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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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Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (3rd L) shake hands after signing the MoU as H.E. Nimisha Madhvani (2nd L), H.E. Miriam Otengo (L), Prof. Helen Nambalariwa Nkabala (R) and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike (2nd R) witness on 17th October 2025. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.

The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.

“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.

“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.

Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing.

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.

Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”

“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (3rd Left) with Left to Right: Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, and Prof. Robert Wamala during the press briefing held on 16th October 2025. Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).

The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION

It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.

In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.

In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.

We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.

WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

Thank you.

Fact Sheet

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison

RankNameOverall Teaching Research Env. Research Quality Industry Int. Outlook
801–1000Makerere University35.5–38.921.526.654.232.869.7
1501+Kenyatta University10.3–27.214.39.134.217.454.6
1501+Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences10.3–27.221.614.930.327.554.6
1501+University of Dar es Salaam10.3–27.214.511.126.521.947.2
1501+University of Nairobi10.3–27.215.916.139.722.549.4
1501+University of Rwanda10.3–27.214.114.925.621.157.5

Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years
Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years

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ZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI

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Prof. Sarah Ssali and Prof. Mundia Muya (C) with Members of Management, the ZAMREN delegation and other officials after the courtesy call on 14th October 2025. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L). Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”

Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”

She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.

On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.

Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.

The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.

Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.

Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.

Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

The meeting in session. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.

The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.

Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.

At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.

Mark Wamai

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