led to the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the School of Social Sciences and Makerere University School of Public Health. Ten years later, the MoU has been extended to cover all university colleges and schools within the two universities.
The partnership has won over 15 grants, including a recent one worth €716,004 from the British Council / European Union under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) programme for mobility of over 140 students and staff between the two institutions (2020 – 2023). This grant has so far facilitated 70 undergraduate, masters and PhD students as well as faculty from both institutions to have exchange visits between the two universities. Furthermore, over 20 international conference presentations have been delivered by the partnership in the recent years.
The partnership, whose main focus has been on strengthening community health, has created social impact among communities in Wakiso district with over 750 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and 200 human and animal health practitioners trained on several topics including non – communicable diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, as well as pandemic and epidemic preparedness and response.
A dinner was organized at Golf Course hotel, Kampala to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the partnership. The visiting NTU delegation comprised of Dr. Mazeda Hossain (the Director of the NTU Eastern Africa Centre), Prof. Linda Gibson (the NTU partnership lead), Ms. Sally Squires-Bashford (a PhD student at NTU) and Mr. Jonathan Conway (the Coordinator of the NTU Eastern Africa Centre). At the dinner, some beneficiaries shared their stories of how the partnership has supported them. These included Mr. Henry Bugembe, the coordinator for CHWs in Wakiso district, Ms. Suzan Nakalawa, an undergraduate Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme beneficiary (2022), Ms. Grace Biyinzika Lubega, who received a scholarship to study an MA Public Health at NTU, Dr. Arthur Bagonza, a PhD Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme beneficiary (2020), Ms. Sally Squires-Bashford, a PhD student at NTU, and Dr. Rawlance Ndejjo who was nurtured by the partnership during the early years of his career.
The Dean MakSPH, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze commended the partnership leads Dr. Musoke and Prof. Gibson for the great partnership work done. She congratulated them for the impact they have made for not only students and staff, but also the communities. In her closing remarks, she encouraged the early career researchers (ECRs) present at the event to allow the partnership leads to continue mentoring them, and further challenged these ECRs to mentor undergraduate students so as to inspire the next generation of public health professionals.
The NTU delegation also visited the partnership field office in Nakawuka, and a skilling centre in Kajjansi, Wakiso District which was founded by Mariam Nakirijja, a CHW following her visit to NTU in 2019 where she presented at the Oxford International Health Conference.
While at the skilling centre, the delegation was amazed with the hands-on skills training activities being conducted such as tailoring and hair dressing supported by Mariam.
Similarly, while at the field office, some of the CHWs expressed their appreciation to the partnership for all the support offered to them for many years.
While reflecting on the 10-year journey, Dr. Musoke and Prof. Gibson noted that achievements gained have been a result of perseverance, commitment and teamwork. They expressed their appreciation to the funders and partners who have supported the partnership work, the Dean, Heads of Departments and staff at MakSPH and NTU, community health workers, early career researchers, Wakiso District Local Government, and the Ministry of Health.
Congratulations @NTU-MaK!!
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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