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Meet Laura Silovsky, a Makerere University Graduate with Refugee Roots Bridging Continents

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On Tuesday January 14, 2025, under the radiant rays of the Ugandan sun, Laura Silovsky crossed the stage at Makerere University’s 75th Graduation Ceremony to receive her master’s degree in Public Health Disaster Management (MDM). Hers is a story of passion, dedication, and curiosity to rewrite the narrative of global education. Among 1,813 master’s graduates, Laura’s story stood out, as a blend of refugee roots, firefighting bravery, and a drive to decolonize learning.

Laura’s journey began long before her arrival in Kampala. Born in the UK to a father who fled from Czechoslovakia’s dictatorship in the 1970s, she grew up understanding displacement intimately. “My father was a refugee. Why would I fear refugees?” she once asked during her research fieldwork in Uganda’s West Nile, where her empathy bridged divides.

“People in Uganda may not expect that a muzungu could be the child of a refugee, but my family experienced displacement from (what was then) Czechoslovakia as well as the effects of the protracted conflict in Northern Ireland. Fortunate to have been born in the UK, I was raised to appreciate that disasters can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime.

After studying Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh, I worked on a behavior change project tackling non-communicable diseases in Scotland,” Laura says.

Laura Silovsky outside MakSPH on graduation day. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, CoBAMS, CHS and CoNAS. 14th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Laura Silovsky outside MakSPH on graduation day.

Her journey twisted through battling Australia’s bushfires and volunteering in a COVID pandemic, but it was Uganda’s welcoming refugee policies and Makerere University’s academic excellence that pulled her in next.

“In 2020, I relocated to Australia, just after the worst bushfires since records began and before the COVID-19 pandemic. The following two years, I qualified as a firefighter and supported bushfire recovery by volunteering with a community-based organization. After gaining some insight into these different disasters, I made the decision to return to higher education, and so I applied for the MDM programme at Makerere in 2022,” says Laura.

Armed with experience in emergency response, Laura was drawn to the field’s multidisciplinary nature and was convinced she needed to expand her expertise beyond immediate recovery efforts. She aimed to explore the full disaster management cycle and the intricate connection between health and environment.

“I needed to combine gaining academic knowledge with developing practical skills, so the field placement offered within the master’s degree in Public Health Disaster Management programme was a major motivator for me,” she shared.

The love for Uganda

Studying at the University of Edinburgh, Laura took a class in Kiswahili, that included a field-based short course on the Tanzanian shores of Lake Victoria. This experience sparked a desire to spend more time in the region, but she knew she needed to expand her skill set in order to genuinely add value to an organisation, if she was on the continent.

“I hoped studying at an East African university would teach me invaluable soft skills needed to work more effectively as an international team member. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has a strong reputation, and I wanted to study somewhere that was locally grounded but globally recognized. Uganda’s progressive refugee policies were an added incentive to learn from experts here,” Laura says.

Laura’s intentional choice to decolonize her education

“I came to Uganda to learn from the experts here,” Laura declared, rejecting Eurocentric frameworks. “A big factor for me wanting to study at Makerere University was to decolonize my education, to recognize that the knowledge about responding to public health disasters and supporting refugees is here in Uganda,” she says.

She adds, “When I first arrived, I was quite vocal with my classmates about wanting to challenge that bias and truly acknowledge the wealth of knowledge within institutions like Makerere. The expertise here is invaluable, and I was intentional about decolonizing my education.”

Laura Silovsky with some of the 2022 MDM cohort outside MakSPH building after an exam. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, CoBAMS, CHS and CoNAS. 14th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Laura Silovsky with some of the 2022 MDM cohort outside MakSPH building after an exam.

At MakSPH, Laura immersed herself in courses like epidemiology, struggled briefly with statistics, but thrived on critical discussion groups and consultation with lecturers.

Collaborating with classmates from Uganda and across East Africa, she learned Luganda phrases and Somali proverbs, and built a “family” united by late-night study sessions and shared ambitions.

Beyond expectations

For Laura, studying at MakSPH was the best decision she could have made. She is still struck by the faculties’ wealth of academic and professional experience in public health and disaster management.

