Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) has held a commemoration for the “silent teachers”—cadavers used in medical education—emphasizing the vital role body donation plays in training future doctors.
The event, held on 30th May 2025 at the New Mulago Hospital Complex, also raised public awareness on the importance of voluntary whole-body donation. The ceremony ran under the theme “They taught us without saying a word.”
Speaking as chief guest, Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, called the event long overdue and praised the students and staff behind it. “The amount of joy I have this morning—we should have done this a long time ago,” he said.
Prof. Buyinza highlighted the need for regulatory compliance and public engagement. “Medical education depends on the generosity of individuals who unknowingly give so much to mankind. Whole-body donation programs must be institutionalized and supported,” he added.
Students, faculty, and alumni attended the ceremony, which was organized by the Anatomy Society of MakCHS with support from the Department of Human Anatomy. Attendees paid tribute to cadavers through candle lighting and interfaith prayers led by representatives from Anglican, Catholic, and Muslim communities.
Waziwu Mordecai, a final-year student and President of the Anatomy Society, described the ceremony as a time for reflection and advocacy. “May the memory of our silent teachers live on in every life we will one day save,” he said.
Professor Elisa Mwaka, Head of the Department of Human Anatomy, welcomed guests and thanked the university leadership for supporting the event. He said the day was meant to honor those whose bodies contribute to science and education and to call for increased awareness on voluntary body donation.
“In Uganda, most cadavers are obtained from unclaimed bodies under the Penal Code Act of 1957,” Prof. Mwaka said. “However, the International Federation of Anatomy Associations recommends voluntary donation as the only acceptable source.”
Prof. Mwaka noted that almost all African countries lack structured body donation programs due to cultural, legal, and logistical barriers. He outlined the need for public trust, clear consent procedures, legal frameworks, and community education to make such programs sustainable.
Principal of MakCHS, Professor Bruce Kirenga, emphasized the foundational role of biomedical sciences in medical education. “Once someone is grounded in anatomy, then he will be a good doctor,” he stated. He also revealed that the university has started refurbishing key teaching facilities, including a model biochemistry laboratory.
Prof. Kirenga reiterated the College’s commitment to efficiency and academic excellence. He thanked Prof. Buyinza for attending and reaffirmed the importance of honoring those who donate their bodies to science.
The event closed with hymns from the students’ choir and a call to build local body donation systems. Prof. Mwaka urged institutions to institutionalize thanksgiving ceremonies and develop partnerships with hospitals, communities, and governments to strengthen donation processes.
“We must take a holistic approach involving education, cultural sensitivity, ethical policies, and global collaboration,” he said.
