In a major demonstration of its role as a driver of innovation and national development, Makerere University today unveiled two transformative research initiatives and a suite of digital advancements that promise to shape the future of public health, road safety, and academic service delivery in Uganda.
Speaking at a press conference held in the university’s Council Room, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge research and inclusive technological solutions that improve the quality of life for Ugandans and strengthen global health equity.
“We are proud to support research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety,” Prof. Mukadasi told members of the media and key stakeholders.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the IDI Medical Drone Programme, an ambitious initiative by the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University. Designed to address the challenge of delivering HIV medication and diagnostic services to geographically isolated communities, the programme uses drones to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and hard-to-reach populations in Kalangala District and the West Nile region.
“Kalangala remains a hotspot for new HIV infections, but access to treatment is restricted by its island geography. Drones have allowed us to overcome these barriers,” said Dr. Andrew Kambugu, Executive Director at IDI.
To date, the programme has:
- Completed 522 drone flights, covering over 4,500 kilometers
- Reached over 1,000 HIV patients in Bufumira sub-county
- Delivered 1,118 COVID-19 and 37 STI samples
- Trained five Ugandan pilots in drone operations
- Led to the establishment of a National Medical Drones Steering Committee
Funded by a coalition including PEPFAR, Johns Hopkins University, the Uganda Ministry of Health, and the UN Capital Development Fund, the project has significantly reduced logistics costs, improved diagnostic turnaround times, and ensured consistent access to critical medication for vulnerable communities.
Road Safety in Focus: Kampala Under the Microscope
The second study unveiled was the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. In partnership with Johns Hopkins University and Makerere’s Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit, the study analyzed two years of road safety data, focusing on dangerous behaviors such as excessive speeding and poor helmet use among motorcyclists.
The research identified human error and systemic gaps as major contributors to road injuries and fatalities in Kampala, particularly affecting pedestrians and boda boda riders. The findings offer critical evidence for improving urban transport planning, enforcement strategies, and public awareness campaigns.
Makerere’s Leap into Digital Transformation
Beyond health and safety, Prof. Mukadasi also spotlighted Makerere’s ongoing digital transformation aimed at enhancing academic service delivery and inclusivity.
- Digital Certification of Transcripts: Through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS), alumni can now digitally certify their academic transcripts from anywhere in the world, reducing bureaucracy and increasing global accessibility.
- Graduate Supervision Made Seamless: The Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS)—currently piloted in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences—is streamlining how Master’s and PhD students are supervised, with improved tracking, transparency, and accountability.
- Smart Classrooms and Inclusive eLearning: With backing from the Government of Uganda and development partners, Makerere is equipping its colleges with multimedia studios and smart classrooms that are accessible to students with visual and auditory impairments.
- AI Laboratory Launch: The newly established Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) is pioneering Uganda-centric AI solutions. These include assistive technologies and localized digital learning tools tailored to the country’s socio-economic needs.
A Bold Step Toward a Research-Led Future
The press conference underscored Makerere University’s evolving identity as a research-intensive institution committed to solving real-world problems through science, innovation, and inclusive policy engagement.
“These initiatives are part of our broader vision to redefine how universities can serve society—not just through education, but through leadership in research, innovation, and digital transformation,” Prof. Mukadasi said in his closing remarks.
As the university deepens its investment in high-impact research and scalable technologies, today’s announcements marked a pivotal moment in Makerere’s journey to become a globally competitive, locally relevant institution transforming lives across Uganda and beyond.
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