News

MakBRC Strengthens Genomic Research Capacity with New Illumina MiSeq i100 Series

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC), College of Health Sciences (CHS), has strengthened its genomic research and sequencing capacity with the acquisition of the Illumina MiSeq i100 Series, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform designed to support advanced genomic research and related clinical applications.

Powered by Illumina’s XLEAP-SBS™ chemistry, the MiSeq i100 Series is designed to deliver high sequencing accuracy with improved turnaround times. Its cartridge-based workflow simplifies routine sequencing operations, while flexible output and read lengths of up to 2 × 500 bp enable a broad range of applications, including targeted sequencing, 16S rRNA studies, pathogen genomics, metagenomics, genetic variation studies and other advanced research and clinical applications.

The new platform significantly expands MakBRC’s ability to support researchers and laboratory teams working across infectious diseases, microbial communities, genomics and molecular diagnostics. It will also facilitate the development and validation of genomic assays and help researchers move more efficiently from biological samples to high-quality genomic data and actionable scientific insights.

For MakBRC, the acquisition represents more than an investment in equipment—it is an investment in research capacity, innovation and the future of precision and data-driven healthcare in Uganda and the region. By bringing advanced sequencing capability closer to researchers and clinical laboratories, the Centre is helping reduce barriers to genomic research while strengthening the infrastructure needed for cutting-edge science, genomic surveillance and translational research.

MakBRC remains committed to building world-class biomedical research infrastructure that enables scientists, clinicians and laboratory teams to generate the evidence needed to understand disease, respond to emerging health threats and improve health outcomes.

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC), College of Health Sciences (CHS), is pleased to invite applications for a Short Course in Clinical Trials scheduled for 28th–30th September 2026.

The course will introduce participants to core principles and practical skills in clinical trials, including clinical trial phases (pre-clinical to Phase IV), major trial designs, research questions and study endpoints, trial protocols and statistical analysis plans, data management, budgeting and project management, and the roles of sponsors, investigators, monitors and ethics committees.

Short Course in Clinical Trials poster

The training will take place at the Genomics, Molecular and Immunology Laboratories and will accommodate 40 participants. The course fee is UGX 500,000 (USD 150).

Target participants include:

Medical doctors and physicians
Nurses and midwives
Pharmacists
Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and Clinical Research Associates (CRAs)
Trial and project managers
Data managers and biostatisticians
Ethics and regulatory professionals
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals
Postgraduate students (Masters and PhD)

To apply, please send your signed application via email to rairaracheal05@gmail.com (copy Dr. Ivan Mwebaza at mwebaza25@gmail.com). Indicate your current qualification, physical address and WhatsApp telephone number, and attach a copy of your National ID or passport, your academic transcript or testimonial, and your degree certificate (if available).

The application deadline is 15th September 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by email. Admitted participants are required to pay the course fee within five days to confirm their slot.

Payment should be made to Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, Kampala Branch, Account Name: Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre Ltd (BSL III-TB Laboratory), Account Number: 9030024502359.

For further inquiries, contact Ms. Racheal Nabacwa on +256 789 050 348 or rairaracheal05@gmail.com.

See download below for the detailed course poster.

Download the course poster (PDF)

Dr.-Ivan-Mwebaza-Dr.-Samuel-Kirimunda-and-Prof.-Samuel-Flores-visiting-the-Director-of-Graduate-Training-and-CIVIS-Patron-Prof.-Julius-Kikooma-1.png

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC), College of Health Sciences (CHS), hosted Prof. Samuel Coulbourn Flores, Director of the Research School in Bioinformatics at Stockholm University, Sweden. Prof. Flores also serves as an Associate Professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The visit was supported by Europe’s Civic University Alliance (CIVIS), a European Commission initiative linking an academic community of more than 470,000 students and 58,000 staff worldwide.

Through CIVIS, Prof. Flores, Dr. Ivan Mwebaza and Dr. Samuel Kirimunda secured a grant that supported the visit, including a short course led by Prof. Flores on Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing for Medical and Agricultural Technology, held from 15th to 17th June 2026.

Participants were introduced to innovation and technology development, microcontroller fundamentals, programming with MakeCode, healthcare technology applications, smart greenhouse systems and project development. By the end of the training, they had developed and showcased several prototypes, including smart dustbins, geolocatable cooler boxes for vaccines and research samples, automated radiation detectors and other innovations. At least three prototypes were considered suitable for investor pitching and future funding.

Demand for the training far exceeded available capacity. Although the kits and platforms could accommodate only 20 participants, the organisers received more than 120 applications. In response, Prof. Flores donated several training kits so that those who could not attend could complete an online course and later practise using the donated equipment.

The training aligned with MakBRCs objective of fostering grassroots innovation to develop local solutions for local health and medical challenges.

