By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Makerere University: The Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) held the 10th Graduation Ceremony for Advanced Field Epidemiology Fellows and the 2nd Graduation Ceremony for Laboratory Leadership Fellows of the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program (UPHFP) on January 29, 2026, at the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium in Kampala. This ceremony marked the completion of a two-year intensive training program in applied epidemiology, laboratory leadership, and public health practice.
The 19 graduating fellows, comprising 13 from the Advanced Field Epidemiology Track and 6 from the Laboratory Leadership Track, demonstrated competencies in disease outbreak investigation, public health surveillance, laboratory systems strengthening, and public health leadership. They presented summaries of their achievements and projects, showcasing their contributions to Uganda’s response to public health threats, including mpox, anthrax, Sudan virus disease, and COVID-19.
The fellows’ work had a significant impact on Uganda’s health sector, with projects aimed at strengthening surveillance, improving laboratory and health information systems, and enhancing service delivery. Some projects generated evidence supporting progress toward national HIV epidemic control targets, including the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.
The UPHFP is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Health, MakSPH, Baylor Uganda, and the US CDC, aimed at building public health workforce capacity in Uganda.
Dr. Simon Antara, Executive Director of AFENET, praised Uganda’s commitment to health security, saying, “Uganda has consistently demonstrated that health security is built deliberately through institutions, systems, and people, and the fellowship program is clear evidence of this commitment.”
To the fellowship program’s leadership and faculty, he noted, their dedication to rigor, mentorship, and practical field-based learning has and continues to produce professionals who are not only technically competent, but mission-driven.
Antara observed the program’s regional impact, citing a neighboring countries interest in learning from Uganda’s Public Health Fellowship Program. He thanked the US government for its longstanding partnership and support.
To the graduating fellows, Antara emphasized the importance of attitude, saying, “You can have the right knowledge and skills, but without the right attitude, you will not be very useful.” He shared a story of a former student who had skills but lacked the right attitude, citing the importance of serving with integrity and responding to calls when needed.
Antara urged the graduates to serve with integrity, courage, and scientific rigor. “You are now part of a cadre of professionals trusted to serve with integrity, courage, and scientific rigor. I have no doubt that as you leave here, it is not going to be business as usual.”
Baylor Uganda’s Director, Dithan Kiraga, praised the Public Health Fellowship Program, noting, “The fellowship stands as a powerful example of what partnerships can achieve.” He thanked the US government and other partners for collaborating to establish the program.
Kiraga highlighted the fellows’ excellent work, observing that, “The presentations that we see today are a testament to what the fellowship is doing.” He expressed pride in Baylor’s support for the Lab Leadership Program and hosting fellows.
The Director emphasized the impact of investing in people, citing Baylor-Uganda’s Global Health Security Program, which was built and sustained by FETP fellows. “The impact of investing in people is undeniable,” he said.
Kiraga encouraged the graduates to lead with integrity and authenticity. “Above all, lead with integrity and authenticity. Be authentic in your work.” He urged them to remain curious and commit to lifelong learning.
“Go forward with confidence, believe in your abilities, invest in the professional networks that you’ve built during your training, and commit yourselves to lifelong learning. Uganda and the global health community needs leaders like you.” Said Kiraga.
Makerere University School of Public Health Dean, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze stated, “I was just reflecting on all the good things, the impact that we wanted to see from this program, and I can say that we’ve realized it.”
She praised graduates’ leadership and the impact they’ve created in improving health systems and outcomes. “We don’t just see the leadership, but we see the impact you’ve created in terms of improving systems and health outcomes,” Dr. Wanyenze said.
The Dean expressed gratitude to partners who have supported the program, saying, “We really, truly congratulate you and appreciate all the partners that have made this possible.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Wanyenze emphasized the need to reflect on the country’s long-term workforce needs. “We are really, truly looking forward to continuing to sustain this program, but also taking some time to reflect on the long-term needs for workforce in this country in a broader sense.”
“Please keep up the enthusiasm, the commitment, and the hard work that’s being exhibited today. Continue to learn and grow.” Dr. Wanyenze encouraged the fellows. She also looked forward to engaging with partners to shape the workforce and generate evidence for action in Uganda and the region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Uganda’s Public Health Fellowship Program for its transformative role in strengthening the country’s public health workforce. “The program continues to play a transformative role in strengthening Uganda’s public health workforce and enhancing the country’s epidemic intelligence and response capacity,” said Karey, representing the WHO Country Representative.
The program’s 10th graduation ceremony marked a milestone, with WHO extending sincere appreciation to partners, including the US CDC, AFENET, Baylor, and others. “Your steadfast collaboration and shared commitment have been instrumental in sustaining and advocating for this important fellowship program,” Karey said.
The fellows have undertaken intensive field-based training, guided by dedicated mentors, and have responded to major outbreaks, including viral hemorrhagic fever, anthrax, and COVID-19. “These investigations address the country’s persistent challenges with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, while also strengthening response to longstanding epidemics,” Karey noted.
“Today marks the accumulation of a demanding and rewarding journey and the beginning of your expanded responsibility as guardians of Uganda’s health security.” Karey emphasized the importance of the fellows’ work, saying, “You now join a distinguished community of professionals whose work safeguards the well-being of millions.”
WHO remains committed to working with the Ugandan government and partners to build a resilient health workforce? “This partnership continues to enhance Uganda’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats,” Karey said, highlighting the program’s impact on Uganda’s health security.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, commissioned a new cohort of public health graduates, expressing hope that their skills will contribute to the country’s health workforce. “The graduates, we commission you today, our hope and wish our investment in you will yield positive returns,” he said.
Dr. Kyabayinze emphasized the importance of the graduates’ role in addressing Uganda’s public health challenges. “We expect you’ll be a positive addition to Uganda’s national public health workforce and continue to support for the national efforts to manage public health challenges,” he added.
The Director also encouraged the graduates to be inquisitive leaders. “You have been trained as leaders. Great leaders ask good questions. Go and ask the relevant questions,” he said, urging them to seek answers to overcome challenges.
By asking questions and seeking answers, Dr. Kyabayinze believes Uganda can overcome its health challenges. “As we find answers, we’ll be able to overcome our challenges,” he noted.
He went on to highlight the importance of partnerships in addressing public health issues.
US Ambassador to Uganda, H.E William W. Popp, recognized Uganda’s efforts in public health, citing the country’s collaboration with the US in building a robust health system. “And of course, public health has been really a foundational area of cooperation and partnership between Uganda and the United States for many years,” he said during a graduation ceremony for new cohorts of a public health program.
The Ambassador noted that the program, which has been ongoing for over a decade, has been instrumental in making Uganda, the US, and the world safer. “I am really excited to be here today as not only do we celebrate the newest graduates of these two cohorts, but also as we look at the impact that the preceding cohorts have had in this program,” he said.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the US’ 250th anniversary of independence, emphasizing the country’s commitment to collaborations and partnerships. “This is the year of the 250th anniversary of our independence. So we are spending time this year looking back at what I’ve been successful collaborations and partnerships impact where we’ve worked with key partners and in this case, Uganda to have innovative and impactful results in many different sectors,” he said.
The program has produced 119 field epidemiologists, with many more deployed across the country. Ambassador Popp praised Uganda’s efforts, saying, “Uganda has really been at the forefront in so many ways of building a truly unique and groundbreaking program.”
He also acknowledged the support system behind the graduates, including mentors, faculty, partners, and family members. “And above all, as we heard in the course, many of the presentations, the family members who support each and every one of you in doing the important and vital work that you do and I know you’ll continue to do going forward,” he said.
