Dr Ekwaro Ronald, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, is committed to enhancing eye health in Uganda. He plans to establish the country’s first Myopia Control Centre, dedicated to safeguarding the eye health of young people in Uganda and neighbouring nations. This goal is within reach, given his experience and commitment. At present, he is gaining valuable experience in the Optometry Department at Mengo Hospital, one of Uganda’s largest private hospitals. His dedication and efforts were recognised last year when he received the hospital’s best optometrist award.

His Early Life

Ronald was born on May 5, 1997, in the Oyam District of Northern Uganda. He is the youngest of eight siblings, comprising six boys and two girls. Tragically, Ronald’s father, a primary school teacher, passed away just two months after his birth. This loss placed Ronald and his seven siblings under the care of their mother, a single parent and smallholder farmer, who became the sole provider for the family.

Early Education

Ronald took a unique path in his education, starting school at the age of seven at Alutkot Primary School in his neighbourhood. With his elder brother’s encouragement and support, he completed Primary Five. He then moved on to Masindi Army Day Primary School for Primary Six, where he was supported and lived with his other elder brother, who served in the army at the time. For Primary Seven, Ronald returned to his village home and completed his primary leaving examinations at Loro Primary School. Despite the challenge of walking approximately 2 kilometres to attend school, he demonstrated determination and resilience in his pursuit of education.

Secondary Education

Despite the challenges he faced and the frequent changes of educational institutions, he completed Primary Seven with a first-grade distinction. One of his elder brothers, a primary school teacher, provided financial support for his continued education. Consequently, Ronald was enrolled as a boarding student at Blessed Comboni Secondary School in Kiryandongo District. However, due to financial constraints stemming from his brother’s limited income, he transferred to Masindi Army Secondary School in his second year. This transition occurred under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme, an initiative of the Ugandan government that offers free secondary education to young individuals from communities facing social and economic barriers.

While attending Blessed Comboni Secondary school, he lived with his elder brother in a military barracks, which exposed him to military life from an early age. This experience of living in an army environment significantly shaped his fearless and resilient character, enabling him to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.

In 2014, he performed excellently in his Form Four final examinations, earning a first-grade qualification. Afterwards, he received support for his A-Level studies through BRAC-Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He then joined Seeta High School Green Campus in Mukono, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

Joining Makerere University

In 2017, after excelling in his final A-Level exams, he once again became a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Optometry, a four-year eye healthcare programme at the College of Health Sciences.

“I chose Optometry because of my passion for optics and physics. At Seeta High School Green Campus, I was the only student to score an A in Physics in the 2016 Form Six final examinations. I wanted to combine my knowledge of Physics and Biology to help improve people’s vision,” Ronald explains.

While pursuing his studies at Makerere University, Ronald’s life transformed for the better, largely due to the robust support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The support provided him with the opportunity to support his family while continuing his education. Notably, he utilised a portion of his monthly stipend to help his elder sister with her tuition for her final semester of nursing school, exemplifying the impact of his journey on his life and his family’s lives.

Ronald took proactive steps to kickstart his career as an Optometrist even before graduating. While studying at the University, he sought out various learning experiences and volunteer opportunities in eye care facilities to enhance his practical skills. His volunteer work at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire significantly enriched his curriculum vitae and provided invaluable hands-on experience in the field.

“I did not wait for graduation to pursue my career aspirations as an optometrist. From the beginning of my academic programme, I actively sought opportunities and volunteered at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire. These experiences greatly enriched my curriculum vitae. I encourage fellow students at the university to begin exploring opportunities while still enrolled, as gaining relevant experience is vital for meeting the expectations of prospective employers upon graduation.” Ronald advises.

Life After Makerere University

Upon graduating from Makerere University in 2022, Ronald navigated the job market with remarkable ease, thanks to the strategic internships and volunteer positions he pursued during his studies. His proactive networking efforts paid off when he received an invitation to apply for a position at Mengo Hospital. Just two days before graduation, he was among three candidates shortlisted for interviews. This allowed him to celebrate his graduation with a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had already secured a job. He began his new role at the hospital shortly after graduation, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.

His Professional Life as an Optometrist at Mengo Hospital

Over the past three years at Mengo Hospital, Ronald has demonstrated professionalism, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues. His unwavering commitment to prioritising patients’ interests has not only earned him the 2024 Best Optometrist award at the Eye Department but also emphasised the positive impact of his work. Beyond his clinical duties, Ronald has developed a strong research interest. He is currently in the advanced stages of securing a grant from the World Council of Optometrists to study the progression of myopia (commonly known as short-sightedness) in children. He is optimistic that the findings will significantly aid advocacy efforts for myopia intervention strategies, ultimately helping to ease the challenges this condition poses for children in Uganda.

