General
From Mastercard Foundation Scholar to Changemaker: Dr. Ekwaro Ronald’s Vision for Eye Health in Uganda
Dr Ekwaro Ronald, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, is committed to enhancing eye health in Uganda. He plans to establish the country’s first Myopia Control Centre, dedicated to safeguarding the eye health of young people in Uganda and neighbouring nations. This goal is within reach, given his experience and commitment. At present, he is gaining valuable experience in the Optometry Department at Mengo Hospital, one of Uganda’s largest private hospitals. His dedication and efforts were recognised last year when he received the hospital’s best optometrist award.
His Early Life
Ronald was born on May 5, 1997, in the Oyam District of Northern Uganda. He is the youngest of eight siblings, comprising six boys and two girls. Tragically, Ronald’s father, a primary school teacher, passed away just two months after his birth. This loss placed Ronald and his seven siblings under the care of their mother, a single parent and smallholder farmer, who became the sole provider for the family.
Early Education
Ronald took a unique path in his education, starting school at the age of seven at Alutkot Primary School in his neighbourhood. With his elder brother’s encouragement and support, he completed Primary Five. He then moved on to Masindi Army Day Primary School for Primary Six, where he was supported and lived with his other elder brother, who served in the army at the time. For Primary Seven, Ronald returned to his village home and completed his primary leaving examinations at Loro Primary School. Despite the challenge of walking approximately 2 kilometres to attend school, he demonstrated determination and resilience in his pursuit of education.
Secondary Education
Despite the challenges he faced and the frequent changes of educational institutions, he completed Primary Seven with a first-grade distinction. One of his elder brothers, a primary school teacher, provided financial support for his continued education. Consequently, Ronald was enrolled as a boarding student at Blessed Comboni Secondary School in Kiryandongo District. However, due to financial constraints stemming from his brother’s limited income, he transferred to Masindi Army Secondary School in his second year. This transition occurred under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme, an initiative of the Ugandan government that offers free secondary education to young individuals from communities facing social and economic barriers.
While attending Blessed Comboni Secondary school, he lived with his elder brother in a military barracks, which exposed him to military life from an early age. This experience of living in an army environment significantly shaped his fearless and resilient character, enabling him to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.
In 2014, he performed excellently in his Form Four final examinations, earning a first-grade qualification. Afterwards, he received support for his A-Level studies through BRAC-Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He then joined Seeta High School Green Campus in Mukono, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
Joining Makerere University
In 2017, after excelling in his final A-Level exams, he once again became a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Optometry, a four-year eye healthcare programme at the College of Health Sciences.
“I chose Optometry because of my passion for optics and physics. At Seeta High School Green Campus, I was the only student to score an A in Physics in the 2016 Form Six final examinations. I wanted to combine my knowledge of Physics and Biology to help improve people’s vision,” Ronald explains.
While pursuing his studies at Makerere University, Ronald’s life transformed for the better, largely due to the robust support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The support provided him with the opportunity to support his family while continuing his education. Notably, he utilised a portion of his monthly stipend to help his elder sister with her tuition for her final semester of nursing school, exemplifying the impact of his journey on his life and his family’s lives.
Ronald took proactive steps to kickstart his career as an Optometrist even before graduating. While studying at the University, he sought out various learning experiences and volunteer opportunities in eye care facilities to enhance his practical skills. His volunteer work at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire significantly enriched his curriculum vitae and provided invaluable hands-on experience in the field.
“I did not wait for graduation to pursue my career aspirations as an optometrist. From the beginning of my academic programme, I actively sought opportunities and volunteered at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire. These experiences greatly enriched my curriculum vitae. I encourage fellow students at the university to begin exploring opportunities while still enrolled, as gaining relevant experience is vital for meeting the expectations of prospective employers upon graduation.” Ronald advises.
Life After Makerere University
Upon graduating from Makerere University in 2022, Ronald navigated the job market with remarkable ease, thanks to the strategic internships and volunteer positions he pursued during his studies. His proactive networking efforts paid off when he received an invitation to apply for a position at Mengo Hospital. Just two days before graduation, he was among three candidates shortlisted for interviews. This allowed him to celebrate his graduation with a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had already secured a job. He began his new role at the hospital shortly after graduation, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.
