Health
MakSPH Champions Leadership Boost for Wakiso Health Managers
On April 23, 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) convened district leaders, health managers, and project partners to disseminate the outcomes of a major leadership and management strengthening initiative in Wakiso District, Central Uganda. The one-year project, part of the Global Health Partnerships programme funded by NHS England, was implemented in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakiso District Local Government, and Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
Launched in 2024, the project titled Strengthening Leadership and Management Among Local Government Health Managers in Wakiso District, aimed to co-design and pilot a leadership and management training tailored to the realities of Uganda’s decentralised health system. The intervention, led by Makerere University’s Dr. David Musoke and Nottingham Trent University’s Prof. Linda Gibson, through the over 15-year-old NTU-Mak Partnership impacting lives in Wakiso, began with a field visit to over 60 public health facilities in the district, a needs assessment within these facilities to identify key priority gaps, and a baseline survey with the health in-charges to establish the initial status of key indicators.
“We have been very fortunate to work with a supportive local government in Wakiso, from the top leadership down. While many projects struggle to engage district teams, our longstanding relationship with Wakiso made collaboration seamless. Although this was our first initiative specifically focused on leadership and management, we hope it will serve as a stepping stone for even more impactful work in the future,” Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University and the Uganda Project Lead, said during the dissemination workshop, highlighting the key success factors for the leadership and management project.
Initial results from the needs assessment and baseline on leadership and management competencies conducted among Wakiso District health facility supervisors early last year by the project team and shared during the three-day workshop in June 2024, held in Kampala, which kickstarted the six-month structured fellowship programme for 53 health managers in Wakiso, had found critical capacity gaps. Using a tool evaluating 17 leadership and 33 management competencies, only 40% of the managers met the 80% benchmark for leadership, scoring highest in cognitive skills, while just 33% met the required management standard, performing best in self-management and lowest in quality management.
Then, the health facility managers with postgraduate training, longer service, and strong team dynamics, showed overall better performance. While working relationships with subordinates and the district leadership were largely positive, performance was hampered by systemic challenges such as limited resources, low motivation, and weak teamwork. Overall, the study also pointed to a misalignment of expectations between the District Local Government and the Health Ministry, underscoring the need to strengthen coordination to improve services.
The result of this mismatch was to the effect that, as of this time last year, Wakiso District ranked among the bottom 10 on the national health league table, which is an annual Ministry of Health assessment of district performance across key service delivery and patient satisfaction indicators. This was despite Wakiso being Uganda’s most populous district, with over 3.4 million residents today, as it continued to struggle to deliver essential health services to the public. The 2022/2023 Annual Health Sector Performance Report also flagged persistent challenges, including frequent transfers of facility in-charges, overstretched management structures, and weak internal communication and coordination.
It was this stark reality that informed the leadership and management intervention in Wakiso. Officiating the dissemination of the project outcomes, Dr. Sarah Byakika, Commissioner for Planning, Financing, and Policy at the Ministry of Health and a member of the National Oversight Mechanism for the programme, commended the remarkable progress made in just six months, citing visible improvements across the district as a direct result of the intervention.
“I have been involved with this programme right from its inception, and I’m proud that Uganda became one of its major beneficiaries,” Dr. Byakika said with gratitude, commending the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Makerere University, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham University Hospitals, Wakiso District and the development partners for supporting the initiative. She emphasised the value of this partnership in strengthening leadership and management competencies among Wakiso District health managers to address critical performance gaps in health service delivery.
“Wakiso is Uganda’s largest and most populous district, yet it has long underperformed on key health indices. Despite its semi-urban nature, it faces enormous health service delivery challenges, partly due to the overwhelming burden on its District Health Officer, who oversees more than 60 public and over 340 private health facilities. Many of these private facilities open and close frequently, complicating service oversight,” Dr. Byakika observed with concern.
