Connect with us

Health

Rising to the Top: Carol Nabbanja’s Journey to Becoming the Best Graduating Student from MakSPH

Published

on

Carol Esther Nabbanja, 22, is set to graduate with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Environmental Health Science (BEHS) from the Makerere School of Public Health as the best-graduating student in the school this year. She graduates in Makerere University‘s 73rd Graduation ceremony today. 

With a CGPA of 4.61, she has emerged as the best-graduating student in the MakSPH this year. She graduates alongside her other 43 classmates who made it to the graduation list this year.

Born in Kitemu village, Nsangi Parish, Wakiso District, to Samuel Mawejje, and Alice Naggawa, Nabbanja is the third born of four siblings and first to come to Makerere University, the very first to be on a government scholarship, and the very first to go through Kings College Budo.

Right from her childhood, Nabbanja has always been passionate about health and clean environments, which started from her early years as a head monitor at a government-aided St. Charles Primary School, where she did her nursery to primary five and the sanitation prefect at Clevers Origin Junior School.

Carol Esther Nabbanja at the MakSPH gardens.
Carol Esther Nabbanja at the MakSPH gardens.

While at St. Charles, Naggawa, Nabbanja’s mother was not convinced that she would make a foundation for a great future. She wanted better for her daughter. Nestled in the bustling streets of Kitintale, lies Clevers Origin Junior School, a beacon of hope for many students in the area. For Naggawa, her daughter’s joining the school would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

She approached the owner of the school, Christopher Mugwanya, who happened to be her brother. Despite being a private school, Mugwanya, a kind-hearted and supportive uncle, offered the Nabbanja a half-bursary based on academic merit and family relationship. “I was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to start his new journey at Clevers Origin,” says Nabbanja.

Settling into her new school, Nabbanja encountered some challenges in mathematics, but her uncle was there to help. “I had some challenges in math, but he ably supported me, he gave me food, visited me when my mother couldn’t make it, and sometimes I would stay at his place over the holidays. He was really supportive. I was able to overcome my difficulties in math and excel in my studies. In fact, my grades improved and I found a newfound passion for learning. I am grateful for the support from my uncle and I feel proud of my academic achievements so far.”

Nabbanja receives a leadership certificate from Dr. Damalie Nakanjako, Professor of Medicine, and Principal of the College of Health Sciences.
Nabbanja receives a leadership certificate from Dr. Damalie Nakanjako, Professor of Medicine, and Principal of the College of Health Sciences.

Because of her unwavering determination and hard work, the School was convinced that she would sit her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Primary Six.

“I did PLE in P.6. The centre I registered at was in Nateete and I was the only first grade there but I didn’t want those results. I decided to wait for my actual time, and when it came, I excelled. I got aggregate 5,” says Nabbanja.

She was the best-performing female academician in her cohort. This was a significant achievement, as her cohort had the best grades since the school was founded. “I was also awarded the best female academician during my time at the school. I, in fact still have the certificate. I have also always been pertinent about health, and so I took up positions like the Sanitation Prefect,” says Nabbanja.

Nabbanja also had a passion for cleanliness and health. As the Sanitation Prefect, she made sure that the school environment was clean and hygienic at all times, something that was important to her from a young age. “I always loved a clean environment and to have everything in its place, so my interest developed that early.”

Carol Esther Nabbanja making a submission during her class interaction with the Dean, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze in August ‎2022.
Carol Esther Nabbanja making a submission during her class interaction with the Dean, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze in August ‎2022.

Joining Kings College Budo

Given her outstanding performance, Nabbanja was offered several scholarships to join Secondary School. “I was the very first from that Clevers Origin Junior School to ever go to Kings College Budo—we were two students that performed well, a boy who got 4 and me who got 5 and joined Budo on merit. My parents were offered other offers of schools giving me scholarships but Budo was exceptional. We had to make a decision that would set for me a good standard.”

Her journey to Makerere School of Public Health was paved at Budo. She was initially worried about School fees and how her father, a taxi driver would raise money to support her education.

“On joining my S.1, my parents were worried about the high fees, and the fact that I had studied on bursaries up to this point, they were not financially ready. We were paying about Shs1.4M. My mother talked to the Deputy Head Teacher, Rebecca Kiwanuka, who told her to let me join and that things would work out in the long run. Fortunately, my parents paid fees for S. 1,” says Nabbanja.