His Impact on the Community

With his siblings’ support, he successfully built a house for his mother in Oyam district, demonstrating his commitment to his family. He is also contributing to the tuition expenses of one of his nephews currently attending university, emphasising his dedication to education and the next generation. In 2024, he took part in a Mengo Hospital outreach team that screened and provided post-surgical care for over 100 patients who received free cataract surgeries, made possible by the generous support of Christian Blind Mission. The surgeries were performed at PAG Mission Hospital in Lira. Through his efforts, he mobilised numerous community members to take advantage of this initiative, leading to many people having their sight restored and enhancing the overall well-being of his community.

Looking into the Future

Ronald is on a mission to establish the first Myopia Control Centre in Uganda, aiming to make a significant impact on children’s eye health in the region. Currently, he is pursuing a Pediatric Optometry Fellowship at the Indian Academy of Optometry, where he is gaining valuable knowledge and expertise in myopia control. This training will empower him to lead a specialised centre dedicated to reducing the progression of myopia among children in Uganda. The centre will implement evidence-based interventions, including orthokeratology lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops, to effectively manage myopia.

Additionally, it will serve as a vital resource for identifying and addressing other childhood eye disorders that can hinder academic performance, such as squints, amblyopia (lazy eye), heterophorias, accommodative disorders, and convergence insufficiency. Through these efforts, Ronald envisions a brighter future for children’s vision and learning in Uganda.

Message to Fellow Young People

Ronald encourages other young people to establish clear developmental goals and set specific timeframes for each one. He emphasises the importance of discipline and focus, urging them to stay committed and continuously strive for progress.

Words of Gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and the entire Mastercard Foundation team for their pivotal role in transforming my life and providing opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Your support not only facilitated my education but also reinstated my hope, dignity, and sense of purpose in my journey. As someone who faced barriers to opportunity, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a significant turning point, shaping my future and empowering me to become the individual I am today.” Ronald remarks.

Ronald emphasises that through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, he gained access to quality education, mentorship, leadership training, and a community that believes in the power of young people to change the world. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enabled him to devote himself fully to his studies and to support his family during critical moments, demonstrating both academic focus and a strong sense of responsibility.

“I am especially grateful for the values the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program instilled in us: service, humility, leadership, and the responsibility to uplift our communities. These values continue to guide my professional journey and my commitment to improving eye health in Uganda.” Ronald pointed out.

The writer is the Principal Communication & Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

Makerere University, in a Top Management meeting chaired by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Acting Vice Chancellor, hosted an important engagement with Uganda’s Consul General to China, Amb. Judyth Nsababera. The meeting brought together university leaders, innovators, students, and heads of departments and Units. Discussions centred on innovation, commercialisation, branding, and international collaboration, particularly with China, while also showcasing Makerere’s growing role as a national and continental engine for research, entrepreneurship, and transformative ideas.

This dialogue came at a symbolic moment as Makerere recently concluded its centenary celebrations, positioning the institution not just as a historical leader in higher education but as a forward-looking university ready to shape Africa’s place in global knowledge, trade, and innovation ecosystems.

Showcasing Innovation and Student Enterprise

The engagement highlighted the work of the University Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which champions student-led innovations, particularly from the Makerere Coffee Club. The Coffee Club, a student-led innovation focused on value addition to coffee, served their products during the top management meeting, demonstrating how academic training is being translated into real, market-ready solutions.

Prof. Sarah Ssali emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovation does not remain confined to laboratories or “junk” backrooms, but progresses into structured systems that support commercialization, intellectual property (IP) protection, and market penetration.

The presence of officers from the University Intellectual Property Office reinforced the need for stronger collaboration to safeguard student innovations and maximize their economic potential.

The university’s investment in barista training and coffee branding was cited as a model of practical, inclusive innovation, with training open not only to students but also to wider communities. This was further strengthened by the role of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), which donated a professional coffee machine to support student training and practical exposure within the Makerere Coffee Club, reinforcing the importance of national institutions in strengthening the coffee value chain.

