New students joining Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) have been urged to embrace responsibility, discipline, integrity and hard work as they embark on their journey towards becoming healthcare professionals. 

The call was made during the opening session of the college’s orientation programme that began on the 4^th August and will conclude on 7^th August 2026. During the session, College leaders including the Principal and Deans welcomed students admitted to study various programmes at MakCHS. The speakers outlined expectations for academic and professional conduct. 

The session was moderated by Professor Mark Kaddu, Deputy Dean-School of Medicine. Welcoming the freshers, he stressed the importance of hard work highlighting that ‘your academic documents will speak for you and excellence will open doors’.

The college leaders congratulated the students on securing admission to Makerere University, noting that many qualified applicants were unable to secure places. They encouraged the new entrants to make the most of the opportunity by committing themselves to excellence from the first day. The students were reminded that programmes offered by the college are rigorous full-time courses that demand commitment, discipline and consistency.

In his remarks, Professor Bruce Kirenga – Principal, MakCHS welcomed the new entrants and provided an overview of the College’s rich history, highlighting its growth and commitment to excellence in health professionals’ education. The Principal reaffirmed the college’s mission of impacting the national health agenda through transformational teaching, research and innovation for societal development. Students were encouraged to embrace the wide range of career pathways and professional opportunities available upon qualification, emphasizing that their training would equip them to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Stressing the importance of mind-set change which has also been introduced as a crosscutting course, the Principal urged the students to cultivate discipline, resilience, professionalism, and a passion for lifelong learning. “The journey you have embarked on is challenging, but it is achievable,” the Principal noted, reminding the students that many graduates before them successfully completed the programme through dedication and hard work. The address concluded with a call for the new students to remain focused, work diligently, and strive for academic excellence as they prepare to become the next generation of healthcare professionals who will transform their communities.

Professor Annettee Nakimuli, Dean – School of Medicine encouraged students to work collaboratively rather than viewing learning as a competition. She urged them to form productive study groups, support one another and take advantage of opportunities for mentorship, research and international exchange programmes available through the college. “We are here to support you throughout your journey,” she told the students, adding that strong academic performance could open doors to international exchanges, postgraduate training and research collaborations with universities around the world.

Professor Nakimuli warned students against academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, falsification of academic records and illegal programme changes. She cautioned that such misconduct could lead to dismissal from the university, even after several years of study. Students were further advised to be vigilant against fraudsters who promise to alter admission records or transfer students into different academic programmes through unofficial channels.

In his remarks, Dr. Richard Muhindo, Dean-School of Health Sciences highlighted the importance of personal responsibility and wellbeing beyond academics. He encouraged students to manage their time wisely, avoid drug and alcohol abuse, stay away from gambling and maintain healthy lifestyles throughout their studies. Dr. Muhindo emphasized the importance of professionalism, reminding students that healthcare careers are built on compassion, teamwork and service to humanity. He encouraged students from different programmes to learn together, respect one another’s professions and build networks that will benefit them throughout their careers.

In his address to the freshers, Dr. David Nono who represented Dr. Annet Kutesa, Dean – School of Dentistry, encouraged students to embrace the opportunities before them by working hard, maintaining discipline, and striving for academic excellence. He emphasised the importance of achieving a strong academic record, noting that outstanding performance opens doors to competitive opportunities and future specialisation. The Dean also urged students to pursue postgraduate studies, reminding them that the dental profession requires highly qualified specialists. Reflecting on his own academic journey, he shared how dedication and continuous learning enabled him to study and work internationally before returning to serve the University. He concluded by encouraging students to remain focused, respect University rules, support one another, and make the most of their time at the institution as they prepare for successful professional careers.

Representing the Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Professor Elisa Mwaka welcomed the freshers and congratulated them on earning admission to the College, urging them to embrace responsibility and discipline as they begin university life.  Introducing the School of Biomedical Sciences to students, he explained that it handles core foundational courses like Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, among others that support their academic journey. Professor Mwaka reminded students that success at university depends on personal responsibility, regular class attendance, effective time management, and organised study habits, emphasizing that attendance of at least 80 percent of lectures and practical sessions is required to qualify for examinations. He also encouraged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek guidance from their lecturers early rather than waiting until examination time, and urged them to be punctual, prepare adequately for classes.

