General
Highlights of the 20th Anniv. of Dept. of Food Science
The Origin of the Department of Food Science and Technology can be traced back to when the Department was approved as an academic unit in the then Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry by the Makerere University Council in 1987.
The Origin of the Department of Food Science and Technology can be traced back to when the Department was approved as an academic unit in the then Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry by the Makerere University Council in 1987.
The two lead-persons involved in the establishment of the department, including compilation of the curriculum used by the first student intake, were the late Prof. J.S. Mugerwa (then Dean, Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry) and Dr. David Muduuli (then Senior Lecturer, Department of Soil Science). Dr. Paul Hansen from Ohio State University also made a strong input in the curriculum development.
In 1989, Dr. Muduuli was appointed as the first Head of the newly established Department of Food Science and Technology, which was by then assigned only three offices in the Faculty of Agriculture. In the same year Dr. Kasirye Alemu, having been appointed Executive Director UNBS, joined the group as a part time lecturer.
The last 20 years have seen steady growth in student numbers and department space from the initial 12 male and 2 female students to over 400 graduates thus far housed in a 4000 square meter complex located on the western end of the Makerere University Main Campus with well furnished lecture rooms, teaching and research labs, a library, a computer lab, meeting rooms, a conference hall and a pilot plant. The pilot plant is being equipped to host the Technology and Business Incubation Center (TBIC).
To commemorate the last two decades of fulfilling growth, the Department currently headed by Assoc. Professor John H. Muyonga (PhD), a pioneer student himself and recipient of the TWAS prize for Young Scientists by the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology organized a series of events aimed at raising awareness.
The first of these was a charity walk held on 26th September 2009 aimed at raising a total of 65,280,000 Uganda Shillings for the purchase of laboratory equipment. The walk, which started at the Department’s complex, saw walkers go through Wandegeya, Yusuf Lule road to Garden City, Jinja road, Parliamentary and Kimathi Avenues, Speke Road and back to Makerere University Main Campus. The Chief Walker was Professor James Mulwana and the walkers included Professor Ddumba Ssentamu, then acting Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Agriculture, Professor Sam Kyamanywa.
Exhibitions, which run from 30th September to 2nd October 2009, provided an opportunity for industrialists and researchers to showcase their innovations in the food industry to the general public and also forge ties between themselves and other stakeholders. Some of the products on display included Pasteurized banana Juice, indigenous malted and fermented cereal products, Sorghum flakes, Tomato paste, Jackfruit Jam, Watermelon wine, Campus water, Gooseberry Jam, Chutney, Gooseberry juice, peanut butter, Mango sauce, Bee products like honey, propolis and wine. Also on exhibition were services like Body Mass Index and blood glucose measurement for healthy lifestyle promotion.
A dialogue was also held from 30th to 1st October 2009, during which food industry stakeholders took time off to reflect on the performance of the sector and develop strategies for its strengthening. The dialogue was officially opened by Honorable Simon Lokodo, Minister of State for Industry and was addressed by the Dean Faculty of Agriculture Professor Samuel Kyamanywa and the Head of the Department of Food Science & Technology. The FAO Country representative H.E. Percy Misika presented a paper titled. Addressing hunger and food shortage in the face of climate change.
Other papers presented are listed below:
- Quality and competitiveness of the food industry in Uganda by Mr. H. Ngabirano of UCDA
- The role of standards in food businesses by Gyavira Musoke of Uganda Bureau of Standards
- Modernization of Agriculture in Uganda: Role of Agricultural Scientists by Prof. Bernard Bashasha – Faculty of Agriculture
- Food Science impacting on grass root development by Dr Florence Muranga Department of Food Science & Technology
- Versatility of a Food Science graduate by Gorret Massade of Trusts Bank
- Higher Education for a knowledge based food industry by Prof. William Kyamuhangire – DFST
- Nutrition as a business/ service to address Uganda’s dynamic nutritional challenges by Dr R. Mwadime of the RCQHC
- Harnessing university – private sector partnerships for development by Joseph Rubalema of Uganda Industrial Research Institute
The participants at the dialogue resolved to continue working towards promoting University-Industry linkage for mutual benefit.
