Health
Makerere University Launches Social Innovation in Health Initiative Community of Practice
Kampala, 09 April 2025— Makerere University has officially launched the Social Innovation in Health Initiative Community of Practice (SIHICOP)—a new platform designed to connect local health innovators with policymakers, donors, and researchers. The goal: to turn scattered success stories into a powerful, nationwide movement that reimagines healthcare from the ground up.
The launch, held during the 6th National Social Innovation in Health Stakeholders’ Workshop at Hotel Africana in Kampala, drew a dynamic mix of changemakers, health innovators, academics, donors, and government leaders, all rallying around one idea: that equitable, sustainable healthcare must be rooted in communities.
While Uganda has made notable progress, cutting under-five deaths by 66% since 2000, challenges remain. Fifty out of every 1,000 children still die before their fifth birthday. Nearly half suffer from stunting due to malnutrition. In rural areas, pregnant women walk for hours to reach clinics. Across the country, hospitals battle frequent drug shortages.
Dr. Phyllis Awor, Director of the SIHI Uganda Hub at Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH), emphasized the critical role of social innovation in closing healthcare gaps. “Half of Ugandan children lack basic vaccinations, and 40% face stunting. These challenges demand creative, inclusive solutions co-created with communities,” she said.
“We’ve spent a decade identifying, studying, and strengthening grassroots innovations. Through our six-month fellowship program, we train innovators in monitoring and evaluation, research, communication, impact assessment, and fundraising so their work doesn’t just survive but scales,” she said. “Today, we’re awarding them completion certificates and launching them into a vibrant community of practice.”
Dr. Awor, who is also a Lecturer and Researcher maintains Social Innovation is about solving these real problems with real people. With the support of the Swedish Embassy and the World Health Organization’s TDR program, SIHICOP, she says, will foster peer learning, capacity-building, and scaling of innovations like mobile health platforms and community-based maternal care.
Since 2017, Uganda’s SIHI hub has supported 30 homegrown innovations, impacting tens of thousands of lives. “We’ve identified 21 standout solutions so far,” Dr. Awor shared. “But if we want them to go national, we need enabling policies.”
Globally, SIHI was founded in 2014 to bring together innovators, communities, policymakers, and academics across the Global South. With 15 hubs, including Uganda’s, SIHI has documented over 200 innovations and 40 case studies that demonstrate the power of grassroots solutions to improve health systems.
Dr. Olaro Charles, Uganda’s Acting Director General of Health Services, acknowledged that bureaucracy often stifles good ideas. “Sometimes, a small change in how you look at a problem can produce the best and most marketable solution,” he said.
He spoke from experience. As a clinician, Dr. Olaro led efforts to curb drug theft and stockouts by tightening distribution and boosting accountability. “It’s not like people walk off with whole boxes,” he explained. “But if you have 300 employees and each takes just one dose… that adds up. We introduced medicine returns, round-the-clock pharmacies, and ward-level audits. At first, there was resistance, but it worked.”
Another one of his most memorable innovations was setting up a neonatal unit for premature babies while he was a Medical Superintendent. “I remember a baby who weighed less than a kilo, barely six months old, and survived. We pushed survival rates to 85%. Eventually, we ran out of space. We began asking ourselves: Where had these children been going before? Previously, these children may have died within the community. These are innovations that create real, tangible impact. And I’m sure many of the things you’re doing here are creating similar results.”
He urged the Fellows to treat their innovations like living systems: “If they survive infant mortality, they’ll live longer. These ideas deserve to grow.”
Mr. Tomas Lundström, Health Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy, spoke with deep conviction about Sweden’s long-standing investment in Uganda’s future. “For decades, Sweden has believed in Uganda’s greatest asset, its people,” he said. “Through Sida, we funded the training of over 500 Makerere staff for PhDs. I didn’t start it. I didn’t train your PhDs. The Swedish taxpayers actually funded the training. Now that wasn’t just investment; it was transformation. It’s one reason Makerere is the powerhouse it is today.”
