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

Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

8 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23^rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.***

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol.***

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.***

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20^th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24^th January 2026 to 10^th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10^th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10^th February 2026 until 6^th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76^th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76^th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24^th February 2026 to Friday 27^th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Makerere-Press-Release-Semester-2-Opening-Postponed-20thJan2026 Download

Ministry-of-Education-and-Sports-Directive-16thJan2026 Download

Makerere-Semester-2-Revised-Academic-Calendar Download

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2026

Mak Editor

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg