Mayuge Study Finds NCD Risks Emerging in Adolescence, and Shows Early Action Can Help
Nearly half of the 1,206 adolescents and young adults enrolled in a @Makerere University School of Public Health study in Mayuge District had low nutrition literacy, while nearly one in three had anaemia. The findings highlight health vulnerabilities already present among participants aged 10–24 and the need to address behaviours linked to later non-communicable disease risk. Led by Prof. @David_Guwatudde and Dr. Justine Bukenya, the @EUinUG-funded ARISE-NUTRINT project examined these risks and tested interventions developed with young people, families, and local stakeholders.
Following nine monthly household nutrition sessions, participants recorded higher nutrition literacy and diet-quality scores. Anaemia prevalence also fell from 31.1% to 9.9% during a period combining nutrition education with iron and folic acid supplementation and deworming. Changes in physical activity and weight were mixed, reinforcing the need for continued follow-up. The findings point to practical opportunities for early intervention, with families, community health workers, and district services helping sustain healthier choices alongside access to affordable, nutritious foods.
Read the full story: sph.mak.ac.ug/news-details/?…
#ARISENUTRINT #AdolescentHealth #NCDPrevention #NutritionEducation #CommunityHealth
Call for Applications: AFRITRAC Master’s Fellowships 2026/2027
@Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications for two AFRITRAC Master’s fellowships, covering tuition fees and programme-related research, with additional opportunities for training, mentorship, mobility and internships.
Applicants must be Ugandan citizens enrolled at the School in the Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Biostatistics (MBIO) or Master of Health Informatics (MHI) programme. They must be in their final year during the 2026/2027 academic year, with a CGPA of at least 3.5.
Women, persons with disabilities, and professionals from the Ministry of Health and public health institutions are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 13 November 2026
Full details and application instructions:
sph.mak.ac.ug/announcement-d…
#MakSPH #MakerereUniversity #MastersFellowships #PublicHealth #Biostatistics #HealthInformatics
Join us on Wednesday November 11, 2026 for the next Global Conversations on Sustainable Health as we explore an important question: Are we prepared for the next outbreak?
Drawing lessons from the Ebola experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this conversation will bring together experts from Africa and beyond to reflect on how we can strengthen pandemic preparedness, improve disease surveillance, coordinate emergency responses and build resilient health systems.
📅 Date: 11 November 2026
⏰Time: 1:00–2:00 PM EAT
💻Register here:
ki-se.zoom.us/meeting/regist…
MakSPH Examines Luuka Trial Findings to Guide Disability-Inclusive Healthcare
@Makerere University School of Public Health today, 5 November 2026, hosted a dissemination seminar on findings from the Participatory Learning and Action for Disability (PLA-D) trial in Luuka District.
Funded by @NIHRresearch and the @FCDOGovUK, the 2024–2026 trial tested whether community groups could improve healthcare access and reduce deaths and unplanned hospitalisations among people with disabilities.
#MakSPH #DisabilityInclusion #HealthEquity #InclusiveHealthcare #PLAD
Prof. Hannah Kuper and Ms. Sarah Marks of @LSHTM lead the research, working with MakSPH’s Prof. @waiswap, Dr. Gertrude Namazzi and partners. The trial randomised 100 villages in Luuka District to intervention or control, establishing 50 “Tusobola” groups. Health-worker training and facility accessibility audits covered both arms.
Presenters reported no statistically significant difference between arms in the combined outcome of death or unplanned hospitalisation among 3,800 people followed for 24 months. Process interviews showed that participants valued social support, while 48 groups reported UGX49.4 million in savings, including UGX14.15 million for health emergencies.
Prof. Kuper noted that savings remained modest relative to healthcare needs. The discussion called for future interventions to build on the groups’ social support while addressing household poverty and barriers within health services.
Today, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), in collaboration with the University of Stirling, UK, shared findings from a study led by Prof. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye of MakSPH and Dr Isabelle Uny of the University of Stirling, examining how evidence informs alcohol and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) policymaking in Uganda.
The study found that the use of research evidence in policymaking is influenced not only by the quality of research but also by politics, economic considerations, institutional structures, relationships and advocacy.
The findings were shared with policymakers, parliamentarians, researchers, civil society representatives and other stakeholders during a dissemination meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
The study, The Politics of Evidence-Informed Prevention Policy in Africa: Understanding Attitudes, Systems and Norms in Evidence Usage in Alcohol Policy in Uganda, examined how evidence is sourced, produced, communicated and used in alcohol policy in Uganda.
The research is funded by the @BritishAcademy_ .
Details on sph.mak.ac.ug/
@NazMTumwesigye @Makerere
Makerere University School of Public Health retweeted
This week, #CARTA kicked off its Joint Advanced Seminar 2 for Cohort 12 fellows @WitsSPH, South Africa!
Running from November 2–27, 2026, the four-week seminar provides the fellows with an opportunity to deepen their research skills, exchange knowledge, and strengthen their capacity to conduct high-quality research.
