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Dr. Nanyeenya Nicholus Hopes to Guide Uganda’s HIV Response with Research

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Clad in a coral red and black with green panels sewed into the front facings doctorate gown with emblems and ivory tower icons, Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya can’t help, but, smile broadly as he fastens the long oblong sleeves. At last, his journey has come to an end, and he now holds a PhD. The vibrant colours form an indelible embroidery, weaving together the distinctive identity and essence of Makerere University.

A medical doctor by training, he has not only achieved a milestone but has emerged as a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. He is part of the 132 PhD graduands in the week-long #Mak74thGrad, which begins on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Dr. Nanyeenya, popular in the corridors of Makerere University School of Public Health, as, ‘His Excellency,’ having served as a PhD Forum president studied; “Viral Non-Suppression, Perceptions and Effectiveness of Intensive Adherence Counselling among People Living with HIV/AIDS on Antiretroviral Therapy with Low-Level Viraemia in Uganda.”

Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya presents during his PhD Defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023. College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya presents during his PhD Defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

From MD to PhD

Dr. Nanyeenya’s passion for research began with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at the University of Aberdeen, UK back in 2018. Witnessing the critical role research played in health system decisions, he set his sights on a PhD at Makerere University, determined to impact HIV/AIDS policies in Uganda.

“I realized the importance of research in informing policy decisions in health systems strengthening and disease control. I noticed that at times, wrong implementation strategies were done in implementing HIV programs due to inadequate research skills, and this motivated me to start my PhD.

My goal was to generate information about HIV low-level viraemia to guide the review of the HIV guidelines in Uganda. In my PhD, I aimed to enhance my research, writing, and communication skills, to enable me to become an independent researcher and global health leader in HIV research and program implementation,” says Dr. Nanyeenya.

"By virtue of the authority entrusted in me, I confer up on you a degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University," these were exactly the words by the Chancellor as he conferred a PhD to Dr. Nicholas Nanyeeya. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
“By virtue of the authority entrusted in me, I confer up on you a degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University,” these were exactly the words by the Chancellor as he conferred a PhD to Dr. Nicholas Nanyeeya.

Previously in Uganda, individuals with a viral load (VL) below 1,000 copies/ml were considered to have effectively suppressed the virus, commended for antiretroviral adherence, and encouraged to continue treatment.

However, studies elsewhere identified a significant risk for those with low-level viraemia (≥50 to <1,000 copies/ml), including the potential for HIV drug resistance and transmission to partners, especially in discordant couples.

Despite an increase from 11 percent to 35 percent in Uganda between 2017 and 2020, using a 1,000 copies/ml threshold, no interventions were implemented to address this concerning trend.

It is this situation that motivated Dr. Nanyeenya to undertake a PhD research, to generate more information to address low-level viraemia in Uganda.

Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya at a PhD Colloquium at MakSPH in 2022. College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya at a PhD Colloquium at MakSPH in 2022.

Low-Level Viraemia in HIV Patients

His study revealed a surge in individuals with low-level viraemia (LLV), posing risks of drug resistance and transmission. This alarming trend prompted a swift response, influencing the revision of Uganda’s HIV guidelines.

“From my PhD research, the number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) with LLV in Uganda increased from 2.0% in 2016 to 8.6% in 2020. LLV was associated with being male, second line regimen and being below 18 years of age. Relative to clients with a non-detectable viral load, PLHIV with LLV had 4.1 times higher risk of developing viral non-suppression, as compared to PLHIV with a non-detectable viral load (adjusted hazard ratio was 4.1, 95% CI: 3.7 to 4.7, p < 0.001),” he notes.

According to Dr. Nanyeenya, most people living with HIV were not aware of low-level viraemia, leading to a limited understanding of its associated risks. He adds that, healthcare workers providing HIV care exhibited insufficient knowledge about LLV, resulting in a lack of formal adherence counselling for LLV management.

In the intervention study, intensive adherence counselling (IAC) demonstrated a significant impact, with the intervention arm achieving a nearly twofold increase in attaining a non-detectable viral load status of 57.4 percent compared to the non-intervention arm which was at 29.9 percent.

