As of 2021, 11 universities in Uganda offer medical schools. Admission to medical school requires the candidate to have attained a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) as well as proficiency in Biology or Zoology, Chemistry and Physics at A-level standards. Training leading to the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) lasts five years. Major examinations are conducted after the first, second and fifth year, with additional evaluations after each clinical rotation. After successful completion of the fifth year, candidates complete a year of internship under the supervision of specialists. Postgraduate training is available at Makerere University School of Medicine in a number of medical and surgical disciplines. The training takes three years and leads to the Master of Medicine (MMed) degree.

Medical schools

there are eleven recognized medical schools in

Uganda }), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The sou ...

Public universities

Makerere University College of Health Sciences Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) is a constituent college of Makerere University, Uganda's oldest university. The schools of the college offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the biomedical sciences, health science ...

Mulago Mulago is a hill in north-central Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The hill rises above sea level. The name also applies to the neighborhoods that sit on this hill. Location Mulago is in Kawempe Division, one of the five administrative di ...

Kampala Kampala (, ) is the capital and largest city of Uganda. The city proper has a population of 1,680,000 and is divided into the five political divisions of Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division, and Ruba ...

: Founded in 1924 *

Mbarara University School of Medicine Mbarara University School of Medicine (MUSM), also known as Mbarara University Medical School (MUMS) is the school of medicine of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, one of Uganda's public universities. The medical school was founded in ...

Mbarara Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala. The city is divided into 6 boroughs of Kakoba Division, Kamukuzi Division, Nyamitanga Division, Biharwe Division, Kakiika Division, ...

: Founded in 1989 *

Busitema University School of Medicine The Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences (BUFHS), also known as the Busitema University Medical School (BUMS) and the Busitema University School of Medicine (BUSM), is the school of medicine of Busitema University, one of Uganda's publi ...

Mbale Mbale is a city in the Eastern Region of Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of Mbale District and the surrounding sub-region. Location Mbale is approximately , by road, northeast of Kampala, Uganda's capita ...

: Founded in 2013 *

Gulu University School of Medicine Gulu University School of Medicine (GUSM), also known as Gulu University Medical School (GUMS) is the school of medicine of Gulu University, one of Uganda's public universities. The medical school was founded in 2004, two years after Gulu Univers ...

Gulu Gulu is a city in the Northern Region of Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The coordinates of the city of Gulu are 2°46'54.0"N 32°17'57.0"E. The distance from Gulu to Kampala, Uganda's capital and larg ...

- Founded in 2004 * Kabale University School of Medicine:

Kabale Kabale is a town in the Western Region of Uganda. It is the chief town of Kabale District, and the district headquarters are located there. Sometimes nicknamed “Kastone” as in the local language Rukiga, a “kabale” is a small stone. Lo ...

: Founded in 2015 * Soroti University School of Medicine:

Soroti Soroti is a city in Eastern Region of Uganda. It is the main City, commercial, and administrative center in curved out of Soroti District, one of the nine administrative districts in the Teso sub-region. Soroti City was immediately approved ...

: Founded in 2019 (Expected).

Private universities

Kampala International University School of Health Sciences Kampala International University School of Health Sciences is the school of health sciences of Kampala International University, a private Ugandan university. The school provides health sciences education at the diploma, undergraduate and postgr ...

Ishaka Ishaka is a town in the Western Region of Uganda. It is one of the municipalities in Bushenyi District. Location Ishaka is located in Igara County, in Bushenyi District, approximately , by road, west of Mbarara, the largest city in the sub-regio ...

Bushenyi Bushenyi is a town in Western Uganda. It is the 'chief town' of Bushenyi District and the district headquarters are located there. The district is named after the town, in keeping with the practice in most of the districts in the country. Loca ...

: Founded in 2004 *

Habib Medical School Habib Medical School (HMS) is the school of medicine of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), one of Uganda's private universities. The school is the newest medical school in the country, having been part of IUIU since 2014. The school provide ...

- Kibuli,

- Founded in 2014 * St. Augustine International University College of Health, Medical & Life Sciences:

: Founded in 2012 * Clarke International University School of Medicine:

Namuwongo Namuwongo is a location in Kampala, the capital of Uganda and the largest city in that country. Location Namuwongo is located in Makindye Division, one of the five administrative divisions of Kampala. It is bordered by Lugogo to the north, Na ...

: Founded In 2008 *

Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine (UMUSM), whose official name is Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School (MKPMS), is the school of medicine of Uganda Martyrs University. , the medical school is the newest medical school in Uganda, ha ...