On the final day of the anniversary, as the sun started to dip over the horizon a gentle breeze heralded the arrival of the Chief Guest, His Excellency, President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. After being received by the Minister of State for Higher Education Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana, the Minister of State for Industry Hon. Simon Lokodo and members of the University Administration, the President led by the Head of Department Assoc. Prof. John Muyonga and Assoc. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda went ahead to tour the stalls and admire the products on display.
His Excellency then proceeded to officially open the Food Technology and Business Incubator. The incubator will provide support services to small food processors to enhance their chances of success. Incubation is a proven mechanism for enterprise development. In this regard The Department of Food Science and Technology at Makerere University is taking the lead in provision of incubation services for the food sector.
The president was then shown around the facility by a team led by Dr. Yusuf Byaruhanga, the Chairman of the Food Technology and Business Incubation Committee, assisted by Dr. Mohammed Sserunjogi and Mr. Joseph Balamaze. The team demonstrated the extraction of orange and process for making tomato sauce, among others.
After his tour of the Food Technology and Business Incubator, the President addressed a gathering of Government officials, University Members of staff and members of the business community in the Department’s Conference Hall. Also in attendance was Her Excellency Bjorg S. Leite, the Ambassador Royal Republic of Norway to Uganda. In his speech, the President emphasized the importance of value addition and promised to help student groups, whose stalls he had toured earlier help to commercialize their products. He also promised to help the Department to more food processing and laboratory equipment and agreed to be the patron to the newly opened Food Technology and Business Incubation Center.
Addressing some of the grievances faced by the upcoming entrepreneurs, the president promised to help the department overcome the problem of food packaging by linking them to producers of packaging materials. He further reiterated government’s commitment to improve pay for scientists and help pursue improvement in research funding.
He then handed out awards to five organizations/individuals for their contribution to the department
To the Government and People of the Royal Kingdom of Norway for helping fund construction of the Department’s 3.8 billion Uganda Shillings home
Associate Professor Joyce Kikafunda , who served as the Head of Department for 12 years
Dr. David Muduuli – the first Head of Department
Dr. Eve Kasirye-Alemu – for her selfless service to the Department
Mr. Benjamin Sentongo – for his long and dedicated service to the Department
Finally, His Excellency flanked by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, The Head of Department, and The Minister of State for Higher Education cut the cake commemorating the 20th anniversary and marking an end to the celebrations.
Makerere University has officially welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of freshers, urging them to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace diversity and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their university journey.
The opening of Orientation Week, held at the Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, brought together University leaders, staff and thousands of newly admitted students. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized academic discipline, personal responsibility, leadership, student welfare and the values that have defined Makerere University for over a century.
Academic Registrar Welcomes Freshers
Delivering his remarks, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Muyinza, congratulated the freshers upon their admission and welcomed them into Makerere University’s long standing tradition of scholarship, research and innovation.
He reminded the students that joining Makerere University marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one in which they would take full responsibility for shaping their future.
“Your arrival at Makerere marks a new chapter in your own life. This chapter is different because now you have the opportunity to determine the direction of your own story.”
Prof. Muyinza encouraged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time and uphold integrity throughout their studies.
He cautioned against examination malpractice, forgery and other forms of academic misconduct, emphasizing that such offences could lead to dismissal from the University.
The Academic Registrar also stressed the importance of completing registration within the prescribed period, reminding students that admission remains provisional until registration requirements have been fulfilled.
“Technically, you are not yet students until you register.”
He further guided students on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition payment requirements and urged them to carefully read the University’s Joining Instructions.
Beyond academics, Prof. Muyinza advised students to exercise financial discipline, avoid online scams and make responsible personal decisions while adjusting to university life.
Dean of Students Highlights Student Welfare
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, and feeding, spiritual welfare and leadership opportunities available at the University.
She advised students seeking off campus accommodation to choose only accredited private hostels approved by the University.
“Please make sure you choose a hostel that is safe, comfortable and closer to campus.”
Dr. Kabumbuli also encouraged students to open medical files at the University Hospital instead of self-medicating whenever they fall ill.
“Don’t ignore illness. Don’t self-prescribe. Go for proper medical attention through the University Hospital.”
She urged students to participate in spiritual fellowship through the University’s places of worship and to embrace leadership opportunities available at class, hall and college levels.
