In an increasingly interconnected world, the unseen links of global health risk are growing stronger. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are on the rise, fueled by humanitarian crises, conflict, fragile health systems, weak surveillance, and the ceaseless movement of people and goods. The World Health Organization now processes more than 100,000 health signals each month, each one a potential sign of an unusual illness pattern or outbreak in the making. Between 1996 and 2023, more than 3,000 global outbreak events were reported, affecting millions and revealing the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced health systems. Many of these diseases are zoonotic, capable of leaping from animals to humans and igniting epidemics or pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 laid bare how swiftly such threats can upend societies, economies, and entire ways of life, and how urgently the world must strengthen its capacity to predict, detect, and respond.

It is within this complex and evolving landscape that Makerere University has convened the second Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Africa Conference from November 6–7, 2025, bringing together researchers, technologists, policymakers, and health leaders to explore how AI and digital innovation can redefine the continent’s disease surveillance and health resilience. Building on the momentum of its 2024 inaugural edition, this year’s conference advances the mission of accelerating responsible AI adoption across African health systems. Last year’s gathering sparked key collaborations, among them, partnerships between Makerere University’s AI Lab and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), and deeper engagement with the Health AI for All Network (HAINET), laying the foundation for transformative, data-driven health ecosystems. From Sunbird AI, which supports real-time health data analytics, to AirQo, a platform using AI to monitor air quality and its health impacts, and the Makerere AI Health Lab, pioneering intelligent diagnostic and decision-support tools, these initiatives illustrate the tangible potential of African-led innovation.

As the second conference unfolds, it reflects not only a regional awakening to the power of AI but also a continental commitment to shaping the global health future from within Africa. These existing health risks demonstrate the urgent need to change the status quo and tackle these challenges decisively. However, doing so requires that resources, intensified surveillance, and capacity building be urgently prioritised across the continent, particularly to address regional bottlenecks and support countries that are ill-prepared to detect and contain disease outbreaks. Universities have a fundamental role to play in these processes as centers of innovation, research, and capacity building.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering technological growth through the Life Sciences Innovation Centre. The centre, she explained, was established to support technology-based enterprises that possess scalable innovations but face challenges in expanding their reach.

Dr. Musenero emphasized that “this is the season for Uganda to make its mark globally” by actively engaging in the development and production of artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to enhance service delivery across sectors. She commended Makerere University for its ongoing AI-focused initiatives and urged the institution to continue positioning itself at the forefront of research and innovation in the field. Dr. Musenero further pledged the Government of Uganda’s continued support towards efforts that strengthen the country’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the global AI ecosystem.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi highlighted the central theme of the conference addressing the needs of vulnerable communities that continue to face the burden of infectious diseases and limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. He observed that artificial intelligence (AI) in health presents a powerful equalizer, offering innovative solutions to bridge gaps in access and service delivery.

Prof. Buyinza further emphasized that progress in AI should not be driven by competition but by collaboration and knowledge sharing. He called on researchers, innovators, and policymakers to work collectively toward ensuring that advancements in AI serve the greater good of society.

The conference also show cased a range of innovative AI-driven solutions addressing critical challenges in health and development across Africa. Among the highlights was the Sam Photo App, an ethical and scalable AI platform designed for child nutritional monitoring, promoting sustainable approaches to early health intervention. Another innovation, the AI-Augmented Monitoring and Evaluation System, aims to redefine data utilization for building resilient and sustainable health systems on the continent. From Kenya, ICUConnect demonstrated the potential of machine learning through its web-based dashboard that streamlines referrals and ICU bed coordination, complete with time-series forecasting of bed demand in public hospitals. Additionally, a team of Ugandan researchers presented a project on Integrating GeoAI and Spatial Machine Learning for Malaria Prediction, show casing how data-driven insights can support proactive disease management.

Dr. Musenero’s message was clear, that Uganda’s moment to lead in technological innovation has arrived. With government support and academic collaboration, the country is poised not only to adopt emerging technologies but to shape them to transform local challenges into global contributions through the power of AI.

Welcome to this comprehensive reflection on the remarkable milestones achieved by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) throughout the second half of the 2024/2025 financial year. This dynamic period was marked by various achievements, strategic collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge for national development. From capacity-building initiatives such as equipping PhD students with vital skills in crafting policy and issue briefs to supporting several project dissemination activities, Mak-RIF further demonstrated its dedication to fostering panoramic and impactful research.

