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MAKERERE UNIVERSITY P.O. Box 7062 Tel: (Gen) +256-414-532631/4 Kampala Uganda Fax: +256-414-541068
Website: http://mak.ac.ug E-mail: [email protected]
OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLORPUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
To: Members of Staff
THE 31ST VICE-CHANCELLOR’S MONTHLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD
ON MONDAY JULY 02, 2012Introduction
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba welcomed all present to the 31st
Vice Chancellor’s monthly media briefing, which featured the Department of the Academic
Registrar, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and the College of Health Sciences (CHS).
In attendance were:
(i) Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, Ag. Vice Chancellor
(ii) Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, Academic Registrar
(iii) Professor Joseph Y.T. Mugisha, Ag. Principal, College of Natural Sciences
(iv) Dr. Charles Masembe, College of Natural Sciences
(v) Dr. Dennis Muhangi, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal resources and Bio-Security
(vi) Professor Sam Luboga, College of Health Sciences
(vii) Dr. Sam Kaggwa, Head, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences
(viii) Mr. James Peter Kitonsa, Medical Students Representative, College of Health Sciences
(ix) Mr. Charles Sentongo, Department of the Academic Registrar
(x) Ms. Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer
(xi) Ms Milly Nattimba, Communication Officer, College of Health Sciences
(xii) Ms. Marion Alina, Assistant Communication Officer, Public Relations Office
(xiii) Mr. Mark Wamai, Web Manager, Public Relations Office
(xiv) Mr. Elias Tuhereze, Web Administrator, Public Relations Office
(xv) Ms. Mariam Kasemiire, Web Administrator, College of Natural Sciences
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1. Communication from the Vice Chancellor
1.1 Makerere University at 90
Inaugurated on 4th August 1922, Makerere University marks 90 years of existence this year.
Several activities have been identified to celebrate this milestone in the history of the University and
indeed higher education in Uganda. The University has over the years had an impact on the human
capital of the country and positively affected the livelihoods of many Ugandans. Apart from the pre-
independent period, University transformation has been more evident over the past twenty years.
This has been as a result of the liberalized environment that enabled the University to exploit
existing opportunities for institutional advancement. More recently, the University has benefited
from the Presidential initiative for science and technology. This has enabled the University to
demonstrate capacity to advance innovations in engineering and technology, food and value addition
as well as enhancement of skills for production in the agricultural and animal Industry. Other
innovations have been through information and communication technology in addition to tools to
enhance ethics and integrity.
The University has found it befitting to celebrate these and other achievements that have seen it
claim a position in the higher education sphere over the 90-year period. The celebrations under the
theme Celebrating 90 years of Makerere University: Leadership towards Africa’s Transformation in
the 21st Century will be launched on Saturday 4th August 2012 starting at 9:00 a.m. at Makerere
University. H.E The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri K. Museveni and Visitor of
Makerere University will launch the celebrations. Activities will among others include:
a) An exhibition of the different innovations that have been associated with Makerere
University but more especially under the presidential initiative for science and technology
b) Laying foundation stones on proposed key buildings in the University: the Food and
Technology Incubation Centre supported under the presidential initiative; A multi-disciplinary
laboratory complex to be supported by the Government of Uganda under the African Development
Bank (ADB) initiative for higher education; Two multi-purpose lecture facilities to be supported by
the Government of Uganda under the ADB initiative for higher education
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c) Opening the 8000 M2 library extension
1.2 Mini Stakeholder’s Conference
A mini Stakeholders Conference has been scheduled for 3rd August 2012 to kick start the
celebrations of 90 years of existence of Makerere—East Africa’s oldest and premier University—
and the alma mater of outstanding alumni: pioneers, achievers and innovators!
1.3 Transcripts and Certificates
The University will start processing transcripts in September 2012 and will be completed by October
2012. The Academic Registrar shall provide detailed information on the notice boards and Makerere
University website so that students can pick their transcripts any time from 1st November 2012.
