General

Medicinal plants’ existence and preservation threatened by modern lifestyle

Published

15 years ago

August 27, 2010

Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (MUIENR) presented its report and catalogue to UNATCOM on the findings of the project on preservation of medicinal plants for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (MUIENR) presented its report and catalogue to UNATCOM on the findings of the project on preservation of medicinal plants for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

UNATCOM is the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), which will be responsible for distributing the report to the public.

This initiative which is in line with one of the culture program goals of UNATCOM “ to strengthen the contribution of culture to sustainable development” was designed with the following intended major outputs: to inventory medicinal plants, prepare a catalogue of these plants, establish demonstration gardens and undertake awareness campaigns on the importance of traditional medicine in different parts of Uganda.

According to Professor John R.S Tabuti an Ethnobotanist, traditional medicine is very important to Ugandans, but the medicinal plant species are threatened in Uganda by habitat conversion to other land uses, while the knowledge of these plant species is eroding very fast today.

“It is estimated that between 60-80% of Ugandans use traditional medicine for their primary health care problems.” He said, adding that “the indigenous knowledge that is relied on in the utilization of traditional medicine is eroding very fast because of a variety of factors that include rapidly changing lifestyles.”

The project was conducted in the rural and remote districts of Nakapiripirit (North-Eastern Uganda), Kanungu (Western Uganda), Pallisa (Eastern Uganda) and Mukono (Central Uganda) and was aimed at sensitizing the communities to participate in the conservation and protection of these important species.

He said that 400 copies of catalogue and 200 copies of the report would be availed, after acquisition of funds from their sponsor UNATCOM.

The project was conducted through informant and household interviews, and thereafter a day’s workshop for all the participants, District leaders and other officials was held. During the workshop the feedback and results of the project were presented to raise awareness and promote traditional medicine among the Districts’ leadership.

The establishment of botanical gardens was also discussed in the workshop, and land for the gardens was provided by Nabalanga Primary School (Mukono), Kaucho Primary School (Pallisa), San Geovani High School Makiro (Kanungu) and St.Theresa, Nabilatuk Parish Church (Nakapiripirit) thereby making them partners in the project. Establishment of the demonstration sites was started in the rainy season of March 2010 and 40 species were planted in the gardens.

Professor Tabuti highlighted that the partners are responsible for the management of the gardens and the motivation of pupils and their wild life clubs to provide labor. The local partners were given support to clear the plots of land, acquire planting material, and sow seedlings. The partners were also allocated maintenance costs for the gardens for the first four months. District Forestry Officers promised to provide technical advice regarding tree planting and management.

He also hinted that the project had identified important medicinal plant species in four Ugandan communities that may be evaluated further and hopefully formulated into allopathic drugs.

He urged the community members to visit these botanical gardens as this would increase their knowledge on conservation of medicinal plants.

Article by Kogai Donald

General

NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2025

Mak Editor

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here!

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2025

Mark Wamai

Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17^th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9^th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17^th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-End-of-Academic-Year-2024-2025-MEMO Download

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2025

Mak Editor

Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11^th and 12^th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.***

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21^st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.***

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).***

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91^st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.