Earlier this week, at our home in Lubowa, the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) celebrated a truly historic moment — the official launch of the Cell and Gene Therapy (C>) D43 Project. This bold initiative, “Leveraging North-South Partnerships to Advance Cell and Gene Therapy for HIV Research Training Capacity in Uganda (C>-Uganda),” is more than just a project. It is a dream taking shape: a chance to train and inspire a new generation of African scientists with the advanced skills needed to lead the way in HIV cure research and other life-saving innovations.
This milestone is made possible with the generous support of the Fogarty International Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). It marks Uganda’s entry into a new era of biomedical research, positioning our country and region at the forefront of cutting-edge science that was once only a dream for African institutions.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Cissy Kityo, Executive Director of JCRC and Principal Investigator of the project, spoke with passion about what this means for Uganda. She described the programme as a turning point — one that will not only contribute to the global HIV cure agenda but also build a strong pipeline of Ugandan scientists who are ready to take on the future of healthcare. “This project,” she said, “is about creating a legacy of scientific excellence for Africa.” Her words were filled with pride and optimism as she presented the project’s goals, training opportunities, and the life-changing impact it will have on young researchers.
The excitement was shared by our partners. Representing Makerere University, Prof. David Kateete, Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences, spoke warmly about the power of collaboration. He emphasized that Makerere is proud to walk this journey with JCRC and is fully committed to providing mentorship, academic excellence, and research leadership. “Together,” he said, “we will nurture a new generation of scientists who are ready to change the world.”
Prof. Jennifer E. Adair, Co-Principal Investigator, brought an international voice to the celebration. She highlighted how this project embodies the best of North-South partnerships, saying that by combining knowledge and resources, we can empower Ugandan scientists to make lasting contributions to HIV cure research and beyond. “I am deeply committed to this project,” she said, “and I will do all I can to ensure its success.”
From Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Prof. Gratude Kiwanuka shared her excitement about the opportunity this project brings to institutions outside Kampala. She described it as a chance to nurture scientific talent across the country and build a stronger research culture in Uganda’s regions. “This is a historic moment for all of us,” she noted, “and MUST is proud to give its full support.”
The atmosphere at JCRC Lubowa was electric, a mix of pride, excitement, and hope. The launch was more than an event; it was a celebration of what is possible when science, partnerships, and commitment come together. It showed us that Uganda can dream big and achieve big.
The C>-Uganda Project is not just about research. It’s about people, possibilities, and the promise of a healthier future. It brings JCRC, Makerere University, Mbarara University, and global partners together with one shared vision: to shape the future of science and create solutions that matter, starting with the fight against HIV.
As we begin this journey, we know one thing for sure — the future of science in Uganda is bright. Together, we are building innovation, hope, and impact not just for Uganda, but for Africa and the world.