Unsure of how the second term would go, by sheer luck, Ligomarc Advocates, a financial and corporate law firm located at Social Security House in Kampala was celebrating 10 years and the partners decided to go back to their high schools and support students who were having financial issues

“By God’s grace, after the meeting between the School administration and the law firm, Mrs. Kiwanuka, our deputy head teacher informed me that I had gotten a sponsor,” Nabbanja says.

Ligomarc Advocates did not only sponsor her education but also provided opportunities for her to work with them during school breaks.

“Ligomarc took me for the 6 years I was at Budo. They were not just sponsors but also supporters, they supported me financially, came for V.Ds [Visitation Days], and also gave me an opportunity to work with them as an office attendant during my vacations. I also assisted the administration, delivering letters here and there. They supported me beyond just academics,” she says.

Budo was a turning point in Nabbanja’s life. It exposed her to new experiences and taught her valuable life lessons that have stayed with her to this day. She thrived in her studies, maintaining an average of 94 and earning 10 out of 8 aggregates in S.4 and 16 out of 20 in S.6.

Nabbanja never lost sight of her goals and was motivated by quotes from her late headmaster, Mr. Patrick Bakamale, such as “In this era of information and technology, we need to have the power of selection,” and “Focus on roots not fruits.”

Carol Esther Nabbanja, third left with her classmates during the times at MakSPH.
Carol Esther Nabbanja, third left with her classmates during the times at MakSPH.

Shaping her dream

Growing up, Nabbanja had always been fascinated by journalists, with the thrill of being on TV. “I used to hear that they earn 1 million, so that excited me.” However, it was her frequent trips to the dentist that truly sparked her interest in the field of dentistry. As she watched the dentists work their magic, Nabbanja was drawn to their ability to improve people’s dental health and change their lives for the better. “As a child I had so many dental issues, even at home. When I would visit the dentist, I would see a guy in a coat, doing some good work so I realized he doesn’t even work the night shift and it made me want to become a dentist,” she added.

Despite being tempted to pursue a career in law due to the time she spent at Ligomarc Advocates, Nabbanja held firm to her dream of attending medical school and becoming a dentist. She was determined to help her siblings, and others, achieve the confident smile they deserved.

However, her dream course, Dental Surgery, eluded her by just one point. Instead, she was given the opportunity to study Environmental Health Science, a subject that would soon become her passion.

“I didn’t know much about MakSPH, actually my first few days were not that pleasant. I kept thinking about my friends who were doing my dream course even though they were on private not government sponsorship, but my mother didn’t have the money,” she says.

Ruth Mubeezi Neebye, an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health would later become Nabbanja’s mentor. According to Nabbanja, she has equally been inspired by Dr. Esther Buregyeya and Dr. David Musoke.

Throughout her time at MakSPH, Nabbanja has consistently stood out as a top performer, earning high grades and impressing her professors and peers alike. Despite her impressive academic record, she remains humble and grateful for the support she has received from her family, friends, and sponsors along the way.

Nabbanja (Right) with her classmates at MakSPH.
Nabbanja (Right) with her classmates at MakSPH.

Nabbanja, a sports personality

As a student at Makerere School of Public Health, Nabbanja was a standout in both academics and sports. She fell in love with swimming. As a member of the Makerere University swim team, Nabbanja excelled in competitions and brought home medals for the university. She found solace in the sport, using it as a way to relax after long days of lectures and studying. Swimming also provided her with the opportunity to travel and make new friends, as well as to work on her physical and mental health.

“Swimming gives you a lot of opportunities, so that inspired me as well. Very many people travel on University tickets, and since I love outdoor life and traveling, I looked at this as an opportunity. Swimming teaches you to read, and do other things like jogging before joining the pool. It is also an individual sport because when you don’t swim for a month, your time is cut,” says Nabbanja.

Carol Esther Nabbanja, with her classmates in a group photo during the times at MakSPH.
Carol Esther Nabbanja, with her classmates in a group photo during the times at MakSPH.