Welcoming international students, Dr. Kabumbuli noted that Makerere University has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment.
Former Guild President Shares His Makerere Journey
Hon. Lawrence Ariong Dangote, inspired the freshers through his personal story, recalling how he joined Makerere University in 2019 as a young student from Arua “with an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams.”
He described Makerere as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to maximize every opportunity available during their university life.
“The answer to whether you reach the top of the hill lies in what you do between now and the day you graduate.”
Drawing lessons from his own experience, Dangote cautioned students against peer pressure, financial recklessness and online investment scams, encouraging them to choose friends wisely and remain focused on their academic goals.
“Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.”
Academic Registrar Clarifies Registration Process
Returning to the podium, Prof. Muyinza clarified registration procedures, programme change guidelines and admission requirements.
He reminded students that failure to register within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of admission.
“Registration is the most important step that will determine whether you become a university student or not.”
He also advised students seeking programme changes to ensure they meet the required cut-off points and available vacancies before submitting applications.
Prof. Sarah Ssali Calls for Excellence and Integrity
Closing the orientation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers to Makerere University.
Beginning her remarks, Prof. Ssali asked students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences to identify themselves before revealing that she too had studied the same programme.
Using her own experience, she reminded students that every academic programme offered by the University is valuable.
“Every course matters. Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She congratulated the incoming students, she describing their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey that would prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Your achievement reflects your hard work, determination and potential, and we are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as the next step in your academic journey.”
Prof. Ssali reminded students that every academic programme matters and encouraged them to pursue excellence regardless of the course they had been admitted to.
“Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She reassured students that Makerere remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment through academic staff, the Dean of Students’ Office, counselling services, student leaders and other support units.
She particularly encouraged students facing personal or academic challenges to seek help whenever necessary.
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.
“Do not suffer silently. Raise your voice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation of students.”
Encouraging students to engage beyond the classroom, she urged them to participate in research, innovation, sports, leadership, community engagement and international programmes that complement academic learning.
She also called upon students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, substance abuse and all forms of misconduct that undermine the University’s values.
“University education is not only about earning a degree; it is about developing the knowledge, character, values and competences required to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
As she concluded, Prof. Ssali challenged the freshers to think about the legacy they wished to leave behind at Makerere University.
“Pursue a life of excellence. Take ownership of your learning, build strong networks and make the most of every opportunity the University offers.”
The 2026/2027 Orientation Week continues with college based sessions that will introduce freshers to academic programmes, registration processes, student support services and university life before the commencement of the new academic year.
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University has set an ambitious course for the next five years after a three-day strategic planning retreat held at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, from July 29–31, 2026. The retreat brought together staff, officials from the Directorate of Planning and invited facilitators to review the Directorate’s performance, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop a strategic plan that aligns with Makerere University‘s vision of becoming a research-led institution.
Opening the retreat, the Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, reminded staff that the Directorate occupies a central position in the implementation of Makerere University‘s Strategic Plan and must therefore position itself to deliver measurable results.
Prof. Kikooma said one of the University’s key strategic priorities is to increase graduate student enrolment and improve graduate completion rates, making the Directorate’s work more critical than ever before.
He explained that under the University’s Strategic Plan, graduate education is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, with graduate students projected to constitute about 40 per cent of the University’s total enrolment by 2030.
“It is not enough to simply increase admissions,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the students we admit are supported to complete their programmes on time. Graduate completion rates are now one of the University’s strategic priorities.”
He noted that while graduate enrolment is expected to increase substantially, completion rates must also improve if the University is to achieve its research-led aspirations.
The Director emphasized that the Directorate must move beyond reporting admission figures and instead closely monitor student progression from admission through graduation using the Research Information Management System (RIMS). He said the system would enable the University to track every graduate student throughout their academic journey and generate reliable data for planning and decision-making.
Prof. Kikooma challenged staff to embrace the system fully, warning that inaccurate or outdated information compromises the University’s reporting to management and Council.
“We must ensure that the information we present is clean, accurate and reflects active graduate students. RIMS is no longer optional; it is central to how we monitor graduate training and account for our performance.”
He revealed that academic staff supervising graduate students would increasingly be required to demonstrate active use of RIMS before receiving administrative clearance, a move intended to improve accountability and strengthen graduate student tracking.