Her sentiments were echoed by the District Health Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Mukisa, in a message delivered by Wakiso District Biostatistician, Mr. Frank Kakande. He noted that the project had contributed to a noticeable shift in the district’s health system performance, with visible improvements in leadership, communication, and accountability among facility in-charges beginning to translate into better overall health service delivery outcomes.
“You cannot talk about management without addressing performance: they go hand in hand. As someone who sits at the centre of district health data, I can confidently say that performance has improved. During the most recent national local government performance assessment, where I participated in the evaluation, Wakiso District’s health department ranked 18th out of 146 districts. That health ranking is a major achievement. We have consistently performed poorly in the past, but this time, we made significant progress,” Mr. Kakande told the attentive audience, speaking with an air of relief and satisfaction.
The Wakiso District Biostatistician credited part of this progress within the district, from the poor performance last year, to the leadership training and mentorship delivered through the project, citing visible improvements across key health indicators. He stressed the need to sustain this momentum through continued mentorship, internal capacity strengthening, and consistent application of the skills acquired by health managers, particularly in tackling persistent management challenges such as absenteeism, delegation, and accountability.
“Last week, I held a performance review at Kakiri Health Centre III, and the improvements were clear. These management skills are making a difference. You can see the change across indicators. But what matters now is sustainability. The support provided through supervision and mentorship was essential. But it’s up to us to keep the fire burning. We have learned a lot: communication skills, problem-solving, time management, and decision-making. Managers are now communicating better. Even issues like absenteeism are being addressed through proper reporting and action,” Mr. Kakande said.
Earlier, Dr. Musoke, presenting the overall project overview and success, explained that based on initial findings from the baseline and needs assessment, the team co-designed and delivered a structured six-month capacity-building programme targeting 60 health facility in-charges in Wakiso District. The programme blended in-person and virtual sessions, combining practical training with one-on-one mentorship, and included an exchange component between Uganda and the UK to promote international exposure and peer learning. This allowed the health managers to apply new skills to strengthen health outcomes in Wakiso.
“This project rightly focused on addressing gaps in leadership and management. I advocated for including this component in the programme, because our national health review missions consistently show that poor performance often stems from weak leadership and management,” Dr. Byakika affirmed, adding that: “I am pleased to see that nearly all public facilities in Wakiso participated. While the project had a short implementation window, the evaluation already shows encouraging results. Health managers feel more empowered, motivated, and aware of their roles. That’s a significant step.”
For her part, Dr. Sheba Gitta, Uganda Country Director for Global Health Partnerships, formerly Tropical Health and Education Trust, applauded the leadership and management capacity-building initiative in Wakiso as a timely, locally driven intervention. She underscored the value of two-way learning between Uganda and the UK health systems through the programme, noting that Global Health Partnerships works closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure all funded initiatives align with Uganda’s national development priorities.
“What excites me most is that this was not a pre-packaged programme imported from the UK. The training was co-created by partners, based on local realities and needs. That approach reflects strong collaboration between Makerere University School of Public Health and Nottingham Trent University. I thank Prof. Linda Gibson for her continued commitment and Dr. David Musoke for his proactive leadership in bringing this programme to life. Your consistency and quality of work continue to stand out,” Dr. Gitta shared.
While commending the progress made, she cautioned against “pilotism”, as a tendency for promising projects to end prematurely, calling for the model to be scaled up nationally. To support sustainability, she stressed the importance of documenting the training process, outcomes, and costs to inform ministry-level decision-making and long-term adoption.
Dr. Gitta joined Prof. Linda Gibson, the UK Lead for the Project, to encourage the trained managers to become champions of leadership within their facilities and districts, ensuring that the impact of the programme endures beyond its current cycle. She also thanked NHS England and the UK Government for their trust and investment in Uganda’s health system.
A Voice for Excellence, Equity and African Sovereignty
When Dr. Michael Makanga walked onto the stage at the 8th Galien Forum Africa in Dakar on 31 October 2025 to receive the Special Career Achievement Galien Prize, presented by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye under the theme Health sovereignty: an imperative for Africa, the moment carried weight beyond any medal or citation. “It is a celebration of a lifelong commitment,” he said, “but also a reminder of a responsibility I have never been willing to compromise: to inspire others to raise their voices for excellence, science, and equity.”