His findings prompted a significant policy shift, lowering the viral suppression threshold. The Ministry of Health has also implemented IAC for those with 50 to <1,000 copies/ml.

“As already highlighted, these findings have already partly guided the review of the HIV guidelines in Uganda, changing the viral load suppression threshold for plasma and dried blood spot samples respectively. Ministry of Health in Uganda has also instituted IAC as intervention to manage people living with HIV having at least 50 but less than 1,000 copies/ml,” comfortably says.

Dr. Nanyeenya with MakSPH Faculty (L-R) Dr. Esther Buregyeya, Head, Disease Control and Environmental Health Department, Dr. Christine Nalwadda, Head, Community Health and Behavioral Sciences Department and Professor Christopher Garimoi Orach. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nanyeenya with MakSPH Faculty (L-R) Dr. Esther Buregyeya, Head, Disease Control and Environmental Health Department, Dr. Christine Nalwadda, Head, Community Health and Behavioral Sciences Department and Professor Christopher Garimoi Orach.

Mentorship

In his PhD journey, Dr. Nanyeenya found strength in mentorship, both from his distinguished supervisors and fellow PhD colleagues. He benefited from a multi-disciplinary team of four dedicated supervisors (Prof. Fredrick Makumbi, Prof. Noah Kiwanuka, Prof. Nakanjako Damalie, and Dr. Gertrude Nakigozi) who, armed with extensive expertise in his research field, guided him through various aspects of doctoral research. He also received valuable mentorship from Dr. Simon Peter Kibira, Dr. Susan Nabadda, Prof. Larry Chang, Dr. Kigozi Godfrey, Dr. Siu Godfrey, Dr. Fred Nalugoda, Prof. Anne Katahoire, and others.

“The most impactful aspect of my PhD journey was the land marking mentorship. This mentorship was both from my mentors who comprised of my supervisors and other experienced researchers from the field of HIV research. Peer mentorship from my fellow colleagues in the PhD Forum was also very key in enabling me to handle the entire PhD process,” he says.

The department’s head, Dr. Joan Mutyoba, also played a fundamental role, ensuring every detail of the journey was attended to.

“Dr. Joan Mutyoba, who would literally follow up on every single detail to ensure that we get the necessary assistance to progress. However, I should confess that there was still many moments of crying and distress in the three years journey, however through prayer and consultative meetings with the supervisors, fellow PhD colleagues and the head of department, most of these were overcame and that is why, I am graduating,” Dr. Nanyeenya.

Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya with Dr. Juliet Babirye during a PhD Colloquium at MakSPH in 2022. College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya with Dr. Juliet Babirye during a PhD Colloquium at MakSPH in 2022.

Completing a PhD in a record less than 3 years

Completing his PhD in less than three years, Dr. Nanyeenya emphasizes the importance of swift action. He advises aspiring PhD candidates to persevere through challenges, knowing that the victory is worth the effort. His mantra is clear: “Once you make up your mind to start a PhD, fast track it and complete it!”

Choosing a field for a Ph.D. that aligns with one’s understanding and prior work experience is crucial. “My decision to pursue a Ph.D. in HIV low-level viraemia, a field linked to HIV viral load testing, aligns with my professional background. As an international consultant strengthening HIV systems and a programs officer at CPHL, I’ve accumulated extensive experience in this area. This expertise proved invaluable in overcoming challenges related to my research topic during my Ph.D. studies,” he says.

Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya cuts cake shortly after his PhD Defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023. College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nicholus Nanyeenya cuts cake shortly after his PhD Defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

Looking ahead, Dr. Nanyeenya envisions becoming a global health leader, implementing evidence-based interventions to combat diseases in Uganda and beyond. His message echoes a profound truth: to control HIV and uplift Uganda, “We must love our country and fellow Ugandans.”

