Health
Minister calls on Scientists to translate Science to be understood by the general population
At the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) Annual Meeting held 27th-28th October 2025 at Makerere University, Kampala, the Chief Guest, Hon. Monica Musenero – Minister for Science Technology and Innovations called on scientists to translate science to local lingua to be understood by the general population.
ORTARChI was launched in December 2018, aimed at building research and innovation capacity across Africa. The initiative has to-date established 10 Research Chairs in seven countries, addressing critical challenges like climate change, public health, and food security. The seven countries are Uganda, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Uganda Research Chair held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya focuses on infectious and neurological diseases at Makerere University College of Health Sciences.
Hon. Musenero highlighted that at present Africa is like a huge pothole in a road compared to other continents in the context of development, advising that we must look at science as a driver of national development and solution to our challenges.
Calling for translation of science to local lingua the Minister advised, ‘we must realise that science is not to the exclusion of non-scientists. Connect the local population to appreciate how science is a utility in their lives’.
She proposed the following for consideration:
- Collaborate with partners in the northern hemisphere but retain your knowledge and consider it a commodity for wealth creation.
- Science was always considered a product of the elite education system than use in day-to-day life, this must change.
- Other nations rose through making STI a priority. Cognizant of the low investment by governments in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers must engage with policy makers, simplify their results for the later to appreciate the return on investment from research.
- Working in silos will not take Africa far, collaboration on the continent is necessary to produce material useful to us other than remaining consumers of what is produced elsewhere.
- Engineer science and research to build the economies and wealth creation.
‘Africa has excellent labs, publications, presentations at international conferences without protecting intellectual property which translates to professors retiring on pension as opposed to loyalties for their peers in the western world through registration and sale of patents’, Hon Musenero added.
Create think tanks that ‘think’ rather than only research and give to others, recognise knowledge from research as wealth, the Minister further advised.
Hon. Musenero’s parting message to researchers and scientists was: artificial intelligence is going to rule this world, what is Africa’s role and portion?; re-examine whether the research in our institutions is aligned to industries; the new saying should be aligned to protecting our knowledge through a value chain of research-protect-product and then publish as opposed to publish or perish which gives away our knowledge to be used by others; develop pan-African mind-set and networks through benefit sharing; and be intentional in working on what works for us, measure performance by how many products are a result of your research as well as jobs created.
In his remarks, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor – Makerere University welcomed participants to Uganda and Makerere University. He said, ‘this gathering reflects our shared commitment to science as a catalyst for inclusive development, resilience, and economic opportunity across the continent’.
Professor Nawangwe noted that Africa stands at a pivotal moment where a young population are pursuing education with determination, universities are expanding the frontiers of knowledge with collaborating partners enabling the institutions to translate ideas into impact.
‘However, true progress requires more than research excellence. Sustainable ecosystems that translate findings into policy, practice and prosperity are also required’, he reminded the gathering.
He expressed his hope that, conversations at this meeting are not only theoretical but concrete steps toward a self-sustaining research eco-system that aligns with Africa’s growth.
Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira delivered a keynote address where he called for stakeholders to advance Africa’s future-ready generation through research innovation and artificial intelligence. He challenged participants to reimagine Africa’s future through strategic investment in knowledge, technology and youth potential.
Some of the issues raised during discussions at the meeting included: Institutional uptake of Research Chairs in Universities in comparison to the research projects; Creation of Communities of Practice of scientists working in same arrears to leverage resources and capacity across borders; African nations should invest more in research and STI which enable the continent to set an agenda which is aligned to their needs; The research chairs introduced on the continent have to be aligned to the abundant natural resources and work towards developing final products for export as opposed to raw materials; Manufacturing capacity of Africa requires improvement and incentives to the private sector to be more responsive in collaborating with researchers in product development; Africa has to move away from business as usual in research with consideration that innovation isn’t random but has to be intentional to the needs of our societies; Acceleration of graduates to be job creators is required as opposed to incubation of idea which has been slow in delivering results; Science communication is necessary to local communities in simple language and engagement of policymakers both in country and regional bodies. Scientists can afford to be apolitical, as decision makers politicians are key partners in whatever is happening in research institutions; Inter-disciplinary collaboration and handholding, for example clinicians working with basic scientists; Identification of gifted scientists for mentorship, training and support through their career paths.
Dr. David Serukka, Ag. Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology delivered closing remarks of the ORTARChI gathering. He moved a vote of thanks to all the participants and partners for making the meeting possible.
Dr. Serukka reiterated Hon. Musenero’s message and called on everyone to reflect on the discussions at the meeting. ‘The future for Africa is a digital knowledge economy and we must strive to define what it means for us and how to use it for national development as well as wealth creation’, he said.
He underlined the importance of partnerships, capacity building, concrete steps for sustainability, championing STI to become actors not watchers, protect our knowledge through patents, develop a pan-African mind-set of knowledge sharing and re-examine research around us and which direction to take.
Dr. Serukka thanked the National Research Foundation, South Africa for organising the funding which has catalysed the networks created. He called on all the Chairs under ORTARChI to keep thinking to take us forward.
