Makerere University Announces Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Non-Communicable Disease Research (MAKNCD Program)

Makerere University, through its College of Health Sciences, has officially opened applications for fully funded PhD degree fellowships in Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) research under the Makerere University Non-Communicable Disease (MAKNCD) Research Training Program. The program is supported by the Fogarty International Center of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) and delivered in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, USA. This doctoral training opportunity is designed to strengthen advanced research capacity in Uganda and support evidence-based interventions, policy development, and long-term control of non-communicable diseases.

About the MAKNCD Research Training Program

The MAKNCD program is a structured, mentored doctoral research initiative hosted at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Its central mission is to develop a new generation of independent researchers who can address Uganda’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases using epidemiology, data science, and implementation science.

The program focuses on translating high-quality research into real-world impact. Fellows are trained not only to generate scientific evidence, but also to ensure that research findings inform health policy, clinical practice, and public health decision-making.

This call is particularly aimed at early-career and junior researchers who are committed to building long-term research careers in Africa.

PhD Fellowship Support and Duration

Successful applicants will receive full PhD fellowship support for up to three (3) years, subject to annual performance reviews and academic progress milestones.

Key fellowship features include:

• Full-time PhD registration at Makerere University

• Structured mentorship throughout doctoral training

• Opportunity for sponsored didactic research methods training at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), USA

• Advanced skills development in NCD research, data science, and implementation science

• Access to experienced local and international research mentors

This training model ensures that fellows receive both local contextual expertise and global research exposure.

Priority Research Areas

Applicants must present a clear research concept or proposal idea aligned with one or more of the following non-communicable disease areas:

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD)
  Focus areas include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
  Including Hypertension and related conditions

These priority areas reflect Uganda’s current and future public health needs and are central to national and regional disease control strategies.

Data Science and Machine Learning Focus

The MAKNCD program places strong emphasis on modern analytical approaches. Competitive research concepts may include:

• Identification and validation of key biomarkers for targeted NCDs

• Application of robust machine-learning methods for:

  • Risk prediction

  • Diagnostic support

  • Disease severity classification

  • Treatment response assessment

  • Prognosis estimation

• Studies using multi-modal data, such as:

  • Genetic data

  • Clinical and epidemiological data

  • Demographic and environmental datasets

• Benchmarking machine-learning models against established clinical risk-scoring systems

Applicants with experience or interest in computational analysis and predictive modeling are strongly encouraged to apply.

Genetic and Kidney Disease Research Opportunities

Special consideration is given to research concepts that:

• Use existing genetic datasets related to kidney disease

• Identify genetic variants linked to CKD onset and progression

• Develop predictive models combining:

  • Genetic data

  • Epidemiological indicators

  • Clinical measurements

These projects aim to improve early detection and risk stratification for kidney disease in African populations.

Available Research Datasets

The program provides access to high-value datasets, allowing fellows to work with large, well-established data resources, including:

• Vicinity Cohort RHSP

  • Approximately 2,400 echocardiography measurements

  • Around 3,000 spirometry records

  • Over 20,000 blood pressure measurements

• Rakai Community Cohort Survey (RCCS)
  A longitudinal population-based study in South Central Uganda with 20 survey rounds conducted since 1994

• Uganda Genome Resource
  A nationally recognized genomic dataset supporting research on communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa

These resources enable rigorous, data-driven doctoral research with strong policy relevance.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Master’s degree in one of the following or related data-intensive disciplines:

  • Computer Science

  • Statistics or Biostatistics

  • Mathematics

  • Bioinformatics

  • Epidemiology

  • Public Health

  • Health Informatics

• Demonstrated interest or experience applying data science or quantitative methods to health research or health systems

• Strong computational or quantitative skills, such as:

  • Programming

  • Statistical analysis

  • Machine learning

  • Data management

• Ugandan citizenship and commitment to advancing research in Africa

• Ability to enroll in and commit to full-time PhD training at Makerere University

Applicants must also identify two mentors in their proposed area of research and demonstrate a clear commitment to a long-term career in NCD research.

Admission Status Note

Proof of PhD admission is not required at the time of application. However, preference may be given to candidates who have already secured admission to, or are currently registered in, a relevant PhD programme at Makerere University.

Application Package Requirements

Applicants must submit a single complete application package by email, including the following documents:

• NIH Biosketch (maximum 4 pages), including relevant publications if available

• Cover letter confirming 100% time commitment to the fellowship (maximum 1 page)

• Two-page research concept note outlining:

  • Research problem

  • Specific aims

  • Study design

  • Analysis plan

• Academic transcripts and certificates for the relevant Master’s degree

• Statement of purpose or motivational letter (maximum 800 words) describing interest in doctoral training focused on NCD research

• Two letters of recommendation from academic referees with up-to-date contact details

Recommended file naming format:
LastName_FirstName_DocumentName.pdf

Application Submission Details

• Email subject line:
  APPLICATION – Doctoral Scholarship – MakNCD

• Submission email:
  [email protected]

• Application deadline:
  Monday, 23 February 2026

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Program Contact

For official inquiries related to the MAKNCD PhD fellowship program:

Dr. Charles Batte
MAKNCD Research Training Program
Email: [email protected]

Why This Opportunity Matters

Non-communicable diseases are a growing public health challenge across Africa. This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to receive fully funded doctoral training, work with world-class datasets, collaborate with international research institutions, and contribute directly to policies and interventions that improve population health in Uganda.

For motivated researchers ready to move from potential to impact, the MAKNCD PhD fellowship represents a clear and credible pathway forward.

For more opportunities, click here.