“I have worked as a consultant on health systems strengthening. This role has given me the opportunity to work with diverse communities in various developing countries, where I have witnessed many health challenges, characterized by many diseases of poverty and high mortality rates from rather preventable causes. My experience in the developed world has exposed me to the benefits of evidence-based interventions in promoting health and controlling diseases,” he says.

Dr. Nanyeenya Nicholus is not just graduating; he’s setting a course for a healthier, more resilient Uganda. His dedication to research, mentorship, and swift action exemplifies the transformative power of one individual committed to making a difference.

The study was funded by Rakai Health Service Program PhD Fogarty Training Scholarship, UJMT Fogarty Global Health Fellowship and Mak-BSSR program, and Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF).

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Davidson Ndyabahika

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MakCHS Commemorates the ‘Silent Teacher’

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Ag. DVCAA Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Principal MakCHS Prof. Bruce Kirenga at the service. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

At a ceremony held on 30th May 2025, themed ‘They taught us without saying a word’, the Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher which are the cadavers (bodies) used in anatomy classes for medical students. In addition to a commemoration service, the event was used to create awareness and sensitise the public about the the importance of whole body donation.

The chief guest at the commemoration was Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe. The event attended by MakCHS students, staff and alumni was organised by students under Anatomy Society of MakCHS supported by Department of Anatomy and MakCHS leadership.

MakCHS Leadership and staff during service. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MakCHS Leadership and staff during service.

Welcoming guests to the event, Waziwu Mordecai–final year student of medicine and surgery who serves as President of the Anatomy Society, MakCHS explained that the reason for the gathering is three-pronged: to commemorate the silent teachers who make a profound contribution to medical education; to instill knowledge, compassion, and professionalism in future healthcare providers; and call on the community to support this noble act through awareness, advocacy, or future donation. ‘May the memory of our silent teachers live on in every life we will one day save’, he said.

The Anatomy society was founded in 2013 with aim of students providing peer mentorship to fellow students in lower years, such mentorship sessions help students appreciate better the anatomy of the human body. The society has supported:enhanced learning and mentorship; promoted academic participation including internal and external quizzes; and fostered connections including strengthen relationships between students across classes and with alumni.

HoD Anatomy Prof. Elisa Mwaka. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
HoD Anatomy Prof. Elisa Mwaka.

Professor Elisa Mwaka, Head – Department of Human Anatomy welcomed all present for attending the ceremony. He thanked the College management led by the Principal, Professor Bruce Kirenga for the support provided in organizing the ceremony. He also expressed utmost appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for attending despite the competing priorities requiring his attention.

Professor Mwaka highlighted that we are here today, to pay our respect to the individuals whose bodies have been used for medical examination and research at MakCHS through offering prayers as well as sensitize people about willful/consented whole body donation.

Service in session. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Service in session.

Professor Mwaka explained that globally, sources of whole bodies for medical education and research are got through willed whole-body donation, unclaimed bodies in hospitals, imported bodies, executed persons among other means. In Uganda, unclaimed bodies in hospitals are used for medical as determined by the Uganda National Rules in the Penal Code Act of 1957.

In 2012 International Federation of Anatomy Associations (IFAA) recommended voluntary donation as the desirable and the only acceptable source for acquiring bodies. Almost all Africa countries and some European countries lack national body donation programs.

Principal Prof. Bruce Kirenga. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Principal Prof. Bruce Kirenga.

Speaking at the event, Professor Bruce Kirenga, Principal – MakCHS thanked Professor Mwaka for the insightful presentation. He welcomed Professor Buyinza to MakCHS and for accepting to attend despite the late invitation. He recognized the presence of the staff present and support towards the college activities.

Professor Kirenga underlined the importance of biomedical science under which human anatomy falls in medical education. ‘Biomedical sciences play a key role, once someone in grounded in the area, then he will be a good doctor’, he said.

Students with Principal in black suit and Prof. Mwaka Erisa_HoD Anatomy first right. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students with Principal in black suit and Prof. Mwaka Erisa_HoD Anatomy first right.

The Principal also stressed that during his term of office operation efficiency will remain key ingredient for service delivery as well as rebuilding and rehabilitation of teaching and learning facilities. ‘Works to make the Biochemistry laboratory a model lab has commenced with a contract awarded to service provider; the refurbishment will be in phases’.