Nsambya Nsambya is a hill in the center of Kampala, the capital and largest city in Uganda. The name also refers to the upscale and middle-class neighborhoods that have been developed on the hill and its slopes. Location Nsambya is located approximate ...

: Founded in 2010 * Uganda Christian University School of Medicine: Mengo, Kampala: Founded in 2018.

Admission

Admission to medical school in Uganda requires the candidate to have attained the pre-requisite minimum score on the A-level national examinations leading to the award of the

Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education In Uganda, students receive the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) when they finish the 2-year upper secondary school which is also called the HSC. It is comparable to GCE A-Level in the UK. UACE is also known colloquially as "A-Leve ...

or UACE, administered by th
Uganda National Examinations Board
(UNEB). Proficiency in

Biology Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary i ...

Zoology Zoology ()The pronunciation of zoology as is usually regarded as nonstandard, though it is not uncommon. is the branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and ...

, Chemistry and

Physics Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. "Physical science is that department of knowledge which r ...

at A-level standards are requirements for entry into Ugandan medical schools.

Medical training

Training leading to the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery ( la, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae; abbreviated most commonly MBBS), is the primary medical degree awarded by medical schools in countries that follow the tradition of the United K ...

(

MBChB Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery ( la, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae; abbreviated most commonly MBBS), is the primary medical degree awarded by medical schools in countries that follow the tradition of the United Kin ...

) lasts five (5) years, if there are no re-takes. * The first year is spent on the

Basic Sciences Basic research, also called pure research or fundamental research, is a type of scientific research with the aim of improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural or other phenomena. In contrast, applied resear ...

i.e.

Anatomy Anatomy () is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. Anatomy is a branch of natural science that deals with the structural organization of living things. It is an old science, having it ...

Physiology Physiology (; ) is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system. As a sub-discipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out the chemical ...

and

Biochemistry Biochemistry or biological chemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. A sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology, biochemistry may be divided into three fields: structural biology, enzymology and ...

. * The second year is devoted to

Histology Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy or microanatomy, is the branch of biology which studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. Histology is the microscopic counterpart to gross anatomy, which looks at larger structures vi ...

Pathology Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury. The word ''pathology'' also refers to the study of disease in general, incorporating a wide range of biology research fields and medical practices. However, when used in ...

, Microbiology, Pharmacology,

Psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries between ...

and Introductory

Psychiatry Psychiatry is the specialty (medicine), medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders. These include various maladaptations related to mood, behaviour, cognition, and perceptions. See glossary of psych ...

. * The third year is spent rotating through the four major clinical disciplines of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology. * The fourth year is devoted to

Public Health Public health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals". Analyzing the det ...

(including community health projects) and the surgical specialties of

Otolaryngology Otorhinolaryngology ( , abbreviated ORL and also known as otolaryngology, otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (ORL–H&N or OHNS), or ear, nose, and throat (ENT)) is a surgical subspeciality within medicine that deals with the surgical a ...

Orthopedics Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics ( alternatively spelt orthopaedics), is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal ...

Urology Urology (from Greek οὖρον ''ouron'' "urine" and '' -logia'' "study of"), also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the urinary-tract system and the reproductive org ...

Neurosurgery Neurosurgery or neurological surgery, known in common parlance as brain surgery, is the medical specialty concerned with the surgical treatment of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord and pe ...

and

Ophthalmology Ophthalmology ( ) is a surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. An ophthalmologist is a physician who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care. Following a medic ...

. Clinical

, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine are also covered. * The fifth year is spent rotating through the four major clinical disciplines, similar to the third year.

Examinations

There is a major examination after the first year. If the candidate does not pass, the candidate will repeat first year. Another major examination is given after second year. A failing candidate will have to repeat second year. After each clinical rotation, the candidate is examined and failing candidates are required to repeat that rotation during the next vacation period. The last major examination is the final 5th Year

examination. This is divided into three parts: * A written Examination in each of the following disciplines: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology * A bedside clinical examination with living patients, involving a "long case" and a series of "short cases" in each of the four specialties. * An oral examination (also called a "viva"), before two clinical examiners, in each of the four subjects. The final year clinical examinations in each of the four clinical disciplines are attended by an "External Examiner", often a professor of International or Regional repute, from a foreign medical school. The examiners arrange it so that the excelling students and those who are on the verge of failing are seen by the External Examiner in at least one of the clinical face-to-face encounters. So if you are a candidate and you go before the "External Examiner", it usually means that you are either excelling in your field or you are on the verge of failing that subject.

