General
CBA11 Youth Conference: Youth urged to take lead in climate change adaptation drive
Over 150 youth from Uganda and across borders participated in the two-day Community Based Adaption (CBA11) Youth Conference aimed at engaging and sensitizing the youth on Community adaptation and resilience to climate change to raise awareness and build a climate change knowledge base and innovations.
The Youth Conference was held at Hotel Africana Kampala on June 28 and 29, 2017 and focused on the theme ‘Enhancing the Ability of Youth to Build Ecosystem Resilience’. It was an affiliation session parallel to the main CBA11 International conference held from 26th to 29th June 2017 at Royal Suites Bugolobi, Kampala.
The youth were practically engaged in dialogues and discussions on climate change adaptation, resilience and mitigation; climate smart agriculture; sustainable agricultural transformation in an era of climate change; youth skills and knowledge for long-term future planning; youth leadership for climate change resilience, gender equality and adaptation planning; skills and knowledge for climate action and sharing climate change experiences.
The youth conference was organized by Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) hosted at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with European Union (EU), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of United Nations, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Officially opening the Youth Conference, the chief Guest and FAO Country representative for Uganda, Alhaji M. Jallow highlighted that 90% of the disasters in the world are due to climate change and as a result, many ecosystems in Uganda have been degraded. He said the youth being the majority of the global population; they should be empowered and considered as resources that can drive agriculture and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“The youth need to build their capacity to make them understand the drives of climate change and the actions needed to embattle the effects must be realized. Youth can build ecosystems, so we need to invest in building their capacity and resilience towards climate change and sustainable agricultural practices,” remarked Alhaji M. Jallow.
According to Alhaji Jallow, climate change is the greatest threat to agriculture that discourages the youth from practicing in it. He noted that when the effects of climate change are thoroughly addressed, many youth will be attracted to agribusiness and agricultural production and their attitude will change. This would impact on their consciousness to work together as a community to build the resilience of degraded ecosystems and ensure sustainable production of food, animal, feed and energy for the present and future generations.
“Agriculture being the major economic backbone of Uganda, yet climate change remains a great threat to it; the youth continue to be discouraged to join the activity. Through enhancing climate change adoption towards agribusiness, agricultural production can be achieved. This will greatly counteract with the food insecurity problem.” Alhaji Jallow said.
He further noted that FAO works towards agricultural sustainability and resilience and has put in place programmes supporting different youth activities including; programmes on water livestock production; supporting youth activities like the Annual School Farm Camp and international dialogues between Ugandan secondary schools and those in Europe. He added that they have to consolidate the available resources and also introduce new aspects to provide some kind of water source to the people. He thanked the European Union for funding the projects.
He commended the good collaboration and support by CAES towards research and environmental activities. He revealed FAO’s commitment to developing, training and financing youth towards climate change adaptation and mitigation and will work on knowledge sharing and capacity building for the youth. To build a world that everybody desires to live in, he urged the government, society organizations and development partners to increase their support for the youth towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor informed participants that the CBA11 Youth Conference was a welcome opportunity to expose university students and other youth in public and private institutions to the latest information on key activities undertaken by different stakeholders to adapt and address climate change towards development of the nation. He noted that higher institutions of learning have a great role to play towards realizing climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“Institutions of higher learning should take a lead in addressing climate change adaptation by producing knowledgeable and multi-skilled graduates, providing evidence-based options and solutions to support formulation of interventions and appropriate policies for accelerating national and regional development. Makerere University is passionate about climate change and related research activities. It takes part in organizing and actively participating in activities aimed at engaging the youth in addressing the challenges of climate change,” the Vice Chancellor said.
In efforts to address the challenges of climate change, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu said that the institution established the Makerere University Climate Change Centre for Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) to enhance climate change research capacity, extension outreach and mainstream climate sciences in undergraduate programs at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
He encouraged the youth to take lead in driving climate change adaptation and appealed to the participants to always seek for knowledge on climate change to pave for national and global development. He thanked the development partners for collaborating with Makerere University and also expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for supporting and endorsing Makerere University to host CBA11 Youth Conference.
