Ahaki institute launches as Africa’s premier centre for health and social justice

28 March 2025, 12:14 pm

By Annet Nakato

The Ahaki Institute, a pioneering institution dedicated to transformative learning and leadership in health and social justice, was officially launched on Thursday in Gayaza-Nakwero, Wakiso district.

Ahaki also unveiled its auditorium—a cutting-edge intellectual arena designed for dialogue, research, and innovation—alongside the inaugural edition of the African Journal of Health and Social Justice, a vital platform for amplifying Indigenous research and decolonised scholarship, with a focus on voices from the Global South.

As a newly licensed degree-awarding institution, Ahaki Institute represents a timely response to Africa’s urgent need for context-driven, justice-oriented education that addresses the challenges of a rapidly evolving public health landscape.

Dr. Moses Mulumba, one of the founders and Vice Chancellor of Ahaki Institute, stated that Ahaki is more than an academic institution—it is a vision for Africa’s future. “The idea for Ahaki Institute was born in 2009 through advocacy on health systems via CEHURD. In 2020, we began to think about a centre of excellence focused on research and training. This idea was launched in November 2021. The idea was championed by a number of academics, some of whom are here with us today,” Dr. Mulumba said.

In his remarks, delivered by Owek. Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, Minister for Social Services and the Office of the Nabagereka in the Buganda Government, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikiro of Buganda, said, “Through online learning, you have extended the reach of education across Africa. By providing these programmes, you are directly contributing to the growth and stability of our country. I strongly encourage the integration of applied research in all your programmes… By fostering a research-oriented education, you will contribute to policy formulation, fostering development, and legal reforms that will strengthen the future of our country,” the Katikiro added.

He further commended Ahaki Institute for this significant milestone.

Dr. Olaro Charles, who represented the Ministry of Health, stated that the launch of Ahaki Institute will address a critical gap in human resources for health delivery and care in Uganda.

“The establishment of Ahaki Institute will contribute to a dynamic workforce with the knowledge and skills required to improve health outcomes in the country. The issues of adequate funding and workforce shortages are key. I’m happy that the institute is coming to contribute to this,” Dr. Olaro said.