“I anticipated the programme would focus on applying the knowledge we gain to real-world scenarios. Of course, there were cultural differences that took me time to adjust to. I am grateful to faculty members such as Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach, for his dedication and support, Prof. Elizeus Rutembemberwa for leading by example and valuing students’ time, and Dr. Justine Bukenya and Dr. Simon Kibira for offering their extensive support as my dissertation supervisors.”

The Fieldwork Attachment that Transformed Laura’s Research Experience

At Rhino Camp refugee settlement in West Nile, Laura’s work took on new meaning. Partnering with the Uganda Red Cross Society, she helped digitize data tools and walked long distances through Tika Zone, inspecting latrines and speaking with South Sudanese girls about their challenges in managing their menstrual health through their project that focused on schools.

Laura Silovsky conducting focus group discussions in a school in Rhino Camp in Northern Uganda with a team from the Uganda Red Cross Society. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, CoBAMS, CHS and CoNAS. 14th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Laura Silovsky conducting focus group discussions in a school in Rhino Camp in Northern Uganda with a team from the Uganda Red Cross Society.

“That experience in West Nile influenced my own research ideas, and it was a privilege to later return to Rhino Camp for data collection. I will always remember the long days walking with my research assistants through villages and being graciously welcomed by so many respondents,” she recalls, noting that the experiences crystallized her resolve to advocate for refugee dignity globally.

Life in Kampala  

Life in Kampala, with its vibrant energy and unique challenges, was truly a ‘full sensory experience’ for Laura. “My parents live in a small village, so Edinburgh felt like a big city when I moved there. And Edinburgh is much smaller and quieter than Kampala! But on weekends, I loved going downtown to shop at Owino Market or heading to Kyadondo Rugby Club for some pork.”

These spaces were perfect for Laura, offering new cultural experiences, including matooke, a starchy dish not found in the UK, which is mainly eaten in Uganda as a local delicacy and staple meal. Despite the differences in culture, sharing meals with classmates provided Laura with a comforting sense of connection.

Back to academics, navigating the university administrative processes wasn’t seamless initially for Laura, though. She says administrative hurdles such as paper-based systems, could change for the university to comfortably enjoy its strong reputation.

She recalls, right at the beginning, when she couldn’t find sufficient information online to support her to complete her application to join Makerere University. However, she later received support from the University’s International Office that deals with the welfare of international students.

Other university officials, from finance, librarians, program administrators, to academic registrars, played a key role in supporting her in her research and postgraduate training. “The system relies on dedicated individuals,” she noted, calling for digital reforms while praising MakSPH’s “atmosphere of innovation.”

“From my experience, such as when obtaining my transcript, the system relies heavily on individual staff members working around these administrative challenges. I’m grateful for those who helped me navigate this, and I’m interested to see how the university continues its digital transition, as it could greatly streamline processes in the future,” says Laura.

A Bittersweet Graduation Day

On graduation day, Laura’s pride mingled with melancholy. Watching families cheer on graduates, she reflected on classmates sidelined by finances or family crises.

Having gone through the course and interacted with Ugandan students, Laura hints on the common financial and personal challenges preventing many from graduating: family illness, new children, sponsorship falling through.

“I know so many of my classmates had worked so hard and were almost over the finish line but, due to financial challenges or other commitments at home, it wasn’t possible for them to graduate this year,” she says.

“For me, I was able to make the choice to pursue this program before having children, so I had fewer responsibilities at home, and I had also been saving for many years to get the money to pay tuition. Because I knew I had the money for tuition before I started, I could focus on studying. As you know, the reality for many people is that that’s not always possible.

“Small supports can transform student experiences,” Laura emphasized, advocating for systemic empathy. She sees great potential for more pastoral support at the university, citing peers from UCU and Kyambogo who benefited from accommodations like private breastfeeding spaces and flexible deadlines in special circumstances. Such initiatives, alongside financial aid, could significantly improve student welfare.

Still, the ceremony’s electric energy—watched via livestream by her parents in Europe—symbolized hope. “Uganda taught me that collaboration transcends borders,” she reflected.

Laura Silovsky (Right) at the graduation ceremony alongside fellow graduands Juma Said Tusubila and Ssali Abdallah Yahya. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, CoBAMS, CHS and CoNAS. 14th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Laura Silovsky (Right) at the graduation ceremony alongside fellow graduands Juma Said Tusubila and Ssali Abdallah Yahya.