His Professional Life as an Optometrist at Mengo Hospital
Over the past three years at Mengo Hospital, Ronald has demonstrated professionalism, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues. His unwavering commitment to prioritising patients’ interests has not only earned him the 2024 Best Optometrist award at the Eye Department but also emphasised the positive impact of his work. Beyond his clinical duties, Ronald has developed a strong research interest. He is currently in the advanced stages of securing a grant from the World Council of Optometrists to study the progression of myopia (commonly known as short-sightedness) in children. He is optimistic that the findings will significantly aid advocacy efforts for myopia intervention strategies, ultimately helping to ease the challenges this condition poses for children in Uganda.
His Impact on the Community
With his siblings’ support, he successfully built a house for his mother in Oyam district, demonstrating his commitment to his family. He is also contributing to the tuition expenses of one of his nephews currently attending university, emphasising his dedication to education and the next generation. In 2024, he took part in a Mengo Hospital outreach team that screened and provided post-surgical care for over 100 patients who received free cataract surgeries, made possible by the generous support of Christian Blind Mission. The surgeries were performed at PAG Mission Hospital in Lira. Through his efforts, he mobilised numerous community members to take advantage of this initiative, leading to many people having their sight restored and enhancing the overall well-being of his community.
Looking into the Future
Ronald is on a mission to establish the first Myopia Control Centre in Uganda, aiming to make a significant impact on children’s eye health in the region. Currently, he is pursuing a Pediatric Optometry Fellowship at the Indian Academy of Optometry, where he is gaining valuable knowledge and expertise in myopia control. This training will empower him to lead a specialised centre dedicated to reducing the progression of myopia among children in Uganda. The centre will implement evidence-based interventions, including orthokeratology lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops, to effectively manage myopia.
Additionally, it will serve as a vital resource for identifying and addressing other childhood eye disorders that can hinder academic performance, such as squints, amblyopia (lazy eye), heterophorias, accommodative disorders, and convergence insufficiency. Through these efforts, Ronald envisions a brighter future for children’s vision and learning in Uganda.
Message to Fellow Young People
Ronald encourages other young people to establish clear developmental goals and set specific timeframes for each one. He emphasises the importance of discipline and focus, urging them to stay committed and continuously strive for progress.
Words of Gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and the entire Mastercard Foundation team for their pivotal role in transforming my life and providing opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Your support not only facilitated my education but also reinstated my hope, dignity, and sense of purpose in my journey. As someone who faced barriers to opportunity, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a significant turning point, shaping my future and empowering me to become the individual I am today.” Ronald remarks.
Ronald emphasises that through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, he gained access to quality education, mentorship, leadership training, and a community that believes in the power of young people to change the world. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enabled him to devote himself fully to his studies and to support his family during critical moments, demonstrating both academic focus and a strong sense of responsibility.
“I am especially grateful for the values the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program instilled in us: service, humility, leadership, and the responsibility to uplift our communities. These values continue to guide my professional journey and my commitment to improving eye health in Uganda.” Ronald pointed out.
The writer is the Principal Communication & Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Makerere University has been selected to host the Africa Office of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). The significant milestone that underscores Makerere’s role in fostering research, innovation, and global collaborations across the continent was announced at a meeting of the University’s Central Management with an AAP delegation on 23rd February 2026.
Makerere’s selection was based on the University’s robust commitment, alignment with the AAP’s Strategic Plan, and proven ability to manage consortium activities. The AAP, which was initiated by Michigan State University (MSU) in collaboration with Ten African Universities and agricultural policy research networks in 2016, targets critical challenges in education, youth empowerment, health and nutrition, agri-food systems, science and technology, water, energy, environment, and culture and society.
