MAKERERE UNIVERSITY LUNG INSTITUTE EXPANSION PROJECT

The Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) was founded
in 2015 as a center of excellence dedicated to promoting
healthy lungs in Africa through research, training, and
clinical treatment. Since its inception, MLI has had an
average yearly research grant award of 10 and a current
active grant portfolio of 30, an average annual peerreviewed
publication volume of 50, 4000 patients per year,
and more than 200 personnel and 30 research scientists.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute
played a critical role at the national, regional, and global
levels by developing effective treatment and prevention
techniques to contain the pandemic.

Overview

The Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) was founded in 2015 as a center of excellence dedicated to promoting healthy lungs in Africa through research, training, and clinical treatment. Since its inception, MLI has had an average yearly research grant award of 10 and a current active grant portfolio of 30, an average annual peerreviewed publication volume of 50, 4000 patients per year, and more than 200 personnel and 30 research scientists. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute played a critical role at the national, regional, and global levels by developing effective treatment and prevention techniques to contain the pandemic.

MEP Rationale

Uganda and many African countries continue to have a high burden of respiratory diseases notably Tuberculosis, Lung Cancer, Asthma, COPD, and other environmental exposure related diseases. Recent data shows the heightened burden of TB with Uganda among the 30 Burden countries, Lung Cancer has tripled between 2014 and 2024, and the Prevalence of Asthma and COPD is above 10%. However, facilities are still limited and the existing ones are overburdened thus the need and rationale to expand Makerere University Lung Institute. The MEP aims to address these challenges by establishing the state-of-the-art Lung care and research centre. The centre will house the following units:

A. Center for Advanced Pulmonary and Intensive Care (CAPIC) offering services in

  • Specialised pulmonary clinics namely Airway/allergic diseases, Lung fibrosis, Lung cancer and thoracic malignancies, Pulmonary vascular diseases and Pediatric pulmonology clinics

  • Pulmonary function testing laboratory (PFT lab)

  • Sleep laboratory

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation centre

  • Interventional pulmonology

  • Intensive care Unit including Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

  • Thoracic radiology

  • Video Assisted thoracic surgery/minimally invasive thoracic surgery (VATS) program

  • Inpatient care program

B. Center for Clinical Investigation (CCI)

  • Clinical trials ward including a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) unit to handle clinical studies of class A pathogen

  • Research laboratories

  • Biorepository

  • Research offices

  • Business incubation unit

C. Centre for Capacity Enhancement (CCE)

will focus on training both research and clinical specialists for the CCI and CAPIC respectively.

Expected impact

  • The new facility will significantly improve the quality of respiratory care available in Uganda.

  • Increased capacity for training will produce more specialized healthcare professionals, addressing the current shortage.

  • Enhanced research capabilities will contribute to global knowledge on lung health and respiratory diseases.

  • The facility will provide employment.

Total Project Cost and Timeline

The project is estimated to cost US$ 11.97 million as itemised below and will be expected to be implemented in 5 years.

  • Construction US$ 3.26 million

  • Equipment US$ 7.47 million

  • Training and Skilling US$ 1.24 million

Current home & the facilities in the Hospital

Proposed New Building

The Makerere University Lung Institute Expansion Project represents a significant step forward in addressing the respiratory health needs of Uganda. By enhancing infrastructure, training

healthcare professionals, and acquiring advanced equipment, the MEP will enable MLI to provide world-class care and contribute to global lung health research.

Secretariate Contact Details

Prof. Tonny Oyana – Chairperson, MEP Fundraising Committee

Dr. Bruce J. Kirenga – Director, MLI

Mr. Emmanuel Kansiime Muntu – Secretary, Fundraising Committee

Email: frc@mli.mak.ac.ug