Over the four weeks, fellows will engage in interactive sessions covering:
✅Research design, epidemiology, and systematic literature reviews.
✅Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including statistical analysis, data collection, and interpretation.
✅Practical applications of research tools such as R, REDCap, and MAXQDA.
✅Research ethics, community engagement, implementation science, and translating research into policy.
Through JAS 2, CARTA continues to strengthen doctoral training, foster collaboration, and build a network of African researchers equipped to generate high-quality evidence and contribute to meaningful societal change.
@CKyobutungi @amveyange @Waithaka_KE @FlorahKarimi @CavensK @kudusadebayo
@aphrc @WitsUniversity @UniIbadan @OAUniversity
@KUHeS_mw @MoiUniversity_ @uonbi @Uni_Rwanda
@Makerere @ifakarahealth @KEMRI_Wellcome @UiB
@umeauniversity @uniofwarwick @uniofgothenburg
@CAGH_ACSM @BrownUniversity @SwissTPH
@MakSPH @MakerereNews
MakSPH and Partners Identify Priorities for Uganda’s Health Supply Chain
Today, 3 November 2026, @Makerere University School of Public Health, the @MinofHealthUG, @JMSUganda and other stakeholders identified priorities for strengthening Uganda’s health supply chain amid changes in global health financing.
The national dissemination and policy dialogue at MakSPH reviewed research and emergency distribution activities supported by the Gates Foundation. An assessment covering 70 facilities across 15 districts found that 35.2% of surveyed patients with prescriptions missed at least one prescribed medicine at the facility. Stock-outs alongside excess stock highlighted the need to better align supplies with demand.
#MakSPH #HealthSupplyChain #AccessToMedicines #HealthSystemsStrengthening #Uganda
JMS reported distributing residual USAID-supported commodities, improving ordering and reporting through facility mentorship, and retrieving expired supplies.
Priorities included financing distribution and supervision, improving forecasting and redistribution, strengthening Medicines and Therapeutics Committees, connecting digital systems and incorporating community feedback.
Dean and Principal Investigator Prof. @RhodaWanyenze called for clear implementation responsibilities and sustained collaboration beyond dissemination. Assoc. Prof. @Suexane emphasised that supply-chain performance should ultimately be measured by whether patients receive the medicines and diagnostic services they need.
Join us for the next Global Conversations on Sustainable Health as we explore an important question: *Are we prepared for the next outbreak?*
Drawing lessons from the Ebola experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this conversation will bring together experts from Africa and beyond to reflect on how we can strengthen pandemic preparedness, improve disease surveillance, coordinate emergency responses and build resilient health systems.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts and be part of the conversation on Africa's readiness for future health emergencies.
📅 *Date:* 11 November 2026
⏰ *Time:* 1:00–2:00 PM EAT
💻 *Register here* *:*
ki-se.zoom.us/meeting/regist…
*Join the conversation. Preparedness today could save lives tomorrow!*
Call for Applications: Advanced Infectious Diseases Modelling Training and Fellowship
@Makerere University School of Public Health, through the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Modelling Unit (IDEMU), invites applications for three weeks of intensive training followed by a six-month research fellowship, supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (@CEPIvaccines).
Training dates: 23 November–11 December 2026
Venue: Makerere University School of Public Health / Uganda National Institute of Public Health
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Biostatistics, Statistics, Computer Science, Public Health or Medicine. Programming proficiency and basic knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology are required. Public Health and Medicine applicants must demonstrate infectious disease modelling training or experience.
Applicants must provide GitHub links to completed projects or links to published mathematical modelling papers on which they are first author, and commit to the full training and fellowship.
Deadline: 10 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EAT.
Apply online:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F…
Read the full call:
sph.mak.ac.ug/announcement-d…
Enquiries: Mr. Patrick Albert Ipola
[email protected] | 0701065932
#InfectiousDiseaseModelling #ResearchFellowship #PublicHealth #MakSPH #CEPI
🤖 Made with AI
PhD Opportunity | Midwifery, Maternal and Newborn Health, and Implementation Science
@Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications from Uganda-based candidates for a PhD position under the MIDWIZE component of the EMBOLDEN Health Programme.
The research will focus on adapting, implementing, scaling up, and evaluating the MIDWIZE maternity care model in Uganda.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in Midwifery, Maternal and Newborn Health, Public Health, Implementation Science or a closely related field.
Deadline: 11 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. EAT.
View eligibility, support and application requirements: sph.mak.ac.ug/announcement-d…
Webinar Invitation | Infodemic Management in Practice
@Makerere University School of Public Health, through the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, invites you to a Real Talk on Knowledge Translation session on “Infodemic Management in Practice: Implementation, Challenges and Triangulation of Insights – Lessons from Ghana.”
The session will explore Ghana’s experience in managing infodemics and bringing together insights from different sources to inform public health action.
Presenters:
• Dr. Christabel Ayepah, Field Epidemiologist and Risk Communication Advisor, Palladium, Ghana.
