MicroResearch International, an initiative that empowers local researchers to develop local sustainable health solutions through grant writing, is breaking new ground in Uganda. In an inaugural meeting held at the Uganda Prisons Headquarters in Kampala, the MicroResearch program met with the Uganda Prisons Research Directorate, marking a significant milestone in its mission to advance health innovation.
This event, spearheaded by the Department of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Research (DMNCHR) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), signals a promising future for health-focused research within the Uganda Prisons Service. The meeting, chaired by ACGP Eli Muhumuza, brought together key stakeholders, including Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at MUST, Dr. Kanyesigye Hamson, Deputy Chief Research Officer, and Ms. Teddy Kyomuhangi, Senior Manager, DMNCHR.
At the heart of this initiative is a plan to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Once signed, the MoU will pave the way for capacity-building efforts, enabling the Uganda Prisons Research Directorate to apply and support the MicroResearch approach—a model that emphasizes small, multidisciplinary teams solving locally identified health challenges.
To kick-start this collaboration, three representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service will participate in MicroResearch training in January 2025. These representatives will gain firsthand experience in the program and methodology, laying the groundwork for a dedicated training session tailored to the needs of the Prisons Research Directorate.
This partnership builds on the momentum generated at the MicroResearch International Forum held on October 16–17, 2024, at MUST. During the forum, a representative from Uganda Prisons engaged with global and local health researchers, underscoring the shared commitment to leveraging research for transformative impact.
MicroResearch International, a key partner in this endeavor, brings its wealth of experience in fostering grassroots innovation across Africa and beyond. By integrating the Uganda Prisons Service into this network, the program seeks to address health challenges specific to prison populations, from maternal and child health to broader public health concerns.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between MUST, Uganda Prisons Service, and MicroResearch International exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in advancing health equity. As the Uganda Prisons Research Directorate prepares to embrace the MicroResearch approach, the initiative promises to drive impactful research that benefits not only the prison community but also the broader Ugandan population.
With the January 2025 training on the horizon, this partnership sets the stage for a new chapter in health innovation, rooted in local expertise and global collaboration.
