Health
NIRA & Makerere University Collaborate to Improve Death Registration Rates in Uganda
By Balam Ankunda
In a bid to address the low death registration rates in Uganda, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has joined forces with the Makerere University Center for Health and Population Research (MUCHAP) to scale up death registration in Iganga and Mayuge districts.
This strategic partnership that aims to significantly increase death registration within the country is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention Foundation (CDC F) – Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative program whose aim is to rapidly improve civil registration and vital statistics in number of low- and middle-income countries.
Recognizing the importance of accurate vital statistics, the initiative kicked on off on May 29, in the districts of Iganga and Mayuge with a two-day training program for district leader, community leaders and other stake holders in select parts the MUCHAP demographic surveillance area.
The training brought together key stakeholders, including Village Health Teams (VHTs), Local Councils (LCs), Health Assistants, Assistant COA’s, Sub Country Chiefs, and health inspectors, who play critical roles in the registration process.
The training equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to initiate and streamline the death registration process within their respective communities.
With Uganda currently facing considerable challenges in death registration, the partnership between NIRA and MUCHAP offers a promising solution to this pressing issue.
Dr. Dan Kajungu, the Executive Director of MUCHAP, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the significance of timely death registration within a week of occurrence. He added that the project leverages on the vast experience of the Makerere University population cohort of Iganga Mayuge HDSS.
Dr. Kajungu noted “the cohort has been doing similar work for close to 20 years, this will guarantee a successful initiative” The population cohort is one of the establishments that the University has set up to drive impactful research that directly addresses community needs.
By integrating the health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) with NIRA’s Mobile Vital Registration System (MVRS), the partnership aims to expand the scope of their work and enhance death reporting and registration practices.
Recent studies have revealed that approximately 67% of deaths occur within the community, while the remaining 33% take place in health facilities.
The Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) population cohort covers seven sub-counties and records around 600 deaths and 2,000 births annually. Accurate data on causes of death and birth statistics is crucial for informed decision-making and effective resource allocation.
Addressing the challenges surrounding death and birth registration, Wandera Sadat, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Iganga, emphasized the need for public sensitization. He acknowledged that death and birth registration have existed, but the process lacked proper streamlining. Many deaths occurring in rural areas go unreported, leading to a dearth of crucial data.
“We really need to know the cause of deaths,” Wandera Sadala stated. “Malaria alone claims 18 lives daily. Understanding the impact of other diseases is equally important. If someone dies and we fail to report it, we will never have accurate statistics.”
Shalom Kisakye, Senior Registration Officer at NIRA, explained that the partnership with MUCHAP initially focuses on registering deaths in Iganga and parts of Mayuge for two months. However, they plan to expand to other districts and ensure continuous registration as per their mandate.
Kagoya Mariam, the Health Inspector in charge of Nakalama Subcounty in Iganga district, expressed her surprise at learning that death registration is mandatory. She admitted that previously, most people only sought death registration if there were court orders involved. However, the recent training has enlightened her about the broader significance of death registration.
“I did not know it is mandatory for death registration,” Kagoya admitted. “Most people come for death registration only if there are court orders, but today I have learned that registration helps us know which diseases are affecting the community. Death registration also helps us know the population we have for better planning purposes. People have not been sensitized enough.”
This revelation highlights the lack of awareness regarding the importance of death registration in the community. Many individuals, like Mukisa Musa, a local resident of Iganga Central Division, have now come to recognize the value of death registration.
Mukisa expressed his newfound understanding of the significance of death registration. His comments demonstrate the impact of the recent training on community members’ awareness and knowledge.
“I have learned about the importance of death registration,” Mukisa shared. His statement reflects the positive impact of the partnership between NIRA and MUCHAP in educating individuals about the significance of death registration.
The collaboration between NIRA and MUCHAP holds great promise in addressing the low death registration rates in Uganda. By streamlining the registration process and improving data collection, this initiative aims to provide accurate statistics on deaths and enhance societal decision-making for a better future.
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.
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions
-
General2 days agoADVERT: Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations – 2027/2028
-
Agriculture & Environment5 days agoWhat two weeks with Farmers in Mwera, Mityana, taught Makerere’s PhD Students about Agricultural Innovation
-
General4 days agoMURBS Presents FY 2025/26 Performance with 15% Growth
-
General1 week agoMakerere Strengthens Doctoral Training Through BURST-Excel Research Network