Processing of Certificates will start in November 2012. Students who would have fulfilled the
requirements for the award of the degrees, diplomas and certificates of Makerere University will
receive their Certificates on the graduation day in January 2012.
1.4 Professor Eriabu Lugujjo appointed Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University
We would like to congratulate Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo upon his recent appointment as Vice Chancellor
of Ndejje University.
Professor Lugujjo has been one of our longest-serving members of staff, having joined the
University Service as a Teaching Assistant in 1969. He served as the Dean, Faculty of Technology
from 1981 to 1989 and represented the then Faculty of Technology to the University Senate. He has
also been the longest serving Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Professor Lugujjo is no stranger to policy formulation for Higher Education. He has been associated
with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) since 1983
and served for over eight years as a member of the organ’s Executive Board. He is also the
Chairperson of the Industrial Training Council, established to guide technical and vocational
education in Uganda and introduce a qualification framework irrespective of the background of
training.
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He holds a Bachelors Degree from Makerere University, A Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering
from the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH), 1971 and PhD in the same field from
CALTECH, 1974.
We wish Professor Eriabu Lugujjo all the best as he embarks on his new role as Vice Chancellor of
Ndejje University.
1.5 Improving the physical image of the University
The Makerere University Management has embarked on a process aimed at improving the state of its
infrastructure and the overall physical image of the University:
a) Painting of buildings along the University Road
At the 125th meeting held on 22nd May 2012, The Makerere University Council-the supreme
governing body of the University - approved the proposal to use the students of the College of
Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) to paint buildings along the University Road.
Under this internship/field attachment arrangement, the Lecturers from the College of Engineering,
Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and the technical team from Estates and Works Department
will supervise the students.
The painting works covering the buildings on the University Road namely, the School of Liberal and
Performing Arts (Former faculty of Arts); School of Social Sciences (Former faculty of Arts
Buildings) and the Lincoln Flats are estimated to cost UGX. 78million shillings compared to the
total estimated cost of UGX.180 million shillings if a contractor was hired.
In addition to being cost effective to the University, this internship/field attachment presents an
opportunity to the engineering students to acquire hands-on skills as well as participation in the
beautification of their University.
The 15 engineering students are expected to complete the painting exercise, which started on 21st
June 2012, by Mid August 2012.
b) Ongoing works-Construction of the University Road
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Prime Contractors Ltd supervised by the University’s Estates and Works Department are
undertaking the re-construction of the University Road (the 1.2km stretch from the Main Gate to the
Round-About at the Main Library/JICA-College of Natural Sciences).
On 14th March 2012, the Makerere University signed a Contract for the reconstruction of the
University Road (from the Main Gate to the Round-about at the Main Library JICA-College of
Natural Sciences).
On 28th March 2012, the Site (University Road) was handed over to Prime Contractors Ltd to
undertake the aforementioned task for a period of six (6) months.
On 29th March 2012, the Makerere University Management, represented by the Vice Chancellor and
University Secretary, successfully carried out the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the University
Road at the Main Administration parking yard.
As per the terms of contract, the estimated cost of the project is UGX. 893 million and the scope of
works include:
• Construction of 50 mm Asphalt Concrete mix (AC 14) overlay on the entire length of the
road including road side parking at Social Sciences, Main Hall and Library, and 300-metre
pedestrian walkway in front of the main entrance of the Main Building, Agriculture and Faculty of
Arts,
• Installation of street lighting along the entire road, traffic signs and road markings,
• Drainage improvement; reconstruction of open & closed drains, end structures and de-silting
of sub-surface drains,
• Improvement of the entire pedestrian pavement along the University Road,
The re-construction works are ongoing, but the completion of construction on the University road
will put the road repairs within the university at 80%. Other repairs have included the Nsibirwa road,
Kampala Technical School Road (from Mitchell hall to Police), and the Eastern gate to police road,
all with funding from the university. The remaining 20% of the repairs will be embarked on in due
course.
c) Improving sanitation at the University
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The Makerere University Council has approved UGX1.3billion shillings for the overhaul of toilets,
rehabilitation and construction of more toilets in halls of residence and in academic and
administrative buildings.
