Health
Dr. Musoke Takes Over as Head of Disease Control & Environmental Health
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has formally transitioned leadership of the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, with Dr. David Musoke taking over from Dr. Esther Buregyeya, who served as Head of Department for more than nine years.
The handover marked both an appreciation of Dr. Buregyeya’s tenure and a renewed call for the Department to strengthen its position as a leading centre for Environmental Health, Occupational Health, Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Buregyeya, who took over the leadership of the Department in January 2017 and served until May 2026, described her tenure as a period of significant growth in teaching, research, community engagement and staff development. She emphasised that the achievements were a result of shared leadership and the collective efforts of Department members, School leadership and partners.
Among the key milestones during her tenure was the strengthening of the Department’s academic portfolio. The Department completed the review of the Bachelor of Environmental Health Science curriculum and supported the development of the Master’s programme in Environmental and Occupational Health. It also contributed to the development of the PhD by coursework and expanded online learning materials and short-course offerings, including training in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Occupational Health and Safety.
The Department also made progress in strengthening its laboratory capacity. With support from the School leadership, equipment was procured for the Environmental Health laboratory, which is currently based at Kasangati. The Department has also benefited from equipment donated through partnerships.
Another significant achievement highlighted during the handover was the development of human capacity. Several staff and research associates have pursued doctoral training, strengthening the Department’s pool of researchers and future academic leaders. Dr. Buregyeya noted that building this capacity was essential to ensuring continuity and preparing the next generation of faculty.
Dean commends leadership and mentorship
The Dean of MakSPH, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, commended Dr. Buregyeya for her leadership and credited the Department with developing a strong culture of mentorship and nurturing young professionals.
Prof. Wanyenze noted that although Disease Control is one of the School’s original departments, its membership has remained relatively young, with many emerging professionals being mentored and supported to grow within the School. She particularly applauded the Department for attracting and retaining talented Environmental Health graduates and for creating opportunities for research associates to contribute to the School’s work.
She also welcomed the establishment of the Master’s programme in Environmental Health, describing Environmental Health as an important frontier for public health. She challenged the Department to consider developing a PhD pathway in Environmental Health and to build a coordinated research agenda examining the links between the environment, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and broader health systems.
Prof. Wanyenze further called for greater investment in Occupational Health, noting the importance of workplace health, mental health, physical health and occupational safety, particularly as Uganda’s informal sector continues to grow. She also urged the Department to strengthen entomology and related research in vector-borne diseases.
A new chapter under Associate Professor David Musoke
Receiving the responsibility, Associate Professor David Musoke described his appointment as both an honour and a homecoming. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health at Makerere and later worked in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management before returning to Disease Control, where he has spent much of his professional career.
Assoc. Prof. Musoke paid tribute to Dr. Buregyeya, whom he described as a mentor and an example of shared leadership. He noted that during her tenure, the Department had grown from having a single undergraduate programme to developing a Master’s programme, contributing to PhD training and expanding its research portfolio into new and emerging areas. He also recognised the growth of early-career researchers, many of whom have progressed through doctoral training and into academic roles.
He pledged to build on these achievements while working closely with Department members, the Dean and other School departments. He also acknowledged the confidence placed in him by colleagues during the selection process and committed to working collectively to advance the Department.
A call to define the Department’s future
While celebrating the Department’s achievements, Prof. Wanyenze challenged the new leadership to develop a clear strategic agenda that distinguishes and strengthens the Department’s areas of expertise.
Prof. Wanyenze urged the Department to take forward the urban health agenda, particularly in light of Uganda’s rapid urbanisation and the emerging challenges associated with waste management, environmental health and the delivery of preventive health services in urban settings.
She further called for deliberate investment in people, infrastructure, research and partnerships. In particular, she encouraged the Department to use the new School infrastructure to develop a laboratory and to strategically support PhD training in areas where expertise is currently limited.
“You don’t have to carry this burden alone. There are people who can support the growth of the department,” Prof. Wanyenze said in encouraging the new leadership to build on the expertise already within the Department.
The handover concluded with the formal transfer of responsibility, followed by a presentation to Dr. Buregyeya in appreciation of her service and a cake-cutting ceremony bringing together the outgoing and incoming Heads of Department and members of the Department.
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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