“You could feel this sense of how hard everyone had worked to reach up to that point and that this was really an opportunity for them to celebrate, particularly by having family and friends around to be able to see. I love the PhD awards, when you see the PhD students coming out and their families rushing up to greet them. To me, that’s the best part of the ceremony, because a PhD requires so much work and commitment, and I think it’s really emotional to see everyone share this moment with their support networks,” she says.

Adding that; “…I was so grateful that the ceremony was streamed online. My family were watching live at home in Europe and it was so special that they could see me on camera and participate in the ceremony that way as well.”

Laura noted striking similarities between Makerere and Edinburgh’s ceremonies, especially the moment when students were asked to turn and thank their families, an emotional and powerful tradition.

Looking Ahead

Now in Tanzania, Laura eyes roles with international NGOs, armed with Ugandan-taught pragmatism and a zeal to challenge Europe’s refugee policies. “MakSPH gifted me more than a degree—it reshaped my worldview,” she says.

“As a muzungu with a Ugandan postgraduate education, I feel privileged to have benefitted from different educational perspectives, and I hope that the skills and knowledge I acquired during my time at Makerere will help me to secure a role with an international NGO. After witnessing the incredible support that Uganda provides to refugees, I also hope to advocate for more dignified policies concerning refugees in Europe,” she shares.

“There’s a spirit of innovation and dedication at Makerere, particularly when passionate lecturers like Prof. Orach, Dr. Roy Mayega, or Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa engaged students through discussion and sharing lived experiences. You could really see a different level of engagement within the students as well. Overall, I’ve had such a fantastic experience at Makerere University.”

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” she smiles.“Except maybe convince more Europeans to study here. Africa’s wisdom is the future.”

Davidson Ndyabahika

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MakCHS Orientation 2025: Students Advised to Set Goals and Keep Focused

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Some of the the students that attended the orientation session in the Davies Lecture Theater, on 5th August 2025. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) has welcomed 2025/2026 freshers admitted to the College at an orientation meeting held today, 5th August 2024. At the meeting, the College leadership led by Prof. Bruce J. Kirenga, Principal – MakCHS was joined by Dr. Rose Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) which is the largest clinical teaching site for MakCHS.

Prof. Bruce Kirenga, College Principal. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Bruce Kirenga, College Principal.

In his communication to the students, he welcomed them to MakCHS and congratulated them on joining the oldest medical school in Uganda and a leader in the region. ‘Celebrate your being here because many weren’t lucky even though they wanted to’, he said. Professor Kirenga also congratulated the students for joining the noble profession of health care and advised the students to work hard. Sharing the history of the College, he explained that while only medical assistants were trained when the Medical School was established in the 1920s, the College has grown to include various medical specialties. ‘We are currently working on creation of a borderless healthcare profession so that our products are accredited to work anywhere in the world’, the Principal added.

Some of the the students that attended the orientation session. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the the students that attended the orientation session.

Prof. Kirenga further advised students to know the various staff: academic, administrative and support who are all available to support them during their stay at Makerere University. ‘Avoid retakes, make studying a lifestyle so that you enjoy it and excel, don’t waste time with side hustles, concentrate on your studies and trust in God’, he added.

Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Princpal. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Princpal.

In his address to the freshers, Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Principal – MakCHS welcomed them to the College. ‘We are celebrating 100 years of existence, you are therefore our centenary class. We are one of the best medical schools on the continent and you should be proud to join us’, Prof. Idro said.

He advised the students that they can be anything they dream to be, however it is not enough to dream but one must set goals and be willing to work hard to achieve them. Prof. Idro further encouraged students to upgrade their dreams to ground-breaking level which will lead to innovations to solve health challenges. The Deputy Principal highlighted the following issues as they prepare to join their chosen professions: soft skills like speaking and writing are important; create networks and friendships which you will find useful in the future; engage beyond medicine and academics; seek out mentors; present the best of yourself and don’t procrastinate. He also underlined the following as dream killers: laziness, cheating, drugs, and betting.

Dr. Rose Byanyima, ED Mulago National Referral Hospital. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rose Byanyima, ED Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Dr. Rose Byanyima, Executive Director – MNRH welcomed the students to the global profession of healthcare and advised them to find a balance between life and work balance. ‘Work hard, be smart and rise through the ladders and in years to come, you will serve in the offices we are today’, she added. She noted that when Mulago Hospital opened in the 1920s, the major problem was sexually transmitted infections but the hospital has grown into a big institution handling various specialities including organ transplant that started with kidneys.

Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Director Makerere University Hospital. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Director Makerere University Hospital.

In his remarks to the students, Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, faculty at MakCHS and Director – Makerere University Hospital (MakHosp) explained that the hospital is available to serve students and staff as well as the public. He highlighted the various services available including medical examination, vaccination, surgery, emergency services, radiology and radiology and many more. He encouraged the students to have identification to be able to access services. ‘Avoid alcohol, drugs, STIs and HIV which are bound to derail your academic journey and future’, he advised.

Dr. Annet Kutesa, Dean School of Dentistry. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Annet Kutesa, Dean School of Dentistry.

Deans of Schools present, Dr. Annet Kutesa (School of Dentistry), Prof. Elisa Mwaka (representing Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences) and Dr. Richard Muhindo (School of Health Sciences) also addressed the students. They welcomed them to the College with encouragement to work hard, approach staff when help is required, remain steadfast in their studies and be kind in healthcare when you eventually get to serve. The Deans also advised them to avoid drugs, seek help when you have mental health challenges, and work with colleagues for best results. ‘Further details about teaching and course content will be discussed at School and departmental levels’ the Deans said.

Prof. Elisa Mwaka, Head Human Anatomy represented Dean Biomedical Sciences. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Elisa Mwaka, Head Human Anatomy represented Dean Biomedical Sciences.

Orientation will continue till Friday, 8th August 2025 with students expected to meet department heads, course coordinators, librarians and registrars for further guidance and tours around the college.

Dr. Richard Muhindo, Dean School of Health Sciences. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) academic year 2025/2026 freshers orientation meeting, 5th August 2024, Davies Lecture Theater, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Richard Muhindo, Dean School of Health Sciences.

MakCHS offers study programmes including Medicine and Surgery, Dental Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, Optometry, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Technology, Speech and Language Therapy among others.

Zaam Ssali

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3rd Award Ceremony of the Paediatric Heamatology and Oncology Fellowship:  Profiles of the Fellows

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Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), established the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program to build capacity and strengthen care for children with cancer and blood disorders across the country and the region.

Since its inception in 2016, 24 pediatricians have been trained by the program and now serve as leaders in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology clinical services across ten hospitals in seven countries in Africa. This marks a remarkable transformation from just two trained paediatric oncologists in Uganda in 2016 and has contributed to significantly improved survival rates for children with cancer and blood disorders.

On the 30th July 2025, 16 Fellows of the PHO Fellowship received their awards after a two-year stint on the fellowship. Below are their profiles

2018/2020 Cohort

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Nana Nakiddu is a Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist and lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences/Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Her career focus is on developing innovative models for the delivery of childhood cancer survivorship care in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where cancer survivorship care is still in its early stages despite major advancements in access to diagnosis and treatment. Her ultimate career goal is to lead research and care initiatives for the growing population of childhood cancer survivors across Africa. She is passionate about sports and has represented Uganda internationally in swimming. As a qualified sports medicine physician, she contributes to the field both nationally and globally. She currently serves as the Secretary General of the Uganda Society for Sports Medicine and is the immediate past chairperson of the Uganda Olympic Committee’s Medical and Anti-Doping Commission.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Heronima Joas Kashaigili is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Bugando Medical Centre and a lecturer Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Mwanza Tanzania. She is the Assistant Head of Oncology Services and leads the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at Bugando Medical Centre. She is recognized nationally as a mentor and leader in advancing pediatric cancer care to improve survival outcomes through capacity-building initiatives.

Dr. Kashaigili earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences in 2009. She specialized in Pediatrics and Child Health at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College in 2017 and completed a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020 with support from the Texas Children’s Global HOPE program. She also has training and experience in clinical research and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Child Health (MSGCH).