With the allocation of UGX.1.3billion in the budget for 2012/2013 Financial Year, I am happy to
note that the procurement process is complete and works will begin starting this upcoming Academic
year in August 2012.
d) Construction of lecture theatres and centralized laboratories
The ADB loan will enable Makerere University to put up at least four buildings (2 buildings for
centralized lecture theatres and two other buildings for centralized laboratories.
Makerere University has been allocated US$ 30million from the, as part of the ADB V loan to the
Government of Uganda to improve science and technology in Higher Education Institutions. The
loan worth US$ 100million will cover all the Public Universities in Uganda and two degree
awarding institutions. The US$30million received by Makerere University will go towards
rehabilitation and refurbishment of teaching and specialized laboratories in the science based units,
setting up central/multidisciplinary laboratories and construction of central teaching facilities.
The centralized lecture theatres and other central teaching facilities are meant to benefit the whole
University. However, it is mainly the Colleges with large numbers of students like the College of
Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), the College of Business and Management Sciences
(CoBAMS) and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) that will benefit the most
from the centralized lecture theatres.
The funding will aid the commencement of the movement to the Makerere University Agricultural
Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) by the College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences (CAES) through setting up the initial facility. The funding will also support establishment
of e-learning facilities, capacity building for linkages with the community through entrepreneurship,
and community engagement by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and
PhD training for selected units.
The implementation of this project is scheduled to start with the beginning of this financial year
(2012/2013) and the Planning and Development Department (PDD) is the coordination unit at
Makerere University.
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The Makerere University Management is following up additional funding expected from the Chinese
Government to support several projects including the establishment of the College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in Kabanyolo, a Teaching Hospital under the
College of Health Sciences (CHS) in Katalemwa, Centre for Nuclear Science and Engineering, and
Institute of Petroleum Studies at Makerere campus among others.
1.6 International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to support change
management process at Makerere University
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has approved a grant in an amount of up to
449,600 Canadian dollars to enable Makerere University to undertake the research support project,
“Support to Change Management Process at Makerere University and Capacity Building in resource
Mobilisation.”
As per the Research Support Grant Agreement signed on 27th April 2012, Makerere University
through the Directorate of Quality Assurance shall implement the project guided by the following
specific objectives:
• Strengthen leadership capacity to effectively implement reforms and manage change;
• Create an enabling environment to ensure effective devolution of powers and responsibilities
under the collegiate system;
• Strengthen financial management by implementing the newly upgraded financial system in
the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences;
• Increase capacity of staff engaged in resource mobilization activities; and
• Document the learning experience
Why Change Management at Makerere University?
Established in 1922 as a humble technical school with 14 students, Makerere University is a living
institution that has continued to grow with over 40,000 students on the day and evening academic
programmes; transformed from the 1980s and 1990s faculty based institution to a collegiate
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university in December 2011. Makerere University has nine (9) colleges, the School of Law and two
upcountry campuses in Jinja and Fort Portal.
The advent of the 21st century therefore presents an opportunity to Makerere University to undertake
reforms and embrace change management processes aimed at helping the 90-year-old institution
(1922 to 2012) to adapt to the changes in the national and global environments. Makerere University
must remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing environment.
The need for change strongly echoed in the University’s vision, “To be the leading institution for
academic excellence and innovations in Africa.” If we are to realize this vision, we need to embrace
change. Through this change process, we need to bring Management, Staff, Students and the alumni
on board to have a participatory approach to improving organizational efficiency at Makerere
University as well as improving the information management and financial management systems to
improve service delivery.
Brief background on Makerere University’s journey to Change Management:
In April 2009, the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Livingstone Serwadda Luboobi appointed the
University Research, Finance and Administrative Reforms Committee (URAFRC) to reform
Makerere University’s academic, research, financial, administrative and support functions in order to
make the university more efficient.
