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
Business & Management
PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support
The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.
The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.
However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.
The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.
Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.
Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.
The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.
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