Health
MakCHS 2026 Orientation begins: Freshers Urged to Prioritise Responsibility, Integrity and Academic Excellence
New students joining Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) have been urged to embrace responsibility, discipline, integrity and hard work as they embark on their journey towards becoming healthcare professionals.
The call was made during the opening session of the college’s orientation programme that began on the 4th August and will conclude on 7th August 2026. During the session, College leaders including the Principal and Deans welcomed students admitted to study various programmes at MakCHS. The speakers outlined expectations for academic and professional conduct.
The session was moderated by Professor Mark Kaddu, Deputy Dean-School of Medicine. Welcoming the freshers, he stressed the importance of hard work highlighting that ‘your academic documents will speak for you and excellence will open doors’.
The college leaders congratulated the students on securing admission to Makerere University, noting that many qualified applicants were unable to secure places. They encouraged the new entrants to make the most of the opportunity by committing themselves to excellence from the first day. The students were reminded that programmes offered by the college are rigorous full-time courses that demand commitment, discipline and consistency.
In his remarks, Professor Bruce Kirenga – Principal, MakCHS welcomed the new entrants and provided an overview of the College’s rich history, highlighting its growth and commitment to excellence in health professionals’ education. The Principal reaffirmed the college’s mission of impacting the national health agenda through transformational teaching, research and innovation for societal development. Students were encouraged to embrace the wide range of career pathways and professional opportunities available upon qualification, emphasizing that their training would equip them to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Stressing the importance of mind-set change which has also been introduced as a crosscutting course, the Principal urged the students to cultivate discipline, resilience, professionalism, and a passion for lifelong learning. “The journey you have embarked on is challenging, but it is achievable,” the Principal noted, reminding the students that many graduates before them successfully completed the programme through dedication and hard work. The address concluded with a call for the new students to remain focused, work diligently, and strive for academic excellence as they prepare to become the next generation of healthcare professionals who will transform their communities.
Professor Annettee Nakimuli, Dean – School of Medicine encouraged students to work collaboratively rather than viewing learning as a competition. She urged them to form productive study groups, support one another and take advantage of opportunities for mentorship, research and international exchange programmes available through the college. “We are here to support you throughout your journey,” she told the students, adding that strong academic performance could open doors to international exchanges, postgraduate training and research collaborations with universities around the world.
Professor Nakimuli warned students against academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, falsification of academic records and illegal programme changes. She cautioned that such misconduct could lead to dismissal from the university, even after several years of study. Students were further advised to be vigilant against fraudsters who promise to alter admission records or transfer students into different academic programmes through unofficial channels.
In his remarks, Dr. Richard Muhindo, Dean-School of Health Sciences highlighted the importance of personal responsibility and wellbeing beyond academics. He encouraged students to manage their time wisely, avoid drug and alcohol abuse, stay away from gambling and maintain healthy lifestyles throughout their studies. Dr. Muhindo emphasized the importance of professionalism, reminding students that healthcare careers are built on compassion, teamwork and service to humanity. He encouraged students from different programmes to learn together, respect one another’s professions and build networks that will benefit them throughout their careers.
In his address to the freshers, Dr. David Nono who represented Dr. Annet Kutesa, Dean – School of Dentistry, encouraged students to embrace the opportunities before them by working hard, maintaining discipline, and striving for academic excellence. He emphasised the importance of achieving a strong academic record, noting that outstanding performance opens doors to competitive opportunities and future specialisation. The Dean also urged students to pursue postgraduate studies, reminding them that the dental profession requires highly qualified specialists. Reflecting on his own academic journey, he shared how dedication and continuous learning enabled him to study and work internationally before returning to serve the University. He concluded by encouraging students to remain focused, respect University rules, support one another, and make the most of their time at the institution as they prepare for successful professional careers.
Representing the Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Professor Elisa Mwaka welcomed the freshers and congratulated them on earning admission to the College, urging them to embrace responsibility and discipline as they begin university life. Introducing the School of Biomedical Sciences to students, he explained that it handles core foundational courses like Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, among others that support their academic journey. Professor Mwaka reminded students that success at university depends on personal responsibility, regular class attendance, effective time management, and organised study habits, emphasizing that attendance of at least 80 percent of lectures and practical sessions is required to qualify for examinations. He also encouraged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek guidance from their lecturers early rather than waiting until examination time, and urged them to be punctual, prepare adequately for classes.
Mental health featured prominently during the orientation. Leaders acknowledged that health sciences programmes can be stressful encouraging students experiencing emotional or psychological challenges to seek support early rather than suffering in silence. They also called on students to avoid stigmatizing colleagues facing mental health difficulties.
Students were also cautioned to safeguard their personal belongings, particularly phones and laptops, as they settle into campus life. Officials warned that new students are often targeted by thieves during the first weeks of the academic year.
The opening session for the 2026 orientation concluded with a message of encouragement, with MakCHS leaders expressing confidence that the students would develop into competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare professionals capable of contributing to Uganda’s health sector and beyond.
The Orientation Programme continues until Friday, 7th August, and all students were strongly encouraged to attend every session to give themselves the best possible start to their academic journey. Important topics to be covered include IT services, registration procedures, university policies, mental health and well-being, and awareness and prevention of sexual harassment. These sessions are designed to equip students with the knowledge and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
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