Health
Responsive Culture, Partnerships, and Research Ethics Emphasized at CARTA’s APAS Workshop in Kampala
KAMPALA—Researchers in African Universities have been urged to cultivate a Responsive Culture, create, maintain, and strengthen collaborations, and uphold Research Ethics. In the CARTA programme, Participants explore the requirements for successful research in African universities, including researcher training based on global best practices. They also define and address knowledge management as the process of generating and sharing information; demonstrate the positive linkages between quality research and sustainable development in Africa.
These issues featured prominently at the CARTA’s APAS Workshop in Kampala, a week-long training for Academic, Professional, and Administration Staff (APAS) and Trainers of Trainers (ToTs). It is organized by Makerere University and the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).
Dr. John Bosco Isunju, the CARTA Focal Person, and iCARTA Project lead at Makerere University, highlighted the Workshop’s Goal of fostering a responsive culture among Universities and Research Institutions Staff. By examining the efficiency of governance structures and processes that support research and graduate training in African Universities and Research Institutions. The CARTA programme seeks to create an environment conducive to the success of early-career and seasoned researchers.
Therefore, a total of 57 Participants and 14 Facilitators from across Africa are convening in Kampala to train on research systems, policies, and processes. The Participants are from Makerere University in Uganda; Moi University and University of Nairobi in Kenya; Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan, Nigeria; University of Rwanda, Rwanda; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Malawi. Further, Participants were drawn from Research Institutions including the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), Kenya; Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa; and Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania.
The CARTA APAS Workshop was conducted in 3 days for all Participants; and an additional 2 days for the Training of Trainers (ToTs), from August 12th to 16th August 2024, at Makerere University, School of Public Health – ResilientAfrica Network (MakSPH-RAN), Plot 28, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala, Uganda. At the end of the training, Participants were awarded Certificates and urged to cascade the knowledge and skills acquired in their respective institutions.
At the opening session, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, a Professor and Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), emphasized the importance of collaborations in research among African academics.
She noted that over the past five years, MakSPH has collaborated with partners across 25 African countries, indicating a vast network of research partnerships. Dr. Wanyenze also expressed hope that Participants will leave the training with new partnerships and networks, further emphasizing the goal of fostering collaboration among attendees.
“Partnership is very important and I hope as we are here, we will be networking so that at the end of the APAS training, as we leave we will maintain the partnerships and continue to forge networks with researchers we haven’t worked with before. That will hopefully be one of the outcomes of us working together during this APAS Training,” said Professor Wanyenze.
Over the years, Makerere University has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with APHRC. According to Dr. Wanyenze, there is a need to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder productivity and collaboration in African Universities and Research Institutions needed to improve the university research ecosystem, with a key focus on students.
She further noted that; “Students are critical in the research ecosystem. They are smart; they have ideas, especially when we give them space and when they know that their views matter. We need to create an environment where students can communicate freely what they think works without feeling shy and thinking that you’re going to throw it back at them, and make them feel uncomfortable in our Universities.”
Dr. Anne Nangulu, a Professor of Economic History and Principal of Bomet University College (a Constituent College of Moi University) who is also the Focal Point for CARTA at Moi University, believes it is vital for university officials to be proactive and plan ahead of time to execute their academic and research related duties and responsibilities. Prof. Nangulu, re-echoed Prof. Wanyenze, encouraged faculty to delegate some of their duties to students; early career academic and administrative staff as part of mentorship especially at postgraduate level.
Prof. Nangulu further noted that; “We might be a little selfish when funds arrive in small amounts. You want to accomplish everything such as data collecting, analysis and dissemination. Think about collaborative research by incorporating early career staff as well. Also, please update your resume today, keep it online, and keep it current. It is part of leadership in promoting institutional and individual visibility in the global space.”
Dr. Joseph Gichuru Wang’ombe, a career development expert and Deputy Executive Director at APHRC, emphasized the need for greater participation in high-quality research and urged participants to actively develop research capacity.