Lundström also shared a memory that continues to shape his view of development. While inspecting UNICEF projects in Zambia in 1998, he recalled visiting five villages where only one had shown some success. A driver suggested they visit the last village, the 5th. “We went. No one was there. We waited, then a man came running, covered in dirt. He was the village chief,” Lundström recounted. “He said something I’ve never forgotten: ‘Thomas, when the rainy season comes, we can’t take pregnant women to the clinic. Do you know where I can learn to build a bridge’?”
“That was different from what I usually hear—‘Can we have some money?’ Real change doesn’t come from handouts. It starts within communities.”
But Lundström warned that international aid is under strain. “We’ve already lost a lot of funding from U.S. and other donors. Ukraine, Sudan—global crises are pulling resources away. We must get creative. We must find new ways to secure resources.”
Still, he was optimistic. “We’re seriously considering continued support for another year. We’re also pushing for deeper collaboration between Makerere and Karolinska Institutet. But it’s up to you too,” he said.
He praised Dr. Phyllis Awor and her team: “What sets them apart is not just competence, but passion. She doesn’t do this because it’s her job; she does it because she believes in it. Because everyone deserves a fair chance, a seat at the table, a bit of hope.”
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed those sentiments, describing the School of Public Health as the university’s “engine of change.” He noted that the School contributes to nearly 30% of all university publications—and brings in 40% of its research funding.
“That’s no accident,” he said. “Public health is critical. Without health, there is no progress. That’s why donors invest in public health issues.”
He described the social innovation initiative as a model for how academia and communities can work together, not just to publish but to transform lives. “When global rankings name Makerere the most community-impactful university, they’re recognizing what happens when scholars step beyond lecture halls. This is what happens when researchers dig deep into the ground to cultivate solutions that transcend national boundaries.
The Vice Chancellor also paid tribute to Sweden’s role in that transformation. “We cannot thank the people of Sweden enough. Their support through Sida trained over 500 of our staff to the PhD level—the largest staff development initiative I’ve seen at any university, anywhere. It came when we needed it most, after the war. That’s why Makerere stands today as a leading research institution in Africa.”
He congratulated the 2024/25 Fellows, praising their inspiring journeys, and commended Dr. Awor and her remarkable team of researchers for achieving what only world-class institutions can: “melding razor-sharp academia with the wisdom of villages, policy muscle with frontline innovations.”
On 27th November 2025 the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) unveiled the second cohort of fellows—marking a significant step forward in strengthening global health security across the region. The cohort brings together five exceptional emerging scientists whose research areas reflect the continent’s most urgent health priorities. They include Mr. Dickson Aruhomukama in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR); Dr. Rodgers Ayebare in Case Management, Infection Prevention and Control; Mr. Julius Okwir in Epidemic Intelligence and Community Health; Dr. Robert Zavuga in Vaccines and Medical Counter Measures; and Ms. Phionah Tushabe in Planetary Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Their selection marks a new chapter in nurturing homegrown expertise capable of safeguarding Africa’s health systems for generations to come.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali while presiding over the event emphasized the significance of launching the Sewankambo Training Program for Global Health Security as a milestone not only for IDI but for Makerere University and the continent at large. She highlighted the urgency of strengthening Africa’s capacity to predict, prevent, and respond to emerging epidemics, noting the rapid rise in zoonotic disease outbreaks and the persistent weaknesses exposed by crises like Ebola and COVID-19. She celebrated the legacy of Prof. Nelson Sewankambo and the scholars shaped by his leadership, stressing that the program embodies the university’s commitment to producing transformative health leaders grounded in multidisciplinary expertise and One Health principles.
