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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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Re-Advert for the Position of the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor

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An aerial shot of the Main Building, as taken by a drone over the Freedom Square with Left to Right: CHUSS, St. Francis, St. Augustine and CAES Buildings and the Kikoni area (Background) in view. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.

1.        POSITION:  SECOND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

2.        SALARY SCALE: PU2

3: Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  DUTY STATION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

  4.       ROLE

The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

  1. Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;
  2. Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,
  3. Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5.         PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.

6.         DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
  2. Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.
  3. Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.
  4. Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.
  5. Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.
  6. Management of human resources in the University.
  7. Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.

7.  CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

  1. Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
  2. Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
  3. Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

  1. Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.
  2. At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.
  3. Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.

7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance

  1. Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.
  2. Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.
  3. Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.
  4. Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.
  5. Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

  1. Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.
  2. Demonstrated experience in managing budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
  3. Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.
  4. Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.
  5. Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.
  6. Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.

7.4       Human Resource and Performance Management

  1. Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.
  2. Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.
  3. Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.

7.5        Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization

  1. Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
  2. Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.
  3. Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.

7.6          Digital Transformation and ICT Integration

  1. Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.
  2. Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.
  3. Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.

7.7          Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  1. Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.
  2. Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
  3. Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.

7.8        Personal Attributes

  1. High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.
  2. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.
  3. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
  4. A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability. administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.

8.         REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9.         TENURE

The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years   and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.  

10.       METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

  1. A signed letter of application;
  2. A vision statement;
  3. Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
  4. Copies of required minimum number of publications;
  5. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation;
  7. Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
  8. Ā A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
  9. A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;
  10. Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Friday 13th February, 2026;
  11. The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

  1. Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked ā€œCONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORā€ should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE

THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING

P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

  1. Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Friday 13th February, 2026.

Please note that:

  1. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
  2. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.
  3. Applicants who responded to the advertisements published on 31st December 2025 (The New Vision) and 2nd January 2026 (The Daily Monitor) do not need to re-apply.

For more Information and inquiries:Ā 

Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza

ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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Press Statement: Makerere University Congratulates Former Staff and Students on Successful Election to Public Office

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An aerial photo of Clockwise Top Left to Right: St. Francis Chapel, Main Building, CAES, JICA Building, Chemistry Building, Mathematics, School of Statistics, Main Library, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, CoBAMS, EPRC, IGDS and the Freedom Square. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University warmly congratulates its former staff and students who emerged victorious in the 2026 national elections. Their success is a source of immense pride to the University and a strong affirmation of Makerere’s efforts to not only nurture academic excellence but also free expression and leadership. It is evidence of Makerere’s enduring impact and contribution to leadership, public service, and national development.

We are particularly pleased to recognize the following distinguished members of the Makerere University community who emerged victorious:

  • Dr. Kiyonga Crispus Walter, Chancellor of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Bukonzo West.
  • Mr. Kabaasa Bruce Balaba, Chair, Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment CommitteeĀ of the University Council, on his election as MP for Rubanda County West.
  • Mr. Alionzi Lawrence, former Guild President of Makerere University, on his election as Lord Mayor of Arua City.
  • Mr. Maseruka Robert, former Guild President of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Mukono South.
  • Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina, former Deputy Bursar of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Nyendo–Mukungwe.
  • Prof. Lubega George Willy, former Staff at College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB),Ā on his election as MP for Bugangaizi South.
  • Prof. Ahebwa Wilber Manyisa, former Staff at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), on his election as MP for Nakaseke North.
  • Hon. Adeke Anna Ebaju, former Guild President, on her re-election as Woman MP for Soroti District.
  • Hon. Onekalit Denis Amere, former Guild President, on his re-election as MP for Kitgum Municipality.
  • Hon. Karuhanga Gerald, former Guild President, on his re-election as MP for Ntungamo Municipality.
  • Hon. Aber Lillian, former Vice Guild President, on her re-election as Woman MP for Kitgum District.
  • Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona, former Vice Guild President, on her election as Woman MP for Nebbi District.

Makerere values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, and continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance participation in leadership and governance. We are confident they will serve with dedication, wisdom, and integrity.

We Build for the Future.

Mak Editor

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Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

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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 23rd 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).

Mark Wamai

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