Journeying to First Class

For some students, University education is just a three-four-year period of attending lectures and socializing with peers. But for others, it’s a stepping stone to a brighter future. And that’s exactly what happened to Nabbanja, the best-graduating student from Makerere School of Public Health (MakSPH). She has not only excelled in academics but was also a talented swimmer who represented the University in various competitions.

Nabbanja’s success journey started with a clear plan and a strong determination to succeed. She believed that becoming a first-class student was not only about attending lectures but also about being self-aware and taking control of one’s own learning process. Nabbanja made a habit of reflecting on what was learned each day and relating it to real-life situations.

When asked about her experience at MakSPH, Nabbanja had nothing but praise for the staff and their professionalism. She says she never encountered any corrupt practices and appreciated the well-defined structure that made it easy to know where to go for assistance. Marks were received on time and she never felt lost or unsure of what to do next.

“The staff is also supportive, right from the reception, everyone is helpful—when inquiring about offices, or office protocol. We also get our marks on time, usually a week into the new semester. The service delivery is good and we are not tossed around.”

Nabbanja’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and support from family and sponsors.

By Davidson Ndyabahika and Samantha Agasha

View on MakSPH

Davidson Ndyabahika

Health

A New Cohort Joins MakSPH’s Public Health Community

Published

on

Newly-admitted students pose with MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze during orientation for the 2026/2027 academic year at the MakSPH Auditorium. Orientation for newly admitted students-75 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, 277 across the nine master’s programmes, and 21 across the two doctoral programmes, PhD by Research and PhD by Coursework and Research for the 2026/2027 academic, 7th August 2026, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Every academic year, a new group of students enters Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) with different professional backgrounds, questions and ambitions. For the School, each cohort adds to a growing community of professionals and researchers shaping public health practice, policy and research in Uganda and beyond.

On Friday, 7 August 2026, MakSPH held its orientation for newly admitted students for the 2026/2027 academic year at the MakSPH Auditorium. The orientation introduced students to the School’s academic programmes, leadership, departments, academic administration, student support services and expectations for university life.

For this academic year, ending July 2027, Makerere University admitted more than 370 students to academic programmes hosted at MakSPH. The intake comprised 75 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, the School’s only bachelor’s programme, 277 across the nine master’s programmes, and 21 across the two doctoral programmes, PhD by Research and PhD by Coursework and Research.

Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (centre) with MakSPH staff, student leaders and new students during orientation for the 2026/2027 academic year. Orientation for newly admitted students-75 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, 277 across the nine master’s programmes, and 21 across the two doctoral programmes, PhD by Research and PhD by Coursework and Research for the 2026/2027 academic, 7th August 2026, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (centre) with MakSPH staff, student leaders and new students during orientation for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The master’s intake includes 103 students in the Master of Public Health by Distance Education, the highest enrolment for the year, followed by 59 in the Master of Public Health Full-Time. The remaining students joined programmes in Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Informatics, Health Services Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Nutrition, and Public Health Disaster Management. Together, the programmes reflect the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to address public health challenges and bring together students pursuing further training from diverse professional backgrounds.

Welcoming the new cohort, MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze urged students to approach their studies with purpose, discipline, and resilience, and focus on what they would be able to do with the knowledge and skills they acquire.

“Please find time to enjoy your journey. I know you’re looking ahead to exams and so many other pressures, but let this journey also be one that you enjoy in terms of what you learn and how you grow, so that you leave here better, not because of the paper that you took but because of the capability that you pick up during your time with us.”

MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze addresses new students at orientation for the 2026/2027 academic year, 7 August 2026, MakSPH Auditorium, urging them to value capability over paper. Orientation for newly admitted students-75 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, 277 across the nine master’s programmes, and 21 across the two doctoral programmes, PhD by Research and PhD by Coursework and Research for the 2026/2027 academic, 7th August 2026, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze addresses new students at orientation for the 2026/2027 academic year, 7 August 2026, MakSPH Auditorium, urging them to value capability over paper.

The Dean’s message speaks to the different reasons students are beginning their journeys at MakSPH. For some, the opportunity is to build on professional experience and strengthen their capacity in roles they already hold. Among them is Dr. Judith Nalukwago, a dental surgeon, former 85th Vice Guild President of Makerere University, and Makindye Division III Lord Councillor, who serves as Executive Secretary for Education, Gender and Public Health at City Hall and the Office of the Lord Mayor.