The pinnacle of the period was the vibrant Research and Innovations Week, officiated by His Excellency, President Yoweri K. Museveni. During this landmark event, our researchers showcased the tangible impact of Government investment in research through Mak-RIF, and Makerere’s innovative strides and research excellence.

Beyond this event, the period saw meaningful benchmarking visits from the Ministry of Public Service and Lira University, deepening inter-institutional collaboration in research management and knowledge translation. We were also privileged to host Prof. Christine Suniti Bhat from Ohio University, exploring partnerships in mental health, psychosocial support, and capacity building.

In the second half of the financial year, Mak-RIF also launched its 6^th round of grants award and inducted the RIF6 grantees, marking yet another chapter of impactful research ahead.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Uganda and the University Management for their support towards Mak-RIF. I further appreciate researchers, the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee and the Secretariat whose hard work and dedication continue to elevate Uganda’s research and innovation ecosystem. Together, we continue to position Makerere University as a beacon of research-led national development.

Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi
Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC)

Makerere University through its Innovation Pod (UniPod) hosted a delegation from the Belgian Embassy in Uganda, accompanied by representatives from ENABEL and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on September 1, 2025. The visit included a tour of all ten maker spaces at the UniPod, offering guests a first-hand experience of Makerere’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Speaking on behalf of the Belgian Embassy, the Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation, Mr. Michel Dewez, who arrived in Uganda only a month ago, expressed delight at visiting Makerere for the first time. He commended the university for its well-organized approach to innovation, noting that the delegation was impressed by the creative processes underway. He added that the tools and instruments available at the UniPod not only support students but also extend benefits to the wider community.

Representatives from ENABEL described the UniPod as an “impressive and inspiring place” for their very first external engagement. They applauded Makerere not just for generating innovative ideas but also for translating them into tangible businesses already creating jobs. Congratulating the hosts, they highlighted the shared belief in innovation as a pathway to addressing challenges, creating employment, and empowering young people, particularly women. They equally expressed ENABEL’s readiness to actively seek future opportunities for synergy and collaboration.

The Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, Mr. Ian King, also praised the creativity on display, emphasizing UNDP’s strong commitment to innovation and progress. He noted that with Africa being the youngest continent, innovation is vital in addressing its pressing challenges. He expressed admiration for Makerere’s success in translating academic ideas into applicable solutions and called for the scaling of the most promising innovations through partnerships with the private sector and investors. Mr. King reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to Makerere, stressing that the organization views itself not as a donor but as a facilitator helping to identify ideas, merge solutions, and support partners in scaling them despite a challenging global financial context.

On behalf of the University, the Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala extended a warm welcome to the guests. He expressed gratitude to the Belgian Embassy delegation, as well as UNDP and ENABEL representatives for their unwavering support towards Uganda’s development. He described the Innovation Pod as a hub where students, researchers, and innovators transform ideas into solutions for pressing societal needs. Prof. Wamala emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda aligns closely with Belgium’s focus areas, including climate change, agriculture, health systems strengthening, digitalization, gender equity, youth employment, and governance. He further noted the importance of linking innovators at Makerere with regional and international counterparts to foster collaboration, digital learning, and scaling of innovations.

The Assistant Manager of the UniPod, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma introduced the Innovation Centre and its mandate. Established in 2020 under the Office of the Vice Chancellor, the Centre seeks to translate research outputs into commercial projects, focusing on ideation, protection, commercialization, and scaling of innovations. She added that the unit transitioned into an Innovation Pod in 2024 with support from UNDP and established ten maker spaces, including a studio used for recording lectures and presentations. She highlighted that the Centre is evolving into the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), with a vision of enhancing commercialization and industry linkages to promote sustainable industrialization.  Dr. Nagwovuma further emphasized inclusivity, highlighting programs designed to support students, staff, industry partners, the private sector, and marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities and refugees.

During the tour, the delegation interacted with innovators who showcased their solutions. One of the highlights was a researcher who has developed a clinically tested malaria syrup effective against resistant strains. Already recognized internationally in Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, and the UK, the innovation is progressing through advanced clinical trials and is seeking industry partnerships for commercialization. Another innovator, Ms. Rebecca, a Bachelor of Science in Palliative Care student and founder of Alpha My Africa, presented reusable menstrual packs designed to address menstrual poverty. Her initiative has already reached 300 girls in five schools across Wakiso and Mityana districts and is training 30 youth to replicate the work in their communities.

The visit reaffirmed Makerere University’s position as a hub for transformative ideas and meaningful partnerships. By opening its doors to international collaborators and development partners, the UniPod continues to drive inclusive, youth-led innovation that responds to Uganda’s needs and contributes to global progress.