Makerere, Ministry of Defence Partner on Emergency Response to epidemics and natural disasters

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has partnered with Makerere University to improve knowledge and skills in research and enhance epidemic response preparedness.

UPDF health workers and biosecurity officers will offer human resource response to epidemics and natural disasters while also strengthening the capacity of its health systems.

The two institutions inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to bolster collaboration between the army and Makerere’s two Colleges of; Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity.

The official signing took place at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters at Mbuya hill in Kampala.

The collaboration is particularly aimed at building synergies to strengthen quality of health care as well as mitigate threats to public health security as key competencies of each of the institutions.

Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs who presided over the ceremony lauded Makerere University for the willingness and zeal it has demonstrated over time in supporting the UPDF to bridge gaps in service of the country.

Minister Rwamirama noted that the collaboration is in line with Uganda’s development plans; National Development Plan 2 and Vision 2040 in regard to boosting research. He expressed full support of the Ministry of Defence to further the partnership.

Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Banabas Nawangwe thanked UPDF for ensuring peace and security in the country.

He said that the university had already been involved in similar ventures. The College of Humanities conducted trainings of UPDF staff in Kimaka Senior Staff College in Jinja and designing of the hospital at Bombo. He added that the two institutions can do a lot together since there is heavy investment in Makerere University to give back to the country through collaborations.