Health
Wear the white coat with humility
By Carol Kasujja and Zaam Ssali
Medical students at Makerere University have been urged to wear the white coat with humility as they begin their journey in the medical profession.
The call was made during the White Coat Ceremony held on Thursday at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Mulago.
The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a new journey in healthcare and symbolises professionalism, compassion and excellence. It represents not only the mastery of medical knowledge but also a promise to always place patients at the centre of care. It is a commitment to listen, advocate, heal, and treat every individual with dignity and respect.
“We would have given you a suit, but the symbol of the white coat reminds you that you are here to work. White signifies purity in service. You are in medical school because you are among the best, and you have some of the best lecturers,” said Bruce Kirenga, the Principal of the College of Health Sciences.
Prof Kirenga lauded the students for their dedication to a path dedicated to preserving lives and urged the students to serve with dedication and protect the image of health workers.
“These days, you can use Artificial Intelligence to generate entire coursework, but when it comes to practice, remember the university has an AI policy and you must use it responsibly. In medicine, you take responsibility for your decisions. AI may make life easier, but you must learn and use your hands. Go where the patients are,” he noted.
Prof Kirenga also reminded the students that a medical career offers different paths, including research, teaching, clinical care, and administration.
“As first-year medical students, support each other. Find peers to share your struggles with, especially those in your year. Get mentors and coaches. It took me 26 years to become a Principal, so find mentors who can guide you,” he advised.
Speaking at the event, Sabrina Kitaka, a senior lecturer at the medical school, urged students to uphold the values expected of someone putting on the white coat by being humble and making sure that they connect with their patients.
“Wearing a white coat is a symbol of your commitment to a profession full of honour. This moment is like a rite of passage, from adolescence into adulthood. Joining this noble profession does not make you more important than other students. Be humble,” Dr Kitaka said.
She also encouraged the students to show kindness and compassion to their patients.
Addressing the students, Dr Idro Richard, the Deputy Principal at the College of Health Sciences, called upon the students to always make sure that they keep patients secrets.
“People will come to you and share secrets they have never shared even with their closest family members, do not share people’s pains. If one of you makes a mistake the public will blame all the fraternity so handle your patients with dignity. Always place yourself in the life of those patients when you are in the ward,” Dr Idro, said.
Dr Idro reminded the students to always think of their safety while on the ward by avoiding open shoes.
“Be smart for your own safety, always wear closed shoes, a needle can fall and hurt your legs when you are wearing open shoes. Maintain the excellence you had when you joined and avoid doing life alone,” Dr Idro said.
He further advised the students to always create time and have fun because it is not all about medicine
“Have an open mind, have some fun and also learn other things like soft skills, write, sell and travel. You are in the best School with the best teachers do not allow mediocrity. Avoid cheating, laziness, drugs and betting,” Dr Idro, noted.
In her speech, Anne Atukunda Ronaldine, the chairperson of the Makerere University Medical Students Association (MUMSA), told the first years that they are privileged to join the College as it celebrates a century of excellence.
“Be your brother’s keeper. You will make it together if you work together as a class. Do not avoid your lectures. Medical school is a lot of work, but it gives back,” Atukunda said.
During the ceremony, the College of Health Sciences safeguarding and inclusion champions encouraged students to speak up and report any form of harassment, abuse, or unsafe situations, noting that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The champions reminded students that creating a safe learning environment requires respect for one another, responsible behavior, and the courage to raise concerns when something is not right. They also urged the new students to support their peers and make use of the available safeguarding channels whenever they feel unsafe or witness misconduct.
The Champions also called upon their peers to support students with disabilities so that no one is left behind. It was a proud moment for many first-year students to finally see themselves wearing white coats, as it was a dream come true for many. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a dinner.
Through a European Union (EU) funded initiative, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital are hosting a German oncology reconstruction specialist Professor Dr. Thiha AUNG. AUNG is a surgeon, trainer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), and researcher on cancer from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
With his international expertise in oncology and medical management roles at his home institution, his visit is a valuable addition to Uganda’s capacity building efforts in medical advancement.
Prof. Aung who arrived in Uganda in late September 2026 and has since then conducted free identified patient specialised surgeries and training for locals. These are expected to span two weeks. For the period, his service intersects medical expertise and humanitarian efforts.
This is not Prof. Aung’s first time in the country; his first major visit was in 2023, when he performed life-changing free surgeries on early patients. He then made medical history in June 2024 when he arrived to perform Africa’s first-ever lymph node transplant at Mulago Hospital.
It was against this background that the Makerere Public Relations Office engaged him in an exclusive interview to share his philosophy on medical service, his experiences in oncology reconstruction, and his unwavering belief that passion and dedication rather than just resources are the true drivers of sustainable medical progress.
Transforming Lives Through Oncology Reconstruction
At the heart of his mission through the ERASMUS – Oncology/Lymphedema project, is the treatment of lymphedema, a condition often referred to as elephantiasis.
