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Mak-Developed Disease-Resistant High-Yielding Varieties Dominate Market

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Soybean research and breeding activities were conducted by the Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development, Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), in all major soybean growing areas of Uganda using a participatory approach. Research was executed in research institutes, technology verification centres and farmers fields all over the country.

The main objectives were to develop soybean varieties that are: high yielding with media maturity of less than 120 days; resistant to diseases and pest with focus on soybean rust disease and groundnut leaf miners; resistant to lodging and pod shattering; promiscuous in the formation of active nodules with local rhizobia; rich in protein and oil contents; having high pod clearance; and having general end-user acceptance in terms of seed appearance and other traits.

When the soybean rust epidemic hit Uganda in 1996, two strategies (short and long-term) were adopted to mitigate the effects of the epidemic. The short-term strategy involved introduction and testing of germplasm, while long-term comprised of making crosses between resistant and elite susceptible soybean lines, which resulted in the release of six new varieties that included Namsoy 4M, Maksoy 1N, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N and Maksoy 5N.

These high-yielding varieties as a result of 13 years of soybean research at Makerere University has led to rapid increase in the number of industries involved in processing soybean in Uganda and neighbouring countries. Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were instrumental and accounted for 50% of nationwide dissemination of foundation seed to different stakeholders for further multiplication. Maksoy 1N is the most widely adopted variety by farmers, while Maksoy 3N has the largest quantities of foundation seed disseminated by the program.  Recent impact studies showed that new Maksoy varieties were the most planted and accounted for 93% of soybean vaieties grown by Ugandan farmers, contributing an estimated UGX 1,1185,600/= per hectare per season to smallholder household incomes.

Please see Downloads to view the detailed SOYBEAN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN UGANDA. A case of paradigm shift in an African University (2002-2015) report.

To view a documentary on soybean research and development, please click here https://youtu.be/70JiNpXpndA

For additional information on soybean research at Makerere University, please write to p.tuka[at]caes.mak.ac.ug

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2026/2027 held on Saturday 18th April, 2026.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.

Candidate who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:

Mak Editor

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Makerere University-ND Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and the ND 18th President, Rev. Robert A. Dowd shake hands after signing the MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.

Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.

Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.

The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.

Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.

Mak Editor

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