Health
3rd Award Ceremony of the Paediatric Heamatology and Oncology Fellowship: Profiles of the Fellows
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Livelihood activities such as farming, livestock keeping, construction, and night-time work significantly increase malaria risk in Uganda, according to new research by Dr Kevin Deane, a development economist at The Open University, UK, and Dr Edwinah Atusingwize and Dr David Musoke, a Research Associate and Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Makerere University School of Public Health, respectively.
The study, Livelihoods as a key social determinant of malaria: Qualitative evidence from Uganda, published on December 2, 2025, in the journal Global Public Health, examines how everyday economic activities shape exposure to malaria, often undermining conventional prevention measures such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. The findings are based on qualitative fieldwork conducted in June 2024 in Busiro County, Wakiso District, a peri-urban area with persistently high malaria transmission in Uganda.
Using a qualitative design, the researchers conducted 14 key informant interviews, 10 focus group discussions, and 11 in-depth interviews with households recently affected by malaria, engaging 100 participants from communities, health services, local government, and civil society across Kajjansi, Kasanje, and Katabi Town Councils, as well as Bussi Sub-County, in Busiro South. Their analysis, guided by the Dahlgren–Whitehead social determinants of health model, enabled the researchers to situate malaria risk within the broader social, economic, and environmental conditions shaping how people live and work.
In their findings, participants linked malaria exposure to agricultural practices, among which is maize cultivation near homes, which was associated with increased mosquito density during the rainy season. “One of the most common crops cultivated in Uganda, which many rely on as staple foods, creates environments in which mosquitoes are attracted to and thrive, often in settings where maize is grown near homes in rural areas and urban areas. This increases mosquito density around homes and contributes to increased outdoor biting and the number of mosquitoes entering houses,” the study argues.
Its authors say this poses a difficult policy challenge because maize is central to household food security, leaving few practical options for reducing exposure. They argue that proposals to keep maize away from homes are often unrealistic for families with limited land or those farming in urban areas, while targeted control during flowering periods may have limited impact given mosquitoes’ ability to travel beyond cultivation sites.
Beyond crop farming, the study reports that livestock rearing, especially zero-grazing cattle kept close to houses, attracts mosquitoes into household compounds. Other livelihood activities, including construction and brick-making, created stagnant water-filled pits that served as breeding sites, while night-time livelihoods, such as street vending, guarding, fishing, bar work, and brick burning, among others, prolonged outdoor exposure during peak mosquito biting hours. Gender further shaped risk, with women’s livelihoods and caregiving responsibilities frequently exposing young children alongside them.
“The evidence we present illustrates the unintended health consequences of development strategies intended to promote key livelihood activities, food security, and poverty reduction. There are no straightforward solutions given the complexity of these relationships and the importance of these livelihoods for many households,” the authors assert.
They conclude that malaria elimination efforts will fall short unless livelihoods and development activities are explicitly integrated into malaria prevention strategies, calling for stronger alignment between public health, agriculture, urban development, and economic policy.
Please see below for the study:
Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) continues to advance its internationalization agenda by strengthening cross-border partnerships and expanding student and staff mobility in response to global health training needs. Recognizing international collaboration as a cornerstone of contemporary health professional education, the College has established strategic partnerships with leading institutions, including the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), the Medical University of Graz (Austria), and Universitas Syiah Kuala Faculty of Medicine (Indonesia). These collaborations focus on joint research initiatives and the training of dentists and physicians.
During the period July–September 2025, MakCHS recorded increased inbound student mobility, hosting 86 short-term international students. The majority (73%) came from eight partner institutions, with Europe accounting for 64% of all inbound students. Norway led with students from the University of Bergen and the University of Agder, followed by Italy and the Netherlands. The College also hosted students from Somalia International University, Moi University (Kenya), and institutions in the United States. Most visiting students were medical trainees, with placements mainly in Paediatrics at Mulago National Referral and Teaching Hospital, as well as Emergency Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
These exchanges demonstrated strong bilateral commitment, notably with the Medical University of Graz, which sent students to MakCHS while simultaneously hosting MakCHS students, even in the absence of Erasmus Mundus Plus funding. Inbound mobility enriched the learning environment through intercultural exchange, inclusiveness, and exposure to diverse clinical and academic perspectives.
