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: pro@admin.mak.ac.ug

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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