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

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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

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Davidson Ndyabahika

Health

Ugandan sickle cell researchers keep pace with aging patients

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Dr. Sarah Kiguli of Makerere University leads the Fogarty-funded program: Enhancing Research capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and related NCDs across the Lifespan in Uganda (ENRICH).

Article courtesy Fogarty International Center

September/October 2024 | Volume 23 Number 5

Until recently in Uganda, most children with sickle cell disease (SCD) never celebrated their fifth birthday—only 30% lived past this milestone. This low survival rate was mainly due to inadequate health care interventions for these children, plus lack of widespread newborn screening, explains Dr. Sarah Kiguli , a professor at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Things are different today. Over the past decade, the East African nation has instituted a policy of screening newborns while strengthening strategies to manage their health. This means more children with SCD are growing into adolescence and adulthood.

Challenges still exist, says Kiguli. For example, the community and district facilities where many Ugandan children are born cannot provide comprehensive services, including newborn screening. Another issue: the risk of SCD complications related to kidneys, lungs, heart—almost all organs—grows higher as patients grow older, yet scientific research in Uganda hasn’t caught up with the reality of these longer lives. As a result, teens and adults with SCD don’t get “the care they deserve,” says Kiguli.

“It’s very painful for us pediatricians to see our patients encounter challenges and problems when they transition to adult care.”

Renewed research focus

Despite years devoted to children’s health, Kiguli believes it’s time to prioritize studies exploring appropriate SCD management in teens and adults. “We need solutions that address all the patients’ needs, including reproductive health, as they transition out of childhood.” She’s spearheaded a multidisciplinary research training program for researchers focused on the needs of people with SCD at all ages: Enhancing Research capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and related NCDs across the Lifespan in Uganda (ENRICH).

“Among our PhDs, we don’t have anyone from pediatrics—and that’s fine,” says Kiguli. Importantly, the researchers are trained as a group to amplify the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration. “We’ve been working in silos—pediatricians alone, physicians alone, social scientists alone—that won’t help us address the comprehensive needs of these patients.”

Methodology has also been given sufficient consideration. “We provide both individual and team mentorship from the beginning,” said Kiguli. Monthly meetings help trainees develop personal development goals and career path plans in the hope they will continue in the field. The program also provides research training to health professionals, such as medical doctors, laboratory personnel, and nurses, who are not necessarily doing degree programs, “so those who manage patients routinely might also benefit,” said Kiguli.

South-to-South unity

For the project, Makerere University has partnered with Busitema University, located in eastern Uganda, where “prevalence of the sickle cell trait is as high as 20%,” says Kiguli. (Sickle cell trait refers to when a person has inherited one mutated allele of the sickle cell gene, not two.) This local prevalence contrasts with about 13% prevalence elsewhere in the country. Studying the disease in a high burden locale is highly relevant, because results may influence policy and treatment guidelines.

Kiguli has other reasons for collaborating with Busitema University, which is less than 15 years old. “We want to build capacity at this young institution since our colleagues there have less chance of doing research than we at Makerere do.” Working and supervising trainees together will give Busitema’s faculty much-needed experience, while providing opportunities for faculty at both universities to learn from each other. Kiguli also hopes the new collaboration will advance progress made as result of the universities’ past partnerships. “Capacity must be built in a sustainable way,” says Kiguli.

“It’s important to work collaboratively and not competitively—this is just as important for Makerere University as it is for Busitema University.”

ENRICH trainees talk about their projects

Dr. Jackline Akello
Photo courtesy of Jackline Akello

Dr. Jackline Akello, PhD candidate

Dr. Jackline Akello, PhD candidate

My project is “Sickle cell disease in pregnancy: Experiences in provision and access to care and adverse pregnancy outcomes at Mbale and Kawempe Referral Hospitals.” As an obstetrician and gynecologist, I work as a lecturer at Makerere University and provide clinical care at the two national referral hospitals. I have encountered significant challenges in managing pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) due to a number of healthcare navigation challenges. Additionally, the diverse cultural beliefs associated with SCD in Uganda affect access to care and ultimately outcome and quality of life for the patient.

By October, I will have started the enrolment of 161 pregnant women with confirmed SCD for my project. These participants will be followed throughout their pregnancies to track maternal and fetal complications, including stillbirths and low birth weight. Their experiences with the healthcare system will also be explored. As a Safe Motherhood champion, I have been focusing on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, but this October at the Safe Motherhood Conference I will discuss the effects of SCD during pregnancy with the Ministry of Health. One of the endpoints of my study is to improve care for pregnant women who have SCD to enhance their pregnancy experience and outcomes.

Dr. George Paasi
Photo courtesy of George Paasi

Dr. George Paasi, PhD candidate

Dr. George Paasi, PhD candidate

My project is “The Clinical Epidemiology, Spatiotemporal Patterns and Disease Modifiers of Severe Malaria among Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Uganda.” Uganda ranks fourth among countries with high burden of SCD and is in the top 10 with respect to malaria burden. Eastern Uganda has the highest burden of both diseases. My project addresses this dual burden of SCD and malaria in eastern Uganda—I want to decipher the SCD-malaria syndemic in this region.

