Health
Four MakSPH Faculty inducted as Prestigious UNAS Fellows
Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The recipients are;
⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.
⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.
⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.
⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.
UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.
Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.
Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.
On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.
“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.
Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.
Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”
Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.
National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.
Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.
“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.
She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.
“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said
A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.
UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.
Health
Mak Staff Receive Prestigious International “Future of the Field” Recognition in Global Research Administration Class of 2026.
Prof. David Guwatudde, Principal Investigator (centre), and Dr. Justine Bukenya with researchers and stakeholders at the ARISE-NUTRINT dissemination meeting in Iganga, 1 October 2026.
Adolescence is a consequential period for health, when diets, behaviours and other risks can form and persist into adulthood. In Mayuge District, new evidence from Makerere University School of Public Health is showing how some of these early vulnerabilities could contribute to the later risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and what can change when interventions begin early.
The evidence comes from the ARISE-NUTRINT project, a three-year EU-funded study led by Prof. David Guwatudde and Dr. Justine Bukenya. The project examines health and behavioural risks among adolescents and young adults, with a particular focus on nutrition-related NCD risks, and tests interventions designed to improve nutrition fluency and diet quality.
The work comes against a substantial NCD burden in a country where 73.2% of the population is below 30. WHO estimates that NCDs accounted for 42.2% of deaths in Uganda in 2023, while the country’s latest national NCD risk-factor survey found significant risk factors persisting in the population, with little overall change from the previous survey in 2014. Together, the evidence strengthens the case for prevention much earlier in life.
“There is strong evidence from literature demonstrating that most behavioral NCD risk factors, including nutrition-related, are established during childhood, persisting into adulthood. This may lead to development of actual NCDs if such risks are not reversed early,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
The study, he explained, linked assessment of young people’s health risks with developing responses suited to their circumstances. Since enrolling 1,206 participants aged 10–24 in Mayuge District in March 2024, the team has conducted three annual rounds of data collection, with young people and local stakeholders also helping evaluate interventions to reduce the risks identified.
A problem that starts early
The findings, shared with community and district stakeholders in Iganga on October 1, 2026, show that some vulnerabilities were already evident at baseline. Nearly one in three participants had anaemia, 49% had low nutrition literacy, while about one in ten reported symptoms of anxiety and a similar proportion reported depressive symptoms.
Anaemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen around the body, was highest among the youngest participants. Overall, 375, or 31%, had anaemia, rising to 35.7 per cent among 10–14-year-olds, compared with 18.9% among those aged 15–19 and 10.6 per cent among young adults aged 20–24.
Nutrition presented another challenge. At baseline, 49% of participants had low nutrition literacy and 13% had poor overall diet quality. Low nutrition literacy was associated with more than four times the odds of poor diet quality.
Gaps also emerged in sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour. About 14 per cent of participants did not know that HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing food with a person living with HIV, 10% believed a condom could be used more than once, and 13 per cent did not know pregnancy could occur during first sexual intercourse. Among 168 participants who reported having had sex, more than half reported using no method to prevent pregnancy during their first or most recent sexual intercourse.
Mental health findings added another dimension. Anxiety symptoms were reported by 10 per cent of participants, depressive symptoms by 9.5% and loneliness by 6.3 per cent. Among 534 participants aged 13–24 assessed for suicidal ideation, 1.9% reported suicidal thoughts.
Together, the baseline findings show that vulnerabilities extended beyond any single health issue. For nutrition, the study went further to examine what shaped everyday food choices and whether those influences could be changed.
Nutrition literacy goes beyond knowing which foods are healthy. It includes understanding nutrition information and applying it to everyday choices. The study found those choices were also shaped by parents, peers, food vendors, culture, prices, seasons, and what was available locally. Improving diets, therefore, required reaching beyond individual knowledge to the households and communities where food choices are made.
What early action changed
The baseline evidence informed the Adolescent Nutrition Fluency Intervention. Working with adolescents and young adults, caregivers, Community Health Workers (CHWs), district teams and other stakeholders, the project adapted nutrition messages to local foods, language and household realities. Ten trained CHWs delivered nine monthly household sessions covering balanced diets, physical activity, vitamins and minerals, meal planning and anaemia prevention.
The household approach reached young people in and out of school. The nutrition literacy, diet-quality and intervention analyses form part of the PhD research of Mr. Thomas Buyinza, supported through ARISE-NUTRINT. At endline, participants who received the sessions recorded higher nutrition literacy and overall diet-quality scores.
“The improvement in nutrition literacy and diet quality suggests that practical education, grounded in local foods and household realities, can support healthier choices among adolescents and young adults. In addition, involving parents and caregivers is important because they influence what families buy, prepare, and eat,” Dr. Bukenya said.
She stressed that nutrition education needed to be complemented by better access to affordable, nutritious foods. Dr. Bukenya also called for continued follow-up, including the use of nutrition and dietary data from DHIS2, to assess whether improvements were maintained and guide district planning.
Changes in other outcomes were mixed. Participants reporting no physical activity fell from 22.6% to 7.4%, while those active on four to seven days a week increased from 46% to 54.8%. But activity duration did not improve: those reporting more than 60 minutes a day declined from 28.2% to 21.1%. Underweight fell modestly from 6.2% to 5%, while overweight and obesity did not change significantly.
Anaemia recorded the largest change, falling from 31.1% before the intervention to 9.9% afterwards. During the intervention period, participants received weekly iron and folic acid supplementation and deworming alongside nutrition education on iron-rich foods, dietary diversity and practices that improve iron absorption.
Mayuge District’s Assistant District Health Officer, Ms. Elizabeth Kawaala, said the findings reflected problems recognised locally and highlighted the need for a response involving families and other stakeholders.
“There is a serious challenge that needs to be tackled with many stakeholders, with parents at the centre because these are children. We also learnt that many parents, I think, lack the skills to communicate with their adolescents,” she said.
She said the findings had been shared with colleagues and described integrating health education and sensitisation into services. She also called for departments to use the evidence when planning activities in their workplans.
Beyond Mayuge
Seen alongside Uganda’s 2023 STEPS survey, the Mayuge findings add an earlier-life dimension to the national evidence. Makerere University School of Public Health contributed to both studies, with Prof. Guwatudde contributing to the national STEPS survey and now leading ARISE-NUTRINT. While STEPS found significant NCD risk factors persisting among adults, ARISE-NUTRINT shows that some behaviours and vulnerabilities relevant to later NCD risk are already evident during adolescence and young adulthood. The Mayuge research goes further by testing what can change when interventions begin during this period.
The findings leave Mayuge with more than a measure of the problem. They show where vulnerabilities are emerging, what changed when interventions were introduced and where challenges remain. For ARISE-NUTRINT, the evidence now turns attention to which approaches can be sustained and how lessons from Mayuge can inform efforts to support healthier transitions from adolescence into adulthood.
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