The Makerere Bioethics Conference (MakBC) 2026 Organizing Committee is pleased to invite researchers, academics, students, practitioners, policymakers, research ethics committee members, and other stakeholders to submit abstracts and register for MakBC 2026.

Conference Theme: Evolving Trends in Global Health Research Ethics

Conference Dates: 10^th – 11^th November 2026
Venue: Hotel Africana, Kampala, Uganda

Conference Sub-Themes

1. Research in Emergency and Disaster Situations
2. Genetic and Genomics Research, Biobanking, and Data Governance
3. Research in Vulnerable Populations and Health Equity
4. Emerging Technologies in Research and Artificial Intelligence
5. Research Regulation and Research Integrity

We welcome the submission of original abstracts that address the conference theme and sub-themes. The conference will provide an opportunity for participants to share research findings, best practices, innovations, and emerging ethical issues in global health research.

Call for Abstracts

Abstract Submission Deadline: 15^th September 2026

Abstract Submission Link:
https://form.jotform.com/261632774184058

Conference Registration

Participants are encouraged to register early to benefit from discounted registration rates.

Conference Registration Link:
https://form.jotform.com/261633420239048

Registration Deadlines:

• Early Bird Registration: Until 30^th September 2026
• Regular Registration: Until 30^th October 2026

For further information, please contact: makbioethicsconference@gmail.com

We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging and impactful conference.

Applications are invited for an exciting Master’s Scholarship Opportunity offered through a collaboration between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University (USA).

The Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology at Makerere University, in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, received funding from the U.S. NIH Fogarty International Center to train Ugandans in Biomedical Engineering (BME). The program aims to strengthen capacity for medical technology innovation and develop the next generation of researchers in Biomedical Engineering.

Scholarship Highlights

The scholarship supports students pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field. Eligible applicants include MSc students from:

• Technology Innovation and Industrial Development (CEDAT)
• Computer Science (COCIS)
• Immunology and Clinical Microbiology
• Master of Health Informatics
• Master of Bioinformatics (CHS)

The scholarship provides:

• Tuition support
• A modest monthly stipend
• Reasonable research funding
• Support for up to one academic year (Master of Science)

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a health-related field from a recognized university.
• Demonstrate interest in medical devices and technology innovation.
• Have a research project idea focused on:
  • Cardiovascular diseases,
  • Blood disorders, or
  • Chronic movement disorders.
• Show evidence of good academic performance in the first year of their MSc program.
• Be available for an oral interview.

Application Requirements

Submit the following as a single PDF:

• Certified copies of relevant academic documents
• Two reference letters
• A motivation statement (maximum 500 words)
• A one-page research project idea
• A brief CV (maximum four pages)

Applications should be emailed to sightproject2022@gmail.com with the subject line:

“Scholarship MSc Application 2026”

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
• Interviews: 13 August 2026
• Notification of Successful Applicants: 21 August 2026

Qualified MSc students interested in advancing research and innovation in Biomedical Engineering are strongly encouraged to apply.

It is with great esteem that I welcome you to the 52^nd edition of the Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ). This edition of the Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ) comes at a pivotal moment in our country’s history, a time marked by change and a growing determination for voices to be seen and heard. Various platforms have given people the opportunity to do just that and the MMJ is one of these platforms because, here, we believe there is no greater joy than visibility and expression.

Writing is one of the purest forms of self-expression, and research represents its highest academic form: writing grounded in facts and figures. Research is the very backbone that shapes the future of humanity. The hallmark of any society progressing In an evolutionary direction is RESEARCH. It, therefore, felt essential to include the work of so many bold, young writers and researchers whose work will shape the landscape of science for generations to come.

We invite you to embark on this journey of inquiry and to open your mind to the powerful ideas captured within these pages. “Research is always the best the part of writing.” What we especially love about this is the fact that our writers take their time to do their research before making submissions which made our work particularly easy. We were impressed with the quality of the submissions in spite of the rigorous academic schedules. We hope their brilliant writing speaks volume to you like it did to us. This edition features articles that explore emerging innovations and evolving ideas in medicine, including cancer research, gene editing, and other compelling areas of study we hope you will find equally thought-provoking. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), continues to be a hub of research prowess and excellence. The number of undergraduate students producing high-quality research continues to grow, and we are immensely proud to showcase their work in our journal.

Additionally, we believe it is of the utmost importance to get inspiration and guidance from those who came before us. On that note, we have included an interview from Dr. Sabrina Kitaka and Prof. David Meya, who both continue to shape and nurture the next generation of clinicians. We have also included two study abroad pieces that highlight the journey of two of our medical students through Sweden and Italy. We believe their experiences will inspire and motivate those coming after them. MakCHS is home to vibrant clubs whose activities have shaped the landscape of the student experience, which we are proud to have featured.

This edition is especially meaningful as it represents the continuation and completion of the outstanding work of the 2024–2025 editorial team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them under the leadership of Mr. Karlos Samuel, as well as, to our patron, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, for her unwavering guidance and support. And finally, our deepest thanks go to you, our dearest readers, without whom this journal would not exist. We hope you find the inspiration you seek within these pages.

APILI LORRAINE,
MBChB V
Email: roritech[at]gmail.com

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