General
Mak-MAAIF Partnership to Boost Extension Services Delivery
Makerere University on 22nd November 2017 hosted the closing ceremony for the recently concluded refresher training in Extension Management for 300 technical staff from 122 District Local Governments in Uganda. The ceremony, held in the Main Hall was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)-Mr. Pius Wakabi Kasajja, who represented the Minister Hon. Vincent Ssempijja.
In his remarks, the Hon. Ssempijja noted that the refresher training held under the Agricultural Technology and Agribusiness Advisory Services (ATAAS) project and is in line with MAAIF’s support to the National Development Plan (NDP).
“Through ATAAS, my ministry therefore seeks to strengthen the weak link between agricultural research and advisory services. Makerere is constantly churning out research and researchers and our staff from the District Local Governments are constantly interfacing with farmers. Refresher trainings of this nature are therefore the ideal vehicle through which technology service delivery can be strengthened and scaled up, and the integration of smallholder farmers in value chains can be promoted,” read Hon. Ssempijja’s speech.
In his personal remarks Mr. Kasajja outlined; Production and Productivity, Value Addition and Competitiveness – farmers’ produce satisfying market standards as three broad challenges that affect the agriculture sector in Uganda today. He made an impassioned appeal to the extension workers; as the MAAIF frontline, to take their jobs seriously in order to make agriculture work as it ought.
“Extension services are the answer to transforming the agriculture sector and if you are unserious about your duties, I urge you to engage in something else,” warned Mr. Kasajja, before adding “Mindset change is going to be key if we are going to be the critical change agents and we shall at the opportune time organise a training for extension workers at the National Farmers’ Leadership Centre, Kampiringisa.”
He reassured the extension workers that it was no longer business as usual and as the country adopts agricultural zoning, each district’s extension services would be monitored by their contribution to growth in production and exports. Mr. Kasajja also urged the extension officers to encourage all farmers and households in their respective areas to each plant at least one tree per month in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Reaffirming Mr. Kasajja’s remarks, the Director Agriculture Extension Services, MAAIF-Mrs. Beatrice Byarugaba said, “We have asked the District Local Governments to submit at least two value chains to develop. For example, Kayunga has submitted Coffee and Dairy while Apac has submitted Maize and Cassava.”
Through agro-zoning, the District Local Governments are being urged to specialise in strategic, profitable and viable enterprises and value addition in the twelve priority commodities of; bananas, beans, maize, rice, cassava, Irish potatoes, tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables, dairy, fish, livestock (meat), and four strategic commodities of; cocoa, cotton, oil seeds, and oil palm. Mrs. Byaruhanga noted that through extension services, farmers will be given capacity to produce for factories in these priority and strategic commodities.
“Through this refresher training, we have been able to reach 2,920 participants and our target is to train every extension worker in the system by June 2018. Participants have been trained at various Agricultural Institutes and at Makerere University with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB),” added Mrs. Byaruhanga.
Representing the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe the Principal CAES-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha thanked MAAIF for entrusting his college with this task of training District Production and Marketing Officers, District Agricultural Officers, District Veterinary Officers and District Fisheries Officers.
“This training was conducted in the three core areas: Agribusiness development; Agrochemicals and fertilizer optimization in modern crop husbandry; and Postharvest handling technology. I thank our staff from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics, the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, and the Department of Agricultural Production for conducting these three courses respectively,” said Prof. Bashaasha.
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks noted that the refresher training was in line with Makerere’s core function of knowledge transfer partnerships and networking.
“Through this training, Makerere has been able to address the capacity gaps in extension management among extension workers within the current context of pluralistic extension,” read Prof. Nawangwe’s remarks.
At CoVAB, participants have been able to learn about dry season feeding for ruminants, modern management techniques for ticks, as well as Dairy Value Chain and Meat Value Chain management.
Speaking on behalf of fellow participants, the District Production Officer (DPO) Masaka-Dr. Lawrence Mayega Nyombi expressed his gratitude to the ministry for organizing the refresher training. “Today is a great day because I don’t remember a single day throughout my 23year career when the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries assembled the cream of Uganda’s extension services for refresher training,” he said.
He observed that at a strategic level, extension services had become so fragmented especially with the addition of three to five new Local Governments every financial year, a trend that affected mobilisation and resource allocation.
He further expressed the need for MAAIF to come out with clear guidelines accompanying disbursement of extension grants, so as to prevent these funds from being diverted to other activities such as vaccination. “The Director Extension Services and her team should regularly brief the District Executives, to further emphasise the proper implementation of extension grants,” he added.
Dr. Mayega nevertheless lauded MAAIF through the Director Extension Services for constantly advocating for extension services and workers but requested the officials to further enhance their contribution to population of the Extension Information System by retooling the staff and providing facilitation in the form of gadgets such as laptops, smartphones and transportation.
On an inspiring note, Mr. David Balironda Mukasa, the District Production and Marketing Officer (DPMO) Kalangala shared their Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT) model which he boasted had enabled extension farmers to profit enough from the crop to employ their own extension workers.