Addressing the delegation consisting of AAP Co-Directors from MSU, Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison, accompanied by newly-appointed Director of the AAP Africa Office, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi and Ms. Clare Cheromoi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who appreciated the choice of Makerere to host the Africa Office said:
“One of the greatest challenges facing African universities is PhD training, particularly supervisory capacity. Through partnerships such as the Alliance for African Partnership we can leverage international expertise to strengthen supervision—whether through training supervisors or through joint supervision arrangements.”
Prof. Nawangwe equally applauded joint initiatives such as the Grant Writing and Publication project, which gave rise to the establishment of a Writing Centre that he said can be used to build capacity in AAP member universities with Makerere as the hub. Officially launched on 21st March 2023, the project is living up to its expectation of becoming a springboard for strong postdoctoral collaborative research for both institutions and other US universities.
Dr. Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University (MSU) who attended virtually, reiterated that Makerere’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing African higher education, research excellence, and meaningful global collaboration.
Reflecting on the origins of the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP), Dr. Awokuse explained that nearly a decade ago, MSU initiated a transformative conversation in Atlanta centered on the question: How should we partner differently? From this dialogue emerged AAP—an Africa-centered consortium that now brings together 12 institutions across Africa and the United States.
He emphasized that AAP is grounded in equity, mutual benefit, shared leadership, and deep respect for African priorities and expertise. Since its founding, MSU has served as convener and key supporter, working with member institutions to strengthen research collaboration, promote faculty and student engagement, and address shared development priorities.
Dr. Awokuse underscored that AAP’s success is the result of collective vision and commitment, not the efforts of a single institution. He paid tribute to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for hosting the Africa Office in its early years and acknowledged the foundational leadership of the inaugural Africa Office Director.
He described the launch of the Africa Office at Makerere University as a significant milestone that reinforces Africa-led leadership, strengthens regional collaboration, and enhances responsiveness to emerging opportunities. MSU, he affirmed, remains fully committed to AAP and to working closely with Makerere and all consortium partners to expand collaborative research, nurture the next generation of scholars, and advance Africa-led solutions to global challenges.
The newly-appointed AAP Africa Office Director, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi is a member of faculty in the Department of Development Studies, Institute of Gender and Development Studies. Her work on intersectional inequalities in Uganda and other Global South regions uniquely positions her to drive collaborative research and partnerships at the Africa Office.
Initially founded by ten African Universities and MSU, AAP now comprises eleven African members including; the African Network of Agricultural Policy Institutes (ANAPRI)-Zambia, Egerton University-Kenya, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)-Malawi, Makerere University-Uganda, United States International University-Africa-Kenya, Universite Cheikh Anta Diop-Senegal, Universite Yambo Ouologuem de Bamako-Mali, University of Botswana-Botswana, University of Dar es Salaam-Tanzania, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-Nigeria, and the latest, University of Pretoria-South Africa.
These Universites collaborate under Focal Points to advance policy-relevant research and sustainable development. Makerere University’s Focal Point is Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP).
Addressing the University Management, Dr. Jackson-Malete outlined the African Futures Research Leadership Program, which nurtures early career scholars through mentorship and skill-building as one of AAP’s flagship programs. She noted that the Program that prioritizes female participants or men committed to promoting women in higher education has for the first time during its fifth cohort admitted the first male, Dr. Alfadaniels Mabingo from the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University.
The AAP Africa Office at Makerere will coordinate activities, boost research collaboration, mobilize resources, and enhance global engagements for socio-economic transformation. This aligns with Makerere‘s broader goals of leveraging international expertise to build resilient institutions.
View more photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCLjoA
Students with disabilities at Makerere University have been requested to stop seeking for special attention and instead look for solutions and opportunities for personal growth.
This was during a mental wellness, inclusion and safeguarding session organized by the Dean of Students office and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
Addressing students on mental health and disability inclusion, Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, a lecturer at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), noted that if the students stop complaining, they will become empowered to take charge of their own development, build resilience and engage confidently in both academic and social environments.
“Turn your lived experiences into tools for innovation. Stop complaining and start creating solutions for yourselves. You are the one living this life, and that gives you the authority to be an expert. When you develop a solution, it doesn’t just benefit you, it helps others too, by removing barriers,” Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, said.