The European Union (EU) Delegate to Uganda and Acting Head of Cooperation, Mr. Cedric Merel marked the youth conference as one of the platforms for the youth to be engaged in activities relevant for climate change adaption and mitigation. He appreciated the support and role played by education institutions in creating awareness about climate change. He also emphasized the need to integrate in a sustainable manner the youth in the programmes designed to address climate change.
“We insist on the fact that the youth are the main actors of all the actions carried out by EU. In everything we do, youth are the target group. We need to act to have a sensitization for the youth to be the champions of climate change who will sensitize others about climate chance adaptation. Youth are up to 70% of the population; this means that the power is your hands.”
Mr. Merel encouraged the youth to actively participate in the cause of climate change adaptation and express their ideas and innovations with a view of finally incorporating them into policy recommendations. He appealed to the youth to be ambassadors of climate change adaptation at all levels of climate change action including; local authorities, communities, research and innovation, academia and entrepreneurship.
Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the Principal of Makerere University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) said that climate change is broad and requires everyone’s efforts. He dubbed the youth as the backbone of the country, whose energy and interests should be utilized and put to good use in relation to climate change adaptation. He advocated for training the youth and availing them with knowledge and skills required to ambush the challenges of climate change.
“We should build our capacity basing on what we have. The university being the engine of capacity building, students should be engaged and equipped with skills to tackle climate change. CAES is taking leadership in terms of industrial training in relation to climate change. We are building platforms to tackle the areas of climate change.” Prof. Bashaasha mentioned.
The MUCCRI Coordinator, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi said that it is important to promote climate change awareness, conduct research, generate and disseminate information on climate chance to influence climate change policies. He informed the participants that the youth conference was organized to enable the youth acquire the skills and knowledge they needed to address issues of climate change in their homes, communities and countries.
“There is no single sector that is not affected by climate change. We want to improve knowledge and skills to generate and disseminate information in relation to addressing climate change. However, the measures taken should not hinder our economic development, but to supplement on it. People should be guided on proper land use at national, regional and household levels for sustainable development.” Dr. Twinomuhangi remarked.
Dr. Twinomuhangi thus noted the need for a link between science and the policy makers. He added that climate change brings in challenges that cannot be foreseen due to the changing patterns in climate and weather. According to him, the climate is continuously changing faster than anticipated. For that reason, he advocated for continuous research, which MUCCRI is undertaking.
Addressing participants on Youth leadership for climate change resilience, Mr. Anthony Walimbwa, a delegate from Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U) informed the youth that they were the most vulnerable to effects of climate change since they have limited or no means to cope or adapt.
He said that youth unemployment rate in Uganda is 11%, and about 400,000 youth are released annually into the job market to compete for about 9,000 jobs. While the youth could generate their own employment opportunities, they have limited access to financing, land and technical support.
“While the impacts of climate change are unevenly distributed across different age groups and economic classes, the youth women and children are the most affected since they are poor segments of the population. However, the youth are energetic and have a potential to take on climate change challenges through green jobs.” Mr. Walimbwa said.
Ms. Daphine Nansambu, the youth representative at CBA11 assured her fellow youth that Climate change is real even though majority may not accept it. So, their input towards combating it is extremely significant. She reiterated the need for the youth to be equipped with relevant skills and knowledge to address the challenges of climate change.
“The youth need support in terms of capacity building. The young people are natural innovators and can embrace change, so they have to take the lead in addressing climate change. If guided in the right direction, we can be able to change the community. The decisions will be made, but the youth will be the ones to implement them. Therefore, they should take a stand towards climate change adaptation and resilience,” said Ms. Nansambu
At the closure of the youth conference, Mr. Paul Mafabi, the Director of Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Water and Environment affirmed that the greatest causes of climate change arise from emission of gases and improper disposal of waste. As a result, he said that the Government has adopted a climate change policy to coordinate climate change actions in the country. He appealed to the youth to share the knowledge acquired from the conference with their colleagues, communities and universities.
