Professor Eric Mabonga, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), has emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to transforming health education through research, technology, and strategic partnerships.
He made the remarks at the fifth Uganda Pharmaceutical Symposium held at KIU’s Teaching Hospital and Research Centre (KIU-THR) in Ishaka, Bushenyi.
“KIU-THR remains committed to enhancing research and innovation through the latest technologies. We will continue building partnerships that drive real impact in communities,” he said.
The symposium ran from April 11 to 13 under the theme: “Universal Health Coverage: Prioritizing Supply Chain, Research, Innovation, and Digitization of 1Health.” It drew more than 1,000 participants—students, researchers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and development partners—from across Uganda and beyond.
Asiati Mbabazi, the University Secretary at KIU, set the tone with a reminder of professional duty.
“We are health professionals. What is expected of us is to save lives,” she declared.
Mabonga praised the student-led efforts and reaffirmed KIU’s role as a launchpad for future health leaders.
“This symposium is a testament to the power of youth-led transformation. We are proud to have hosted this vibrant platform and will ensure its legacy continues,” he said.
Throughout the three days, the symposium gushed with the energy of shared purpose.
Co-hosted by the KIU School of Pharmacy and the Uganda Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (UPSA), the event was a hub of exchange of ideas, innovations, and networks.
Participants moved through workshops, insightful panel discussions, and hands-on exhibitions that cut across the pharmaceutical landscape, from classroom theory to real-world application.
One of the event’s highlights was the Innovation Exhibition Village, where creativity met necessity. Here, students and young professionals showcased groundbreaking solutions—from AI-driven diagnostics and digital supply chain prototypes to herbal formulations tailored for rural Uganda.
Dr. Martha Grace Ajulong, the commissioner for Pharmaceuticals and Natural Products, who represented Health Minister Ruth Aceng, said medical supply chains are the backbone of healthcare.
“If the medicines don’t reach the last mile, we have failed,” she said. “We must invest in digital interventions that ensure affordability, accessibility, and availability across even the remotest parts of Uganda.”
She also highlighted Uganda’s partnership with USAID as a model of effective collaboration and called for integration of technology within existing systems for sustainability.
Dr. Nuru Mugide, the patron of the 5th Uganda Pharmaceutical Symposium, said by embracing research and innovation, future pharmacists will be empowered to provide patient-centered care, improve health outcomes, and drive progress toward universal health coverage.
Dr. Benjamin Mwesige, Head of Pharmacy at the Uganda Cancer Institute, advocated for integrating artificial intelligence in cancer treatment and pharmaceutical R&D.
“We must begin integrating existing innovations with the urgency of AI and rethink how knowledge products and research can influence health outcomes,” he asserted.
Dr. Anyase Ronald Amaza, Patron of the Uganda Pharmacy Student Association, said Uganda needs research that is usable, that influences policy, and that produces tangible results.