He encouraged students to see themselves not as victims of circumstance, but as active participants and co-creators of the inclusive environment they wish to experience.
“Learn how to communicate effectively and humbly. If you have a problem, express yourself clearly. Do not isolate yourself or feel resentful. You are not defined by disability, you may face disadvantages, but you still have ability,” he encouraged.
Throughout the session, students listened attentively as he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility, urging them to understand their strengths, acknowledge their limitations and take deliberate steps toward personal growth while contributing positively to the University community.
“We must enhance and ensure that our mental health is number one. Always choose yourself first. Choose what makes you happy and protect your peace. If you are at peace with yourself, your academics will improve. There is a strong link between mental wellness and academic success,” Mr. Ggaliwango, noted.
In his speech, Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon the students with disabilities to enhance and ensure that their mental health is prioritized.
“As students living with disabilities, sometimes you over expect, because you have a disability you should be given, listened to and when people do not listen to you, you attribute it to your disability, get it from me, even those without disabilities are not listened too. Things are not happening to you because of your disability it is because of the world we live in. Everything that happens to you can happen to others,” Mr Mwambu, noted.
“Have fun with your life. Make yourself happy and be smart. Present yourself in public confidently wherever you go. The way you carry yourself can improve your mental health and how others perceive you,” Mr. Mwambu said.
He reminded the students that gaining admission to Makerere is itself a milestone.
“There are many people without disabilities who have never stepped at Makerere University. Find something that empowers you and hold on to it. You may have a physical impairment, but if you are brilliant in class, you can lead discussions and inspire others,” he added.
During the session, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, welcomed the students back from the long holiday. He assured them that the University is committed to their safety and well-being while on campus.
Dr. Rugyema emphasized that the University has systems in place to protect students, both physically and psychologically and encouraged them to report any concerns promptly.
“When you are at the University, you are not on your own, we are always here for you. For us to engage you on mental wellness and inclusion, we want you to be in the right state of mind, whole and complete,” Dr Rugyema, said.
He added: “We are here to empower you and we are calling upon you not be a risk for yourself and always be able to detect risks that are likely to affect your mental health and works towards avoiding them and reporting them to ensure that the University manages them before they escalate into real harm whose impact is more serious than you can think,”
During the session, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru highlighted the University’s broader commitment to safeguarding.
Safeguarding at Makerere University refers to measures put in place to promote safety and wellness of all students, staffs and other stakeholders.
“At Makerere University, safety is not a luxury for few. but it is a right for every student. As the semesters begins, we are urging you to learn how to identify signs of harm or abuses and report them to the appropriate safeguarding contact points,” Ms Nabikolo, said.
For support in case of any harm or abuse, International and Refugee Students, can access support through the Advancement and International Office, while Students with Disabilities, can utilize the Disability Support Center. Those with personal and emotional challenges, can visit the Counselling and Guidance Centre.
In his speech, Dr Joab Agaba, a Lecturer in the College of Computing and Information Sciences, guided students how to report risks and incidences to the MakSafeSpace, the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Center, shared practical strategies for coping with stress effectively including time management, setting realistic goals, seeking support from peers or counsellors.
Students speak out
Shanitah Nahamya, 2nd year student of the Bachelor of Adult and Community Education
“I have learned how to respectfully and appropriately engage with students with disabilities. In the past, I often felt pity when I encountered them, but now I understand that what they need is not pity, it is respect, support, and equal opportunity.”
Guo Dorothy Geri, 1st year student of the Bachelor of Commerce
“I have learnt how to use inclusive language. Before offering help to a student with a disability, I will first ask them, because not all the time do they need our help. You might think someone wants to be helped to cross the road, yet they are waiting for someone.”
Valentines Doris Aduka, 1st Year student of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science
“I have been calling students with disabilities special names, thinking it was kind. But I have learned that they do not want to be treated differently or labeled in a special way. What they value most is being treated like everyone else, with respect, dignity, and fairness.”
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