The URAFRC undertook a participatory approach and stakeholder participation, which resulted into
a documented record of the need for reform in the academic, research, financial, administrative and
support functions. The key outcomes of the URAFRC include the transformation of Makerere from
a faculty-based institution to a Collegiate university; the elevation of the School of Graduate Studies
into the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training; the Makerere University Organisational
Manual; and the Makerere University Research Manual.
On 10th November 2011, the URAFRC officially handed over its report to the Ag. Vice Chancellor,
Professor Venansius Baryamureeba at a ceremony presided over by the Swedish Ambassador to
Uganda and the Makerere University Council Chairperson.
In order to move the reform process forward into continuous change management, the vice
Chancellor appointed a Change Management Committee (CMC), chaired by Professor Samuel
Kyamanywa, Acting Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
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The main tasks of the Change Management Committee include:
• Assess the level of preparation for the reform
• Ensure that any outstanding work from the URAFRC is completed
• Plan strategies for implementation and establish necessary structures
• Disseminate information on reforms to university stakeholders
• Determine resources required for implementation (human and material resources) of the
reforms
• Establish, monitor and evaluate activities of the SCs and TFs that execute the reforms
• Ensure compliance by university units in matters related to reforms
• Advise the Vice Chancellor in all matters related to the reforms
• Develop internal and external communication strategy for the continuous change
management in conformity with the overall university communication strategy
• Receive reports from various units on implementation of reforms in their areas
• Center for monitoring, coordination & evaluation of change management
• Give guidance on documentation of all activities related to change management
The CMC will work through the following sub-committees:
(i) Research and Innovation
(ii) Teaching, Learning and College formation
(iii) Support Services
(iv) Communication
I thank the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for partnering with Makerere
University to financially support change management process, which is expected to be completed in
18 months.
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I also take this opportunity to thank all members of staff who have generously given their time and
energy to serve Makerere University as members of these committees.
I appeal to members of staff to cooperate with the Change Management Committee (CMC) as we
embark on this reforms process, aimed embracing change and making Makerere University a model
institution; in as far as institutional transformation is concerned.
1.7 Makerere University to improve food security for Southern Sudan
Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has
received a project support grant from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to train
the South Sudan Public Crop Improvement researchers at Masters Level in Plant Breeding and Seed
Systems.
The training is aimed at improving food security and livelihoods for South Sudanese smallholder
farmers through building capacity of South Sudan crop scientists in Plant Breeding at Master of
Science Level and to equip them with appropriate skills for crop improvement.
According to the Project Support Agreement, the training shall be conducted at Makerere University
from July 2012 to September 2014 (27 months).
This project support grant from the Alliance for a Green revolution in Africa (AGRA) amounting to
USD 199,053 will enable Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences to train six (6) Master of Science students from South Sudan in plant breeding.
The research project is titled: “Training of South Sudan Public Crop Improvement Researchers at
Makerere University at Masters Level in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems.”
1.8 Makerere University builds capacity for soil scientists in Uganda and Rwanda
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has also embarked on training soil
scientists for Uganda and Rwanda to help steer the Africa Green Revolution and other emerging
issues related to land degradation.
This follows the decline in the intake of students into soil science courses that have left a deficit of
human resource in soil science. Evidence reveals that jobs that require skills in soil science and
management are allotted to people in other disciplines due to the scarcity of soil scientists.
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With funding from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), 15 Masters Students (10
from Uganda and 5 from Rwanda) are undergoing training under the co - supervision of Rwandese
Scientists at ISAR and NUR. Seven Laboratory Technicians are to undergo refresher course in use
and maintenance of modern equipment like the Infra Red Spectrometer for rapid soil analysis.
The three-year project titled, “Building Capacity for Soil Health Research and Development in
Uganda”, commenced in June 2010 and will cost $781, 994. The project is being implemented in
collaboration with other AGRA funded institutions including NARO, Africa 2000 Network,
Millennium Villages Initiative and the Regional Universities Forum for capacity building in
Agriculture (RUFORUM).
