Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Addressing Sickle Cell Disease in Schools and Communities Held on October 24, 2025

The Enhancing Research Capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and Non-communicable Diseases across the Lifespan in Uganda (ENRICH) project successfully convened a high-level Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University. The event attracted a remarkable turnout, bringing together a diverse group of participants whose contributions enriched the day’s discussions.

The meeting drew policymakers, religious and cultural leaders, representatives from Buganda Kingdom health structures, political leaders and aspirants, student leaders from various schools, officials from the Ministry of Health, and a representative from the Makerere University Council. Their collective presence demonstrated the growing commitment to addressing sickle cell disease within schools and communities.

Participants engaged in a series of meaningful discussions and panel sessions, each offering insights from different sectors and experiences. A particularly vibrant and informative presentation was delivered by Dr. Ruth Namazzi, a sickle cell specialist from the Department of Child Health and part of the Mulago Paediatric Care team. Her presentation highlighted critical issues affecting children living with sickle cell disease and emphasized the importance of targeted interventions.

The Principal Investigator, Prof. Sarah Kiguli, a renowned sickle cell champion in the Department of Child Health, delivered a key communication during the meeting. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders for honoring the invitation and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to advancing sickle cell research and community-centered solutions.

The Master of Ceremony, Dr. Deogratius Munube, skillfully guided the program and moderated a reflective discussion on lived sickle cell experiences, featuring testimonies from patients and different cadres working closely with affected families.

The event was widely commended for its strong attendance, inclusive representation, and the depth of dialogue generated. Every moment contributed to strengthening partnerships aimed at improving sickle cell awareness, care, and research capacity across Uganda.