For more than two decades, Dr. Makanga has been a quiet architect of Africa’s health sovereignty. His work has unfolded far from cameras: in laboratories constrained by resources, in policy rooms where African priorities demanded a stronger voice, and in mentoring sessions with young scientists seeking reassurance that their ideas mattered.
Born and trained in Uganda, Dr. Makanga earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University before pursuing a master’s degree and PhD at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. His career spans nearly 30 years, encompassing tropical medicine, clinical trials in Africa and Europe, and senior international management roles. Since joining EDCTP in 2004, he has guided its growth as a unique Africa–Europe partnership, strengthening African capacity for high-quality, ethical clinical research while accelerating solutions for poverty-related diseases. Today, he leads the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
President Faye captured the essence of Dr. Makanga’s achievement: “Scientific excellence is not negotiable; it is earned. It underpins our credibility and our sovereignty.” For Dr. Makanga, the statement is a call to action. “I hope this recognition reminds us that Africa’s scientists and innovators can lead global health research with excellence and purpose. We owe it to the next generation to build the systems and confidence that make this possible,” he said.
Dr. Makanga’s peers describe him as a “builder”: someone who strengthens research systems, mentors emerging scientists, and fosters equitable partnerships long before “local ownership” became a policy buzzword. In his own words, the award honors his “career’s contribution to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty” while reinforcing his commitment to ensure younger scientists do not have to fight for legitimacy as previous generations did.
The 2025 Prix Galien Africa celebrated Dr. Makanga alongside innovators reshaping African science. La Ruche Health, a Côte d’Ivoire-based digital health platform, won for connecting users to certified providers through an AI-powered system. Senegalese computer scientist Adji Bousso Dieng received a special prize for applying artificial intelligence to the natural sciences, including spotting emerging viral variants using her “Vendi Score” tool. The awards were organised with the support of the Presidency of Senegal, the Gates Foundation, the West African Health Organization, and the Rockefeller Foundation, with a jury co-chaired by Dr. John Nkengasong and Professor Souleymane Mboup.
Yet the award’s true weight lies not in ceremony, but in its symbolism. Dr. Makanga’s career exemplifies how African scientists can lead, shape policy, and influence global health priorities when empowered and supported.
Makerere University colleagues attest to this impact. Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, a clinical researcher and epidemiologist, reflects: “EDCTP support allowed me to build multidisciplinary teams, enhance laboratory and trial infrastructure, and generate evidence relevant for policy and practice. It strengthened my scientific independence and expanded the long-term sustainability of my research, particularly on childhood vaccines.”
She adds, “Dr. Makanga’s vision and commitment have strengthened institutions, built capacity, and fostered equitable partnerships, enabling African investigators to lead complex studies that address the continent’s priorities. His recognition shows what is possible when scientists are empowered, trusted, and supported.”
Dr. Alex Kayongo, an immunologist at Makerere University, describes EDCTP support as “catalytic,” enabling advanced training and a platform to study microbiome–immune interactions in HIV-associated COPD. His work is shaping mechanistic insights and strengthening Uganda’s capacity for complex respiratory immunology research. “Global health funding is increasingly competitive, making EDCTP’s role even more vital,” he says. “Africa needs sustainable support for complex, lab-intensive research. Continued investment in infrastructure, leadership, and fair partnerships is essential if African institutions are to drive innovation and secure true scientific sovereignty.”
Dr. David Musoke, an associate professor of disease control, credits his EDCTP fellowship with deepening his malaria research and advancing his career. His studies combined housing improvements, environmental management, and behavioural measures to complement traditional malaria prevention, shaping practical, community-informed interventions. “Dr. Makanga’s contribution to African science has been tremendous, and his continued stewardship gives us confidence that evidence generated on the continent will increasingly shape policy and practice,” he observes.