Uganda has approximately 132 PhD Agricultural Scientists employed in universities and research
institutions that serve the agricultural sector of which less than 20 are Soil Scientists by training.
Similarly, at Master’s level, Uganda has less than 20 soil scientists.
In Rwanda, out of 8 PhD holders, 2 are trained in soil chemistry and fertility that are supposed to
feed in five agricultural based universities, research institutions and extension delivery in all
districts. The country has about 29 Masters holders of whom only 3 are trained in soil chemistry and
fertility.
The inadequacy of training at Masters Level has also served as a dis-incentive for the choice of soil
science as an option for undergraduates in the region. For example the graduate intake at Makerere
University School of Agricultural Sciences in 1999 stood at 46 Masters Students but this dropped to
14 by 2008. In the then department of Soil Science Masters intake dropped from 6 students in 2003
to 3 students in 2008.
Additionally graduate intake has been very erratic due to the inability of students to pay their tuition.
This project will enhance professional capacity in Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) to
feed into other training, research and development institutions. The project will also strengthen the
analytical capacity of Makerere University’s laboratories to be able to provide services to research,
training and farming communities in the country.
1.9 Makerere University Students’ Guild launches Career Week Programme
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On Friday 29th June 2012, the Makerere University Students’ Guild under the leadership of H.E, the
Guild President, Ivan Kata launched the Makerere University Outreach Week for Schools in
Uganda.
Starting 3rd July 2012 to 7th July 2012, the Makerere University Students’ Guild in collaboration
with the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda Examination Board, African Global Exchange
Development Corporation and Enterprise Uganda shall organize nationwide career guidance
conferences for S.4, S.5 and S.6 students, in five (5) regional centres.
The theme for the Academic Outreach Week is: “Guidance for Prosperity.”
According to the Guild Academic Affairs Minister, Hon. Gilbert Lwetute, the justification for the
Academic Outreach Week in schools is premised on the study carried out by Makerere University
Academic Committee, which indicated that most students did not have sufficient information on how
examinations are handled by UNEB and admissions to higher institutions of learning are done,
irrespective of the schools or regions they come from. The study also highlighted the lack of
knowledge on the applicable ways of exploring knowledge acquired from schools to break the myth
of studentship into entrepreneurship.
To facilitate this Academic Outreach Week for Schools, the Public Relations Office and the College
Communication Officers have provided the required information and publications to the Makerere
University Students’ Guild.
In addition, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) together with the
Centre for Transport Technologies have accepted to showcase the Kiira Ev-(electric car) to the
secondary schools that will participate in the Academic Outreach Week for Schools.
As the Acting Vice Chancellor, “I am happy that the Guild President, H.E. Ivan Kata and his Guild
Cabinet have planned to reach out to secondary schools in Uganda to showcase the innovations at
Makerere University and to educate prospective students on career guidance as well as partnering
with Enterprise Uganda to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship.”
2.0 Presentations from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
2.1 CoNAS to celebrate the distinguished service of Senior Professors
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Professor Joseph Y.T. Mugisha informed the journalists that the College of Natural Sciences
(CoNAS) will recognise its long serving Professors at a dinner to be held on the 20th July 2012.
The group to be recognised includes nine (9) Professors and five (5) Associate Professors who have
served the University diligently. Their selfless commitment has seen them continue to serve
Makerere even after retirement.
