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Ugandan Scientists share Climate Change mitigation strategies at AR5 close

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Scientists have presented some of the ways Uganda has responded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings. This was during the two day IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, (AR5) outreach event organized by Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in conjunction with the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). The outreach event was aimed at disseminating the findings of the Report to policymakers, the private sector, researchers and civil society organizations in Uganda.

Convening at Hotel Africana for the day-two plenary sessions and closing ceremony on 22nd August 2014, the stakeholders highlighted the need for the developing countries to improve their awareness and understanding of climate-related risks and implications to their work.

The first session chair for day two, Mr. Paul Isabirye, Coordinator, Department of Climate Change and The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Focal Point for Uganda said that Uganda was already experiencing the effects of climate change. He added these effects have led to;

  • Increased land degradation due to increased extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, aggravated by poor land-use practices.
  • Crop failure or significantly reduced crop production in some years due to increased drought incidences associated with increased climate variability and change.
  • Increased hunger and famine due to reduced agricultural productivity.
  • Increased pest infestations and other weather related plant pathogens.
  • Higher order impacts like increased costs of production, lower profitability, a decrease in food security and therefore a need for more food imports.

Mr Isabirye however remarked that the Government of Uganda has instituted several strategies and institutions to prioritise climate change such as upgrading the Climate Change Unit to a Department of Climate Change and the Department of Meteorology to the Uganda National Meteorology Authority (UNMA).

During the session on policy and practice, scientists from  the from Office of the Prime Minister, National Agriculture Resilience Initiative-Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Department of Climate Change (DCC)-MWE, the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) and representatives from the private sector discussed several ways in which Uganda is responding to the findings of the IPCC.

Presenting on behalf of the Private Sector, Ms. Sarah Kibenge from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) remarked that due to the impact of climate change, labor productivity has reduced due to higher incidences of vector-borne diseases, resulting into declining profit margins. Ms. Kibenge said that, several human actions in industrialization, construction and in agriculture are seen as causes and contributors to climate change.

“However we must be keen about Environmental protection. Ugandans has been involved in planting and afforestation activities, environment impact assessment technology, waste management through recycling, packaging using environmentally-friendly materials,” she added.

In her presentation on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Uganda, Ms. Jacqueline Kagoda a Disaster Management Officer-OPM, stressed the need for Uganda to create an effective framework through which disaster preparedness and management is entrenched in all aspects of the development processes,

“As the central Coordinating Ministry on Disaster, the Office of the Prime Minister has set guiding principles like, using a multi-sectoral approach, community participation in DRM, public awareness, use  of adequate expertise and technology, vulnerability analysis, observation of human rights, and consideration of climate change upon which implementation is premised,” Ms.Kagoda stressed.

“The Ministry has provided Early Warning Systems especially for floods together with UNMA & DCC for a survey is being done in Butaleja District. The National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC) is being equipped with the DRM comprehensive hardware and software such as Arc GIS, Modelling softwares on climate related risks such as floods, Country Programming Paper to end Drought Resilience in partnership with MAAIF is underway, and International DRR and Peace Day Celebrations are being planned” she added.

Talking about National Agriculture Resilience Initiative, Mr. Stephen Muwaya said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries MAAIF has adopted a Climate Change Policy and Action Plan,

“The Ministry through this policy and action plan has also promoted and encouraged highly adaptive and productive livestock breeds, conservation agriculture and ecologically compatible cropping systems to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, Promote sustainable management of rangelands and pastures through integrated rangeland management,” Mr.Muwaya remarked

Dr. Evelyn Komutunga, an Agro-meteorologist at National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Kampala Uganda said the organisation  had developed strong drought and heat tolerant crop varieties, generating technology for short duration crops, technology for assorted vegetables under horticulture research system, developing  a laboratory research institute, carrying out sustainable land management and restoration of degraded land.

“On Climate change adaptation and mitigation, NARO has managed to focus on data management through Crop yield monitoring and projections, and crop suitability mapping information packaging and dissemination (cropping calendars). NARO has also carried out conservation of at least 700 new accessions of 20 core collections and enhanced management for sustainable utilization of selected Plant Genetic Resource, biotechnology systems, diagnostics and processes developed for improved productivity of selected crops,” Dr. Komutunga explained.

In her presentation, the National Programme Coordinator, Africa Climate Change Resilience Alliance (ACCRA), Ms. Margaret Barihaihi, said ACCRA had facilitated Government policymakers to share community-based Climate Change Adaptations/Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA/DRR) implementation lessons at strategic national, regional and international climate change debates.

“The institution has been involved in policy formulation and contributed substantially to the National Climate Change policy 2012, ACCRA has collaborated with the Ministry of Water and Environment in raising awareness and mainstreaming Climatic Change adaptation into Local Government development plans,” she remarked.

Ms. Barihaihi said ACCRA has also collaborated with the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) in strengthening seasonal weather forecast and climatic information for local planning.

According to Mr. Chebet Maikut, a representative from the Department of Climate Change (DCC)-MWE, the Government of Uganda has revised some common policy priorities to promote, research and development, transfer and diffusion of technology through the use of appropriate information sharing incentive schemes and support mechanisms as relevant to various sectors concerned.

“The Government of Uganda has also focused on mainstreaming gender to reduce the vulnerability of women and children, supported education, awareness raising and capacity development for a range of stakeholders (government, academics, civil society and private sector) contributing to the National Development Process right from the community level to the national level,” Mr. Maikut said.

On the academic front, Mr. Mfitumukiza David a climate adaptation specialist said the University has set up the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI), at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

“Launched in 2013, MUCCRI is motivated by the need to strengthen climate change research, innovations and information dissemination and to also strengthen East African Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Capacity through Training, Research and Policy Interventions. MUCCRI is structured to work in four thematic areas; Climate Science, Mitigation, Adaptation, Policy, Training and Outreach,” Mr Mfitumukiza said.

During the group discussions focusing on Uganda’s response to the IPCC’s findings, participants were divided into groups and tasked to develop ideas on the opportunities for Uganda to respond to the IPCC findings, through the work of different sectors in managing climate change.

Chaired by Prof. John Baptist Kaddu, Makerere University, the four groups on; Agriculture, Water, Energy and Infrastructure developed recommendations on policy, research and practices that Uganda should adopt, which findings were later shared in a plenary session.

Giving the closing remarks, Mr. Paul Mafabi, Director for Environmental Affairs, MWE said the goals of the outreach program have already been achieved in the two days the gathering was in Uganda, through knowledge and information sharing on the constructive topics.

“I am very confident that all participants are now more informed on these issues. Therefore I do hope that the participants will utilize the knowledge gained here in their duties and also carry it forward to others who were not able to participate in this important event. You have all been given a leadership role in the climate change arena and you are therefore expected to act responsibly to avert the impacts of climate change in good time,” Mr. Mafabi said.

Mr. Mafabi emphasized Uganda’s commitment to keep climate change high on the development agenda through empowering the population with any evolving information to guide in planning and public investments.

Please see Downloads for all presentations from IPCC AR5, Kampala Uganda

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern, Public Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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