“We have implemented the People-Public-Private-Partnership (PPPP) in oil palm growing which has brought an agrarian revolution to Kalangala District. Farmers now have a SACCO to enable them to buy fertilisers and any inputs required. This model can be implemented in any value chain and I urge you to visit Kalangala like other visitors we have received from Austria, London, Canada and learn from us” said Mr. Mukasa.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Still Standing, Still Serving: St. Augustine Chapel Celebrates 85-Year Milestone at Makerere University
As Makerere University marked 85 years of St. Augustine Chapel on April 12, 2026, the historic sanctuary came alive with voices of praise drawing not only students and clergy, but the community and generations of alumni who returned to honor a space that shaped their faith and memories. From nostalgic reunions to heartfelt thanksgiving, the milestone became more than a commemoration; it was a powerful homecoming of a community bound by eight and a half decades of spiritual nourishment.
Under the resonant theme, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” the thanksgiving Mass was led by His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, who served as chief celebrant. His presence lent solemn weight to the occasion, as worshippers filled Makerere’s Freedom Square in a deeply moving celebration that blended reverence, reflection, and renewed devotion, echoing the enduring spiritual heartbeat of Makerere University.
Hailing the legacy of St. Augustine Chapel, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo praised the students’ centre as a cradle of leadership that has helped steer the nation’s development. Speaking as the Vice President, the chief guest and proud alumna of Makerere University, she reflected on the chapel’s enduring influence since 1941, describing it as a rare space where intellect meets faith, questions meet prayer, and the pursuit of knowledge is illuminated by the gospel. Her remarks, underscored the chapel’s profound role in shaping generations of thinkers and servant leaders grounded in faith and service to their nation.
On his part, the Archbishop, His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere delivered a heartfelt reflection during his homily, reminding the congregation that true education shapes not only the intellect but also the heart. He praised St. Augustine Chapel for faithfully advancing that mission over 85 years, serving as a sacred space where students prayed before exams, sought guidance in uncertainty, and encountered Christ through the sacraments. Quietly yet profoundly, he noted, the chapel has not only formed scholars, but men and women of character and purpose. Highlighting the Church’s presence within Makerere University as a profound gift, he reaffirmed the harmony between faith and reason, and called for the chapel to remain a lasting refuge and guiding light for generations to come.
The event also served as a high-impact fundraising drive for the expansion of the Students’ Centre, aimed at creating much-needed space for growing student activities and services.
Appealing to the congregation, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the chaplain, underscored the urgency and importance of investing in both the spiritual and social life of the student community. He emphasized that the expansion is not merely infrastructural, but foundational to nurturing holistic student development.
He recalled the vision of Msgr. Lawrence Kanyike, who during his tenure laid significant groundwork for St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy and long advocated for its expansion in response to growing student needs. With rising enrolment and increasing demand for services, the call for a larger, more functional student centre has become increasingly compelling.
Once completed, the extension is expected to stand as a landmark contribution in the Chaplaincy’s 85-year legacy. It will accommodate a wide range of student-focused programmes, including fellowship meetings, Bible study groups, prayer gatherings, mentorship and counselling services, leadership development, Sunday school, choir rehearsals, care groups, gym facilities, improved sanitation, administrative offices, quiet study areas, student clubs and movements, as well as outreach initiatives connecting students with surrounding communities.
Fr. Ddungu announced that the project target stands at Uganda Shillings Two billion only. He added that so far, UGX 164,673,650 has been raised in cash and banked funds, while pending pledges amount to UGX 85 million, bringing the combined total to Uganda Shillings 250,426,650.
“In Makerere, we build for the future. Those who came before us built for the future, and their future is our present. Now it is our responsibility to build for those who will come after us,” he said.
The Vice President, on behalf of the President delivered a contribution of Uganda Shillings 30 million who she said, also requested the Bill of Quantities of the project to facilitate continued government support toward its completion.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who contributed to the fundraiser, commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to students’ spiritual welfare and its role in shaping servant leaders. He pledged continued support from the University Management to ensure this expansion of the Student center becomes a reality. From Senior Management, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, in their respective capacities, contributed to the fundraising effort too, reinforcing the collective commitment to the project’s success.
As the fundraising gathers momentum, the appeal remains clear and urgent, that every contribution brings the vision closer to completion. Built on the legacy of those who came before and sustained by the commitment of the present generation, the new Students’ Centre is poised to become a lasting beacon of spiritual grounding, intellectual growth, and communal transformation for decades to come.
If you wish to contribute via mobile money, below are the details of the recipient.
MTN: +256 (0)787888490, Airtel: +256 (0) 756851181 (Josephat Ddungu)
General
Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.
The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.
“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”
He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”
Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”
Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”
He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.
However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”
He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.
Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”
He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”
In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.
“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”
He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”
On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”
Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”
From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.
“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”
She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.
Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”
She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.
As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.
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