The meeting highlighted the establishment of a Coffee Museum at the University, led by the School of Food Science, Nutrition and Bioengineering. The Museum will be the first of its kind in Uganda.  Amb. Judyth Nsababero highlighted the fact that it would serve as an intellectual, cultural, and societal tool for preserving and elevating Uganda’s coffee heritage on the world stage. Beyond preservation, the museum was framed as a strategic branding platform that would connect Uganda’s coffee narrative to global audiences and align it with China’s fast-growing coffee consumption culture, positioning it as both a knowledge centre and a symbol of national identity.

Education, Language, and Capacity Building

The strategic engagement also underscored the need to strengthen the Chinese language teaching capacity at Makerere University.

Strong emphasis was placed on Chinese language acquisition as a tool for trade, diplomacy, and innovation. Prof. Mugaga Muwanga stressed that while Uganda remains focused on local languages, there is an urgent need to empower lecturers to become Chinese-trained educationists who can cascade this knowledge across the education system. Strong emphasis was placed on Chinese language acquisition as a tool for trade, diplomacy, and innovation. Prof. Mugaga Muwanga, Principal, CEES, Makerere University, underscored this need, stating:

“The language Chinese is becoming key in world trade. As educationists, we are still focused on teaching Ugandan languages. We need to be empowered to train Chinese-trained educationists. This value chain has to start with capacity building of the lecturers, who will teach the future teachers to roll out the language across various levels of education.”

His remarks reinforced the urgency of investing in structured capacity building for lecturers as the foundation for sustainable introduction of Chinese language education across Uganda’s learning system.

The Ambassador committed to supporting scholarships and training opportunities for staff and academicians, particularly at CEES, to build capacity in Chinese language and culture. This initiative will equip beneficiaries with the skills needed to teach Chinese and strengthen meaningful international engagement in key fields such as law, medicine, business, and technology.

Dr. Zahara Nampewo highlighted growing interest by Chinese students in studying law at Makerere University, opening opportunities for reciprocal exchange and joint legal training. The Ambassador also proposed training Ugandan lawyers to better understand the Chinese legal system to strengthen negotiation and international business competence.

Broader Strategic Partnerships

Ambassador Judyth Nsababera highlighted several strategic partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening Makerere University’s global engagement and innovation capacity. These include collaboration with UNDP, which is already supporting commercialisation, skilling, and capacity building, including benchmarking Ugandan enterprises with Chinese packaging companies to enhance product competitiveness and scale production.

She also referenced Yunnan University (China’s coffee province) as a critical academic partner, citing its pioneering coffee degree programme, integrated innovation model, and student-led branding system as a benchmark Makerere could learn from and engage with in developing its own coffee ecosystem and museum.

Additionally, the Ambassador pointed to Koti Coffee (China’s fastest-growing coffee chain) as a potential industry partner, noting its rapid expansion and influence in the global coffee market as an entry point for promoting Ugandan coffee and strengthening market linkages. She further encouraged exploration of collaboration with corporate entities such as Huawei, particularly in areas of student mobility, technological advancement, and academia-industry integration.

Together, these proposed partnerships represent strategic avenues for academic exchange, innovation transfer, market access, and international positioning, laying the groundwork for sustainable and mutually beneficial engagement between Makerere University and global institutions.

Strategic Engagement as a Pathway to Sustainable Partnerships

The engagement between Makerere University and Ambassador Judyth Nsababera marked a defining moment in advancing strategic dialogue and relationship-building as a foundation for future Uganda–China academic and innovation cooperation. It reinforced the need for structured branding systems, scalable production, commercialisation pathways, language capacity building, and strong university-industry linkages.

As Makerere continues to evolve as a national engine of innovation, research, and thought leadership, this visit provided a clear roadmap for how the institution can assert its rightful place within China’s expanding academic, technological, and economic ecosystem, transforming Uganda’s heritage, creativity, and intellectual capital into global influence.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Alumni and Partnerships Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

On 16 November 2025, six students from Makerere University travelled to Turkey to join 69 peers from other prestigious universities for the inaugural For Youth, By Youth Conference on Conscious Leadership and Global Solidarity. The two-day conference was organised by the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, in collaboration with paNhari and Sabancı University, and supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

During the Conference, held between 17 and 18 November, students participated in a variety of activities, including panel discussions, presentations, and the drafting of the For Youth, By Youth Movement Charter and the Talloires Declaration, the first of its kind to be drafted entirely by students. For many of the students, this experience was the beginning of their journey of global impact and a rare platform to openly share their experiences, ideas and aspirations.