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi thanked the College, Human Anatomy department and the students for organizing the commemoration. ‘The amount of joy I have this morning, we should have done this a long time ago’, he said.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

He expressed happiness at this commemoration for the silent teachers who unknowingly give so much to medical education and therefore mankind. He advised that community engagement to create awareness about the need for whole-body donation, regulatory compliance, and alignment to best practices.

He noted that disciplines like medicine is more like charity because medical practitioners give so much of themselves. ‘The number of people attending this ceremony is show of love for the discipline and commitment to the calling’ he said.

Candle lighting by Medical Students President. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Candle lighting by Medical Students President.

Professor Buyinza reiterated the commitment of Makerere University management to support MakCHS endeavours including this culture of commemorating the silent teacher. ‘Well-trained and season doctors are a result of the process explained here and the absence of bodies affects the quality of education provided and therefore the doctors produced’, he added.

Candles for the cadavers were lit and services representative of Anglican, Catholics and Muslims were conducted to remember the souls of the departed and wish them a peaceful rest. Ordinand Cosmas Ddembe for Anglican, Father Valentine Amuneke for Catholic and Dr. Haruna Kiryowa for Muslim preached the importance of respect for the dead and sacrifices of the dead for advancement of research and education in the medical field and health services.

Ordinand Cosmas Ddembe. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ordinand Cosmas Ddembe.

Fr. Valentine Amuneke. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Fr. Valentine Amuneke.

Dr. Haruna Kiryowa. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Haruna Kiryowa.

Giving closing remarks, Professor Mwaka noted that setting up whole-body donation programs in Africa requires a holistic approach involving education, cultural sensitivity, legal structures, and partnerships with medical institutions.

Reasons why Africa has failed to establish body donation programs:

  • Low awareness and willingness to donate bodies.
  • Cultural and traditional beliefs
  • Religious beliefs
  • Fear of mishanding bodies
  • Lack of legislation/ ambiguous regulations
  • Lack of institutional policies and standard operating procedures
  • Institutions should be encouraged to hold Services of thanksgiving or commemoration for those who have donated their bodies for medical education and research.
Students choir singing hymns. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students choir singing hymns.

The following is required to change the current status:

  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
    • Community engagement and awareness creation
    • Educational campaigns
  • Developing legal and ethical frameworks
  • Building partnerships between hospitals and medical institutions
  • Establishing local body donation systems i.e.,
    • donation registration process,
    • consent documentation,
    • Logistical infrastructure necessary for the
  • donation process.
  • Effective communication, public trust,transparency.
  • Training and professional development of healthcare providers.
  • Global collaboration and funding: to share knowledge, best practices, and resources.
  • Government support
    • Funding and incentives
    • Inclusion of body donation in national health strategies.
Students with staff. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students with staff.

Students pose for the camera. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commemorated the silent teacher-cadavers used in anatomy classes for medical students, created awareness and sensitised the public about importance of whole body donation, 30th May 2025, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students pose for the camera.

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Zaam Ssali

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MakSPH Supports Uganda’s Final Push to End HIV with Locally Led Surveillance

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Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, flagging off UPHIA 2025 field study teams in Kampala ahead of data collection starting early June. May 29th, 2025. Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR official launch of third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, 29th May 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In a decisive step toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030, Uganda on Thursday, May 29, 2025, officially launched the third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, a nationally representative household study expected to provide updated measurements on the status of the HIV epidemic by the end of the year.

The effort is led by Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR.

The Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) surveys were first launched in 2014 as a global initiative at the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), based at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the U.S. CDC, the surveys have been conducted in at least 15 high-burden countries globally, including Uganda.