Dr. Makanga’s impact is visible not only in individual careers but across institutions and nations. Through EDCTP, he has championed African-led trials, strengthened laboratory capacity, and fostered cross-country collaboration. Colleagues emphasize that his leadership has created a generation of African scientists who are confident, collaborative, and globally competitive.
“My experience with EDCTP-funded programmes has shown the transformative impact of African-led research,” Dr. Nankabirwa reflects. “Dr. Makanga’s vision and commitment have strengthened institutions, built capacity, and fostered equitable partnerships, enabling African investigators to lead complex studies that address the continent’s priorities. His recognition shows what is possible when scientists are empowered, trusted, and supported, inspiring the next generation of research leaders.”
Dr. Makanga’s recognition is a tribute to perseverance, vision, and mentorship: a scientist who kept going when resources were scarce, a leader who refused partnerships that treated Africans as subjects, and a mentor who reminded young researchers that they belong at the centre of global science.
As he stood among Africa’s leading innovators in Dakar, the message was unmistakable: Africa can lead, Africa must lead, and it will lead, through science, excellence, and equity.
Makerere University is proud to celebrate Dr. Michael Makanga, one of its distinguished alumni, on receiving the Special Career Achievement Prize of the Prix Galien Africa 2025. This honor recognises his exceptional leadership in medical research and his role in advancing African-led science. Through his work, Dr. Makanga continues to strengthen institutions, mentor emerging researchers, and amplify Africa’s voice on the global health stage.
Kalangala, an idyllic archipelago often romanticised for its sunsets, today witnessed a historic leap in healthcare. Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, launched the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Kalangala Clinical Research Centre—the island’s first modern research facility.
“This is more than a building; it’s a lifeline,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “IDI is not only Uganda’s leading health partner, managing over 20% of HIV cases, but research is first on its agenda. If people are not healthy, they can’t work—it’s useless to invest in anything else.”
Kalangala ranks third in HIV prevalence nationwide at 13.1%, with fishing communities hardest hit. Until now, residents endured perilous boat rides to the mainland for advanced care. “Accessing healthcare has always meant a journey across waves—long, costly, and sometimes dangerous,” said District Chairperson Jajab Ssemakula. “You have not only invested in Kalangala; you have brought Makerere University to Kalangala.”
Supported by the Gates Foundation, the centre is part of a multinational HIV prevention study conducted across 31 sites in Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Its first mission: testing whether a monthly pill can protect adolescent girls and young women from HIV—a breakthrough that could transform vulnerable communities.
“This centre means access without barriers,” said Dr. Andrew Kambugu, IDI Executive Director. “Kalangala residents no longer need to travel long distances for clinical trials or advanced care.”
Prof. Samuel Luboga, IDI Board Chairperson, reassured residents of IDI’s long-term commitment:
“We are not a fleeting partner. This sentinel research centre aligns with our vision of freeing Africa from the burden of infectious diseases. The assurance I give Kalangala is—we are here to stay.”
Henry Ssebunya, Deputy Resident District Commissioner, praised IDI’s innovation and consistency:
“IDI has treated and cared for people living with HIV, deployed medical drones to deliver life-saving medicines, and now built a research centre. This is a new chapter for Kalangala.”
From a sleeping sickness camp in 1906 to a cutting-edge research hub in 2025, Kalangala’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope.
-
Research1 week agoMakerere University and Ministry of Public Service Study Reveals Impact of Salary Enhancement on Teacher Performance in Uganda
-
General2 weeks agoCall For Applications: Mak-BSSR Postdoc, PhD, Master’s Fellowship-level Training
-
General7 days agoMakerere University officially commences implementation of its Mentorship Policy
-
Education2 weeks agoReal life project: Makerere University Vice Chancellor hands over constructed Wall Fence to Makerere College School
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoSFTNB-MIIC Partnership Nurtures Entrepreneurial Learners & Change Agents