“If you believe in something and put it into your mind and heart, it can be realized. The research and good quality research have to be done by more and more people, and that means that we are building capacity and enabling many others to do research.”
In addition, he stated that workshops emphasize the value of a supportive network of research administrators, clear distinctions between functionaries, the need for funding, mainly from African governments, and technology transfer for the continent.
“To appreciate that it is more than simply the research; it is also about what happens in the library. It is what happens in the Registrar’s and bursar’s offices. We are very happy to see people from many sections of our universities come together. One of the most amazing things we have noticed with CARTA APAS programme is that personnel in Universities as well as research institutions can come from the same institution and not know each other. They meet for the first time but the silos are broken when they return, you’ll notice they’ve discovered new collaboration methods,” said Dr. Gichuru.
Dr. Akinyinka Omigbodun, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, believes that; Everyone in the university research ecosystem is essential and that institutions must try to use the multi-disciplinarity and expertise of their human resources to build better research environments.
He further emphasized that; “Let us all work as a group. If you observe soccer players, they are part of a team, but they also work in groups. You have the attackers, midfielders, and the defense. You will find that even defenders score goals. The attackers go back to defend when the team is under pressure. Thus, we all must learn to appreciate and do work as teams as well as groups; that way, we can achieve more in African Universities and Research Institutions.”
Started in 2007/2008, CARTA, a Consortium of eight African Partner Universities, four Research Institutions, and Eight non-African Partner Institutions has been led jointly by the African Population and Health Center, Kenya, and the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Every year, CARTA facilitates APAS Workshops to strengthen the capacity of institutional functionaries. The iCARTA Project at Makerere University (a NORHED II grant from NORAD), and the Global Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) through CARTA funded the Workshop. This programme seeks to inspire Participants to improve commitment to institutional systems and drive transformation to attain world-class research in African Universities and affiliated research institutions.
In sum, CARTA works as a collaborative arrangement to support sustainable development of a vibrant African Academy able to lead world-class multidisciplinary research that positively impacts public and population health.
Through a European Union (EU) funded initiative, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital are hosting a German oncology reconstruction specialist Professor Dr. Thiha AUNG. AUNG is a surgeon, trainer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), and researcher on cancer from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
With his international expertise in oncology and medical management roles at his home institution, his visit is a valuable addition to Uganda’s capacity building efforts in medical advancement.
Prof. Aung who arrived in Uganda in late September 2026 and has since then conducted free identified patient specialised surgeries and training for locals. These are expected to span two weeks. For the period, his service intersects medical expertise and humanitarian efforts.
This is not Prof. Aung’s first time in the country; his first major visit was in 2023, when he performed life-changing free surgeries on early patients. He then made medical history in June 2024 when he arrived to perform Africa’s first-ever lymph node transplant at Mulago Hospital.
It was against this background that the Makerere Public Relations Office engaged him in an exclusive interview to share his philosophy on medical service, his experiences in oncology reconstruction, and his unwavering belief that passion and dedication rather than just resources are the true drivers of sustainable medical progress.
Transforming Lives Through Oncology Reconstruction
At the heart of his mission through the ERASMUS – Oncology/Lymphedema project, is the treatment of lymphedema, a condition often referred to as elephantiasis.
In Europe, such surgeries can cost between 80,000 and 100,000 euros, making them inaccessible to many.
Thankfully, Professor and his team, including some of his post graduate students like Anna Friedrich (B.Sc) and Sophia Waser (B.Sc., PA) from the Institute of Medical Science and Engineering, have once again brought this specialised care to Uganda pro bono.
He highlights the story of a teacher who, after receiving surgery, regained her quality of life and returned to the classroom. For him, the impact is exponential. “You change one life, but this person changes a lot in the community.”
This shift from individual surgery to the long-term wellbeing of the community, reinforces the local impact of these services.
Professor AUNG’s Personal Conviction
The professor confessed that inherently, he commands himself that beyond knowledge, true progress is driven by passion and will rather than resources.
He does not agree with those that think money and resources are the sole prerequisite for change in the medical world, stating, “you cannot change with money only.” Rather, he upholds the importance of personal decision and commitment.