Led by national Ministries of Health, the PHIA surveys provide robust, population-level data on HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral suppression, offering a clear picture of epidemic trends and the effectiveness of national responses. They are designed to track progress, identify persistent gaps, and inform strategies to reach epidemic control, in line with global targets, including the fast-approaching goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

At the centre, the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, and the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, together with key dignitaries and the study field team, during the launch of UPHIA 2025 in Kampala on 29 May 2025. Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR official launch of third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, 29th May 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
At the centre, the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, and the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, together with key dignitaries and the study field team, during the launch of UPHIA 2025 in Kampala on 29 May 2025.

In Uganda, this survey was first rolled out between August 2016 and March 2017. The second followed in February 2020 but was disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, continuing through to March 2021. Both rounds were supported by ICAP at Columbia University, which provided technical assistance to strengthen data collection systems, improve laboratory infrastructure, and build national capacity to design, implement, and analyse the two national HIV surveys.

What sets UPHIA 2025 apart is the shift in technical leadership to Ugandan institutions for this third survey, reflecting local capacity to lead rigorous, high-quality public health research. For UPHIA 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health, in partnership with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Uganda Virus Research Institute, is providing technical leadership to the Ministry of Health, alongside U.S. CDC. Implementation began with initial recruitment and training of over 300 field teams that begun on May 19, 2025, ahead of their nationwide deployment for data collection starting this June.

The first survey (UPHIA 2016) was an important milestone in informing Uganda’s national HIV response. This survey, concluded in 2017, measured, among things, the viral load suppression at the population level and provided household-based HIV testing and counselling, with results returned to participants and those who tested positive referred to care. The survey also assessed HIV incidence, HIV and syphilis prevalence, as well as hepatitis B infection rates. These findings would offer nationally representative data to track Uganda’s progress in controlling the HIV epidemic at both national and regional levels.

The next survey, UPHIA 2020, building on past success, was again executed with technical leadership from Columbia University’s ICAP, working with Uganda’s Ministry of Health alongside UVRI, UBOS, regional referral hospitals, local governments, and the U.S. CDC. It offered useful insights that showed encouraging progress, indicating that up to 88% of people living with HIV in Uganda at the time knew their status, 98% of them were on treatment, and 90% had achieved viral suppression. These results reflected momentum toward the UNAIDS global 95-95-95 targets, ensuring that most people living with HIV are diagnosed, treated, and have the virus under control, and advancing the broader goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.

Since the release of these findings nearly five years ago, which helped shape national HIV programming in Uganda, the country has made notable progress, but challenges remain. The UPHIA 2020 findings reported major gaps in testing coverage, particularly among young people and men. The results were also instrumental in identifying service delivery shortfalls and guiding decisions on resource allocation, program design, and policy. Yet today, Uganda remains one of the most heavily burdened countries in the world, with over 1.5 million people living with HIV and over 50,000 preventable new infections recorded per year.

The Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, launching the UPHIA 2025 survey in Kampala on May 29th, 2025. Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR official launch of third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, 29th May 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, launching the UPHIA 2025 survey in Kampala on May 29th, 2025.

It is this trend that Uganda’s Ministry of Health is working urgently to reverse. Launching UPHIA 2025 at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kampala on May 29, 2025, amidst great hope and expectation among the participants, Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, noted that the long-anticipated and previously delayed survey had arrived at such a critical moment. She welcomed UPHIA 2025 as both a measure of the country’s resilience and a guide for the final stretch toward ending AIDS by 2030, now just a few years away.

“The UPHIA 2025 survey comes at a strategic time to help us recalibrate and refocus our efforts,” the Health Minister said, underscoring the importance of its outcomes. “This will be Uganda’s final population-based HIV survey before 2030, the target year for ending AIDS as a public health threat. The findings will serve as a baseline for tracking our progress toward this national and global goal. They will also guide the next phase of strategic planning, ensuring that the final push toward 2030 is grounded in robust and reliable data.”

This third round of the survey will be carried out in 6,685 randomly selected households across the country. The exercise will involve interviews with approximately 15,000 individuals aged at least 15 and selected through a national household listing by UBOS. Of those, around 14,980 are expected to provide blood samples for HIV testing and analysis of viral suppression and other health indicators. The survey will also include interviews with 1,300 children and adolescents aged 10 to 14, though no blood draws will be taken from this group. Participation is voluntary, free of charge, and requires consent from the head of each household.

