Master's Training Opportunity (MakNCD)

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), and 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 programme based at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and funded by the United States National Institutes 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; and participate in MakNCD seminars, mentorship activities, and research capacity-building initiatives.

Eligibility Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements: a relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution; a demonstrated interest in non-communicable diseases and health systems research; admission to, or an application in progress for, a relevant Master's program at Makerere University; and strong academic performance and motivation for research and leadership in NCDs.

What is covered / Benefits Selected candidates will receive MakNCD-supported training, which may include: tuition and/or partial financial support (subject to availability); research mentorship and supervision; and 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).

How to apply Interested applicants should submit the following documents electronically: a concept note (2-3 pages) describing the proposed Master's research topic related to NCDs; an NIH Bio sketch / Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages); and contact details of two academic or professional referees. The recommended email subject line is 'APPLICATION - Doctoral Scholarship - MakNCD MSc', and the recommended file naming convention is 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, and sent to makncdtraining@gmail.com. The application deadline is 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.

Why apply Non-communicable diseases now account for a substantial and growing share of illness and premature death in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa, yet the region has limited specialist workforce and research capacity to respond. By supporting Master's-level training in public health, business administration, and monitoring and evaluation, MakNCD aims to equip professionals who can lead NCD programmes, influence health policy, strengthen health systems, and generate the evidence needed for effective prevention and management. Graduates of this programme are positioned for careers in public health practice, research institutions, academia, government agencies and international development organizations, where they can apply research, leadership and management skills directly to NCD control. Participants also join a regional network of researchers and practitioners working on NCDs, creating lasting collaboration opportunities across Uganda and the wider sub-Saharan Africa region.