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High yielding Soybean varieties transform agricultural sector in Uganda

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Makerere University through the Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development has developed six high yielding–rust resistant soybean varieties (Namsoy 4M, Maksoy 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N and 5N). Recent impact studies indicated that over 90% of the soybean varieties grown in Uganda are developed by Makerere University (Obaa and Tukamuhabwa, 2015).

 

Why the Maksoy Soybean varieties?
In 1996, Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd.); one of the most devastating soybean diseases in the world was detected in Uganda, leading to yield losses of up to 100%. By 2000, farmers had lost interest in growing soybean since it was no longer profitable. To address this problem, researchers at Makerere University embarked on soybean research and breeding activities in major soybean growing areas in Uganda using a participatory approach that led to the development of six high yielding-rust resistant soybean varieties.

Impact of MakSoy Soybean varieties
With over 80% of the people living in Uganda engaged in Agriculture, the Maksoy high yielding rust resistant varieties have transformed the soybean sector in Uganda and improved livelihoods.

Soybean production in Uganda steadily increased from 144,000 hectares in 2004 to 200,000 hectares in 2014 (Tukamuhabwa and Oloka, 2016). Soybean prices increased from 600 UGX per kg in 2008 to 1000 UGX per kg in 2011 (SNV, 2011). 

Similarly, soybean export earnings grew from USD 300,000 in 2006 to USD 1,163,000 in 2009; an increase of 288% (Ssengendo et al., 2010).

The varieties have also provided steady supply of soybean grain for the ever growing processing plants in Uganda. “The processing capacity increased from 300 tons in 2009 (Anon, 2010) to over 600 tons in 2011” (SNV, 2011).

 

Graph showing Foundation Seed production in Kg from 2005 to 2014Furthermore, the quantity of soybean foundation seed increased from 2 tons in 2010 to 15 tons in 2014 per season and risen to over 40 tons in the year 2015.

Future Prospects of Maksoy Soybean varieties
Maksoy Soybean varieties are a success story. Given the demand presented by human and livestock needs, we highly encourage farmers, private sector, industry and funders to grow these high-yielding disease-resistant varieties.

 

 

 

This article is a Research Uptake Communication collaborating between Dr. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Mr. Tonny Obua together with the Mak Research Uptake Communication team, Ritah Namisango, Marjorie Kyomuhendo and Jane Anyango-Communication Officer, CAES.

Researcher

Maksoy Soybean Project PI

 

Dr. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa,
Associate Professor,
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES),
Makerere University
Email: p.tuka[at]caes.mak.ac.ug

 

 

It was informed by an existing publication:

For print only: Tukamuhabwa P and Oloka H.K “Soybean Research & Development in Uganda: A case of paradigm shift in an African University.” (2016) Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Makerere University, Kampala.

For online: Tukamuhabwa P and Oloka H.K “Soybean Research & Development in Uganda: A case of paradigm shift in an African University.” (2016) Research News. News Portal, Makerere University. http://news.mak.ac.ug/2016/01/mak-developed-disease-resistant-high-yielding-varieties-dominate-market 28th March 2016

 

Mark Wamai

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Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27

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Students in discussion groups in Freedom Square on 1st April 2026.

UPDATE 25th May 2026

  • Application deadline extended to 28th May 2026.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20th April 2026. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications shall be 28th May 2026.

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Admission List for Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for students admitted to the Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Please note that the list below contains those who were admitted under the Direct (A’ Level Leavers), Diploma, and Mature Age Entry Schemes.

The admission list is shown below:

Related:

Pre-entry Examination Results for Admission to Bachelor of Laws 2026/2027

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Admission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2026/27 -Government Sponsorship

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Graduands from College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at the 73rd Graduation on Tuesday 14th February 2023, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of Diploma holders provisionally admitted to Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL) programme under Private Sponsorship for the Academic Year 2026/2027 pending verification of their academic documents by the awarding institutions.

The List can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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