Mental health featured prominently during the orientation. Leaders acknowledged that health sciences programmes can be stressful encouraging students experiencing emotional or psychological challenges to seek support early rather than suffering in silence. They also called on students to avoid stigmatizing colleagues facing mental health difficulties.

Students were also cautioned to safeguard their personal belongings, particularly phones and laptops, as they settle into campus life. Officials warned that new students are often targeted by thieves during the first weeks of the academic year.

The opening session for the 2026 orientation concluded with a message of encouragement, with MakCHS leaders expressing confidence that the students would develop into competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare professionals capable of contributing to Uganda’s health sector and beyond.

The Orientation Programme continues until Friday, 7^th August, and all students were strongly encouraged to attend every session to give themselves the best possible start to their academic journey. Important topics to be covered include IT services, registration procedures, university policies, mental health and well-being, and awareness and prevention of sexual harassment. These sessions are designed to equip students with the knowledge and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

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Community-led innovations across Uganda are improving access to healthcare, reducing financial barriers and responding to needs that conventional services do not always reach. The Uganda Case Compendium 2026, published by the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Uganda Hub at Makerere University School of Public Health, documents these solutions, their results and opportunities for scale.

Established in 2017, SIHI Uganda identifies, studies and supports locally developed health innovations. By 2026, the Hub had documented 42 projects through research examining their impact, enabling factors and scalability. It has also convened seven national stakeholder workshops and established a fellowship programme that equips innovators with skills in project management, research, entrepreneurship, communication, fundraising and environmental impact assessment.

The compendium presents evidence of reach and impact. The Ishaka Health Plan has enrolled more than 5,000 people in community-based health insurance, enabling over 4,000 members to access healthcare annually. In Kiryandongo, the Opit Kic Widows Group trained 402 volunteers who have provided health information to more than 6,030 refugee and host-community households. Among people living with HIV who received group support psychotherapy, 98% were depression-free after six months. In Mayuge, two sickle cell clinics have been established, 12,500 children screened and 282 enrolled in continuing care, contributing to a reported 53% increase in enrolment.

Spanning maternal and child health, HIV, mental health, disability, gender-based violence, health financing, diagnostics and palliative care, the compendium provides evidence to inform investment, policy uptake and the responsible scale-up of locally grounded solutions.

Read the full report:

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Background

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellowships under the ACT-PREP Project, a five-year, Africa-led initiative funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking. The project seeks to strengthen sustainable, context-responsive research capacity for epidemic preparedness and response across sub-Saharan Africa.

Responsibilities

• Each fellowship is a full-time, 18-month appointment based at MakSPH in Kampala. Applicants must apply for one position only. Eligible candidates should be early-career researchers who are nationals of, or based in, sub-Saharan Africa and hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or have completed a post-Master’s Field Epidemiology Training Programme. Applicants should demonstrate a record of peer-reviewed publication and research dissemination. Experience in policy review, qualitative or mixed-methods research and stakeholder engagement is an advantage. Successful fellows will receive mentorship from senior researchers, collaborate with an international consortium of African and European institutions, and contribute to policy-relevant research on epidemic preparedness. A stipend commensurate with qualifications and experience will be provided. Applications should include a motivation letter of up to two pages, a two-page research concept, a detailed curriculum vitae with a publication list and contacts for at least two referees, and at least one recommendation letter.

Qualifications and Desirable Qualities

• Eligible candidates should be early-career researchers who are nationals of, or based in, sub-Saharan Africa and hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or have completed a post-Master’s Field Epidemiology Training Programme.

How to Apply

Submit applications to recruitment@musph.ac.ug by 7 August 2026, quoting “ACT-PREP Postdoc – Position 1 or 2” in the email subject line. Interviews are expected around 14 August 2026 in Kampala.

Qualified women and applicants from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Download the full call for detailed requirements and application guidance.

Application Deadline: August 07, 2026

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