MakSPH’s Assoc. Prof. Fredrick Makumbi, the Principal Investigator for UPHIA 2025 survey, consults with MoH’s Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms. Annet Musinguzi, during the kick-off of training of UPHIA 2025 field teams at MakSPH New Auditorium on 19th May, 2025. Kickoff training for teams tasked with collecting data for the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024-2025, held 19th May 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MakSPH’s Assoc. Prof. Fredrick Makumbi, the Principal Investigator for UPHIA 2025 survey, consults with MoH’s Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms. Annet Musinguzi, during the kick-off of training of UPHIA 2025 field teams at MakSPH New Auditorium on 19th May, 2025.

Dr. Aceng explained that beyond providing updated estimates of HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral load suppression, and examining regional and demographic disparities, the survey, which will cover the rest of the year, will include a qualitative post-survey assessment component to gather insights from people living with HIV, particularly those not virally suppressed, to understand their challenges and strengthen support services. Also, for the first time, this survey will assess the burden of non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV and include focused interviews with adolescents aged 10 to 14 in Mid-North and Mid-Eastern Uganda, where viral suppression was reported to be lowest in UPHIA 2020.

These activities are made possible thanks to the development support from the U.S. government, which invested $10 million (about UGX 37 billion) for this survey. Speaking at the UPHIA 2025 launch, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp noted that the United States has partnered with Uganda for over three decades to help people live longer, healthier lives;

“The bulk of our annual support, approximately $500 million this year, is dedicated to health programs, making the U.S. government the largest single provider of health assistance to Uganda,” the Ambassador said. He added, “Through PEPFAR, the United States has played a major role in Uganda’s progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat. Since 2003, when Uganda became one of the first countries to implement the program, we have invested nearly three billion dollars—almost 11 trillion Uganda shillings—in HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, saving millions of lives and making both our countries safer from HIV.”

At the UPHIA 2025 launch, Ambassador Popp emphasised the enduring U.S.-Uganda partnership in advancing public health. Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR official launch of third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, 29th May 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
At the UPHIA 2025 launch, Ambassador Popp emphasised the enduring U.S.-Uganda partnership in advancing public health.

With the benefit of hindsight, Uganda’s early encounter with HIV in the 1980s marked the beginning of one of the region’s most severe epidemics. But over the decades, a determined national response, driven by political leadership, community mobilisation, collaboration and global support, has delivered measurable progress. In the recent past, adult HIV prevalence fell from 7.2% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2023. Among women, it declined from 8.5% to 6.6%, and among men from 5.8% to 3.6%. AIDS-related deaths dropped from 53,000 to 20,000 over the same period, with female mortality declining by 66% and child deaths by 77%.

All these gains, amidst the challenge, go to show what is possible with sustained commitment. What is more, throughout this long journey of Uganda’s battle with eradicating HIV, Makerere University School of Public Health has played a pivotal role. From the early work of Prof. David Serwadda, whose ground-breaking research during the initial detection of HIV helped shape Uganda’s early response, to last year’s 2024 landmark Purpose 1 study on the twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir that proved 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infection, MakSPH has remained at the forefront of innovation, evidence generation, and policy influence.

That legacy continues today, with the School providing technical leadership to the Ministry of Health in the implementation of UPHIA 2025. At the launch, MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze expressed pride in the School’s role as a trusted partner in Uganda’s fight against HIV and other public health challenges. She noted that for over 70 years, during which the School has existed, MakSPH has helped shape the country’s public health landscape through rigorous research, training, and policy support, anchored by a strong, long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health and partners.

At the UPHIA 2025 launch, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze highlights MakSPH’s legacy in shaping Uganda’s public health landscape through rigorous research and policy support. Ministry of Health (MoH), with technical assistance from Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR official launch of third Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA 2025) survey, 29th May 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
At the UPHIA 2025 launch, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze highlights MakSPH’s legacy in shaping Uganda’s public health landscape through rigorous research and policy support.