In Europe, such surgeries can cost between 80,000 and 100,000 euros, making them inaccessible to many.
Thankfully, Professor and his team, including some of his post graduate students like Anna Friedrich (B.Sc) and Sophia Waser (B.Sc., PA) from the Institute of Medical Science and Engineering, have once again brought this specialised care to Uganda pro bono.
He highlights the story of a teacher who, after receiving surgery, regained her quality of life and returned to the classroom. For him, the impact is exponential. “You change one life, but this person changes a lot in the community.”
This shift from individual surgery to the long-term wellbeing of the community, reinforces the local impact of these services.
Professor AUNG’s Personal Conviction
The professor confessed that inherently, he commands himself that beyond knowledge, true progress is driven by passion and will rather than resources.
He does not agree with those that think money and resources are the sole prerequisite for change in the medical world, stating, “you cannot change with money only.” Rather, he upholds the importance of personal decision and commitment.
When discussing the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, he maintains a simple, direct explanation “it’s always beyond the money.”
Ultimately, the Professor believes that if he can provide the spark, his students and patients can carry through with the same flame for significant change.
Motivation to Serve in Uganda
When asked about his inspiration for entering the field and now volunteering to work in Uganda, he explained that his primary goal was always to serve others. “That’s why I finished my medical school to help as many people as possible with my skills.”
He views his medical expertise not as a tool for the privileged, but as a universal resource., “People are all the same, their anatomy is the same. So, I can help all these people pretty well,” Prof AUNG remarked.
His approach is motivated by a pay it forward dogma where treating a single patient creates a broader societal benefit. He illustrates this through his work with patients who, after surgery, are able to return to their professions like the teacher earlier mentioned.
Tips for Medical Professionals working in Uganda
As a foundation for professional growth, the Professor advised medical professionals working in Uganda to prioritise genuine interest in their work because he believes it is “the most important…” for “if you are interested, you will go far in the profession.”
He further reinforced the human capacity point, noting, “no matter what kind of equipment you have… it all depends on the people operating them and the patient.”
Professor AUNG concluded by encouraging doctors to overcome resource fears through action, stating, “If you want to create impact or change, you do.”
Dr. AUNG is part of the Lymphoedema Warriors Association (LWAU) in Uganda. He describes it as a grassroots organisation and commends them for “leveling the grond”. He reiterated his commitment to work with the organisation in reviewing patient reports to determine the best course of treatment.
Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH) showcased research, training and international partnerships supported through European Union funding during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026 held at Makerere University.
The fair brought together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and development partners to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation and international collaboration, while celebrating 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
Through its exhibition, MakSPH highlighted research and capacity building initiatives addressing public health challenges including infectious diseases, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and pandemic preparedness.
18 EU funded projects supported at MakSPH
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Students, School of Public Health, said the School has benefited from 18 EU funded projects over the past five years, supporting research and training across several areas of public health.
She said the projects have contributed to the training of PhD researchers and the development of research addressing infectious diseases and prevention, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and health.
Prof. Wanyenze also highlighted a new five year programme which started in 2021 that is aiming at strengthening capacity for research on pandemic preparedness and response, including outbreaks such as Ebola.
Another programme being undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Karolinska Institute focuses on improving maternal health while also addressing adolescent pregnancy and the health of mothers and children.
She described partnerships as critical to advancing science and innovation, noting that collaboration allows researchers in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and strengthen the impact of research on communities.
Research partnerships strengthen innovation
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase EU funded projects across the University.
He noted that the School of Public Health alone has more than 18 such projects, while other colleges also have several EU supported initiatives.
One of the projects showcased was PREPARE TID, a partnership aimed at developing rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging and re emerging infectious diseases.
Prof. Julius Okuni, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Molecular Diagnostics at Makerere University, said the project brings together universities, industries and other organisations from Africa and Europe.
The project is working to develop technologies that can quickly identify pathogens responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, Rift Valley fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to Prof. Okuni, Makerere is involved in field and laboratory work to test and refine the technologies before they can be delivered to end users.
Fair provides platform for research visibility
For researchers at MakSPH, the fair also provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of ongoing research and create new connections with researchers, policymakers and potential funders.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, said such exhibitions allow researchers to share their work and identify others working on related challenges.
He cited the CONNECT for Health project, which focuses on transforming non-communicable disease care in Uganda through collaboration with partners across several countries.
Dr. Tweheyo said exhibitions can help researchers connect with policymakers, civil society organisations and other partners who can contribute to translating research into practical solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Angelina Kakooza Mwesigye, Associate Professor and Child Neurologist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, also emphasised the importance of exposing young people to international research opportunities.
She said the long standing Uganda Europe partnership provides opportunities for the next generation of researchers to learn, build networks and prepare for future research collaborations.
The School of Public Health’s participation highlighted the role of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and developing evidence based responses to Uganda’s public health challenges.
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