On 6th March 2026, over 500 alumni, students, faculty, and partners of the Makerere College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) gathered at Hotel Africana, Kampala for a memorable dinner to celebrate a century of excellence in medical education, research, and service. The event formed part of the College’s ongoing 100-year anniversary activities that began in 2024.
The alumni dinner, first of its kind at MakCHS was organised to celebrate a century of existence and launch fundraising for the refurbishment of the iconic Davies Lecture Theatre (DLT). Held in a warm and reflective atmosphere, the dinner provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy. Many attendees spoke of their formative years at the College, role it has played in shaping their journey and producing globally recognized professionals.
The event also attracted several retired faculty including former Vice Chancellor Prof.George Kirya, Prof. George Paul D’Arbella, Prof. Anokbonggo and Prof Sam Luboga among others. Also in attendance were stakeholders from professional associations, Ministry of Health, regulators, directors of Hospitals among others.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero - Minister of Health was represented by Dr. Rose Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, which also serves as MakCHS’ main teaching hospital.
In the Minister’s speech, she extended warm congratulations to Makerere University and the College on reaching the remarkable milestone. She noted that, “Although the institution has evolved over the years from it humble beginnings as a medical training school in 1924, it has remained a pillar of excellence in medical education, research and clinical service; producing dedicated professionals serving humanity in Uganda and beyond”.
She expressed pride that as an alumna, highlighting that MakCHS has contributed to national development. She said, ‘Over the past hundred years, the graduates of this College have become national assets. They are the clinicians caring for patients in hospitals and health centres across Uganda; the public health leaders shaping policy and programs; the researchers generating new knowledge; and the educators preparing the next generation’.
She reminded the College that heading into the next century, research and innovation is necessary to save lives. She added, ‘scientific discovery must not remain confined to journals and conferences. It must translate into policies, guidelines, technologies, and interventions that directly improve health outcomes’.
In his address, the Prof. Bruce Kirenga – Principal, MakCHS welcomed alumni and expressed appreciation for their continued contributions to healthcare, and national development. He noted that the centennial celebration was not only a moment to honour the past but also to envision the future of health professions education in an evolving global landscape. He thanked the organising committee, who through commitment delivered the centennial dinner and the events held from the launch of the celebrations in 2024.
Prof. Kirenga highlighted that beside refurbishment of the Davies Lecture Theatre, other developments to improve infrastructure at the College were underway; including laboratories improvement, skills labs, and administrative offices. He acknowledged support from government and development partners in these improvement endeavours.
The Principal pledged to support efforts to implement further alumni engagement and invited members to the Centennial monument unveiling scheduled to take place later in the year.
Professor David Meya, Chairperson of the MakCHSat100 Organising Committee thanked the committee, guests and partners for the support in the various activities held to mark 100 years of Health Professionals Training in Uganda since 1924. Prof. Meya reminded the congregation that this only the start for MakCHS alumni engagement, and that all resources raised will go towards refurbishing the Davies Lecture Theatre, calling on alumni to support the fundraising drive.
Several alumni shared inspiring personal journeys, highlighting how their training at the College instilled values of service, resilience, and scientific excellence. They encouraged stronger alumni engagement through mentorship, research collaboration, and support for current students.
The evening concluded with renewed commitment from alumni to actively support the College as it embarks on its next century. By the end of the night, dinner and raffle ticket sales reached UGX 118 million. Additional donations and pledges totalled about UGX 100 million and USD 7,000.