She also noted that the collaboration between Makerere University and the U.S. CDC has helped build national capacity in surveillance and epidemiology, while also strengthening Uganda’s ability to lead high-quality, large-scale national surveys, asserting that:

“The partnership between Makerere University and CDC has not only helped build national capacity in surveillance and epidemiology, but has also strengthened our ability to lead high-quality, large-scale national surveys. After two decades of joint work, we are proud that UPHIA 2024–2025 is now a fully Ugandan-led effort. This is critical to the sustainability of the skills and knowledge generation to inform our local response.”

The survey builds on MakSPH’s experience conducting similar national studies, including those on tuberculosis, prison health, family planning, schistosomiasis, and non-communicable diseases such as the STEPS survey. It will leverage the School’s strong capacity in research and impact evaluation, both in Uganda and across the African region, with a firm commitment to delivering high-quality data guided by the same rigour and integrity that have defined our work over the years, Prof. Wanyenze affirmed.

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John Okeya

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Health

MakSPH 2024 Annual Report

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Partners from the Ministry of Health, WHO, and Makerere University leadership, including Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, join the Minister of Health in cutting the MakSPH@70 anniversary cake. 13th December 2024, MakSPH Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

It is with great pride and gratitude that I present the 2024 Annual Report of the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). The past twelve months have been a time of remarkable achievements, significant progress, and renewed commitment to shaping the future of public health.

This report captures some of the highlights that reflect the resilience, innovation, and impact that define our community. 2024 was both an extraordinary and transformative year. We successfully concluded our strategic plan and launched a bold new five-year roadmap (2025–2030), positioning us to respond swiftly to the evolving public health landscape.

The year was especially productive—marked by impactful research, evidence generation, and strengthened partnerships across Uganda, the African region, and globally. Our work continued to demonstrate that we do not simply publish findings—we produce evidence that shapes national policy, informs practice, and addresses real-world public health challenges.

I am deeply privileged to lead this vibrant community of educators, researchers, students, and partners. I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues for their exceptional commitment—whether delivering outstanding education, driving research and innovation, or creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. I also thank Makerere University Council, the University Management, , our students, alumni, and partners for their unwavering support; each plays a vital role in advancing our mission.

Despite a challenging global context, we look ahead with great optimism. We have equipped our staff and students with the skills and resilience to thrive amidst uncertainty. In 2024, we celebrated 70 years of impact—seven decades of transformative contributions to public health in Uganda, the region, and beyond. Our legacy in HIV/AIDS research, family planning, maternal and child health, infectious disease control (including COVID-19, TB, and malaria), and health systems strengthening is profound.

MakSPH remains a powerhouse of research at Makerere University, consistently attracting nearly half of the University’s research grants. In the past five years, we have worked in collaboration with universities and research institutions across 25 countries in Arfrica and established strong global partnerships, reinforcing our role as a leader in public health innovation and capacity building.

A landmark achievement was our transition into a standalone School in January 2025, following approval by the Makerere University Council. This new status heralds a transformative phase—enabling us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and respond with agility to contemporary public health challenges.

In line with this growth, we launched our taught PhD program—designed for early-career and mid-career professionals, as well as strategic level leaders, seeking to strengthen their skills in public health research and leadership.

The School is undertaking a major infrastructure project, the construction of our new home at Makerere Main Campus—which is steadily taking shape into a premier centre for public health training, research, and community engagement. This investment will strengthen our capacity to deliver impact in Uganda, and beyond. We hope that the building will ease the critical space needs for our staff, students, and partners. We are grateful to all individuals, agencies, government bodies, and partners who have supported this transformative endeavor. We warmly welcome further support to help us complete this important project and advance public health for generations to come.

As we move forward, our resolve remains steadfast: to shape health outcomes, empower future generations, and strengthen the resilience of communities across Africa and beyond. We thank you for your continued support to Makerere University and the School of Public Health in particular. Together, we are shaping health, empowering the future, and building a brighter tomorrow.

Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze
Professor and Dean, School of Public Health, Makerere University

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Mak Editor

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