The Makerere University Non-Communicable Diseases Research Training Program (MakNCD), supported through the NIH D43 mechanism, is a multidisciplinary research and capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening non-communicable disease (NCD) research, prevention, and management in Uganda and the wider sub-Saharan Africa region.
MakNCD is pleased to invite applications for Master’s level training in the following disciplines: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health monitoring and Evaluation. These training opportunities are intended to build a critical mass of professionals equipped with research, leadership, health systems, and management skills relevant to addressing the growing burden of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries.
About the MakNCD Program
The Makerere University Non-Communicable Disease (MAK-NCD) Research Training Program is a research capacity building program based at Makerere University College of Health Sciences with collaboration at John Hopkins University and funded by the United States National Institute of Health-Fogarty International Centre (D43TW011401). The overall goal of this training program is to develop a comprehensive mentored research-training program in Uganda that will build local capacity to address the challenges of NCD control and management and promote the use of research findings to inform decision-making and policy.
Training Focus and Expectations
Successful applicants will:
- Be enrolled full-time in an approved Master’s program at Makerere University
- Pursue coursework and research aligned with non-communicable diseases, including but not limited to health systems strengthening, health monitoring and evaluation, health policy and management, implementation science, and leadership
- Develop a Master’s research project relevant to NCD policy, program management, or outcomes monitoring.
- Participate in MakNCD seminars, mentorship activities, and research capacity-building initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- Demonstrated interest in non-communicable diseases and health systems research
- Admission to, or application in progress for, a relevant Master’s program at Makerere University
- Strong academic performance and motivation for research and leadership in NCDs
Scholarship/Training Support
Selected candidates will receive MakNCD-supported training, which may include:
- Tuition and/or partial financial support (subject to availability)
- Research mentorship and supervision
- Access to NCD research networks and professional development activities
The training period will be full-time and aligned with the standard duration of the Master’s program (up to two years).
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit the following documents electronically:
- A concept note (2–3 pages) describing the proposed Master’s research topic related to NCDs
- NIH Bio sketch /Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages)
- Contact details of two academic or professional referees
Email subject line (recommended): APPLICATION – Doctoral Scholarship – MakNCD MSc
File naming convention (recommended): LastName_FirstName_DocumentName (e.g., Batte_Charles_CV.pdf)
Applications should be addressed to:
The MakNCD Program Principal Investigator.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Email: makncdtraining@gmail.com
Application Deadline:
23rd February, 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MakNCD is an equal opportunity program and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups to apply.