“As youth, there is need to do something practical after the conference. Climate change should be domesticated for better understanding by the communities including the illiterate, poor and children. The youth are majority in Uganda, have energy, more innovative and will live longer. Meaning if proper interventions are not taken by them, they are bound to face tougher climate change impacts as well as the generations to come.”
Mr. Mafabi congratulated the youth, organizers and supporters for successfully conducting the youth conference parallel to the CBA11 international conference. He urged the organizers to immediately create a working group through which the participants of the conference could continue networking and dialoging. He thus encouraged the youth to ensure increased tree planting, proper garbage management and any other contribution within the available youth means. He eventually declared the CBA11 Youth Conference closed.
The CBA11 Youth Conference was attended by officials from Ministry of Water and Environment, Makerere University, International Water Management Institute (IWMI); Delegates from FAO, European Union, IIED, Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U); the media; representatives from the Youth Go Green Group and youth from national and international universities and higher institutions of learning.
It was revealed during the conference that Uganda would host the first Africa youth climate change conference in August, 2017, where youth from all African countries will be represented.
Makerere University has officially welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of freshers, urging them to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace diversity and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their university journey.
The opening of Orientation Week, held at the Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, brought together University leaders, staff and thousands of newly admitted students. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized academic discipline, personal responsibility, leadership, student welfare and the values that have defined Makerere University for over a century.
Academic Registrar Welcomes Freshers
Delivering his remarks, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Muyinza, congratulated the freshers upon their admission and welcomed them into Makerere University’s long standing tradition of scholarship, research and innovation.
He reminded the students that joining Makerere University marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one in which they would take full responsibility for shaping their future.
“Your arrival at Makerere marks a new chapter in your own life. This chapter is different because now you have the opportunity to determine the direction of your own story.”
Prof. Muyinza encouraged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time and uphold integrity throughout their studies.
He cautioned against examination malpractice, forgery and other forms of academic misconduct, emphasizing that such offences could lead to dismissal from the University.
The Academic Registrar also stressed the importance of completing registration within the prescribed period, reminding students that admission remains provisional until registration requirements have been fulfilled.
“Technically, you are not yet students until you register.”
He further guided students on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition payment requirements and urged them to carefully read the University’s Joining Instructions.
Beyond academics, Prof. Muyinza advised students to exercise financial discipline, avoid online scams and make responsible personal decisions while adjusting to university life.
Dean of Students Highlights Student Welfare
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, and feeding, spiritual welfare and leadership opportunities available at the University.
She advised students seeking off campus accommodation to choose only accredited private hostels approved by the University.
“Please make sure you choose a hostel that is safe, comfortable and closer to campus.”
Dr. Kabumbuli also encouraged students to open medical files at the University Hospital instead of self-medicating whenever they fall ill.
“Don’t ignore illness. Don’t self-prescribe. Go for proper medical attention through the University Hospital.”
She urged students to participate in spiritual fellowship through the University’s places of worship and to embrace leadership opportunities available at class, hall and college levels.
Welcoming international students, Dr. Kabumbuli noted that Makerere University has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment.
Former Guild President Shares His Makerere Journey
Hon. Lawrence Ariong Dangote, inspired the freshers through his personal story, recalling how he joined Makerere University in 2019 as a young student from Arua “with an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams.”
He described Makerere as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to maximize every opportunity available during their university life.
“The answer to whether you reach the top of the hill lies in what you do between now and the day you graduate.”
Drawing lessons from his own experience, Dangote cautioned students against peer pressure, financial recklessness and online investment scams, encouraging them to choose friends wisely and remain focused on their academic goals.
“Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.”
Academic Registrar Clarifies Registration Process
Returning to the podium, Prof. Muyinza clarified registration procedures, programme change guidelines and admission requirements.
He reminded students that failure to register within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of admission.
