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MakCHS Centennial Exhibition Opens

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The Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opened on 8th December 2025 at the Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill. The exhibition will run until 16th January 2026, and is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. The launch event drew staff, students, alumni, and partners.

A group photo for all at the official launch. Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opening 8th December 2025, Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A group photo for all at the official launch.

The exhibition highlights MakCHS’s rich history, milestones, and contributions since its founding in 1924. Visitors can explore archival photographs, rare documents, memorabilia from the college’s early years, historical artefacts, research outputs and innovations, equipment formerly used in training or service delivery, and other materials of historical significance.

MakCHS is marking a century of excellence in health professions education, research, and service under the theme: “Celebrating a Century of Excellence, Shaping the Future.”

Assoc. Professor Richard Idro (Right) interacts with attendees at the exhibition. Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opening 8th December 2025, Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Professor Richard Idro (Right) interacts with attendees at the exhibition.

Speaking at the opening, Assoc. Professor Richard Idro, Deputy Principal of MakCHS, welcomed guests and thanked them for honouring the invitation. He highlighted the various activities held so far, including dialogues, a run, a public lecture, and the IDI Science Fair, as part of the centennial celebrations. He reminded attendees that the celebrations will culminate on 6th March 2026 with a centennial commemoration event and dinner, during which a fundraising drive to expand the Davies Lecture Theatre will be launched.

In his remarks, Assoc. Professor David Meya, Chairperson of the MakCHS100 Celebrations Organising Committee, expressed gratitude for the support from the College leadership and the dedication of the organising committee. He emphasised the importance of alumni engagement, noting, “It is my hope that the engagements initiated during the centennial celebrations will strengthen alumni linkage going forward, and lay plans for the next 100 years.”

Associate Professor David Meya. Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opening 8th December 2025, Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Associate Professor David Meya.

Assoc. Professor Meya further reminded the audience that the ongoing fundraising efforts aim to support infrastructure development at MakCHS, starting with the expansion of the Davies Lecture Theatre. He also thanked the partners who have supported the college during the journey. He encouraged all stakeholders to give generously and spread the message.

Assoc. Professor Alison Kinengyere, College Librarian and Head of the Sir Albert Cook Library, thanked all in attendance for gracing the opening. She encouraged them to publicise the exhibition, which will remain open until 16th January 2026. She appreciated the support of the College leadership, organising committee, and recognised Mr. George Kizza for his tireless efforts in bringing the exhibition to life.

Associate Professor Alison Kinengyere. Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opening 8th December 2025, Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Associate Professor Alison Kinengyere.

Professor Willy Washington Anokbonggo, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, reflected on the College’s journey since its humble beginnings in 1924. He recounted the challenges faced during Uganda’s turbulent decades, including faculty who went into exile, those who stayed, and those who lost their lives. He noted that many who had left eventually returned to help rebuild the College. “The journey of MakCHS shows the resilience and commitment of the staff and students who have contributed to development not only in Uganda, but beyond,” he remarked.

Professor Willy Washington Anokbonggo. Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) opening 8th December 2025, Sir Albert Cook Library, Mulago Hill, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Willy Washington Anokbonggo.

MakCHS Management invites staff, students, alumni, well-wishers, and the general public to visit the exhibition and take part in commemorating this proud moment in the history of MakCHS and Makerere University.

Zaam Ssali
Zaam Ssali

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MNCH e-Post Issue 132: Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems Takes Centre Stage at World Health Summit

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Prof. Peter Waiswa (C) with participants at the World Health Regional Summit on 29 April 2026 in Nairobi Kenya. Photo: MNCH. Makerere University Center of Excellence for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), based at the Makerere University School of Public Health in Kampala Uganda

Prof. Peter Waiswa was among key experts who featured at the World Health Regional Summit in Kenya. The high-level meeting ran under the theme Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and health leaders to discuss how the continent can build resilient and equitable health systems in the face of climate and environmental shocks.