On average, the professors have served 30 years and above. The members have reached retirement
but because of shortage of staff they have continued to serve under contract. They continue to teach,
research, mentor younger staff members, attract research partnerships and also take part in outreach
activities among other things. The Professors are:NAMES SPECIALITY Year joined MAK YEARS SERVED
1 Prof. John Charles Kiboko Enyaru
Biochemistry 2001 11
2 Prof. Hannington Oryem-Origa
Botany 1974 38
3 Prof. Bernard Turyagenda Kiremire
Chemistry 1974 38
4 Prof. Henry Ssekaalo Chemistry 1978 345 Prof. Livingstone Serwadda
Luboobi Mathematics 1969 43
6 Prof. Yusto Kaahwa Physics 1970 427 Prof. Elidad J.B.K. Banda Physics 1974 388 Prof. Fredrick W.B. Bugenyi Zoology 1995 179 Prof. John Baptist Kaddu Zoology 1991 2110 Dr. Deborah Baranga
(Assoc. Prof.) Zoology 1973 39
11 Dr. Moses Gilbert Isabirye-Basuta (Assoc. Prof.)
Zoology 1976 36
12 Dr. Fred Kironde (Assoc. Prof.)
Biochemistry 1999 13
13 Dr. Gerald Majella Mutumba Botany 1987 2514 Dr. Jolocam Mbabazi Chemistry 1977 35
No institution can survive without the requisite leadership and human resources. For a giant
academic institution like Makerere, academic staff is the bedrock of its existence and maintenance of
position among peers. It is only fair to recognise their service to the College of Natural Sciences,
former Faculty of Science, Makerere University and Uganda.
2.2 New developments in Pig Diseases-African Swine Fever
Dr. Charles Masembe and Dr. Denis Muhangi briefed journalists on the new development in African Swine Fever:
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The genetic variations and the near complete sequence of the genome1 of the African Swine Fever (ASF) have been determined. This is as a result of work by researchers led by Dr. Charles Masembe, a Senior Lecturer at the College Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Dr. Karl Stahl of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden and the BecA-ILRI2 team. This is a major development to better understand the dynamics and spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) between countries on the African continent.
The sequence of the genome of the ASF virus will contribute to a broader research initiative that addresses ASF and its movement between epidemics in African countries.
ASF is a devastating viral disease that is endemic in Uganda, and is a major constraint to pig production in the country; periodically killing 90 –100 percent of affected animals and has neither treatment nor vaccine. ASF is one of the two major problems affecting pig rearing in Uganda alongside lack of knowledge on the genetic variations and diversity of the pig breeds and populations present in Uganda.
It is important to note that Uganda has the largest and fastest growing pig production in Eastern Africa, with the pig population standing at 3.2 million. This production has become very attractive throughout the country as a means of food, income and employment, since pigs are considered “walking banks” in the local communities. Seventy five percent of pig keeping is found in the rural areas, and is mostly practiced by women.
In general, the aims of the research are:
• To provide a valid estimate on the prevalence, incidence and dynamics of the infection, necessary for design of surveillance and control strategies, and which will serve as a base for a future thorough assessment of the economical impact of the disease
• To provide an increased insight into the dynamics and evolution of the virus within the different hosts, aiming at understanding epidemiological patterns, evolution and extent of gene flow in the pathogen.
• To provide knowledge on the population genetic structure of wild and domestic pigs in rural Uganda with the aim to investigate factors that determine refractoriness.
Alongside the determination of the genome, the Preliminary observations of the research are:
• Some sero-negative pigs have tested virus positive. This means that such pigs can act as a potential reservoir in the spread of ASF
1 A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism. (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/hgp/genome)
2 The Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub is an initiative developed within the framework of Centres of Excellence for Science and Technology in Africa. Hosted and managed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, the BecA Hub provides a common biosciences research platform, research-related services and capacity building opportunities to the region and beyond. The Hub aims to increase access to affordable, world-class research facilities and to create and strengthen human resources in biosciences and related disciplines in Africa.
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• The genotype of ASFV that is circulating in Uganda is Genotype IX, and there are no significant genetic variations in time and space, during and between epidemics.
• Domestic pigs are potential reservoirs of new and emerging viruses
As a result of the research, the following achievements have been realized to-date:
1) Winning of the ACBF 2011 Award. This was awarded to Charles Masembe at BecA-ILRI for his contribution towards metagenomics and full genome sequencing of African swine fever virus from clinical field samples.
2) The prestigious Linnaeus- Palme3 student teacher exchange program has been won
3) Winning of a SIDA post doctoral grant that will enable a further genetics research on the conservation of the domestic pig and control of African swine fever in Uganda.
4) The research team has presented their research results at various fora internationally. At one of the meetings, Dennis Muhangi (PhD Candidate working on the research) was awarded the best Young Epizone Poster presenter at the meeting and 200 Great Britain pounds to contribute to his research efforts.
5) ASF information dissemination workshops in Masaka region: 11 workshops have been conducted in the region. Pig farmers and other stakeholders now have a better understanding of the dynamics and bio-security approach for ASF control.
The lead researchers are working with graduate students at both PhD and Masters levels. The investigations are collaboration between the Department of Biological Sciences in CoNAS and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) funded under a SIDA/Makerere bi-lateral collaboration.
3.0 Presentations from the College of Health Sciences (CHS)
3.1 Makerere University College of Health Sciences Trains other Cadres of
Health Workers for Surgical Task Sharing
Professor Luboga and Dr. Sam Kaggwa highlighted the measures being undertaken by the College
of Health sciences to address the shortage of surgeons in Uganda:
The Makerere University College of Health Sciences has responded to the acute shortage of
surgeons in Uganda by training other health workers to fill in the gaps, including nurses and
medical officers.
3 The Linnaeus-Palme is a programme for teaching staff and students at university first-cycle (undergraduate) and second-cycle (graduate) level that aims to strengthen Swedish educational institutions’ cooperation with universities in developing countries in order to expand and increase global contacts within higher education. The Linnaeus-Palme programme aims to stimulate cooperation based on mutual benefit between higher education institutions in Sweden and developing countries.
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While Sub Saharan Africa takes 25% of the global disease burden, it only has 3% of the global
health workforce. In the case of surgery; in East Africa (Uganda included), there are 0.25 fully
trained surgeons per 100,000 persons compared to 5.69 surgeons per 100,000 persons in the United
States. This means, there is a quarter of a surgeon to serve 100,000 people for Uganda.
The implications of this shortage are far-reaching; there is limited access to life-saving surgical
services; there is heavy surgical workload; high maternal mortality rate; high case fatality rate for
injuries and other surgical emergencies; high prevalence of surgically preventable disabilities and
unnecessary referrals to Regional and National Referral Hospitals.
This project is therefore focusing on the use of Task Shifting to expand the provision of essential
surgical services, with the ultimate aim of increasing access to high quality life saving surgical care
by among other activities piloting a training program for non-surgeon physicians (NSPs) & non-
physician clinicians (NPCs).
The project is trying to answer the questions below;
• How can we improve access to quality emergency/essential surgery for the people of Uganda
given shortage of surgeons?
• How can we improve the productivity and quality of outcome of surgery at General Hospitals
and Health Centre IV now that there are Medical Officer and Clinical Officers and expensive
theatres?
Evidence available shows that in Uganda, general hospitals and Health Centre IVs already do carry
out surgical operations; these are carried out by non-surgeon physicians and non-physician
clinicians without further training.
In a survey of nine hospitals in 2008, we documented that surgical output had not changed over the
past ten years. the average number of operations was 3 per day. The causes of such a low output
include human resource shortages and capacity.
“During the situation analysis for this project, in 25 hospitals and HCIVs, we established a desire
among medical officers for surgical skills development. This desire has been demonstrated by their
participation in Essential Surgical Skills training workshops. This is now being followed up with
mentoring of medical officers and their surgical teams in Essential and Emergency Surgery. We
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expect that this will increase output therefore make better use of available human resource, make
use of redundant theatres, improve access and reduce mortality rate and disability attributable to
surgically treatable conditions. The project is working to cover this skills gap, to improve the
quality of the services provided”, said Rev. Prof. Sam Luboga, the Project Team Leader.