“Registration is the most important step that will determine whether you become a university student or not.”
He also advised students seeking programme changes to ensure they meet the required cut-off points and available vacancies before submitting applications.
Prof. Sarah Ssali Calls for Excellence and Integrity
Closing the orientation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers to Makerere University.
Beginning her remarks, Prof. Ssali asked students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences to identify themselves before revealing that she too had studied the same programme.
Using her own experience, she reminded students that every academic programme offered by the University is valuable.
“Every course matters. Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She congratulated the incoming students, she describing their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey that would prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Your achievement reflects your hard work, determination and potential, and we are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as the next step in your academic journey.”
Prof. Ssali reminded students that every academic programme matters and encouraged them to pursue excellence regardless of the course they had been admitted to.
“Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She reassured students that Makerere remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment through academic staff, the Dean of Students’ Office, counselling services, student leaders and other support units.
She particularly encouraged students facing personal or academic challenges to seek help whenever necessary.
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.
“Do not suffer silently. Raise your voice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation of students.”
Encouraging students to engage beyond the classroom, she urged them to participate in research, innovation, sports, leadership, community engagement and international programmes that complement academic learning.
She also called upon students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, substance abuse and all forms of misconduct that undermine the University’s values.
“University education is not only about earning a degree; it is about developing the knowledge, character, values and competences required to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
As she concluded, Prof. Ssali challenged the freshers to think about the legacy they wished to leave behind at Makerere University.
“Pursue a life of excellence. Take ownership of your learning, build strong networks and make the most of every opportunity the University offers.”
The 2026/2027 Orientation Week continues with college based sessions that will introduce freshers to academic programmes, registration processes, student support services and university life before the commencement of the new academic year.
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University has set an ambitious course for the next five years after a three-day strategic planning retreat held at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, from July 29–31, 2026. The retreat brought together staff, officials from the Directorate of Planning and invited facilitators to review the Directorate’s performance, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop a strategic plan that aligns with Makerere University‘s vision of becoming a research-led institution.
Opening the retreat, the Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, reminded staff that the Directorate occupies a central position in the implementation of Makerere University‘s Strategic Plan and must therefore position itself to deliver measurable results.
Prof. Kikooma said one of the University’s key strategic priorities is to increase graduate student enrolment and improve graduate completion rates, making the Directorate’s work more critical than ever before.
He explained that under the University’s Strategic Plan, graduate education is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, with graduate students projected to constitute about 40 per cent of the University’s total enrolment by 2030.
“It is not enough to simply increase admissions,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the students we admit are supported to complete their programmes on time. Graduate completion rates are now one of the University’s strategic priorities.”
He noted that while graduate enrolment is expected to increase substantially, completion rates must also improve if the University is to achieve its research-led aspirations.
The Director emphasized that the Directorate must move beyond reporting admission figures and instead closely monitor student progression from admission through graduation using the Research Information Management System (RIMS). He said the system would enable the University to track every graduate student throughout their academic journey and generate reliable data for planning and decision-making.
Prof. Kikooma challenged staff to embrace the system fully, warning that inaccurate or outdated information compromises the University’s reporting to management and Council.
“We must ensure that the information we present is clean, accurate and reflects active graduate students. RIMS is no longer optional; it is central to how we monitor graduate training and account for our performance.”
He revealed that academic staff supervising graduate students would increasingly be required to demonstrate active use of RIMS before receiving administrative clearance, a move intended to improve accountability and strengthen graduate student tracking.
The Director also highlighted operational challenges facing the Directorate, particularly during peak admission periods when staff experience overwhelming workloads.
He encouraged staff to embrace teamwork and support one another beyond their designated responsibilities whenever the Directorate faces periods of high demand.
“When it’s admissions peak, the pressure belongs to all of us. Even those whose primary roles are elsewhere should step in because we are one Directorate,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma further stressed the importance of proper planning, timely resource mobilization and continuous staff development, noting that changing technologies and administrative systems require continuous learning and capacity building.