Internship

After successfully passing the final 5th year examinations, one is awarded the degree of

(

). A year of internship in a hospital designated for that purpose, under the supervision of a specialist in that discipline is required before an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery is granted by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council. Six months of the internship must be spent in a medical discipline (either Internal Medicine or Pediatrics) and another six months in a surgical discipline (either Surgery or Obstetrics and Gynecology).

Internship hospitals

The following hospitals are designated "Internship Hospitals" in Uganda, provided there is a specialist in the required field willing to supervise the intern at the particular hospital: *

Mulago National Referral Hospital Mulago National Specialised Hospital, also known as Mulago National Referral Hospital, is a component of Mulago Hospital Complex, the teaching facility of Makerere University College of Health Sciences. It is the largest public hospital in Ug ...

Arua Regional Referral Hospital Arua Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Arua Hospital is a hospital in the town of Arua, in Northern Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, and Zombo. The ho ...

Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Fort Portal Hospital, sometimes referred to as Buhinga Hospital, is a hospital in the town of Fort Portal, in Fort Portal District, Western Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the dis ...

Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Gulu Hospital is a hospital in Gulu, northern Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo and Pader. The hospital also serves as one of the teaching hos ...

* Hoima Regional Referral Hospital *

Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Jinja Hospital, is a hospital in the city of Jinja, in the Eastern Region of Uganda. It is the largest hospital in eastern Uganda, with a bed capacity of 600, although many more patients are ...

* Kabale Regional Referral Hospital *

Lira Regional Referral Hospital Lira Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Lira Hospital, is a hospital in Lira in the Northern Region of Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Lira, Kole, and Oyam. Location Lira Hospita ...

Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Masaka Hospital is a hospital in the city of Masaka, in south-central Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Kalangala District, Lyantonde, Masaka and Sembabule, Kalungu, ...

Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Mbale Hospital is a hospital in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Busia, Budaka, Kibuku, Kapchorwa, Bukwa, Butaleja, Manafwa, Mbale, Pallisa, Sironko ...

* Mbarara National Referral Hospital *

Mengo Hospital Mengo Hospital, also known as Namirembe Hospital, is a private, faith-based, community, teaching hospital in Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Location The hospital is located on Namirembe Hill in Lubaga Division in northwestern ...

Moroto Regional Referral Hospital Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Moroto Hospital is a hospital in the town of Moroto, in Northeastern Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripirit and Napak. ...

Mubende Regional Referral Hospital Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, commonly known as Mubende Hospital is a hospital in the town of Mubende, in the Central Region of Uganda. It is the referral hospital for the districts of Mubende, Mityana, Kiboga, and Kyankwanzi. Locat ...

* St. Francis Hospital Nsambya * Soroti Regional Referral Hospital * Lubaga Hospital (Formerly Rubaga Hospital) * St. Mary's Hospital Lacor

Postgraduate training

Specialization training, lasting three years, (provided there are no re-takes), leading to the award of the degree of

Master of Medicine Master of Medicine (MMed) is a postgraduate professional clinical degree awarded by medical schools to physicians following a period of instruction, supervised clinical rotations, and examination. The degree usually takes three years to complete, ...

(

MMed Master of Medicine (MMed) is a postgraduate professional clinical degree awarded by medical schools to physicians following a period of instruction, supervised clinical rotations, and examination. The degree usually takes three years to complete, ...

) in the particular discipline is available at Makerere University School of Medicine in the following disciplines: (both medical and surgical disciplines award the MMed) *

Anesthesiology Anesthesiology, anaesthesiology, or anaesthesia is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, ...

* Family Medicine * Hematology * Internal Medicine *

Medical Oncology Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (''ó ...

* Microbiology *

* Obstetrics and Gynecology *

* Pediatrics *

* Surgery * Surgical Oncology *

Makerere University School of Public Health Makerere University School of Public Health (MUSPH) is one of the schools that comprise the Makerere University College of Health Sciences, a constituent college of Makerere University, Uganda's oldest and largest public university. Location M ...

, located on

Mulago Hill Mulago is a hill in north-central Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The hill rises above sea level. The name also applies to the neighborhoods that sit on this hill. Location Mulago is in Kawempe Division, one of the five administrative di ...

, offers the degree of Master of Public Health (MPH) following a 22-month period of study which includes field work. The degree of

Doctor of Philosophy A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is ...

( PhD) is awarded following a period of instruction, research and examination (typically three to five years), in select clinical disciplines. A recognized master's degree is required prior to admission into the PhD program.

References

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