Student reflections after the conference

Naomi Ayebale, a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology student at Makerere University, who took part in the panel discussion “Struggles for Justice and Peace in Our World,” shared: “Attending this event felt like stepping into a space where every voice truly mattered. It was a reminder that no single, beautifully crafted story can ever capture what all our stories hold when woven together. Everyone came with their own truth, their own lens, and their own hope, and somehow it all fit.

“Being part of this movement fills me with a sense of joy, not just because of the cause itself, but because I get to stand alongside people who are not only demanding change but actively working to build it,” she said. “It’s energizing, but it also comes with a deep sense of responsibility. For me, being part of the For Youth, By Youth movement isn’t about how long I’ve lived; it’s about the experiences I carry and the problems I’ve witnessed firsthand. Those experiences have taught me not only what needs to change, but also how meaningful that change can be.”

Tyobo Harriet Yake, a final-year student at Makerere University pursuing a BSc in Biomedical Engineering and one of the inaugural cohort participants of the For Youth, By Youth movement, remarked: “For me, it was amazing and exciting to meet young people from different countries who share similar beliefs and ambitions,’ she said. “Conversations like these created a safe space where victims of injustice could share their stories openly. It inspired me to return to my community and continue doing whatever I can, however small, to make life better for those facing similar circumstances.

“I felt a strong sense of unity, and the words of the famous song ‘Different colors, one people’ truly came to life. I loved trying foods I couldn’t even pronounce but absolutely enjoyed. It was a full package of rich experiences in just a few days” she added.

“As I move forward, I’m reminded of John F. Kennedy’s quote ‘leadership and learning are inseparable.’ A leader learns through listening to the loud and silent voices of the community. It’s this conscious leadership that sparks transformation and fuels collective growth. This is the leadership I embrace in this journey” Harriet concluded.

Sandrah Naikambo, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology, shared her reflections:

“From my experience at the conference and the movement in general, I learned that change isn’t just spoken about—it’s built. I witnessed young people who weren’t waiting for permission but using their own lived experiences to create real solutions. In that space, every voice mattered and every story had room to breathe. I walked away feeling seen, inspired, and connected with a purpose bigger than myself. This experience showed me that the youth are not the future, they are the present!”

Namwase Rinah Marion, a final year student at Makerere University pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, and a former Guild Minister for Students with Disabilities in the 89^th Guild remarked:

“It was exciting to meet young leaders from across the world who had ambitions towards change in their respective communities and universities,” she said. “The international conference did not only expose me to fellow determined leaders but also inspired me to push hard for success as I got to know there is nothing without us. We are the leaders of tomorrow, and the program entrusted us; so, we are the change makers of today and tomorrow. Young leaders for a better world.”

The For Youth, By Youth movement was born from the vision of 36 Next Generation Leaders from 18 countries, including Makerere’s Harunah Damba and Patrovas Okidi, who, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, worked together to stitch the threads that would later give rise to the movement. They organized local community and campus events, engaging directly with young people, communities, and universities to identify the issues that mattered most to them.

In recognition of the university’s support and as a gesture to strengthen ties with university leadership, Harunah and Patrovas presented a plaque to Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, honouring Makerere University’s support for the Next Generation Leaders Program in December 2023.

Reflecting on their experience, Harunah, now a Makerere University alumnus, said: “It was such an honour for me to be part of the inaugural For Youth, By Youth conference. Seeing the fruits of our hard work finally come to life is something that sits very close to my heart. I can’t think of any work that would be more rewarding, more encouraging, or more inspiring than this.”

Patrovas, a Master of Science in Bioinformatics student at Makerere University, said: “The For Youth, By Youth movement is a testament of what young people can do when organised, from its birth to the very first international conference, it has been led by youth and for the youth who are guided by values of respect, humility, kindness, impact, solidarity, hope, levity, collaboration, and inclusivity. The conference echoed one clear message I would love to pass on to everyone out there, our movement is a values-based civic infrastructure of engaged universities and a nimble network of virtual spaces. To solve multiple intersecting crises, education must evolve into regenerative, living systems rooted in community. Universities should represent all members of society, and be able to speak truth to power, and to centre empathy as the heart of learning and belonging. Youth must be co-creators in solving global challenges, while universities steward safe spaces for critical discourse and shared learning.”

He added “Echoing the voice of Lorlene Hoyt and others: For Youth, By Youth… it’s not a program — it’s a movement. Look out 2045, we’re just getting started. – this is our sense of belonging.”