Outbound mobility also expanded significantly. MakCHS students undertook clinical rotations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Austria. Two students completed hematology and oncology rotations at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, while others trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center–Fairview. Additional students undertook highly specialized rotations in paediatric surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and cardiac surgery at the Medical University of Graz, gaining exposure to advanced, patient-centred healthcare systems and strengthening their global clinical outlook.
Staff outward mobility was equally notable. Several MakCHS staff and graduate students participated in the Annual Global Health Conference organized by NUVANCE Health, an international partner. MakCHS faculty contributed through presentations, posters, and panel discussions, highlighting research on decolonization in global health education, adolescent health, and global mental health. These engagements provided valuable networking opportunities with global health funders and reinforced the importance of transnational academic partnerships in advancing health equity.
Through sustained partnerships, increased mobility, and active global engagement, MakCHS continues to position itself as a key contributor to global health education, research, and practice.
Health
Makerere University and Tsinghua University Launch Landmark China–Uganda Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning
Makerere University has taken a decisive step in strengthening Uganda’s and Africa’s capacity for public safety, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience with the official launch of the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, a flagship collaboration with Tsinghua University of China.
Launched during the Makerere University–Tsinghua University Symposium on Public Safety and Natural Disaster Management, the Joint Laboratory positions Makerere as a continental hub for cutting-edge research, innovation, and policy-relevant solutions in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and emergency response. The Laboratory will be hosted by Makerere University and is the only facility of its kind in Africa under this cooperation framework, underscoring its regional and global significance.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Research, Policy, and Practice
In his opening remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University and Ugandan Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory, traced the origins of the partnership to 2018, when a Makerere delegation visited Tsinghua University and the Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research. He recalled being deeply impressed by China’s advanced capacity in public safety research, disaster monitoring, and emergency management capabilities that directly respond to Uganda’s growing exposure to floods, landslides, epidemics, and other hazards.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the successful establishment of the Joint Laboratory followed a competitive grant process under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, supported by the Government of Uganda and regional partners, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. He emphasized that the Laboratory aligns squarely with Makerere’s strategic ambition to become a research-led and research-intensive university, while also advancing its internationalisation agenda.
“This Laboratory will significantly enhance Makerere University’s ability to generate evidence-based research that directly informs government policy and public safety interventions. It will serve not only Uganda, but Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
He further underscored the Laboratory’s national importance, noting that similar facilities in China are regarded as national-level laboratories, entrusted with supporting government decision-making and national resilience. Relevant Ugandan institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UPDF, Uganda Police, Ministry of Health, and humanitarian actors, are expected to actively participate in the Laboratory’s work.
Tsinghua University: Advancing Science Diplomacy and South–South Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of Tsinghua University, Prof. Yuan Hongyong, Dean of the Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research and Chinese Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory, described the initiative as both a scientific milestone and a powerful demonstration of South–South cooperation.
He emphasized that natural disasters transcend national borders and demand collective, science-driven responses. By combining Tsinghua’s technological expertise, including satellite monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and integrated early warning systems, with Makerere’s deep regional knowledge and policy engagement, the Joint Laboratory provides a robust platform for innovation, applied research, and practical solutions tailored to African contexts.
The Laboratory will function not only as a research centre, but also as an operational platform for natural hazard monitoring, early warning, risk assessment, and capacity building, supporting Uganda and the wider African region in building more resilient communities.
Government of Uganda: Research as a Pillar of National Resilience
Representing the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Frederick Edward Walugemba, reaffirmed the government’s strong support for the Joint Laboratory, recognizing research as a cornerstone of effective public safety and disaster management. The OPM highlighted its constitutional mandate to coordinate disaster preparedness and response through institutions such as the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC).
He mentioned that the Office of the Prime Minister is committed to working closely with Makerere University and its partners, underscoring the importance of multi-agency collaboration, robust data systems, and timely policy advisories to address the complex, multidimensional nature of public safety challenges.