She also called for stronger collaboration across colleges—particularly with the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)’s Center for Biosecurity and the College of Health Sciences (CHS) to ensure that scarce scientific resources are fully utilized and that future health professionals are prepared for an evolving global landscape. In closing, she reaffirmed Makerere University’s dedication to advancing research excellence, nurturing responsible stewardship, and upholding the values that define the Sewankambo legacy.
The Academic Registrar Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to IDI and Prof. Nelson Sewankambo upon this remarkable milestone. He reflected on his recent engagements with the Institute—most notably the launch of the African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics—and expressed his admiration for the world-class research emerging from IDI, including publications in leading journals such as The Lancet and Nature. He noted that Makerere takes great pride in IDI’s work across multiple initiatives, from THRiVE to ongoing research collaborations, and wished the newly launched fellows a rewarding and impactful journey in research.
The Deputy Principal CHS, Prof. Richard Idro congratulated the new cohort and welcomed them into what he fondly referred to as “the cookhouse,” where future scientific leaders are shaped. Drawing from his own formative encounters with Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, he reflected on the deep mentorship culture that has defined generations of clinicians and researchers at Makerere—sharing stories of being challenged, supported, and pushed toward excellence. He reminded the fellows that their research will influence health policy and clinical practice far beyond individual patients, carrying long-term implications for national and global health.
Prof. Idro also acknowledged the critical challenges facing clinical disciplines, especially the constraints of promotion pathways that disadvantage highly skilled specialists without PhDs. He appealed for reforms to safeguard the future of key fields like anesthesia and surgery. Closing his remarks, he celebrated the College’s 100-year legacy, expressed gratitude for the university’s continued support, and invited alumni and partners to contribute ideas that will shape the next century of innovation, training, and service.
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, highlighted the essential role of academia in strengthening Uganda’s global health security, noting how recent outbreaks—from COVID-19 to Ebola—have revealed both the country’s progress and remaining gaps. He emphasized that programs like the Sewankambo Training Program are vital for building resilient health systems, advancing research, and shaping policies that can respond swiftly and effectively to public health threats.
Reflecting on the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and institutions such as Makerere University and IDI, he pointed out how research emerging from academia continually informs national policy, including work presented at recent conferences on non-communicable diseases and community health. Dr. Olaro congratulated the new cohort, reminding them that their work carries significant responsibility, as their research and leadership will influence health outcomes far beyond individual clinical care. He also underscored the need for stronger regional capacity, improved emergency response systems, and sustained mentorship to ensure that communities across Uganda—and the region—benefit from timely, coordinated outbreak preparedness.
In his address, Prof. Nelson Sewankambo commended the achievements of the first cohort and challenged the new fellows to uphold—and even surpass—the high standards already set. Reflecting on the rigorous selection process, he reminded the cohort that they were chosen because they demonstrated exceptional promise in a highly competitive field. He noted that the launch of this program comes at a particularly critical moment, as Africa CDC has just established a new Division for Health Security and Sovereignty, even as global financing for health research continues to decline. This, he said, makes the commitment to sustaining the program both bold and necessary.
Prof. Sewankambo also addressed concerns about the future of clinical scholars at Makerere, arguing that rigid promotion policies risk driving away talented specialists who are vital to the university’s mission. Emphasizing that “it is wise people who change direction when it is necessary,” he urged university leadership to protect pathways that allow clinicians to grow, serve, and undertake PhDs without being pushed out of the system. His message underscored both the responsibility carried by the new fellows and the collective duty to safeguard the future of medical education and research.
Dr. Andrew Kambugu, Executive Director (ED) of IDI, warmly welcomed all guests and reflected on the Institute’s long-standing culture of adaptation and innovation in response to Africa’s evolving health challenges. He celebrated the presence of Prof. Nelson Sewankambo—honoring his legacy as a founder, mentor, and active research collaborator—and acknowledged the strength of Cohort One as a living example of what the program can produce.
