Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), on behalf of the WIN-WIN in the Wetlands for Climate Resilience project, invites eligible organisations to submit proposals for selection as the Implementing Partner responsible for designing and delivering a community-based urban wetland restoration and sustainable livelihood intervention in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).

This is an open, competitive Call for Proposals (CfP). In line with good practice for evidence-generation projects, this CfP intentionally does not prescribe the restoration model, livelihood package, or implementation methodology. Applicants are instead invited to propose their own technically sound, innovative, and locally appropriate approach in response to the problem statement, objectives and outcomes set out in the attached Terms of Reference (ToR). The selection process will be conducted in two stages: (1) a short Concept Note stage, open to all eligible applicants, and (2) a Full Proposal stage, open only to organisations shortlisted at Concept Note stage.

Key details:

• What: Selection of an Implementing Partner for Community-Based Urban Wetland Restoration and Sustainable Livelihood Development
• Reference No.: MakSPH/WIN-WIN/CfP/2026/01
• Who can apply: Registered NGOs/CSOs, CBOs/cooperatives, private firms or social enterprises, or consortia of these
• Where: Urban and peri-urban wetland communities in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi districts (Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area)
• Concept Note deadline: 16 October 2026, 5:00 PM (EAT)
• Submission: winwinwetlands@musph.ac.ug, subject line “WIN-WIN CfP – [Applicant Organisation Name]”
• Contact for questions: Ms. Winnie Kansiime, winniekansiime@musph.ac.ug, +256 783 640 210

See below for detailed call.

Dr. Joy Louise Gumikiriza-Onoria, a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, has been selected for the prestigious 2026–27 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program.

Based at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the global fellowship brings together leaders across multiple disciplines to develop innovative, equitable solutions for brain health and dementia care worldwide. Dr. Gumikiriza-Onoria, who holds a PhD in Brain Health, is an accomplished academician and researcher whose expertise spans neuropsychology, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavioural science, and implementation research.

Uganda currently faces a rising prevalence of dementia, compounded by limited public awareness and a shortage of specialized care facilities. Dr. Gumikiriza-Onoria’s work directly addresses these challenges by focusing on dementia, HIV and aging, neuropsychology, and community-based interventions. Through her strategy of generating rigorous evidence and developing scalable interventions, she aims to enhance cognitive and mental health outcomes for older adults—particularly those aging with HIV—in sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of the 2026–27 cohort, Dr. Gumikiriza-Onoria joins 15 other incoming fellows at UCSF representing diverse fields including medicine, public health, advocacy, policy, and the arts. Together, they become part of a lifelong global network of more than 330 Atlantic Fellows spanning over 70 countries. Over the coming year, the fellows will collaborate across disciplines, hone their leadership skills, and design scalable approaches to reduce brain health inequities.

Through the fellowship, Dr. Gumikiriza-Onoria plans to establish key international partnerships to translate her research into practical, culturally relevant solutions. Her goal is to strengthen local brain health systems, support dementia caregivers, and improve healthy aging outcomes for vulnerable populations across Uganda and the broader African continent.

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Despite a morning downpour, the two-day 92^nd Makerere University Guild Annual Medical Camp successfully commenced on September 17, 2026 with a launch at the Freedom Square.

The Launch marks a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and higher education institutions to advance physical well-being and awareness of students from public and private universities.

Presiding over the event, the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, launched the intensified testing and active case finding for Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell Disease.

Ministry officials emphasized that laboratory screening and diagnostic testing are critical entry points for early detection, linkage to care, appropriate clinical management, surveillance and prevention, and the Ministry of Health pledges full support to strengthen these services across universities nationwide.

Held under stewardship of the Makerere University Dean of Students office, the camp offered a comprehensive suite of health services to the student body and the wider community. Attendees had access to the following services:

1. General and Specialist Consultations
2. Sickle Cell, Malaria RDT and HIV Screening
3. Eye Care and Laboratory Diagnostics
4. Free Essential Medicines
5. Reproductive Health Counseling
6. Mental Health Counseling

While addressing the attendees, Hon. Kawooya emphasised that health is synonymous with national economic productivity.

She guided the youth to prioritise well-being, and avoid living in denial for it is the first step to refusing help. This will help build a firm foundation for any future contributions to national development.

The Minister further warned students against risky behaviours, including substance abuse and sexual immorality, which she described as poisonous.

She advocated for responsible reproductive health practices, urging students to utilise resources available to protect themselves for the future.

Why you should Know Your Status

Prof. Charles Olaro, who is the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Uganda reflected on his time at the university during the peak of the HIV epidemic, recalling a visit from the late Bongole Lutaya.

He noted that today’s youth have not witnessed the severity of the AIDS due to the availability of care and ARVs, which can create a false sense of security.

“People are in care and you have not seen the real slim disease. You have not seen it”

He added that some attending are products of mothers that undertook prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and they gave birth to negative children. But now when we are grown up, they are reckless with their sexual life.

Prof Olaro summarized his remarks by noting that health is an irreplaceable asset and that decisions made today have significant future ramifications. They urge the audience to take the opportunity to know their status, whether for HIV or sickle cell disease, as this is the essential entry point for care and life planning.

Benefits of knowing your status:

1. It serves as the entry point for receiving necessary care.
2. It allows for better life planning.
3. It enables individuals to manage other aspects of their lives effectively.
4. It prevents future health complications.

Genetic Awareness and Blood Donation

Associate Professor Richard Idro the Deputy Principal of the Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) emphasised the importance of seeking appropriate information with a focus on genetic awareness. He advised the students to know their status before marriage to prevent passing on genetic conditions.

“One day when you fall in love, you know that preferably you should not marry somebody who is also carrying a certain gene.”

He then delved into the importance of treating HIV and clearing malaria parasites, which he addressed exhaustively.

From this, Dr Idro’s focus turned to blood donation where he acknowledged a number of people that had already participated in the exercise at the Uganda Red Cross Society tent.

“I see the Red Cross at one corner. As we passed there, 36 people had donated blood. Although, gentlemen, I saw very few of you donate blood.”

He concluded by challenging the young men present and reminding them that they can donate blood up to four times a year and still remain healthy.

Empowering Ambassadors of Global Health Awareness

The Ministry of Health called upon the students attending the camp to serve as ambassadors for global health awareness in their respective institutions.

The Executive Director/Commissioner National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Dr. Susan Nabadda Ndidde advised the students to make sure that they mobilise and intensify testing for all these diseases.

“We will work with you as a Ministry to provide the tests to make sure that we know your status and prevent these diseases in time.”

She wrapped up her message by thanking Makerere for allowing the Ministry of Health to partner on this cause and urged the students to embrace this opportunity and make sure they leave after establishing their status.

By bringing these critical services directly to campuses, the government fosters a healthier, and more informed generation capable of driving Uganda’s future development.

Students Appreciate the Medical Camp

According to Denise Kainomugisha, the Chairperson of the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Vice Minister of Health in the 92^nd Guild, the Camp served as a vital platform for capacity building.

“The screening, the testing, the sports science, was all handled by the student volunteers under supervision” she confessed.

She also explained that the camp extended to broader public health goals and additionally fostered leadership and collaboration among students, who were encouraged to work together to address community health needs.

Concluding her remarks, Kainomugisha expressed gratitude to the respective partners for providing both financial support and the opportunity for students to take on active roles throughout the Medical Camp.