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MakSPH 2024 Annual Report

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It is with great pride and gratitude that I present the 2024 Annual Report of the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). The past twelve months have been a time of remarkable achievements, significant progress, and renewed commitment to shaping the future of public health.

This report captures some of the highlights that reflect the resilience, innovation, and impact that define our community. 2024 was both an extraordinary and transformative year. We successfully concluded our strategic plan and launched a bold new five-year roadmap (2025–2030), positioning us to respond swiftly to the evolving public health landscape.

The year was especially productive—marked by impactful research, evidence generation, and strengthened partnerships across Uganda, the African region, and globally. Our work continued to demonstrate that we do not simply publish findings—we produce evidence that shapes national policy, informs practice, and addresses real-world public health challenges.

I am deeply privileged to lead this vibrant community of educators, researchers, students, and partners. I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues for their exceptional commitment—whether delivering outstanding education, driving research and innovation, or creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. I also thank Makerere University Council, the University Management, , our students, alumni, and partners for their unwavering support; each plays a vital role in advancing our mission.

Despite a challenging global context, we look ahead with great optimism. We have equipped our staff and students with the skills and resilience to thrive amidst uncertainty. In 2024, we celebrated 70 years of impact—seven decades of transformative contributions to public health in Uganda, the region, and beyond. Our legacy in HIV/AIDS research, family planning, maternal and child health, infectious disease control (including COVID-19, TB, and malaria), and health systems strengthening is profound.

MakSPH remains a powerhouse of research at Makerere University, consistently attracting nearly half of the University’s research grants. In the past five years, we have worked in collaboration with universities and research institutions across 25 countries in Arfrica and established strong global partnerships, reinforcing our role as a leader in public health innovation and capacity building.

A landmark achievement was our transition into a standalone School in January 2025, following approval by the Makerere University Council. This new status heralds a transformative phase—enabling us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and respond with agility to contemporary public health challenges.

In line with this growth, we launched our taught PhD program—designed for early-career and mid-career professionals, as well as strategic level leaders, seeking to strengthen their skills in public health research and leadership.

The School is undertaking a major infrastructure project, the construction of our new home at Makerere Main Campus—which is steadily taking shape into a premier centre for public health training, research, and community engagement. This investment will strengthen our capacity to deliver impact in Uganda, and beyond. We hope that the building will ease the critical space needs for our staff, students, and partners. We are grateful to all individuals, agencies, government bodies, and partners who have supported this transformative endeavor. We warmly welcome further support to help us complete this important project and advance public health for generations to come.

As we move forward, our resolve remains steadfast: to shape health outcomes, empower future generations, and strengthen the resilience of communities across Africa and beyond. We thank you for your continued support to Makerere University and the School of Public Health in particular. Together, we are shaping health, empowering the future, and building a brighter tomorrow.

Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze
Professor and Dean, School of Public Health, Makerere University

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Call For Applications: MakNCD Masters and PhD Training Opportunities

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An aerial photo of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University showing Left to Right: The Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library, School of Biomedical Sciences, Davies Lecture Theatre, School of Public Health, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital (MSWNH)-Background Left and Nakasero Hill-Background Right, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Non-Communicable Disease (MAK-NCD) Research Training Program is a research capacity building program based at Makerere University College of Health Sciences with collaboration at John Hopkins University and funded by the United States National Institute of Health-Fogarty International Centre (D43TW011401). The overall goal of this training program is to develop a comprehensive mentored research-training program in Uganda that will build local capacity to address the challenges of NCD control and management and promote the use of research findings to inform decision-making and policy.

PhD Fellowship

The PhD fellowship support is for up to three (3) years (full-time), subject to annual performance reviews and progress milestones. Successful scholars will be registered at Makerere University and may undertake sponsored didactic research methods training at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), USA, to receive additional skills development and mentorship in NCD research. This call is targeting mainly junior researchers with interest in building an independent research career in noncommunicable diseases research with focus on Epidemiology, Data Science and Implementation Science research to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and control in Uganda.

Masters Fellowship

MakNCD is pleased to invite applications for Master’s level training in the following disciplines: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health monitoring and Evaluation. These training opportunities are intended to build a critical mass of professionals equipped with research, leadership, health systems, and management skills relevant to addressing the growing burden of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries.

Application Deadline: 23rd February 2025; Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

See below for detailed adverts

Zaam Ssali
Zaam Ssali

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Course Announcement: Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026

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Graduands of the 2025 Certificate Course in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) pose for a group photo at the Makerere University School of Public Health, following the successful completion of the short course in July 2025. Makerere University School of Public Health, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is pleased to announce the Certificate Course in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026.

This intensive and practical short course is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professionals involved in the planning, implementation, and management of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services. The programme responds to the growing demand for competent WASH practitioners in local government, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

Course Highlights

  • Duration: 8 weeks (01 June – 24 July 2026)
  • Mode: Day programme (classroom-based learning and field attachment)
  • Fees:
    • UGX 900,000 (Ugandans / East African Community)
    • USD 500 (International participants)
  • Application deadline: Friday, 27 March 2026

Who Should Apply?

  • Practising officers in the WASH sector
  • Environmental Health workers seeking Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
  • Applicants with at least UACE (or equivalent) and one year of WASH-related work experience

More Information

Additional details on course structure, modules, and delivery are available at: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/academics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash

Important Note for Applicants

Attached to this announcement, interested persons will find:

  1. The course flier, providing comprehensive programme details, and
  2. The application form, which should be completed and returned to MakSPH together with the required supporting documents.

For full course details, application procedures, and contact information, please carefully review the attached documents. Eligible and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to build practical competence in WASH service delivery.

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Holistic Retirement Planning includes Psychological, Emotional & Social well-being across all Career Stages

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The Chairperson MURBS Board of Trustees-Dr. Michael Kizito (8th Right) with Professor Seggane Musisi (7th Right) and Members after the session on 8th January 2026. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Member Sensitisation Session on "Understanding Identity Shifts; Developing Routines; Sustaining Motivation and Purpose", 8th January 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) on Thursday, 8 January 2026 organised a Member Sensitisation Session on “Understanding Identity Shifts; Developing Routines; Sustaining Motivation and Purpose”. The session focused on holistic retirement planning, emphasising that readiness for life after work goes beyond finances to include psychological, emotional, and social well-being across all career stages—from early career to post-retirement.

The session featured a keynote presentation by Professor Seggane Musisi, who highlighted how work-related titles and roles often shape personal identity, and how retirement can trigger a sense of loss if individuals are unprepared to redefine themselves. Members were encouraged to consciously design a post-work identity grounded in values, purpose, and community contribution.

Participants learned practical strategies for:

  1. Preparing early for retirement at different career stages;
  2. Developing healthy, meaningful routines that support mental stability and productivity;
  3. Sustaining motivation and purpose beyond formal employment;
  4. Managing stress, maintaining physical and mental health, and nurturing social connections; and
  5. Balancing family responsibilities with personal well-being.

The discussion also addressed cultural realities of retirement in Uganda, including family expectations, social obligations, and financial pressures. Special attention was given to age-related challenges such as dementia, depression, and chronic illness, underscoring the importance of preventive health care, emotional resilience, and timely professional support.

Overall, the session reinforced the message that retirement is a lifelong transition, not a one-time event. Members were encouraged to plan early, adapt continuously, and intentionally design a fulfilling, purposeful life beyond work—psychologically, socially, and financially.

To view the session, please click the embedded video below. Further below is the presentation.


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