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Mak Releases Another New Soybean Variety Maksoy 6N

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A new soybean variety Maksoy 6N has been released to the public.

  • The new variety is resistant to soybean rust disease, harsh conditions, lodging and pod shuttering.
  • It is also high yielding, early maturing with high protein and oil content of 41% and 20 % respectively.
  • This variety matures in less than 120 days and produces over 20 tons per hectare.
  • The new variety was released by the National Variety Release Committee at the Department of Crop protection at Namalere under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) on Friday 24th November 2017.
  • It is the sixth soybean variety released by Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural Production since 2004.

The National Variety Release Committee chaired by Dr. Joseph Kikafunda was satisfied by the data presented by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa –Makerere’s Plant breeder and the brain behind the breeding and development of the new soybean variety.

Maksoy 6N is a cross between Nam 2 and GC 00138-29. Nam 2 was developed and released in Uganda (1992) while GC 00138-29 is a rust resistant parental line from AVRDC, Taiwan.

Presenting his application to the Variety Release Committee Prof. Tukamuhabwa said the breeding process started in 2012 with making selections.

“Today I am very pleased to inform you that we have gone through the process that has enabled us release another soybean variety for Uganda which has been named Maksoy 6N for Makerere University and for Uganda at large.

This is very important because in our breeding system, we have to keep developing new varieties because the varieties we have, keep on getting pests and diseases which make them susceptible. So today, we have successfully defended and released a new variety that is highly resistant to soybean rust which is the major disease of soybean in Uganda and the world at large.” The professor explained.

The crosses that were developed into this new variety according to the professor were developed into populations, later selected and  tested in over eight locations in the different districts of Uganda where soybean is highly grown.

He said  in all the trials, it turned out that this variety is outstanding compared the varieties present,  the reason  the committee was convinced  and was able to release this new variety.

The Professor’s claims were validated by the officials from MAAIF represented by Mr. Siraje Nyende who said the assessment done re-affirmed the Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability of the new variety recommending it for the release.

“When we make crosses and develop population, we test them because we are not breeding for people at Makerere University or around Kabanyolo but we are doing it for the whole country and world. So we test these new varieties that we develop in several locations.

Most of these are in Northern Uganda where soybean is widely grown and this is especially in Ngetta, West Nile and Eastern Uganda in Jinja, Iki-Iki in Budaka district, in Hoima and Kasese. However in the regions where soybean is grown on large scale, we also choose specific farmers where we have tested on farmers’ fields so that farmers are capable of telling us that they like them” He added.

Prof. Tukamuhabwa explained that the protein in the in the Soybean is without cholesterol and is an opportunity to some sections of the population which does not take meat because all the amino acids necessary for the body are available.

“Of course it does not mean eating soybean alone but eating food blended with soybean. And you know it is meat grown from the soil. Any Ugandan can grow this soybean and what they need is knowledge how to process it”. Prof. Tukamuhabwa noted.

This soybean according to Prof. Tukamuhabwa is also good because it is high yielding and it has high oil and protein content which are very useful for factories to process soybean oil and soybean meal used in the livestock industry.

“It is also good news to see that at Makerere University we don’t only stop at teaching plant breeding but also develop new varieties that can be used by farmers who are the end users and also factories that process soybean into products.

The variety is able to withstand harsh conditions and is resistant to podshuttering. The genes contained in this variety are very important ergonomically and it is on this basis that they are being released,” Tukamuhabwa explained.

The Assistant plant breeder Mr. Tonny Obua said the seed companies are interested in oil and protein content because that is what gives them more income.

“The lowest  they should receive is 36% protein  then oil 18% minimum and we feel more confident  this variety”.

Mr. Obua added that the university has been producing adequate foundation seed ranging between 25-30 tons per season culminating to  over 50 tons annually.

“we are already  increasing  bulk seed for this new variety. Our last release in 2013 was Maksoy 3N and 4N and no seed company  in Uganda  has said they lack foundation seed”, Obua said.

He added that Busoga and South Western Hills of Mbale  that used not to grow soybean were now engaged in soybean growing.

Soybean – a “Miracle crop”.

Soybean has been defined as a “Miracle crop” of many uses by American Soybean Association.

Others call it the golden crop – the gold that develop from the soil and the crop of the future.

Soybean produces more usable protein per hectare than any other crop and costs less in relative terms.

In Uganda soybean is used as human food, cooking oil, livestock feed and income earner. It also improves soil properties.

According to the American Soybean Association, whole soybean has 22 products; soybean oil has 53 products while soybean meat or flour has 48 products. The products are used as human food, for technical, industrial and animal feeds.

“If Ugandans or policy makers knew, they would adopt soybean as a crop to get us from real poverty.  Because from these soybean, you can get soy milk, soy yoghurt and ice cream and that already tells you that this is really an extra ordinary crop.

After we have extracted oil we also get the most priced cake among all protein cakes in the crops processed all over the world. This is an internationally traded commodity you can never have”, Prof.  Tukamuhabwa said.

Tukamuhabwa noted that here in Uganda soybean production can contribute to food security and industry growth.

“When you grow soybean and blend it with maize you will develop the animal industry, and by so doing you also have food, the animals are well-fed then you improve food security. So the sure way is to develop the soybean sub sector and you blend it with other crops”. He said

He observed that Brazil and Argentina’s economies are dependent on soybean because they have purposely selected soybean to advance their economies. He added that soybean has properties that can develop any economy even better than coffee.

“In Uganda soybean grows very well so it is up to our choice and you will not get another crop that can outcompete soybean in the type of products that you can get.

It is a crop with self sustaining properties because it will improve soils, improve agribusiness, increase food security at house level and improve all factories that have mushroomed.

When factories come up people get work and there is total benefit by everybody when you invest in soybean”. Prof. Tukamuhabwa stated.

He challenged citizens to reflect on how they choose commodities to invest in saying, there is enough evidence that those who have invested in soybean, its incomparable.

“So it is up to our people and our countries to make choice but soybean is a crop for the future that we must invest in. It is a challenge to us as a country”. The Makerere Don advised.

Report compiled by:
Jane Anyango
Communication Officer, CAES

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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