Makerere Lecturers Sharpen Laparoscopic Skills at Kyabirwa

From 3 to 7 August 2026, 16 lecturers from Makerere University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology took part in practical laparoscopic surgery training at Kyabirwa Surgical Center’s Simulation Center in Jinja. The activity was a collaboration between the department, within Makerere’s School of Medicine, and KSC. The sessions followed self-paced online study that had begun in July.

Doctors from Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital also joined the programme.

Participants practiced laparoscopic techniques during the FLS training session.

A place to practice before the operating theatre

Laparoscopic surgery, often called keyhole surgery, uses a camera and instruments inserted through small incisions. For suitable gynaecological procedures, it can allow a quicker recovery than open surgery. The best approach still depends on the patient and the procedure.

The collaboration drew on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). In the simulation lab, clinicians practised instrument control, coordination and other foundational skills. They could repeat tasks and learn from mistakes before applying those skills in patient care.

Participants followed a laparoscopic training demonstration on a screen during a practical session.

Why training lecturers mattered

The lecturers’ teaching roles gave the training a purpose beyond the group itself. Associate Professor Mariam Nakalembe, head of Makerere’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said the partnership was intended to help them pass the skills on to undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees.

KSC Head Surgeon Dr Joseph Okello Damoi emphasised that clinicians needed a firm foundation before progressing to independent laparoscopic practice.

Internationally recognised certification, available locally

KSC’s SAGES-accredited FLS training and testing centre gave eligible doctors a local route to assessment in Jinja. Candidates who met the programme requirements and passed both the written and practical assessments could earn internationally recognised FLS certification without travelling abroad. Taking part in the training alone did not confer certification.

Dr. Joseph Okello Damoi guiding participants in handling laparoscopic instruments during a practical demonstration.

Dr Damoi also pointed to the need for equipment at regional health facilities if more patients were to benefit from laparoscopic services. The programme addressed a training barrier; wider access also required equipped facilities and clinical support.

Surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, and surgical trainees who want to strengthen their laparoscopic skills can call +256 700 708 963 to ask about FLS training, testing eligibility and upcoming opportunities. Other healthcare professionals can also enquire about our wider simulation training programmes.