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.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
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