China–Uganda Relations and the Role of Science Diplomacy
Mr. WANG Jianxun, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda, lauded the Joint Laboratory as a concrete outcome of the growing China–Uganda Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that the collaboration reflects China’s commitment to knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and people-centred development, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
He also highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative as a framework that extends beyond infrastructure to include scientific cooperation, academic exchange, and innovation-driven development, with the Joint Laboratory standing as a model of how universities can advance diplomacy through science.
Makerere’s Multidisciplinary Strength at the Core
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s readiness to operationalize the Laboratory through a multidisciplinary research team spanning public health, geography, engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, social sciences, and the built environment.
He stressed that effective disaster management must integrate technology, human behaviour, governance, and community engagement, noting the importance of sociological insights in addressing risk perception and public compliance during disasters. Makerere will also engage emerging universities and regional partners to ensure the Laboratory’s benefits are widely shared.
The Vice-Chancellor also commissioned an interim, multidisciplinary coordination committee to operationalise the Joint Laboratory, drawing expertise from health, climate science, engineering, artificial intelligence, social sciences, and government agencies.
Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo Officially Launches the Laboratory
The Joint Laboratory was officially launched by the Honourable John Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education, who applauded Makerere University and Tsinghua University for securing the prestigious grant and advancing Uganda’s science and research agenda.
Hon. Muyingo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting research that informs national development, public safety, and disaster preparedness. He urged Ugandan researchers to fully leverage the partnership to learn from China’s experience in transforming research into actionable solutions for society.
“This Laboratory is a clear demonstration of how strategic international partnerships can strengthen national capacity, inform policy, and protect lives,” the Minister said, as he formally declared the symposium and laboratory launch open.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Centre of Excellence
Makerere University already plays a critical role in public safety, disaster preparedness, and early warning through a range of research, training, and operational partnerships. Through the School of Public Health (MakSPH) and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), the University has led national and regional initiatives in epidemic preparedness, emergency response, and early warning, including Field Epidemiology Training, risk prediction modelling, and multi-hazard risk assessments that inform district and national preparedness planning. A national assessment of 716 health facilities conducted by MakSPH revealed widespread exposure to climate-related hazards and systemic preparedness gaps, directly informing the Ministry of Health’s Climate and Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP 2025–2030)
Makerere has also been at the forefront of disaster risk reduction innovation and community resilience through the Resilient Africa Network (RAN), which has supported scalable, evidence-based solutions such as EpiTent, a rapidly deployable emergency health facility; RootIO, a community-based radio communication platform used for risk communication and early warning; and RIAP Horn of Africa, which advances climate-resilient water harvesting technologies for drought-prone pastoralist communities.
Earlier, the University led the USAID-funded PeriPeri U project (2014–2019) and a disaster management collaboration with Tulane University, strengthening applied research, training, and early warning systems across Africa, efforts that laid the foundation for RAN and Makerere’s current disaster resilience agenda.
In collaboration with government and international partners, Makerere has supported the strengthening of Emergency Operations Centres, including the development of Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) dashboards to improve real-time coordination and situational awareness. IDI has further contributed to epidemic intelligence and early warning, supporting districts to update WHO STAR-based risk calendars, strengthen sub-national preparedness, and enhance real-time decision-making during outbreaks. Makerere teams have also been deployed regionally to support Marburg and Mpox outbreak responses in Rwanda and the DRC, while advancing outbreak modelling as an early warning tool for high-consequence infectious diseases.
Complementing these efforts, the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences conducts transdisciplinary research on floods, landslides, droughts, soil erosion, and land-use change, using geospatial analysis, earth observation, modelling, and participatory methods to translate complex data into actionable early warning and risk information for policymakers and communities. These ongoing initiatives collectively demonstrate Makerere University’s established capacity in public safety, disaster preparedness, and early warning, providing a strong operational and scientific foundation for the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory.
With strong backing from the Governments of Uganda and China, as well as leading international partners, the China–Uganda Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning is poised to become a regional centre of excellence for disaster risk reduction research, training, and innovation.
The Laboratory will contribute to improved early warning systems, faster emergency response, stronger policy coordination, and enhanced scientific capacity, cementing Makerere University’s role at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing public safety challenges facing Uganda, Africa, and the global community.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office Makerere University.
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