During the visit, Prof. Flores, together with Dr. Kirimunda and Dr. Mwebaza, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Studies at Makerere University and patron of the CIVIS programme in Uganda. Dr. Kikooma expressed appreciation for the growing collaboration between Makerere University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The team also discussed opportunities to develop joint PhD and master’s degree programmes between the two universities.

The team further visited Dr. Daudi Jjingo, Director of the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics, and Dr. David Kateete, Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences, both of whom pledged support for making the joint degree programme a reality.

At the close of the visit and training, Dr. Ivan Mwebaza, Head of Research, Innovations and Training at MakBRC, thanked Prof. Flores for the visit, the practical skills shared with young scientists, and the confidence inspired in them to develop solutions to technological challenges encountered in their work.

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre (MakBRC) now invites suitably qualified
bidders to submit sealed pre-qualification submissions for the provision of works, services and
supplies.

Pre-qualification submissions will be evaluated in accordance with the Public Procurement
and Disposal of Public Assets Act,2003 as amended by the Government of Uganda. Pre
qualification is open to all eligible bidders.

Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement and Disposal
Unit of Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre and inspect the pre-qualification
documents at the address given below from 9.00am – 3.00pm.

The pre-qualification documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on
the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a non
refundable fee of Ugx. 150,000 (One Hundred Fifty Thousand Shillings Only) for each category
i.e., supplies, services and works.

“No payment will be required from those who had initially applied but re-submission is
mandatory”
The method of payment will be through the bank and thereafter a receipt will be obtained
from MakBRC accounts office. The document may thereafter be collected from the
procurement and Disposal Unit upon presentation of the receipt.

Prequalification submissions must be delivered to the address below at or before 12.00pm of
8th July 2026. Late submissions shall not be accepted.
MakBRC Procurement and Disposal Unit
Upper Hill Road, Mulago
2nd Floor, Microbiology Building, Room C35
P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
Tel:+256 414541830/ 0759898759

Makerere University Biomedical Research Centre reserves the right to accept or reject any
application or all applications.
DOWLOAD THE PDF COPY-

Build. Innovate. Prototype. Change the World.

The Research and Innovations Unit invites students, innovators, makers, and aspiring tech entrepreneurs to participate in an exciting Online Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing Course designed to introduce participants to embedded systems, innovation, and product prototyping using the micro and the Elecfreaks Smart Health Kit.

This hands-on course combines creativity, teamwork, programming, and electronics to help participants transform ideas into real-world prototypes.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Participants will learn how to:

Understand the process of ideation and innovation
Explore innovation cultures and teamwork approaches
Understand basic microcontroller architecture
Program using Microsoft MakeCode
Work with variables, loops, procedures, and peripherals
Interface with sensors and actuators
Evaluate and select components for real-world applications
Use the Elecfreaks Smart Health Kit
Build and test simple prototypes
Present innovative project ideas in teams

The course follows the flipped spaced-repetition learning model developed in Sweden, combining recorded lectures, interactive discussions, guided labs, quizzes, and collaborative projects.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Before 9th June

Watch recorded lectures
Complete introductory quizzes

16 June – Introductory Session

9:30 AM – Course start, roll call, introductions
10:00 AM – Discussion: Microcontroller architecture, sensors & actuators
11:00 AM – Discussion: MakeCode programming
12:00 PM – Lunch break
1:00 PM – Discussion: Elecfreaks Smart Health Kit
2:00 PM – Guided lab exercise
4:00 PM – Innovation mixer, project discussions & team formation
5:00 PM – End of day

Evening Activities

Lab quizzes
Videos on additional micro kits
Additional kit quizzes

17 June – Project Day

9:30 AM – Questions about additional kits
10:00 AM – Team project development
3:00 PM – Shark Tank project presentations
5:00 PM – “Time to change the world”

TRAINER

The course will be facilitated by an experienced international trainer from Stockholm University.

Trainer Profile:
https://www.su.se/english/profiles/s/sflor

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This course is ideal for:

Students interested in electronics and programming
Innovators and makers
Beginners in embedded systems
Aspiring startup founders
Anyone interested in building smart solutions using technology

COURSE FORMAT

Online delivery
Team-based practical learning
Interactive labs and innovation activities
Guided prototype development

LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE

Participants will work in teams of 4–5 students. Early registration is encouraged.

For registration and inquiries, please contact the Research and Innovations Unit.

Innovate. Prototype. Build the future.

Older Posts

Classic list

MakBRC acquires MiSeq i100 Series — bringing genomics closer to discovery

MakBRC Strengthens Genomic Research Capacity with New Illumina MiSeq i100 Series

MakBRC announces Short Course in Clinical Trials 28–30 September 2026

MakBRC hosts Stockholm University bioinformatics director for microcontroller short course

Invitation to Pre-Qualify for the provision of services, supplies and works for FY 2026/2027, 2027/2028, 2028/2029

Microntroller Programming & Interfacing for Medical Devices Short Course