The expected benefits of this initiative are multi-fold for Ugandans at different levels:
• Save lives lost due to unrelieved obstructed labour, intestinal obstruction, road traffic
accidents
• Prevent disabilities due to essential surgeries not done
• Make better use of available human resources
• Utilize dormant theatres at general hospitals and HC IVs
The project is being piloted in 25 districts of Uganda, including Mukono, Mityana, Mubende,
Masaka, Bugiri, Rakai, Iganga, Mpigi, Kayunga, Lyantonde, Kiboga, Nakaseke, Wakiso, Luwero,
Jinja and Serere.
3.2 CHS medical students engage communities in cancer awareness campaigns
Residents of Kireka in Wakiso district will this month be the proud beneficiaries on free cancer
awareness services, including free screening for breast cancer, by students of the Makerere
University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS). Instead of the Kireka residents suffering the
stress of looking for health workers, students will move and camp in Kireka to provide the services.
It is estimated that only 5% of women in Uganda get access to screening for cervical cancer, while
in 2007 it was reported that cervical cancer was the leading cause of gynaecological deaths at
Mulago Hospital. Estimates also show that there are only 4 cancer specialists in Uganda
The students through their Cancer Awareness Club create exposure of the cancer burden especially
at the Mulago Hospital Paediatric Cancer Unit, through lobbying for funding and support to these
children given that majority are from poor background. The students also fill the gap on early
screening for breast and cervical cancer in women; through their monthly Medical outreaches in
collaboration with the Mulago Hospital Cancer Institute.
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“Our July Breast and cervical cancer outreach will be in Kireka-Wakiso district where we intend to
cover over 600 young women. We use young women (medical students) to health educate and
encourage fellow young women to screen as early detection increases the chances of cure. The
August Outreach will be in Makerere University where we intend to cover Fresh Women (new
students) as well as some continuing students. This will be in line with Makerere University’s 90th
Anniversary celebrations”, said Mr. James Kitonsa the President, Makerere University Medical
Students’ Association.
Education, awareness and regular screening are considered as the most cost-effective preventive
strategies for most cancers; especially breast and cervical cancers.
4.O Presentation from the Department of the Academic Registrar
4.1 Semester Dates for the Academic Year 2012/2013
The Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah presented the semester dates:
Orientation Week: Saturday 11th August, 2012 to Friday 17th August, 2012 (7days)
Semester One: Saturday 18th August, 2012 to Saturday 15th December, 2012 (17 weeks)
Semester One Vacation: Saturday15th December, 2012 to 26th January, 2013
63rd Graduation: Monday 21st to Friday, 25th January, 2013
Semester Two: Saturday 26th January, 2013 to Saturday 25th May, 2013. (17 weeks)
Semester Two Vacation: Saturday 25th May, 2013 to Saturday 17th August, 2013
Recess Term: Saturday 25th May, 2013 to Saturday 3rd August, 2013 (10 weeks)
4.2 Update on Makerere University Admissions
Mr. Charles Sentongo, Deputy Registrar (Admissions) provided an update on the Makerere
University Admissions:
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Update on the Makerere University Admissions Date
Fresher’s Orientation Week Starts 11/Aug/2012Admissions Board Meeting for Private students admission Scheduled
13/July/2012Meeting for District Quota Admissions, Disable& Sports Talented students 6/July/2012
Admission letters for Government students are out today. We appeal to students to collect them from their respective academic units.
2/July/2012
Private students Admitted last academic year2011/2012 21,473
Private students Registered last year academic year 2011/2012 13,473
Private students intake for the Academic year (2012/2013) starting August 2012
32,814
Total number of Applications received from private students for the academic year 2012/2013
27,032
The University expects to admit 22,000 Private students for the Academic year 2012/2013
22,000
Private students Admission List expected to be out 23/July/2012
Private students Admission letters expected to be out 30/July/2012
-----------------------------------We Build for the Future---------------------------------------------
Sincerely: Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University
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