“I am back here to study a Master’s in Public Health. I am very excited. I have a clinical background and have been practising as a clinician, and it has been a joyful experience. But when I joined the journey of leadership, there were challenges because, as Executive Secretary for Public Health in Kampala, we deal with everyday people’s health challenges,” said Dr. Nalukwago, adding:

“Now I am in management and leadership, and that posed a challenge to me as an individual. I asked myself, what course can I do to add to my skills? Where can I gain skills that can help me overcome this challenge while I am dealing with people? And I remembered that we have the School of Public Health at Makerere University.”

Watch: Dr. Judith Nalukwago on why she returned to MakSPH for a Master’s in Public Health:


Her experience during the Ebola response, when she served on the task force, further highlighted the need for broader public health knowledge. She said the training would strengthen her ability to contribute to policy and public health management, particularly in her role at City Hall, where councillors develop policies, bylaws, and ordinances.

For Mr. John Othieno, the motivation is similarly grounded in applying his training to practical problems. A Software Engineering graduate who previously completed a Master’s in Health Informatics at MakSPH, he has returned to pursue a PhD under the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management. His research focuses on using technology and health informatics to address health-system challenges, including the adoption of picture archiving and communication systems for managing healthcare imaging and data. He said he wants his research to produce solutions that can be applied beyond academia.

“I purposed that, in my academic journey, I would not do research for the sake of having it gather dust on the shelves, but that it would actually be actionable research that can be translated into action, into solutions for our population,” he said.

Watch: Mr. John Othieno on why he returned to MakSPH to pursue a PhD in Public Health:


Nalukwago and Othieno reflect the diverse professional backgrounds that come together at MakSPH, where training, research, and community engagement have been central to the School’s work for over seven decades. Their journeys point to a sustained impact on public health education, seen not only in enrolment and graduate numbers but in the skills and expertise those graduates carry into policy, research, and health systems across Uganda and the region. At the close of the 2024/2025 academic year, MakSPH enrolled 1,140 students across 12 degree programmes, more than 90 percent of them in postgraduate training.

At Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony on 25 February 2026, MakSPH presented 231 graduates, comprising seven doctoral, 195 master’s and 29 bachelor’s graduates, adding to the health workforce within the region. Among the graduates was Dr. Harriet Aber, who completed her PhD on child substance use in Uganda’s health system and shared her experience with the new cohort during the orientation. She spoke candidly about the demands of postgraduate study and the need to remain positive through its challenges.

Dr. Harriet Aber, a MakSPH PhD graduate, shares her postgraduate journey with new students at orientation, 7 August 2026, MakSPH Auditorium, urging them to maintain a positive attitude through the challenges ahead. Orientation for newly admitted students-75 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science, 277 across the nine master’s programmes, and 21 across the two doctoral programmes, PhD by Research and PhD by Coursework and Research for the 2026/2027 academic, 7th August 2026, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Harriet Aber, a MakSPH PhD graduate, shares her postgraduate journey with new students at orientation, 7 August 2026, MakSPH Auditorium, urging them to maintain a positive attitude through the challenges ahead.

“It’s not a rosy journey. You’re going to have so many moments where you celebrate, where you’re happy about something, but there are also several moments when maybe you’re stuck with the paper, you have to respond to comments, the proposal is not moving, the concept is not clear. Throughout all those processes, one of the things that you just have to maintain is having a positive attitude,” Aber affirmed.

Her experience offered the new cohort a glimpse of the journey ahead, while Prof. Wanyenze’s message focused on how they could make the most of it. The Dean urged students to plan ahead, pursue research opportunities, think independently, and use artificial intelligence responsibly, while seeking mentorship and making full use of the support and opportunities available at the School.

“Our students are our colleagues, and they are our future workmates. Many of them have ended up staying with us. And I know many of you are going to stay with us in the School,” the Dean said, urging students to take seriously the relationships they build with their classmates and faculty, because “we are a network that’s bound together in the same profession.”

