“Building local research capacity is a multifaceted approach requiring focused investments and years of deliberate, collaborative efforts.”
— Dr. John Mukisa, MD, PhD
On July 20, 2026, Uganda-Case Research Collaboration (UCRC) scientists based at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, warmly welcomed Dr. John Mukisa to their campus. Dr. Mukisa is a distinguished Ugandan research scientist who has spent the past decade driving UCRC studies forward from the Mulago Hill campus in Uganda.
A central highlight of the visit was a lunchtime global health seminar titled “Building Local Research Capacity in Low-Resource Settings: Experiences from CWRU’s Work in Uganda.” In his address, Dr. Mukisa emphasized that equitable research partnerships—encompassing infrastructure, ethical frameworks, transportation logistics, laboratory strengthening, and human capital development—are vital to addressing complex global health challenges.
Advancing Human Capital and Infrastructure
Focusing on human capital development, Dr. Mukisa illustrated how intellectual engagement between CWRU and Makerere University investigators has fostered robust “train-the-trainer” frameworks and ongoing mentor-mentee relationships. Targeted training grants have propelled these milestones, student exchanges between Uganda and the United States, and specialized hands-on skills training for leading Ugandan scientists. Notably, over 90% of US-trained Ugandan researchers have returned home, where they continue to drive meaningful impacts on the nation’s health and economic growth.
Turning to physical infrastructure, Dr. Mukisa expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the CWRU, Makerere, and Ugandan teams for the upcoming construction of the proposed Roe-Green Research Building at the Mulago campus. Made possible by a generous $2 million contribution from the Roe Green Foundation and University Hospitals Cleveland, this multi-story facility will serve as a premier hub for scientists dedicated to advancing research and healthcare delivery in Uganda.
Funding Pillars and Future Horizons
Sustainable funding remains a cornerstone of local capacity building. Over its 34-year history, the Uganda-Case Research Collaboration has successfully channeled more than $250 million in grant investments. However, Dr Mukisa noted that challenges persist, particularly regarding limited resources and the need to navigate an evolving funding landscape and set of guidelines required to sustain UCRC’s long-term gains.
Throughout his visit, Dr. Mukisa held strategic meetings with CWRU faculty and University Hospitals staff to explore fresh avenues for collaboration and new research frontiers for scientists within and beyond the UCRC network. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to connect and exchange insights with colleagues in Cleveland.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks are extended to all UCRC and CWRU funders, collaborators, and staff who made this visit a success, particularly:
Miss Marla Manning – Administrative Manager, Tuberculosis Research Unit,CWRU, Cleveland, USA
Miss Justine Nakibuuka – Administrative Manager, UCRC, Uganda
Prof. Henry Boom – Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals, Cleveland, USA
Prof. Catherine M. Stein – Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine,CWRU, Cleveland, USA
Prof. Harriet Mayanja-Kizza – Co-Principal Investigator, UCRC, Uganda
Prof. Moses Joloba – Co-Principal Investigator, UCRC, Uganda