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Deborah Omeddo is a Paediatric haematologist and oncologist at Kisii teaching and Referral hospital and an adjunct lecturer at both the Kenya Medical Training college and Kisii University in Kenya. She has practiced as a paediatrician for the last 15 years during which she has keenly participated in research and clinical care of children. She has a passion for childhood haematological care and especially in Sickle cell disease. She has been a keen advocate for access of affordable care for sickle cell disease patients and is a patron of a number of the Sickle cell disease foundations. She has served in the Kenya paediatric association board where she advocated for childhood malnutrition and access to nutritional supplements. She is a member of the Kenyan ministry of health technical working group on childhood cancer where she has participated in development of management policy and guidelines. Her career goal has been to improve the research and clinical management of Sickle cell and other haematological disorders among children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Anne Akullo is a Pediatric Hematologist and oncologist and the current President of the Uganda Pediatric Association. She is the Associate Director of Clinical Operations for the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE (TCH-GH) supported programs in Africa, where she leads the  Dissemination and Implementation Science program. She is passionate about advocacy for child health and uses the UPA platform to promote high-impact policies for child health initiatives, such as the scale-up of sickle cell disease care on a national scale. Dr. Akullo completed her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2005, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2014. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the same institution in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. In addition, she has training and experience in Project Management, Implementation Science, and child health advocacy.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Irene Nzamu is the Head the Pediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and an honorary lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics in the University of Nairobi. Dr. Nzamu chairs the Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee and is deputy chair of the Hospital Ethics Committee. Nationally, Dr. Nzamu is the paediatric lead in the Focal Team for the Kenya National Cancer Control Strategy, is a member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society. She has served as Treasurer in the Kenya Society of Hematology Oncology (KESHO).

She earned her both her undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Nairobi in 2005 and 2012 respectively. She completed the clinical fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2020. She is a graduate of the African Leadership University Public Sector leadership fellowship and has undertaken several trainings from the University of Washington. She is passionate about providing evidence-based childhood cancer care targeting to bridge the gap in survival for children in Low Middle-Income Countries.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Ankunda is a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist based at the Cancer Center of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Western Uganda. She previously served as a lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Kabale University. She has spearheaded numerous childhood cancer awareness campaigns and conducted research focused on understanding the reasons for treatment abandonment among children with cancer. Her research interest is in solid tumors with a focus on understanding their biology in sub-Saharan Africa and improving the survival of children affected by solid tumors.

Dr. Ankunda earned her medical degree from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2010, followed by a specialization in Paediatrics and Child Health at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 2017. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2020, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.

2019/2021 Cohort

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Innocent Adebayo graduated with a medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2006 and completed his residency in Paediatrics at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in 2018 with a Fellowship in Paediatrics (FMCPaed). Dr Adebayo’s completed his Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship Training in in 2021 from Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by the Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE program. He recently, in 2024, obtained a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in India/St Christopher’s Hospice in London, United Kingdom. Dr Adebayo’s areas of interest are newborn screening, disease severity and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Sickle Cell Disease.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Rizine Mzikamanda is a specialist consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi and Malawi National Cancer Center at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). He is the Medical Director of the Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence Program in Malawi.

Dr. Mzikamanda completed his medical degree at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences- KUHES) in 2010, specialization in pediatrics at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine and University of Pretoria in 2018, and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2021 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.

His vision is to become one of the leading clinical researchers in childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). He is interested in developing locally appropriate treatment strategies for children in SSA and leading clinical trials in childhood cancer in this region over the next 5-10 years. 

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Catherine Muendo is a paediatric haematologist and oncologist working at the paediatric hematology and oncology department in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. She is the head of unit at the Hemophilia comprehensive care centre at Kenyatta National Hospital. She is the vice chair of the Paediatric Hematology Oncology Society of Kenya.

She completed her medical degree at the University of Nairobi in 2010, and specialized training in paediatrics and child health at the University of Nairobi in 2017. She completed her paediatric hematology and oncology fellowship training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE in 2021

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Emma Nsalazi Bambi is a Congolese paediatrician and subspecialist in paediatric haematology and oncology, currently pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He holds a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health from Makerere University, Uganda, and completed fellowship training in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE.in 2021.Dr. Bambi began his medical career after obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from Goma University in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and specialized training in pediatrics and child health at Makerere University.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Annet Nakirulu completed her medical degree (MBChB) at Kampala International University in 2012, higher diploma in Paediatric palliative care at Mildmay Uganda in 2016, specialization in paediatrics at Uganda Martyrs University Post graduate School Nsambya in 2019 and pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in 2021

Dr. Annet Nakirulu is an associate consultant in Pediatric hematology at the Directorate of Pediatrics at Mulago National Referral Hospital. She provides evidence-based interdisciplinary medical care to children with sickle cell disease, plans and leads Paediatric Hematology Oncology education and outreach activities within the local and national community. She also participates in research, clinical quality improvement and program monitoring and evaluation activities for children with cancer and blood disorders at Mulago National Referral Hospital in collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital Global HOPE Program.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Moses Karashani began his medical journey at China Medical University, where he received comprehensive training in general Paediatrics and Child health. Driven by a passion for advancing care in childhood blood disorders, he pursued a fellowship in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences Texas Children’s Global HOPE, completing it in 2021

Currently, Dr. Karashani serves at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila campus in Tanzania. His clinical and research interests focus on the management of both benign and malignant haematologic conditions in children, aiming to improve outcomes through evidence-based approaches and targeted therapies. His work bridges the gap between bedside care and academic inquiry, making him a vital contributor to Tanzania’s growing Paediatric haematology and oncology landscape.

Cohort 2020/2022

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Rose Munge is the Head of Unit -Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) and a lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics at Mount Kenya University. Dr. Munge played a key role in establishing paediatric oncology services at KUTRRH, culminating in the successful commissioning of the unit in 2024. She is also an active member of the Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group on Childhood Cancer and is actively involved in the establishment of the Kenya Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Society. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nairobi in 2008 and completed specialized training in paediatrics at the same institution in 2015. In 2023, she completed a clinical fellowship in paediatric haematology and oncology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. She also holds additional training in healthcare leadership from the University of Washington. Dr. Munge is passionate about expanding local fellowship training opportunities in paediatric haematology and oncology and is committed to advancing research-driven, high-quality cancer care for children across Kenya.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Catherine Nabaggala is a Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Specialist at Global HOPE (Haematology-Oncology Paediatric Excellence) Program in Uganda, based at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Dr Nabaggala completed her medical degree at Makerere University in 2004, specialized in Paediatrics at Makerere University Medical School in 2013 and Paediatric Haematology and Oncology fellowship at Makerere University in 2023 supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE. Her vision is to scale up essential care for children with haematological disorders especially Sickle cell disease to the most vulnerable children living in primary health care settings.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Jennifer Zungu is the Director of The Texas Children’s Global HOPE program in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Makerere University, a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child health from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and a Diploma in Health care Management from The Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). She completed her clinical fellowship training in paediatric haematology and Oncology at Makerere University Supported by Texas Children’s Global HOPE.

Dr. Zungu is passionate and deeply committed to, driving better outcomes in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology. She uses her experience in healthcare management along with her clinical training in Paediatric Haematology-Oncology to advocate for evidence-based paediatric haematology and oncology care, best quality services, and excellent customer experience in the Public Healthcare sector in Uganda and beyond.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) in collaboration with Texas Children’s Global Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation–Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uganda, and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Fellowship (PHO) Program 16 Fellows Award ceremony 30th July 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr.  Joseph Gore is Head of the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Unit at Alsabbah Children Hospital in Juba, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Juba, with a focus on improving sickle cell disease care & oncology services in South Sudan.

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Call for Apllication: The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Professor James M. Ntambi, a professor in the UW–Madison Department of Biochemistry. Photo: wisc.edu

The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for early-career scientists who have completed their Ph.D. training at a university in Africa. Fellows will be able to expand their existing research experience in biochemistry related to human metabolic diseases, continue their career development, and make impactful contributions to the scientific community upon their return to Africa.

The selected fellows will work in a cutting-edge research lab led by a faculty member from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Biochemistry who will mentor and support the fellow throughout the duration of the fellowship.

The Department of Biochemistry is built on a commitment to excellence in basic research, established when it was founded in 1883, and continuing to the present day. Contributions by our researchers have dramatically changed our understanding of life and rank among the highlights of biochemistry to date. You can learn more about the Department’s history on our About page, and about the University of Wisconsin–Madison on the university’s main website.

Madison, Wisconsin is located northwest of Chicago, Illinois, an approximately 2.5 hours drive or bus ride from O’Hare International Airport.

Application materials must be uploaded by August 31, 2025.
Accompanying recommendations must be uploaded by September 15, 2025.

Visit the website to learn more, including eligibility details and how to apply: https://biochem.wisc.edu/the-james-m-ntambi-postdoctoral-fellowship

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