The Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) hosted a graduation ceremony for the 9th cohort of Advanced Field Epidemiology Fellows and the inaugural cohort of Laboratory Leadership Fellows under the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program (UPHFP). The event's chief guest was the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Adetinuke Mary Boyd, U.S. CDC Uganda Director; Dr. Susan Nabadda Ndidde, representing the Director General of Health Services; Dr. Suraj Man Shrestha, representing the WHO Country Representative; Dr. Godfrey Kayita, representing the Director of AFENET; Dr. Robert Kaos Majwala, representing the Executive Director of Baylor College of Medicine; Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health; and Dr. Alex Riolexus Ario, Director of UNIPH.
The ceremony was attended by a diverse group of guests, including Mentors from the Ministry of Health and other Ministries and Agencies, representatives from Implementing Partner institutions, and families of the graduating fellows. Senior staff members of the UNIPH who participated in the event included Mr. Daniel Kadobera, U.S. CDC Resident Advisor for the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program (UPHFP); Dr. Benon Kwesiga, Program Coordinator for Advanced Field Epidemiology; Dr. Irene Byakatonda Kyamwine, Program Coordinator for Frontline and Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Programs; Dr. Richard Migisha, Field Coordinator for Advanced Field Epidemiology; Mr. Ivan Lukabwe, Program Coordinator, Health Informatics Program; Mr. Samuel Gidudu, Program Coordinator, Laboratory leadership Program; Ms. Lilian Bulage, Scientific Writer; Mr. Paul Edward Okello, County Coordinator for the Data Impact Program; Dr. Carol Nanziri, Country Coordinator, CRVS Program; Mr. Steven Kabwama, Monitoring and Evaluation Learning Officer for UPHFP, and Ms. Juliet Namagulu, Senior Administrator.
Highlights of the event included inspiring presentations from the fellows, recounting their fellowship journeys and adding a vibrant touch to the celebration. The chief guest presented certificates of completion to all successful fellows and recognized exceptional achievements. Dr. Yasiini Nuwamanya received the Outstanding Advanced Field Epidemiology Award, while Ms. Leah Naluwagga Baliruno was honored with the Outstanding Laboratory Leadership Award.