Health
A Humble Petition from the Marabou Storks of Kampala to His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Your Excellency,
We send you warm greetings from the skies above Kampala — from your old, bald-headed friends, the Marabou Storks, or as we are fondly called, the Kalooli. We are not the prettiest of birds, with our wrinkled faces, hunched shoulders, and sharp beaks, but we carry an important duty. Where others see waste and decay, we see purpose. We are nature’s cleaners, recycling what would otherwise rot and cause harm.
Some count us among Africa’s “Ugly Five,” alongside hyenas, vultures, wildebeests, and warthogs, but we take no offense. Beauty was never the Creator’s mission for our mission, but service was. We glide quietly between life and death, keeping the balance, cleaning the mess, and doing the work that must be done.
Today, we come to you not with complaints, but with a plea for partnership, to protect our shared home and ensure a cleaner, healthier Uganda for all. We still remember the day in 2008, Mr. President, when you gave the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Kampala Capital City Authority instructions to “kindly relocate us” from the esteemed grounds of State House, Nakasero. We don’t harbor angry feelings. Truly. We realized back then, as we do now, that not everyone finds our odd looks or the noble scent that naturally results from a lifetime of cleaning your lovely nation appealing.
Your Excellency, we are modest. And forgiving. We maintained our composure even when we were discussed in Parliament in 2020, when honorable members referred to us as “health threats” and asked that we leave the Parliament gardens. We birds, after all, literally have thicker skin!
We are better citizens now. Thanks to Makerere University‘s kind hospitality, we have discovered a new haven. We express our deep thanks to Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe for preserving the ancient trees, the very canopies that now provide us with protection, generation after generation. Students here lovingly refer to us as “the real professors of Makerere,” observing us as we keep a watchful eye on campus life with our sage, steady gaze. Some people think it’s a blessing to see a Kalooli before an exam. We take selfies with other people. We have kind of turned into little celebrities, sir. We appreciate the tranquility, love and peace you provided, with your comrade freedom fighters. They bring uhuru to these trees, and our kids pray for you every day for more life.
However, we come before you today not just to reminisce, but to raise important concerns not for ourselves alone, but for the survival of Uganda’s fragile ecosystem.
We are concerned about the growing crisis in waste, plastics, and environmental decay.
Your Excellency, you are a man who loves numbers. Allow us to present some:
- 768 metric tons — that is the amount of food waste produced DAILY in Kampala alone.
- 65% to 79% of solid waste in Kampala landfills consists of food waste.
- The dairy industry in Uganda loses $23 million annually from waste alone, according to the Food Rights Alliance.
- 135,804 tons of plastic waste generated in the Kampala Metropolitan Area recently.
- 42% of that waste remains uncollected, leading to clogged drains, flood risks, pollution of wetlands, and of course, diseases.
- Shockingly, 10% of this waste ends up in Uganda’s precious water systems!
Your Excellency,
It might surprise you but it’s true. Between 2018 and 2021, Uganda produced 12,330 tons of recycled polyethylene (rPET). And that’s not all conservative estimates predict a 91% increase in production between 2022 and 2025, should imports stay the same.
Mr. President, we Marabou Storks have served loyally as your unpaid, unsung environmental officers. While your citizens discard waste carelessly, we fly across the city, scavenging, sorting, and managing organic decay. We are your frontline solid waste managers, yet without uniforms, pensions, or even a simple “thank you.”
We join you in mourning the tragic loss of life that occurred at Kiteezi Landfill. We experienced devastation because the birds that live there consider that place their territory. We directly observed your people’s struggle to survive while they navigated hazardous unstable waste piles. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones and to every Ugandan citizen. The disaster served as a harsh reminder that waste mismanagement impacts people directly beyond just environmental concerns. Working together as environmental custodians we ask you to take action to prevent more deaths from occurring beneath waste mountain piles.
Just for context, Mr. President, since you fondly like science, here is the scientific truth about us
You may recall Dr. Derek Pomeroy and Mr. Michael Kibuule, distinguished researchers at Makerere University, who in 2021 published the history of our kind in Uganda. They noted:
- Over 1,200 nesting pairs once graced Kampala city alone.
- Over 800 Marabous nested at Makerere University.
- Uganda likely hosts the largest urban colony of Marabou Storks in the world.
Dr. Pomeroy and Kibuule should receive Katonga medals because we recognize their devotion to us. They have loved us. Dr. Pomeroy first came to Uganda in 1969 to work in Makerere University‘s Department of Zoology. He developed deep affection for us and demonstrated excellent understanding. He has written affectionately about us. He knows we are innocent. Dr. Pomeroy maintains his affiliation to Makerere University while conducting independent research as both a Zoologist and an ecologist.
Mr. President, in the beginning, our existence was in the untamed savanna. We transitioned to urban areas alongside human development to assist with cleanup duties rather than to create any disturbance. We came to clean up the areas where you discarded bones and waste. Ronald Norman Magill stated that despite being part of Africa’s “Ugly Five,” we remain crucial to ecosystems because our simple and gritty nature is what makes us indispensable. Our role includes feeding on dead animals and decomposing matter to prevent diseases and sustain soil health through silent and selfless recycling of life.
Your Excellency, here are our humble pleas to you, Our President
- Please urge your people to plant trees.
Our homes are disappearing completely. Sky scrapers are popping up everywhere we used to patch. Your Excellency, we merely ask that you recognize our role and protect our habitats; we are not opposed to development. In order to locate nesting sites, we now have to travel a considerable distance between Kiteezi, Lubigi, and the University. For all creatures, feathery, four-legged, and two-legged—healthy trees translate into richer soils, cleaner air, better rainfall, and cooler cities. - Please strengthen plastic waste management.
Your laws Mr. President, the 10-Year Restoration Plan, the National Environment Act 2019, and the Extended Producer Responsibility rules are all positive steps, but laws that do nothing are just as useful as wings on a tortoise. Please advocate for implementation, particularly in the areas of public education on responsible dumping and enforcement. We implore you to encourage your people to stop illegal dumping, sort their waste, recycle, and treat the environment as a gift rather than a trash can. - Please invest boldly in waste infrastructure.
Your Excellency, - If Parliament can enjoy a small patriotic “thank you” of the legendary “100 silver coins” for safeguarding peace, surely a few crumbs can reach us, the Marabou Storks; Kampala’s tireless, unpaid sanitation workers, as a token of national gratitude. Imagine what a few billion shillings for KCCA, for trucks, bins, and civic education could achieve. A cleaner Kampala would mean less wandering for us and less embarrassment for you when tourists meet our noble, bald-headed selves. At least then, we would feast in dignity, not after cross-country marathons over scattered rubbish.
- Support Community Environmental Heroes.
Students, youth, schools, churches, and communities are already doing cleanup drives. Support them with grants, incentives, recognition, and encouragement. Empower a new generation of eco-warriors.
Mr. President, we, Marabou Storks are no longer the nuisance you once sought to relocate.
We are living proof that resilience, adaptation, and hard work can co-exist even in a changing, urbanized world.
All we ask now is for you and your government to join wings with us, birds and humans alike to clean up Kampala, to green Uganda, and to create a legacy that future generations will bless you for.
Let us work together, so that Uganda shines not under mounds of waste, but under canopies of trees, rivers flowing freely, and skies where even the humble Kalooli can soar proudly.
Yours sincerely,
The Marabou Storks of Kampala
The writer is a science and health communicator
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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