The ED emphasized that the Sewankambo Program stands on three pillars: rigorous selection, structured support with clear accountability, and strong alignment with national health priorities. He reminded the new fellows that IDI itself was born from the principle “adapt or perish,” and urged them to carry forward that spirit as they confront emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance and disease outbreaks across the continent. He also reflected on the power of mentorship, sharing personal experiences that illustrated how deeply mentorship can shape a scientific career. In closing, he expressed confidence that the five new fellows will honor the name they bear and continue building a legacy that inspires future generations.
Prof. Harriet Mayanja-Kizza reminded the newly selected fellows that while this achievement is significant, it marks only the beginning of a demanding but deeply meaningful journey. She expressed pride in the diversity of the cohort—drawn from ten African countries—and noted with delight that one of the brightest candidates emerged from the smallest country represented.
Reflecting on the evolution of impactful careers, she encouraged young people to embrace emerging fields such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, AI, molecular biology, and biostatistics, which she believes will define the future of science and global health. Prof. Mayanja spoke passionately about the diseases the fellows will tackle, highlighting the severe threat of antimicrobial resistance, the persistent burden of malaria, the dangers of resurfacing viral infections, and the transformative power of immunization. She urged the fellows to stay grounded, stay committed, and embrace the modern, data-driven tools now shaping global health research. In closing, she celebrated their potential to make a global impact and welcomed them formally into a field where their work will shape healthier futures for generations to come.
Prof. Ponsiano Ochama, one of the pioneers from the first cohort, reflected on the journey of the Sewankambo clinical scholarship from its early days in the “cookhouse” to the strong, structured program it has become. He recounted how the scholarship began as a mentorship-driven initiative aimed at nurturing future researchers and how sustained advocacy eventually removed barriers that once limited clinical scholars’ progression.
Prof. Ochama shared the impactful work he and his colleagues have since undertaken—highlighting, for example, a national study on hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission that shaped recent Ministry of Health policy. He encouraged the incoming cohort to embrace the program fully, assuring them that the “cookhouse” experience will transform them into strong, skilled scientists whose work will influence health policy and improve lives across the country.
Dr. Byonanebye Dathan, Deputy Head of the Global Health Security Department, outlined the strong rationale behind the Sewankambo Global Health Security Program, noting Africa’s rising burden of zoonotic and viral hemorrhagic fevers and the continent’s limited capacity for early detection and response. He emphasized that despite competing health priorities—HIV, TB, malaria, maternal health—there remain significant gaps in surveillance systems, workforce capacity, and research preparedness.
The program, he said, is designed to fill these gaps by strengthening research training, developing a skilled outbreak response workforce, and building a network of experts across Africa capable of generating evidence that directly informs policy and improves health systems. Dr. Dathan highlighted the rigorous selection process, the program’s alignment with WHO and national public health frameworks, and its integration of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning. He affirmed that the fellows will receive structured mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on experience using existing data and real-world outbreak response systems—ensuring that their work leads not only to publications, but to meaningful impact across the continent.
Dr. Francis Kakooza, Acting Head of Global Health Security, traced the remarkable evolution of IDI’s Global Health Security work over the past decade, from its early CDC-funded surveillance efforts in 2015 to its expansion into biosecurity, AMR, epidemic research, policy development, and regional outbreak support. He highlighted IDI’s role in major national initiatives—including COVID-19 response, vaccination rollouts, risk management, lab accreditation, and the establishment of Regional Emergency Operations Centers—as well as its growing continental footprint through partnerships with Africa CDC, Mastercard Foundation, and Resolve to Save Lives.
Dr. Kakooza emphasized that the launch of the Prof. Nelson Sewankambo Global Health Security PhD Program is the culmination of years of investment in strengthening African research capacity and supporting fellows whose work is already shaping policy. He expressed gratitude to all partners, mentors, and leaders who contributed to the program’s development, acknowledged the rigorous selection that yielded five fellows from ten countries, and reaffirmed IDI’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of scientists equipped to protect the continent from infectious disease threats.
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