Health
Mak and Karolinska to Continue Prioritising Sustainable Health
Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet Sweden have embarked on undertaking strategies aimed at ensuring that sustainable health becomes a priority on the global agenda. This was revealed during a high level meeting involving Makerere University Management and a delegation from the Karolinska Institutet Sweden, held on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at the Rotary Peace Centre Board Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the Vice President of Karolinska Institutet Prof. Martin Bergö and his delegation to Makerere University. Reflecting on Makerere University’s 100 year journey (1922-2022), the Vice Chancellor pointed out that the institution has been at the forefront of training human resources who have been key in the identification and finding solutions to various development challenges.
“Makerere is a very collaborative university. We have collaborations within Africa of course, most of our external collaborations are in Europe and the United States. Times Higher Education (THE) considers Makerere the most collaborative university on their database,” said Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Adding that; “We publish jointly with a professor at another university, more than any other university in the world, 167 MOUs signed in one year and quite a number of them are very active and particularly in the College of Health Sciences.”
Professor Nawangwe also expressed the government of Uganda’s support to the Makerere University’s research agenda through its funding commitments under the Research and Innovation Fund.“When the SIDA support was due to end, I accompanied the Swedish Ambassador to go and see our Minister of Education and Sports, who is our First Lady as well, and he told her, ‘Swedish support is going to end in two years. Is the government going to take over?’ And she said, ‘yes we shall.’ For the first time, the government committed an equivalent of about $8 million dollars every year for research at Makerere University. A lot of projects have been funded. There are more than 1,250 since the project started four years that have been funded. 39% of all the grants are going to health,” shared Prof. Nawangwe.
As Makerere University embraces the next century, Prof. Nawangwe said that partnerships with Karolinska Institutet will be leveraged to ensure that research in sustainable health takes centre stage. “Global Health is a major issue. The Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Health, which is a collaboration between Makerere University in Uganda and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden will be central in addressing global issues.”
In this regard, the Vice Chancellor implored the researchers at Makerere and Karolinska to explore bringing more academic disciplines on board including those in agriculture, food security, gender, architecture, to mention but a few, for a holistic approach. In the same vein, the Director of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Edward Bbaale proposed the need to include smart energy options, climate change, nutrition as well as the environment into sustainable health. For instance, how do nutritionists contribute to sustainable health?
Prof. Tobias Alfvén, a Pediatrician and Researcher at Karolinska Institutet, and Co-Chair of the CESH Working Group, underscored the fundamental role of the longstanding 20-year relationship between the two institutions and the dedicated teams involved in facilitating this work. Reflecting on the genesis of their collaboration, he explains, “We met just a month before the pandemic hit Sweden and Uganda, and we started collaboration; everything went online, and we started developing what became the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH). Without that long-term thinking and the good team already there, we would not have achieved that.”
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Co-Chair of the Centre’s Working Group informed the University Management and the visiting delegation that sustainable health involves humans, animals, and the environment. In this regard, the CESH has embraced a multi-disciplinary approach towards research by involving students from different disciplines. She pointed out that CESH has identified students from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (studying climate change) and those from MakSPH (Environmental Health Sciences) to form research teams that will provide solutions to global health issues.
The CESH Working Group’s three-year commitment to promoting sustainable health practices was emphasized by Prof. Wanyenze who also reported a notable shift in focus toward sustainable health during sessions of the World Health Summit held last year.
“We can work together and learn from each other and we can bridge those gaps and the challenges that are leaving some of these vulnerable groups behind. It might be refugees’ issues in Uganda, it might be other disadvantaged groups within Sweden, but we can learn from one another and be able to reach out to them,” Professor Rhoda Wanyenze.
She added that; “When we are thinking about our health and wellbeing today, we should not have the health and well-being of future populations because there are many things we do today to keep ourselves happy and healthy that will affect those that are coming after us.”
Dr. Roy Mayega, an alumnus of Karolinska Institutet and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH acknowledged Makerere University for valuing the partnership through funding research in sustainable health. He also pointed out that the research teams were discovering new issues such as gender and climate change in the realization of sustainable health.
On behalf of Karolinska Institutet, Prof. Martin Bergö thanked the Makerere University Management for the warm reception and the commitment to sustainable health. He mentioned that this was his first visit to Uganda and Makerere University. Acknowledging the partnership between both institutions for the last 22 years, Prof. Bergö who is the current Chairman of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health expressed delight at being part of this collaboration.
He noted that all crises, whether caused by pandemics, poverty, conflicts, or climate change, have an impact on both physical and mental health. He further noted that the link between human, animal, and plant health, known as “One health” increases the importance of collaborating and working together across borders and between different sectors of society.
Prof. Bergö nevertheless acknowledged that people are at the heart of collaborations. “However, partnerships are foremost between people”, he noted, before adding “Building equitable personal relationships and learning from one another. This is perhaps the most important objective of this visit!”
He commended CESH, whose evaluation of the first three years of operation 2021-2023 revealed that the Centre was well on its way to achieving the set objectives. CESH has to date developed four out of planned five tools for working with sustainable health, while the last one is being finalized. “The tools are being used in education and research and I am happy to learn that we are making an impact.”
Prof. Bergö equally commended Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the former President of Karolinska Institutet, Prof. Ole Petter Ottersen on co-authoring a publication defining sustainable health. Other co-authors included Rhoda Wanyenze, Tobias Alfvén, Rawlance Njejjo, Nina Viberg, Roy William Mayega, and Stefan Swartling Peterson.
“I have read it with much interest and see myself as an ambassador for spreading the concept in different contexts. I am pleased to understand that this definition is the point of departure for all activities devised and carried out by the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health” he said, adding that the Karolinska Institutet President, Annika Östman Wernerson is looking forward to visiting Makerere University this November.
During this interactive meeting, both institutions underscored the role of the library in advancing research and preservation of knowledge. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pointed that the Makerere University Library serves as a national reference library as well as a legal and United Nations repository. He therefore acknowledged the support received from NORAD and Sida in the professionalization of library services and making it a model library in Africa. Prof. Bergö mentioned that libraries are the guardians of knowledge and thanked the Vice Chancellor for inviting the University Librarian to the discussion.
Makerere University Management Members who attended the meeting included: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, University Librarian-Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Head of Advancement Office- Mr. Awel Uwihanganye, and Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms Ritah Namisango
The Karolinska Institutet delegation included; Head of the International Office-Erika Dabhilkar, Co-chair of CESH-Tobias Alfvén, International Coordinator-Monika Berge-Thelander, Project Coordinator-Nina Viberg, Member of CESH Steering Committee-Stefan Peterson Swartling, and Communications Officer-Kseniya Hartvigsson.
Teams Visit the Swedish Ambassador’s residence
While hosting the two institutions, H.E. Maria Håkansson, the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, emphasized the significant ties between the two nations and their respective peoples as key drivers for this 22 year-old partnership.
“Collaboration between Karolinska and Makerere is still one of the most important international flagships. Which I think says a lot of what has been built and what the relations that have been creating between institutions but of course also between people. Also, we all know individually what role the university researchers play in the country’s policy development,” said Amb. Håkansson
Adam Kahsai-Rudebeck, First Secretary – Deputy Head of Cooperation Health and Social Protection at the Swedish Embassy added “We look forward to just building upon the already established relationships and initiatives that are ongoing.”
A Video Highlighting the Visit
Photography and Video by Davidson Ndyabahika
Health
MakCHS 2026 Orientation begins: Freshers Urged to Prioritise Responsibility, Integrity and Academic Excellence
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 4th August and will conclude on 7th 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, 7th 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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