“The way we succeeded yesterday cannot guarantee our success tomorrow. We must continue building our skills because the demands of graduate administration keep changing,” he observed.
As the retreat progressed, participants held intensive discussions on institutional priorities, performance targets, work planning, policy implementation and strategies for improving service delivery across the Directorate.
Delivering his closing remarks, Prof. Kikooma expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the retreat, saying the Directorate had successfully reflected on the key issues that will shape its future.
“I’m happy that we have reached this moment. We had a very tight programme, but I believe we have touched on everything we intended to discuss. Some of the messages have encouraged us, while others have provided practical and technical guidance on improving the way we work,” he said.
He urged staff to return to their offices and translate the lessons from the retreat into practical improvements in service delivery.
Prof. Kikooma thanked the organizing committee for ensuring the retreat became a reality despite earlier uncertainties and acknowledged the contribution of the facilitators, especially colleagues from the Directorate of Planning.
He particularly commended Dr. Christine Amito for her commitment and technical guidance in developing the Directorate’s strategic plan, describing her as instrumental in ensuring that the Directorate’s priorities remain aligned with the University’s overall strategic direction.
He also recognized the contributions of newly assigned planning staff whose early involvement had already strengthened the Directorate’s planning processes.
The Director applauded the graduate interns attached to the Directorate for the valuable support they provided during their placement.
“The work you have done has been real work that would ordinarily have been done by employed staff. Beyond your academic training, I hope you have also learnt the soft skills that are essential in every workplace,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma disclosed that the retreat marked only the beginning of the Directorate’s strategic planning process, noting that the resolutions would be compiled into a comprehensive report for discussion by the Directorate’s management before implementation.
He assured staff that recommendations requiring higher-level consideration would be forwarded to the relevant University authorities.
“The University is banking very much on what we do in graduate training to achieve its vision of becoming a research-led university. Admissions, graduate student tracking, policy development and graduate completion are all at the heart of that agenda.”
The Director also announced that the Directorate would institutionalize a culture of recognizing staff members for their dedicated service.
He observed that employees spend most of their lives in the workplace and therefore deserve appreciation from the institutions they serve.
“As a Directorate, we want everyone who has worked with us to know that they remain part of the DGT family. We are a winning team, but a winning team must also be a happy team.”
One of the emotional moments of the retreat came when the Directorate honoured its former Head of Registry, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, with a special gift in recognition of her outstanding service and contribution to graduate training.
Receiving the award, Ms. Nakayiki thanked the Directorate for remembering her, saying the recognition affirmed that dedication and integrity are eventually rewarded.
“I take it at heart that when you do well, you are appreciated,” she said.
She recounted her professional journey from joining the then Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies as an admissions officer, rising through the ranks to head the Directorate’s Registry before her appointment as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations, Transcripts and Graduation.
Ms. Nakayiki encouraged staff to remain committed to excellent customer care, urging them to treat every student with empathy and professionalism.
“When serving a student, think of that student as your own child. Even when you cannot provide an immediate answer, communicate honestly and assure them when you will be able to help. Our work is about service.”
She attributed the Directorate’s earlier achievements to teamwork, clearly defined responsibilities and effective communication among staff.
She advised employees to understand their roles, support one another and resolve workplace misunderstandings through open communication rather than conflict.
“Our supervisors can only succeed if we, the foot soldiers, perform our responsibilities well. Let us continue working together for the good of the Directorate and for the success of every graduate student who walks through our doors.”
The retreat ended with renewed commitment from staff to implement the Directorate’s five-year strategic plan and strengthen graduate training as a key pillar in advancing Makerere University‘s research excellence agenda.
-
General7 hours agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General1 week agoAdmission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General2 weeks agoGulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations
-
General1 week agoMakerere, Southwest Minzu University and NARO Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Livestock Research and Innovation
-
General1 week agoMakerere’s Research Billions Offer MUST a Blueprint for Managing Grants