The Director also highlighted operational challenges facing the Directorate, particularly during peak admission periods when staff experience overwhelming workloads.
He encouraged staff to embrace teamwork and support one another beyond their designated responsibilities whenever the Directorate faces periods of high demand.
“When it’s admissions peak, the pressure belongs to all of us. Even those whose primary roles are elsewhere should step in because we are one Directorate,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma further stressed the importance of proper planning, timely resource mobilization and continuous staff development, noting that changing technologies and administrative systems require continuous learning and capacity building.
“The way we succeeded yesterday cannot guarantee our success tomorrow. We must continue building our skills because the demands of graduate administration keep changing,” he observed.
As the retreat progressed, participants held intensive discussions on institutional priorities, performance targets, work planning, policy implementation and strategies for improving service delivery across the Directorate.
Delivering his closing remarks, Prof. Kikooma expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the retreat, saying the Directorate had successfully reflected on the key issues that will shape its future.
“I’m happy that we have reached this moment. We had a very tight programme, but I believe we have touched on everything we intended to discuss. Some of the messages have encouraged us, while others have provided practical and technical guidance on improving the way we work,” he said.
He urged staff to return to their offices and translate the lessons from the retreat into practical improvements in service delivery.
Prof. Kikooma thanked the organizing committee for ensuring the retreat became a reality despite earlier uncertainties and acknowledged the contribution of the facilitators, especially colleagues from the Directorate of Planning.
He particularly commended Dr. Christine Amito for her commitment and technical guidance in developing the Directorate’s strategic plan, describing her as instrumental in ensuring that the Directorate’s priorities remain aligned with the University’s overall strategic direction.
He also recognized the contributions of newly assigned planning staff whose early involvement had already strengthened the Directorate’s planning processes.
The Director applauded the graduate interns attached to the Directorate for the valuable support they provided during their placement.
“The work you have done has been real work that would ordinarily have been done by employed staff. Beyond your academic training, I hope you have also learnt the soft skills that are essential in every workplace,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma disclosed that the retreat marked only the beginning of the Directorate’s strategic planning process, noting that the resolutions would be compiled into a comprehensive report for discussion by the Directorate’s management before implementation.
He assured staff that recommendations requiring higher-level consideration would be forwarded to the relevant University authorities.
“The University is banking very much on what we do in graduate training to achieve its vision of becoming a research-led university. Admissions, graduate student tracking, policy development and graduate completion are all at the heart of that agenda.”
The Director also announced that the Directorate would institutionalize a culture of recognizing staff members for their dedicated service.
He observed that employees spend most of their lives in the workplace and therefore deserve appreciation from the institutions they serve.
“As a Directorate, we want everyone who has worked with us to know that they remain part of the DGT family. We are a winning team, but a winning team must also be a happy team.”
One of the emotional moments of the retreat came when the Directorate honoured its former Head of Registry, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, with a special gift in recognition of her outstanding service and contribution to graduate training.
Receiving the award, Ms. Nakayiki thanked the Directorate for remembering her, saying the recognition affirmed that dedication and integrity are eventually rewarded.
“I take it at heart that when you do well, you are appreciated,” she said.
She recounted her professional journey from joining the then Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies as an admissions officer, rising through the ranks to head the Directorate’s Registry before her appointment as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations, Transcripts and Graduation.
Ms. Nakayiki encouraged staff to remain committed to excellent customer care, urging them to treat every student with empathy and professionalism.
“When serving a student, think of that student as your own child. Even when you cannot provide an immediate answer, communicate honestly and assure them when you will be able to help. Our work is about service.”
She attributed the Directorate’s earlier achievements to teamwork, clearly defined responsibilities and effective communication among staff.
She advised employees to understand their roles, support one another and resolve workplace misunderstandings through open communication rather than conflict.
“Our supervisors can only succeed if we, the foot soldiers, perform our responsibilities well. Let us continue working together for the good of the Directorate and for the success of every graduate student who walks through our doors.”
The retreat ended with renewed commitment from staff to implement the Directorate’s five-year strategic plan and strengthen graduate training as a key pillar in advancing Makerere University‘s research excellence agenda.
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