General
Makerere University Hospital Develops RTI Mobile App and Information Centre
Makerere University students, staff and the general public will have easy and free access to Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) health services courtesy of a new mobile application developed by Makerere University Hospital.
The Mak RTI mobile App launched on Friday 3rd May 2024 can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store. The App enables users to learn more about reproductive tract infections, chat with the health care providers, book an appointment with a doctor as well as access other health services.
Makerere University Hospital has also established the RTI Information Centre dedicated to addressing matters pertaining to reproductive tract infections among Ugandans. To supplement the RTI App, Mak hospital has established an RTI clinic which will be open every Monday to provide services to those in need.
In Uganda, a number of people from the age of 15 to 49 years suffer from Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs). RTIs are defined as infections of the genital organs and include Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), endogenous infections and iatrogenic infections. Endogenous infections such as vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis are not sexually transmitted and can occur among people who have never had a sexual relationship. On the other hand, iatrogenic infections are caused by organisms introduced into the genital tract while doing improper medical procedures for instance unsafe abortions. Research at all levels indicates that if left untreated, RTIs are harmful to a person’s body and can lead to complications some of which may manifest later in life.
According to Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Director of Makerere University Hospital and the Principal Investigator of this research project, some of the symptoms of RTIs such as itching in the private body parts and/or experiencing pain when urinating, and/or severe pain during one’s menstrual cycle seem minor, but once left untreated, they advance into health complications such as blocking the fallopian tubes, affecting the ovary and womb, infertility among women, failure of the urinary system and in some cases cancer.
Prof. Byamugisha revealed that the Mak RTI App was developed to address the information gap on RTIs among the community. He observed that some Ugandans (15-49 years), do not have access to the right information about RTIs while others fear to talk about these types of infections because they affect reproductive organs or private body parts. He also mentioned the stigma associated with such diseases for instance referring to them as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and yet some of them even attack young people who have never had sexual relations. For example, Syphilis can be transmitted from the mother to the unborn child. Prof. Byamugisha pointed out that to avoid the stigmatization, such infections are better classified as Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs).
To address the information gap on RTIs, the Principal Investigator Prof. Byamugisha together with a team of researchers from other disciplines at Makerere University wrote a concept which they submitted to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) funded by the Government of Uganda. Upon receipt of the funding, the research project team embarked on the development of the Mak RTI App and Mak RTI Information Centre. The Project Research team consists of: Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Dr. Edith Nakku Joloba, Mr. Rogers Kamulegeya, Ms. Ritah Namisango, Dr. Solomon Aleper, Dr. Mukasa David Christopher and Dr. Hassan Mulema.
“We developed the app mainly to help the public access information about these infections. We feel this information should reach many people and that is why we found it wise to have the Mak RTIs Information Centre,’’ the Principal Investigator said.
Prof. Byamugisha emphasized the need for individuals to seek medical care and treatment as soon as any symptom related to RTIs is detected. He thanked the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) led by Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi for playing a central role in the development of the Mak RIT App.
The Mak RTI Information Centre and Mobile App were officially launched by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba represented by the Principal of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Prof. Damalie Nakanjako.
The DVCAA commended the Director, Makerere University Hospital for bringing on board a multi-disciplinary research team to address the information gap on RTIs and health services in general. He also applauded the University Hospital for continuously coming up with health products and innovations in line with the University’s digitalization agenda. He underscored that the Mak RTI App and Mak RTI Information Centre would enable students, staff and the public to access the right information on RTIs and health services in general from any part of the country.
“As I launch the Mak RTI Information Centre and Mak RTI App, I am pleased to note that most disciplines such as health, social sciences, gender, communication and the media have participated in the processes leading to this research output. Matters of health should not be left to the doctors alone. Health should be a matter of concern for all of us. We can never have perfect health if we do not collaborate and bring different teams together,” said the Principal.
Prof. Nakanjako said the College of Health Sciences takes the lead in the utilisation of government funds to support research and innovation at Makerere University. She congratulated the Mak Hospital, which is under the College of Health Sciences, for conducting the research and coming up with the Mak RTI App.
She further highlighted that the College of Health Sciences exists to provide transformative education and research to meet societal needs. “Research is mainly to solve problems in the community, therefore, the Mak RTI App and Information Centre is an example of research that supports the community,” she elaborated. She appreciated the Ministry of Health for continually working with the College of Health Sciences to advance research in Uganda and beyond.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi, Assistant Commissioner Reproductive and Infant Health, applauded the Makerere University Hospital, the research team and DICTS for developing the Mak RTI App. “In this digital era, this is what is expected. The young people are more digitally oriented. I also commend the shift from the term STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) to RTI (Reproductive Tract Infections),” he said.
Dr. Mugahi expressed the readiness of the Ministry of Health to integrate the Mak RTI App into its digital products and services. He indicated that the Ministry of Health already has a hotline, and this would be linked with the University Hospital RTI App.
Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer, and a Member of the Research team re-affirmed that the Mak RTI App presents a convenient and user friendly approach for students, staff and general hospital to access health services at the University Hospital. She urged all attendees to share information about the Mak RTI app widely so that it can reach everyone in need of RTI services.
On behalf of DICTS, Mr. Juma Katongole, the Principal Information Systems Administrator said that the development of the Mak RTI App is anchored in the DICTS mandate of working with the different units at the University to optimize and automate all university business processes/services. Mr. Katongole also assured the student leaders who attended the launch that the information received through the Mak RTI App will be treated with confidentiality and accessed by only the University Medical Team with the mandate to attend to students, staff and the public in general.
Responding to questions from student leaders from the respective Colleges and Halls of Residence, the Mak RTI Project Coordinator Dr. Hassan Mulema emphasized that the App is very secure and as such, users should not be worried about any information leakages. The medical team at Makerere University Hospital will continue to uphold matters of privacy, confidentiality and the ethical standards that govern the medical profession when using the Mak RTI App to provide services to students, staff and the general public.
The Mak Students’ Guild who attended the launch appreciated the University Hospital for coming up with the Mak RTI App, which is bringing the health services closer to the people. The student leaders pledged to popularize the Mak RTI App to the University community.
The launch of the Mak RTI App that was witnessed by medical practitioners, the Ministry of Health, Mak Student Leaders, Public Relations Office, DICTS, Journalists and staff from Makerere University Hospital was moderated by Ms Ritah Namisango assisted by Dr. David Mukasa.
Important notes: The Mak RTI App is a one-stop center for reproductive tract infection and other health services available at Makerere University hospital. The app enables users easily talk to medical officers for any services they may be in need of. The app is currently available for android users and can be downloaded on the Google Play Store using this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makererehospital.rti
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.
Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.
He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.
Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.
She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.
During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.
The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.
The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).
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