View on MakSPH

John Okeya

Continue Reading

Health

NIH/Fogarty Director Visits MakCHS, Underscores Impact of Research Training and Health Partnerships

Published

on

Officials pose for a group photo with Dr. Steven Schiff during his visit to CHS on 5th August 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) hosts Director of the NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Steven Schiff, 5th August 2026, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 5th August 2026, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) hosted the Director of the NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Steven Schiff, for a visit highlighting the College’s research, training and institutional partnerships supported through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Fogarty International Center.

The visit included engagements at MakCHS and Mulago National Referral Hospital, bringing together College leadership, Directors of teaching hospitals affiliated with MakCHS, research investigators and trainees. In attendance were Dr. Joseph Kagaayi who represented the Dean of the Makerere University School of Public Health, Dr. Elias Kumbakumba, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Executive Director, Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC).

A key focus of the visit was the impact of D43 research training programmes supported by NIH/FIC. Principal Investigators presented examples of how the programmes have strengthened research capacity, developed new scientific expertise, supported postgraduate training and contributed to health research and policy in Uganda.

Welcoming Dr. Schiff, Professor Bruce Kirenga, Principal-MakCHS provided an overview of the College, its history, academic programmes, research priorities and extensive network of teaching and research sites. The College, Uganda’s premier centres for health professional education, currently brings together four schools: the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, alongside a range of research centres and specialised programmes.

Professor Kirenga highlighted the growing breadth of research at MakCHS, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, translational medicine, population health, mental health, digital health, implementation science, biomedical sciences, genomics, bioinformatics and data science.

Prof. Bruce Kirenga (Standing) makes his remarks. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) hosts Director of the NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Steven Schiff, 5th August 2026, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Bruce Kirenga (Standing) makes his remarks.
CURRENT D43 PROJECTS AT MAKCHS
No.Award TitlePrincipal Investigator
1Reducing the Impact of Rheumatic Heart Disease across the Life Span: The Impact ProgramProf. Nelson Sewankambo
2Enhancing Research capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and related NCDs across the Lifespan in Uganda. “Enrich Project”Prof. Sarah Kiguli
3Scaling Up advanced genomics and bioinformatics Research training in paediatric HIV/AIDS in Uganda – SURGEDr. Kyobe, Samuel
4Training in Malaria Epidemiology, Translational Research, and Implementation Science to Strengthen Malaria Policy and Control in UgandaProf. Moses Robert Kamya
5Strengthening behavioral and social science research capacity to address overlapping stigma, social and psychological challenges among people with HIV in UgandaProf. Moses Robert Kamya
6Training in non-communicable diseases epidemiological, data science and Implementation Science research to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and control in UgandaAssoc. Prof. Bruce James Kirenga
7Building Implementation Science Capacity at Makerere University to Strengthen the Response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in UgandaProf. Moses Robert Kamya
8Training in Malaria Epidemiology, Translational Research, and Implementation Science to Strengthen Malaria Policy and Control in UgandaProf. Moses Robert Kamya
9Harnessing Health Data Science capacity to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Uganda (H-DATA)Prof. David Patrick Kateete

From research training to real-world impact

Presentations from D43 Principal Investigators demonstrated how sustained NIH/FIC investment has supported researchers at different stages of their careers while contributing to evidence that can inform health programmes and policy.

In malaria research, trainees have been involved in studies examining the effectiveness of interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets and the immunological consequences of reduced malaria transmission. Researchers are also investigating how malaria risk and immunity change when transmission is interrupted, generating evidence that can help inform strategies for sustaining the gains made through malaria control.

The implementation science portfolio provided another example of research translating into measurable health outcomes. One study examining enhanced counselling and peer support among young people living with HIV in south-western Uganda reported improvements in HIV-related outcomes, demonstrating the potential of locally-led research to strengthen service delivery.

Researchers in behavioural and social sciences have also been supported to investigate mental health and other health outcomes, illustrating the multidisciplinary nature of MakCHS research and the importance of combining biomedical, clinical and social science approaches.

Building capacity in specialised and emerging fields

The presentations also showcased the role of NIH/FIC-supported programmes in creating expertise in areas that were previously limited or unavailable within Uganda.

A programme focused on HIV research among pregnant women, children and adolescents has supported postgraduate and short-course training in areas including clinical trial design, pharmacokinetics, biostatistics, behavioural science, regulatory and ethical considerations, and implementation science.