I’m a medical doctor, I have a master’s in public health, and I just finished a fellowship in infectious disease, epidemiology, and biostatistics. I’ve worked at Mbale Clinical Research Institute for the last 10 years. Previously, I worked on an NIH-funded trial in Africa called Realizing Effectiveness Across Continents with Hydroxyurea (REACH) as a medical officer, and now I’m embarking on this PhD training. My hope is that the findings from my study will improve the identification of patients with SCD at risk of adverse outcomes when they get malaria. I also want to identify, through spatial temporal analysis, hotspot locations that require priority interventions. I also want to gain skills as an independent researcher in SCD and make a meaningful contribution to this field.

Dr. Anita Arinda
Photo courtesy of Anita Arinda Dr. Anita Arinda, PhD candidate

Dr. Anita Arinda, PhD candidate

My project is “Prevalence, associated factors, course and impact of major depressive disorder in adolescents with SCD in Mulago National Referral Hospital.” We have limited data on mental health of adolescents with SCD, so that’s why my project mainly looks at depression in adolescents (ages 10 to 17).

In our setting, we are fortunate that children with SCD live past their fifth birthday thanks to improved health care, but this presents new challenges. During adolescence, patients enter a crucial stage where they’re trying to develop their identity, yet they’re also beginning to understand the implications of their condition—that having this serious health condition cuts their life short. I want to understand their experiences. How does depression in adolescents with SCD differ from depression in adolescents without SCD? We know that sickle cell disease causes inflammation, so does that contribute to their depression? How does depression affect clinical outcomes, if at all?

If we can understand the underlying mechanisms of depression in teens with SCD, then we might find new ways to manage their care (as opposed to conventional treatment with antidepressants). I’ll do my research at Mulago National Referral Hospital, which has a clinic dedicated to children and teens with sickle cell disease. The clinic provides many services, but unfortunately no specialized mental health services. One day I hope that changes, so that children with SCD and depression can get help early.

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Job Advert: Position of Principal -College of Health Sciences

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Makerere University seeks to fill the position of Principal, College of Health Sciences. The College of Health Sciences is a semi-autonomous academic unit, which consists of Schools, Academic Institutes, Departments and Centers that carry out general and professional training, teaching, outreach and research in various disciplines.

Job description
The Position is a Senior Post in the University created to give leadership to a College of Makerere University.

The Principal is the Chief Administrative, Academic and Financial Officer of the College and is responsible to the Vice Chancellor, University Senate and the University Council for promoting and maintaining academic excellence, efficiency and order of the College.
Eligibility
The person eligible for appointment should possess the following minimum attributes:

  • Hold a PhD or other academic Doctorate in one or more of the disciplines taught at the College;
  • Be at least at the rank of Associate Professor at the time of application;
  • At least four ( 4) years managerial expenence as a Head of an academic Department, Programmes Coordinator or a Research Project Manager in a University, Tertiary Institution or a reputable National Research Institution
  • Teaching experience of at least Six ( 6) years in one of the disciplines offered in the College he/she intends to lead;
  • Applicants who are at the rank of Associate Professor should not be above 61 years at the time of application.
  • Applicants who are at the rank of Professor should not be above 66 years at the time of application
  • Applicants must have demonstrable expenence of networking, research and resource mobilization. Applicants must attach evidence of resource mobilization and research conducted in the last five years.
  • Be a citizen of Uganda.

Tenure
The Principal is appointed to hold office for a term of four years.
Salary: Scale PU3
Mode of application:

i) Interested individuals should submit a letter of application accompanied with Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant Academic Credentials and naming three referees;

ii) Applicants should make sure that at least two of the three referees have forwarded references concerning their application and suitability by the stated deadline;

iii) The deadline for submission of applications is 7th October 2024 at 5:00p.m.
East African time.

Applications should be submitted to:

The University Secretary
Makerere University
Frank Kalimuzo Building, Study Room 4.1
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala, Uganda
Or search.principals@mak.ac. ug

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IMPACT Program Newsletter Sept. 2024

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A Screenshot of the IMPACT Program Newsletter September 2024. College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A very special welcome to the first edition of our newsletter of Makerere University’s Impact research capacity building program. The program is funded by a generous grant from the NIH Fogarty International Center to reduce the impact of rheumatic heart disease across all affected ages. For more than a decade Uganda has been at the fore front of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) research in sub-Saharan Africa. Building on that Foundation Makerere University College of Health Sciences decided it was opportune time to strengthen collaboration with Uganda Heart Institute and US partners: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre (CCHMC) and Children’s National Hospital (CNH) to uplift Uganda’s research capacity to innovate and generate knowledge critical for elimination of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in the long run.

Whereas doctoral training of doctors and nurses is the main focus of our capacity strengthening initiatives, other levels are not left behind. Training is concurrently ongoing at master’s degree level and in-service for health professionals to better their research careers. The training spots were nationally advertised publicly and recruitment of trainees was competitive. Major research activities are taking place in rural communities in which rheumatic fever is relatively common. The program puts emphasis on community engagement so that the public can understand the importance and centrality of their actions in the control and elimination of rheumatic fever and achieving better quality of life and survival of those having rheumatic heart disease and its complications. The program pays special attention to gender issues in the research we do.

Prof. Emeritus Nelson Sewankambo
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Mark Wamai

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