Category Archives: News

Gulu University to Incorporate Plant Propagation in Traditional Medicine Syllabus

Gulu University’s Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Studies-PharmBiotec is set to introduce plant propagation into the syllabus for students studying traditional and herbal medicine. The department of PharmBiotec, established in 2017, aims to equip herbalists, traditional knowledge holders, and healers with the necessary skills to extract, standardize, and administer high-quality and hygienic herbs. Under the…

Nigerian Student’s Innovative Water Conservation App Wins Global Challenge

Prosper Ukachi, a visionary from Abuja, Nigeria, is changing perceptions about water conservation with his groundbreaking app concept, BlueHub. The app recently received recognition in the Xylem Ignite Global Student Innovation Challenge, marking a significant achievement for Prosper and his collaborator, Gabriel Portas from Spain. BlueHub is a prototype phone app that encourages individuals to…

Gov’t Deploys Medical Interns, Cuts Allowances

The government of Uganda has deployed 1,901 medical interns to 58 internship centers across the country. The interns, who have been waiting since April, are expected to report to their respective centers by Thursday, August 4. In a notice released on Friday, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, said that the interns…

Barriers to Accessing Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Remain in Uganda, Despite High Coverage Amongst People Living with HIV

A recent study conducted by The Union has revealed that barriers persist in accessing tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment in Uganda, even though many people living with HIV have high coverage. The ‘Evaluation of Adherence, Completion, Events for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (ACE TPT)’ study aims to identify ways to improve TB preventive treatment for people living…

DRC Secures $59.7 Million Funding to Boost Vaccination of “Zero-Dose” Children

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to receive a substantial financial boost of $59.7 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s Equity Accelerator Fund (EAF). The funding aims to accelerate efforts in vaccinating “zero-dose” children, who have not received any routine vaccines, by 35% before 2025. The investment comes as a part of…

Cholera Outbreak Confirmed in Namayingo District

There is a confirmed cholera outbreak in Namayingo District. At least three people have tested according to the District Health Officer, Mathias Mageni. Both the cholera patients and their probable close contacts are currently being managed at Bukana Health Center III in Bukana Sub County.  He explains that samples were taken from three women residing…

World Hepatitis Day; “One life, One liver”

Every year, on July 28th, the world comes together to observe World Hepatitis Day, aiming to raise awareness about this dangerous yet preventable viral disease that affects the liver, often leading to liver cancer. In line with the global efforts, Uganda joined in to mark this significant day and encouraging everyone to undergo testing for…

High Court Rules in Favor of Family in Tragic Maternal Death Case

The High Court in Fort Portal City has held Dr. Christine Karungi liable for negligence, which led to the tragic death of Tracy Biryomumaisho, an expectant mother who was admitted to Ntara Health Centre IV with labor pains, awaiting delivery. The unfortunate incident occurred on the night of March 29th, 2022, when Biryomumaisho, who had…

Education Expert Argues Against Blanket Ban on Smartphones in Ugandan Schools

Dr. Stephen Ndawula, an expert in Educational Communication and Technology from Kyambogo University, has advocated against a blanket ban on smartphones for students in Ugandan schools and other countries. Despite concerns about potential negative effects on education and students, Dr. Ndawula emphasizes the positive aspects of smartphones that can be harnessed for educational purposes. His…

Rwanda’s Removal of Science Practicals Due to Lab Shortage Offers Insights for Uganda

Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has taken a significant step by deciding to eliminate science practicals from their national examinations. The move comes as a response to long-standing concerns about the lack of well-equipped laboratories in schools across the country. Starting this academic year, science practicals will no longer be a mandatory requirement in national exams…