• Dr. Grace Adjoa Ocansey, Community Medicine Specialist and Clinical Epidemiologist, Ghana.
Moderator: Dr. @Suexane, Associate Professor, Makerere University School of Public Health.
Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m. EAT
Platform: Zoom
Register: tinyurl.com/57uft89y
#InfodemicManagement #KnowledgeTranslation #HealthCommunication #PublicHealth #MakSPH
Join us for the public PhD defence of Ms. Lillian Ojanduru, scheduled to take place on Friday November 13th at 9am.
Thesis title:
Contraceptive use among Youth in Karamoja, Uganda: Predictors, social norm measurements and value system contradictions
Date: Friday, 13th November 2026
Time : 09:00 a.m. EAT
Format: Hybrid
Venue : MakSPH Auditorium, Main Campus
Join via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…
MakSPH Celebrates Dr. Peter Mudiope’s Successful PhD Defence
@Makerere University School of Public Health warmly congratulates Dr. Peter Mudiope, who today, 28 October 2026, successfully defended his PhD thesis, “Acceptability and Outcomes of Medication-Assisted Treatment among People Who Inject Drugs in Uganda.”
His research found that treatment was generally acceptable, but retaining participants in care remained a challenge. The findings support individualised dosing, accessible treatment services and integrated psychosocial care, highlighting the importance of addressing clinical needs alongside social and service-delivery barriers.
We thank the opponent and the internal and external examiners for their rigorous assessment and constructive feedback.
We are grateful to his supervisors, Prof. @RhodaWanyenze, Prof. Fredrick E. Makumbi, Assoc. Prof. Joseph K. B. Matovu and Dr. Byamah B. Mutamba, for their mentorship and guidance. We also thank Dr. Joan Mutyoba, doctoral committee member, for her academic oversight, and Assoc. Prof. Simon Kasasa for chairing the defence.
Congratulations, Dr. Mudiope! We celebrate your achievement and your research contribution to strengthening harm reduction services in Uganda.
TODAY: PhD Defence of Dr. Mudiope Peter
You are invited to the public PhD defence of Dr. Mudiope Peter, scheduled to take place today October 28th at 2pm.
Thesis title: Acceptability and Outcomes of Medication-Assisted Treatment Among People who Inject Drugs In Uganda
Date : Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time : 02:00 p.m. EAT
Format: Hybrid
Venue : College Of Health Sciences Boardroom
Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…
Makerere Visits Nottingham Partners to Strengthen Academic and Health Collaboration
A senior @Makerere University delegation visited @NottmTrentUni (NTU) and @nottmhospitals on 20–21 October 2026 through @NTU_MAK, a collaboration rooted in public health that began in 2010.
Led by Dr. @MagaraLorna, Chairperson of Makerere University Council, the delegation undertook a two-day programme organised through the partnership to review its development, explore further collaboration, and learn from university and hospital systems. Prof. @RhodaWanyenze, Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health, was among the delegation members.
The partnership grew from academic links established by Prof. @Linda4Gibson at NTU and Assoc. Prof. @DavidMusoke14 at MakSPH, who leads the collaboration on the Ugandan side. Its work spans community health, antimicrobial stewardship, research capacity strengthening, and student and staff exchanges, with growing engagement across other disciplines.
On Tuesday, 20 October, NTU’s @EAC_NTU, led by Prof. @MazedaHossain, hosted the delegation for a programme covering the partnership’s achievements, institutional support, and opportunities across public health, engineering, business, social sciences, and environmental sciences.
On Wednesday, 21 October, the delegation visited Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to learn from its experience in hospital governance and operations, integration with the national health system, medical education and research ethics, with a view to informing Makerere’s plans for a specialised teaching and research hospital.
The engagements formed part of the partnership’s continuing institutional exchange, building on the School’s longstanding collaboration with NTU in public health.
Conference Presentation | Faecal Exposure Risks in Refugee Settings
Dr. Richard Mugambe, Senior Lecturer at @Makerere University School of Public Health, will today present research on faecal exposure risks in the public spaces of Imvepi and Cox’s Bazar refugee settings at the 2026 UNC Water and Health Conference.
The presentation will share evidence on sanitation and faecal exposure risks in humanitarian and emergency settings, contributing to discussions on strengthening WASH interventions in refugee communities.
Topic: Faecal Exposure Risk Profiles in the Public Domain of Imvepi and Cox’s Bazar Refugee Settings
Presenter: Dr. Richard Mugambe, Senior Lecturer, Makerere University School of Public Health
📅 Today, Tuesday, 27 October 2026
⏰ 10:15–11:30 p.m. EAT (Uganda)
🌍 3:15–4:30 p.m. EDT
📍 Mountain Laurel, UNC Water and Health Conference
💻 Virtual participation is available through the conference platform and requires paid conference registration.
🔗 Conference registration: register.waterandhealthconfe…
#UNCWaterAndHealth #WASH #HumanitarianWASH #RefugeeHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth











































