Nine Long-term Fellows Graduate, as MakSPH-CDC Fellowship Program clocks 10 years

On Friday, May 4, 2012, Mr. Michael Ediau, a fellow who was attached to ChildFund International received the Matthew Lukwiya Award for the year 2010-2012. Michael contributed to the strengthening of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system at ChildFund and coordinated two donor-funded projects during his apprenticeship, among other achievements.

In his own words, Mr. Michael Ediau, the Matthew Lukwiya Award winner, noted of his Fellowship experiences: “The Fellowship training provided me with great opportunities that enabled me to practically build my capacity in program management and leadership, M&E and research among others. I am therefore pleased that I got what I wanted for it has prepared me to be able to make greater contribution to improved health services delivery”. Michael received a Plaque in honour of his outstanding performance.

Other Fellows who received Awards were Ms. Jane Namuddu and Ms. Lillian Ayebale. Ms. Jane Namuddu was the first runner-up. She implemented an intervention to strengthen HIV prevention and psychosocial support for adolescents in secondary schools in Kabarole District as part of Baylor Uganda interventions in the Rwenzori region, among other engagements. Ms. Lillian Ayebale, who was attached to SPEAR Project/World Vision Uganda, was the second runner-up. Lillian developed a Behavior Change Communication Strategy targeting teachers within the Education Sector, among other key apprenticeship responsibilities. Both Jane and Lillian received Plaques in honor of their commitment and performance.

Fellowship Program staff and Fellows posing for a photo with the CDC Country Director, Dr Tadesse Wuhib (l-r, fourth, back row) and Dr Sheila Ndyanabangi (l-r, fifth, back row) who represented the Guest of Honor. First, back row (l-r) is the Dean of the School of Public Health, Assoc. Prof William Bazeyo. Prof David Serwadda, Program Director for the Fellowship Program is sixth on the back row, from left to right

Awards were also given to the best Academic Mentors (Dr Lynn Atuyambe & Dr Nazarius M. Tumwesigye) and the best host institution (Child Fund Uganda). Ms Susan Mawemuko, the Grants and Administration Manager of the Fellowship Program, received the Distinguished Long Service Award in Honor of her contribution to the Fellowship Program for the past 10 years (2002-2012).  

A total of nine long-term Fellows (who were enrolled in April 2010) presented their reports at a final dissemination workshop held at Golf Course Hotel, Kampala, Uganda. The occasion was presided over by Dr Sheila Ndyanabangi who represented the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Christine Ondoa, as the Guest of Honor. The function was well attended with up to 120 participants, among whom were the Director for CDC Uganda, Dr Tadesse Wuhib; the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health, Assoc. Prof William Bazeyo; and other dignitaries including Dr Frank Kaharuza (CDC), Dr Olico Okui (META Project), Assoc. Prof Fred Wabwire-Mangen (Regional Center for Quality of Health Care), alumni Medium-term and Long-term Fellows, as well as other participants.

It is now 10 years since MakSPH-CDC HIV/AIDS Fellowship Program was initiated at Makerere University School of Public Health in 2002. At ten years, the program has so far enrolled 85 Long-term Fellows, of whom, 77 completed the training between 2004 and 2012, while eight Fellows are currently enrolled. Seventy (70) institutions have hosted Fellows since 2002. The Fellowship Program aims at training transformative leaders in health who are analytical in thinking, work effectively in teams and integrate inter-disciplinarity in their work. The training methodology takes on a hands-on approach that is guided by a set of six main domains (interpersonal and effective communication; strategic thinking; management and leadership; monitoring and evaluation; information technology; and mentorship, coaching and support supervision) each with a set of core competences.