When discussing the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, he maintains a simple, direct explanation “it’s always beyond the money.”
Ultimately, the Professor believes that if he can provide the spark, his students and patients can carry through with the same flame for significant change.
Motivation to Serve in Uganda
When asked about his inspiration for entering the field and now volunteering to work in Uganda, he explained that his primary goal was always to serve others. “That’s why I finished my medical school to help as many people as possible with my skills.”
He views his medical expertise not as a tool for the privileged, but as a universal resource., “People are all the same, their anatomy is the same. So, I can help all these people pretty well,” Prof AUNG remarked.
His approach is motivated by a pay it forward dogma where treating a single patient creates a broader societal benefit. He illustrates this through his work with patients who, after surgery, are able to return to their professions like the teacher earlier mentioned.
Tips for Medical Professionals working in Uganda
As a foundation for professional growth, the Professor advised medical professionals working in Uganda to prioritise genuine interest in their work because he believes it is “the most important…” for “if you are interested, you will go far in the profession.”
He further reinforced the human capacity point, noting, “no matter what kind of equipment you have… it all depends on the people operating them and the patient.”
Professor AUNG concluded by encouraging doctors to overcome resource fears through action, stating, “If you want to create impact or change, you do.”
Dr. AUNG is part of the Lymphoedema Warriors Association (LWAU) in Uganda. He describes it as a grassroots organisation and commends them for “leveling the grond”. He reiterated his commitment to work with the organisation in reviewing patient reports to determine the best course of treatment.
Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH) showcased research, training and international partnerships supported through European Union funding during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026 held at Makerere University.
The fair brought together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and development partners to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation and international collaboration, while celebrating 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
Through its exhibition, MakSPH highlighted research and capacity building initiatives addressing public health challenges including infectious diseases, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and pandemic preparedness.
18 EU funded projects supported at MakSPH
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Students, School of Public Health, said the School has benefited from 18 EU funded projects over the past five years, supporting research and training across several areas of public health.
She said the projects have contributed to the training of PhD researchers and the development of research addressing infectious diseases and prevention, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and health.
Prof. Wanyenze also highlighted a new five year programme which started in 2021 that is aiming at strengthening capacity for research on pandemic preparedness and response, including outbreaks such as Ebola.
Another programme being undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Karolinska Institute focuses on improving maternal health while also addressing adolescent pregnancy and the health of mothers and children.
She described partnerships as critical to advancing science and innovation, noting that collaboration allows researchers in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and strengthen the impact of research on communities.
Research partnerships strengthen innovation
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase EU funded projects across the University.
He noted that the School of Public Health alone has more than 18 such projects, while other colleges also have several EU supported initiatives.
One of the projects showcased was PREPARE TID, a partnership aimed at developing rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging and re emerging infectious diseases.
Prof. Julius Okuni, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Molecular Diagnostics at Makerere University, said the project brings together universities, industries and other organisations from Africa and Europe.
The project is working to develop technologies that can quickly identify pathogens responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, Rift Valley fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to Prof. Okuni, Makerere is involved in field and laboratory work to test and refine the technologies before they can be delivered to end users.
Fair provides platform for research visibility
For researchers at MakSPH, the fair also provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of ongoing research and create new connections with researchers, policymakers and potential funders.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, said such exhibitions allow researchers to share their work and identify others working on related challenges.
He cited the CONNECT for Health project, which focuses on transforming non-communicable disease care in Uganda through collaboration with partners across several countries.
Dr. Tweheyo said exhibitions can help researchers connect with policymakers, civil society organisations and other partners who can contribute to translating research into practical solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Angelina Kakooza Mwesigye, Associate Professor and Child Neurologist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, also emphasised the importance of exposing young people to international research opportunities.
She said the long standing Uganda Europe partnership provides opportunities for the next generation of researchers to learn, build networks and prepare for future research collaborations.
The School of Public Health’s participation highlighted the role of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and developing evidence based responses to Uganda’s public health challenges.
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