Other programmes have contributed to the development of expertise in bioinformatics, genomics and data science, including the establishment and strengthening of postgraduate programmes. Researchers are increasingly applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to complex biomedical and HIV datasets, with the goal of generating evidence that can be translated into policy and practice.

Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Executive Director of the JCRC highlighted emerging work in gene and cell therapy under the NIH/FIC supported project Building Gene Therapy Capacity in Uganda implemented at JCRC. She explained that the programme includes efforts to establish sustainable research and training capacity for HIV cure research in Uganda. The programme brings together institutions in Uganda and international partners, with an emphasis on developing locally relevant expertise, infrastructure and research capability.

Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza (Standing) highlights JCRC's work. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) hosts Director of the NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Steven Schiff, 5th August 2026, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza (Standing) highlights JCRC’s work.

Strengthening institutions and developing future leaders

Beyond individual research projects, speakers emphasised the broader institutional impact of Fogarty-supported training.

Over the years, NIH/FIC-supported collaborations have contributed to the development of postgraduate programmes, research laboratories, specialised scientific disciplines and networks of researchers across Uganda. Trainees have progressed into academic and research leadership positions, with some becoming professors, programme leaders and advisors contributing to national health initiatives.

The programmes have also supported short courses, mentorship, international research placements and collaborations designed to enable Ugandan scientists to develop advanced skills and return to strengthen research and training at home.

Presenters stressed the importance of moving beyond individual training to building institutions capable of sustaining research programmes, mentoring future scientists, managing complex studies and translating findings into health interventions.

Research serving Uganda’s health system

The visit also underscored the close relationship between MakCHS research and Uganda’s health system. Researchers and faculty contribute to national programmes in areas including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, vaccines, maternal and child health and other public health priorities.

Evidence generated through research has helped inform national guidelines, programmes and policy discussions, while College researchers and teaching hospitals continue to provide expertise during public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.

The speakers noted that partnerships such as those supported by NIH/FIC are most valuable when they create lasting local capacity — enabling Ugandan institutions and scientists to generate and use evidence to address the country’s health priorities.

A partnership built on shared learning

Dr. Steven Schiff makes his presentation. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) hosts Director of the NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Steven Schiff, 5th August 2026, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Steven Schiff makes his presentation.

In his engagement with the College, Dr. Schiff reflected on the longstanding relationship between NIH/Fogarty-supported programmes and Ugandan researchers. He acknowledged the depth of expertise and experience that has developed through years of collaboration and emphasised the value of partnerships that support scientific exchange and capacity building in both directions.

Dr. Schiff noted that the presentations demonstrated impact of the partnerships which extends well beyond the number of people trained. Investments in researchers have helped establish new academic programmes, strengthen laboratories and research infrastructure, expand multidisciplinary collaborations and create a growing generation of scientists able to lead research in Uganda and internationally.

The visit therefore provided an opportunity not only to showcase ongoing work, but also to reflect on the evolution of research capacity at MakCHS and its contribution to Uganda’s health priorities.

As MakCHS continues to expand its research portfolio into emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, genomics, precision medicine, translational science and advanced therapeutics, the College reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships in developing the people, systems and infrastructure needed to turn scientific discoveries into improved health outcomes.

Zaam Ssali
Zaam Ssali

Continue Reading

Health

AFRHiCARE Shares Evidence and Co-Creates Solutions to Strengthen Uganda’s First-Referral Hospitals

Published

on

Stakeholders pose for a group photo during the AFRHiCARE Meeting held on 13th August 2026. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Wellcome Trust through a 2023–2029 Discovery Award-funded Future of Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care (AFRHiCARE) research initiative stakeholders from five first-referral hospitals in Uganda meeting to review research findings, reflect on persistent challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen hospital performance and quality of care, 13th August 2026, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Future of Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care (AFRHiCARE) research initiative on August 13, 2026 brought together stakeholders from five first-referral hospitals in Uganda to review research findings, reflect on persistent challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen hospital performance and quality of care.

Funded by the Wellcome Trust through a 2023–2029 Discovery Award, AFRHiCARE is a partnership between Makerere University, the University of the Witwatersrand, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme and the University of Oxford. The initiative seeks to generate evidence to inform the future development of first-referral hospitals, with a focus on service delivery, health workforce dynamics, leadership, management, governance and technology.