Prof. Waiswa participated in a panel discussion under the sub-theme Women, Adolescents, Child Health and Nutrition, which took place on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, from 09:30 to 11:00 EAT in Room CR3.

The session, chaired by Dr. Malachi Ochieng Arunda, focused on the growing intersection between environment, climate change, and health outcomes for mothers, adolescents, and children.

During the panel, Prof. Waiswa highlighted the urgent need to integrate climate adaptation into maternal and child health programming. He noted that rising temperatures, food insecurity, and extreme weather events are already disrupting health services and worsening nutrition outcomes across Africa. The discussion emphasized practical solutions, including strengthening primary healthcare, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting cross-sector partnerships.

Click here to View the full MNCH e-Post Issue 132

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Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research

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Announcement: 2026 Intake – Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research. Photo: Nano Banana 2

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications for the 2026 intake of the Certificate in Applied Health Systems Research, a short, intensive virtual programme designed for professionals working at the intersection of research, policy, and health system practice.

Why this course matters

Health system challenges are rarely linear. They are shaped by institutional complexity, political realities, and competing stakeholder interests. In many cases, the issue is not the absence of evidence, but the difficulty of producing research that is relevant, timely, and usable within real decision-making environments. This course is designed to address that gap, equipping participants to generate and apply evidence that responds to actual system constraints.

Apply via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SjPWK37nZGuLb25S2X6d9NPtME2AKlEW_kJjCimivhY/viewform?ts=6821a62d&edit_requested=true

What you will gain

Participants will develop the ability to:

  • frame research problems grounded in real system conditions
  • analyse complex interactions within health systems
  • design policy-relevant and methodologically sound studies
  • translate findings into actionable insights for decision-making

Course format and key details

The programme runs virtually from 6th to 17th July 2026 (2:00–5:45 PM EAT) and combines interactive sessions, applied learning, and expert-led discussions across:

  • systems thinking and problem framing
  • research design and mixed methods
  • evidence use in policy and practice

For full course details:https://sph.mak.ac.ug/program-post/certificate-in-health-systems-research/

Who should apply

This course is suited for:

  • Researchers and graduate students
  • Policy analysts and programme managers
  • Health practitioners involved in planning, implementation, or evaluation

Fees

  • Ugandan participants: UGX 740,000
  • International participants: USD 250

Application Deadline: 14 June 2026

Please find the course details below:

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WHO Report Highlights Global Drowning Burden as MakSPH Contributes to Evidence and Action

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Demonstration of emergency medical procedures performed by the Uganda Red Cross Society at the first-ever National Water Safety Swimming Gala organised by the Ministry of Water and Environment at Greenhill Academy in Kibuli on March 21, 2026. Photo: Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health, through its Centre for the Prevention of Trauma, Injury and Disability, contributed to the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024, the first comprehensive global assessment of drowning burden, risk factors, and country-level responses.

Published by the World Health Organisation, the report estimates that approximately 300,000 people died from drowning in 2021, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 92% of deaths. The African Region records the highest mortality rate, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. Children and young people remain the most affected, with drowning ranking among the leading causes of death for those under 15 years.

While global drowning rates have declined by 38% since 2000, progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet broader development targets. The report highlights critical gaps in national responses, including limited multisectoral coordination, weak policy and legislative frameworks, and inadequate integration of key preventive measures such as swimming and water safety education.

It further identifies persistent data limitations, with many countries lacking detailed information on where and how drowning occurs, constraining the design of targeted interventions. At the same time, the report notes progress in selected areas, including early warning systems and community-based disaster risk management.

MakSPH’s contribution to this global evidence base reflects its role in advancing research, strengthening data systems, and supporting context-specific approaches to injury prevention. Through its Centre, the School continues to inform policy and practice, contributing to efforts to reduce drowning risks and improve population health outcomes in Uganda and similar settings.

The full report can be accessed below:

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