In Uganda, the study is being implemented at Kawolo Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital Naggalama, Adjumani Hospital, Kiryandongo Hospital and Masindi Hospital. The hospitals play a critical role within the Primary Health Care (PHC) system, linking lower-level health facilities to higher-level referral services.

The stakeholder meeting provided an opportunity for the participating hospitals and other stakeholders to move beyond receiving research findings to interrogating the evidence, sharing experiences and identifying actions that can be implemented at hospital, district and national levels. This approach is central to AFRHiCARE, which uses stakeholder engagement to promote cross-learning and support hospitals to develop quality improvement actions.

Evidence from the health workforce

One of the key areas presented was the status of the health workforce across the five hospitals. The first-round assessment surveyed 609 frontline health workers. It examined staffing, job satisfaction and professional quality of life.

Some of the AFRHiCARE Stakeholders in a group discussion. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Wellcome Trust through a 2023–2029 Discovery Award-funded Future of Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care (AFRHiCARE) research initiative stakeholders from five first-referral hospitals in Uganda meeting to review research findings, reflect on persistent challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen hospital performance and quality of care, 13th August 2026, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the AFRHiCARE Stakeholders in a group discussion.

The findings show a significant staffing gap. Against the 2023 staffing norm of 343 staff, all five hospitals were operating at less than half of the recommended level. Masindi Hospital had the largest gap, operating at 37.6% of the norm, while Adjumani, Kiryandongo, Kawolo and Naggalama were at 48.1%, 48.7%, 44.9% and 44.6%, respectively.

However, the findings suggest that staff retention is relatively good in the public hospitals. The main challenge appears to be recruitment and filling vacant positions rather than widespread staff turnover.

Health workers identified promotion, workload and salary as the lowest-rated aspects of their jobs across the five hospitals. Overall job satisfaction ranged from 59% in Masindi to 71% in Naggalama.

Despite these challenges, the findings reveal strong commitment among health workers. Compassion satisfaction was high, with many reporting pride in their work. At the same time, workload emerged as a major concern.

Strong relationships among colleagues were also identified as a key strength, suggesting that teamwork and peer support remain important sources of resilience within the hospitals.

Strengthening hospitals within the health system

Speaking during the dissemination, Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Co-Principal Investigator and Research Manager for AFRHiCARE Uganda, noted that first-referral hospitals have often been neglected in critical areas, including staffing, financing, infrastructure, leadership, management and governance.

Dr. Raymond Tweheyo. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Wellcome Trust through a 2023–2029 Discovery Award-funded Future of Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care (AFRHiCARE) research initiative stakeholders from five first-referral hospitals in Uganda meeting to review research findings, reflect on persistent challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen hospital performance and quality of care, 13th August 2026, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo.

He said these gaps affect hospitals’ ability to deliver services effectively and respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

Dr. Tweheyo re-echoed a message from the Principal Investigator, Professor Frederick Ssengooba, on the importance of situating the district hospital at the apex of the PHC network. This perspective recognises that challenges experienced at district hospitals may be linked to weaknesses elsewhere in the health system.

For example, weak referral systems, shortages of health workers and capacity challenges at lower-level facilities can increase pressure on first-referral hospitals. Addressing these problems therefore requires system-level solutions involving multiple actors.

The AFRHiCARE protocol similarly identifies persistent challenges around resource constraints, service delivery, workforce wellbeing, leadership and management, governance, technology and the ability of hospitals to meet changing community needs.

Dr. Raymond Tweheyo makes his presentation. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Wellcome Trust through a 2023–2029 Discovery Award-funded Future of Africa’s First Referral Hospitals: Innovation and Care (AFRHiCARE) research initiative stakeholders from five first-referral hospitals in Uganda meeting to review research findings, reflect on persistent challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen hospital performance and quality of care, 13th August 2026, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo makes his presentation.

From research to action

Participants discussed priorities including filling critical staffing gaps, improving transparency and equity around promotion, addressing excessive workloads, strengthening referral systems and reducing the pressure created when patients bypass lower-level facilities. The meeting also considered which challenges can be addressed by hospitals and which require action from district authorities and the Ministry of Health.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

Trending