General
CAES Internship Experience Sparks Advocacy for Recess Terms in All Colleges
Ø University Assistant Bursar advocates for recess terms in all Colleges
Ø Students advised to love Agriculture as their profession.
About 245 Undergraduate students from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) undertaking Bachelor of Science programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Science and Technology, Agricultural Engineering and the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovations underwent a 10week competence-based training to equip them with hands on skills ranging from production, management, value addition and entrepreneurship.
The students were dispatched for recess term activities hosted by the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) on 19th May 2018 until 27th July 2018.
At a field day held on 27th July 2018 to mark the end of recess term activities, students demonstrated different technologies in Horticulture including sterilization of soil for nursery gardens, principles of propagation (budding, grafting layering) and different ways of raising seedlings.
The function was graced by the College Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Gorrettie Nabanoga and was attended by Makerere University staff, farmers, surrounding community members, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) officials, students from Gayaza High School, and officials from Agro-max among others.
In her remarks the Deputy Principal challenged the private sector to partner with CAES students to help them incubate their innovations. She stressed that agricultural students are being taught in a way that enables them start up something but most of the time the ideas learnt, die off due to the lack of a helping hand to advance them.
“Our students have the capacity to offer the best extension services within the communities where they come from, but we feel bad that some of their knowledge cannot trickledown to the communities due to lack of funds to enhance extension,“she said.
Dr. Stephen Lwasa one of the instructors during the recess term said the field day gives students a chance to gain practical skills such that when they are done with school, they can replicate what they have learnt.
“They have been here for the last ten weeks and they are able to show us what they have learnt in terms of agriculture, livestock, poultry, soils, agricultural economics and others, on top of acquiring different skills which they will use after school,“he said.
Dr. Lwasa revealed that some students had written proposals for funding to advance what they have learnt but funding remains one of the biggest challenges which debilitate efforts to realise their goals.
He stressed that since most of the youths in Uganda are not employed, getting practical skills can help in the transformation of agriculture where they can employ themselves other than being job seekers.
“This is a very good way of giving youth practical skills on top of helping the farmers who would need these skills in the transformation of agricultural processes,“ he said.
He asked the Government to consider extending loans to students to act as revolving funds to help them put into practice what they have learnt.
Speaking at the same function, the Assistant Bursar Mr. Acon Michael attested to the fact that recess terms should be conducted by all colleges within the University. He however observed a need to have a central point for coordination within the University Administration.
Mr. Achon said that Makerere as an academic institution is the source of many ideas which later spill into the other communities. He applauded the College for the commendable job done in recess term and challenged them to uphold the goals for which the recess term is intended.
“It is important that you have good attitude towards what you are doing, there is no easy task or difficult task but you have to work hard towards what you what to achieve.
This is very commendable even to the partners who have taken part; this is the first time the Finance Department is being invited for such an occasion, It gives us great honor to come and see what the resources we give can do,“ he said.
“For the students, I applaud you for the discipline you have shown and I think this is very important because without discipline you cannot succeed but you can easily fail, “he added.
He also applauded the students for the patience exhibited saying there has been a lot of crises, but with patience, it has always been managed amicably. He advised the College to keep up the spirit of inviting external stakeholders to come and take part in the recess term, saying collaboration is important and can make other academic institutions learn from Makerere and replicate these ideas in their own campuses.
Mr. Acon appreciated MAAIF for recognising the recess term, observing a need to increase resource allocation to the Agriculture sector, with special emphasis on implementation of whatever is demonstrated.
Prof. Archileo Kaaya the Head, Department of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering said such field days, help students learn how to add value to various crops. He concurred with Mr. Acon on the need to make field days public where the communities can come over to interact with the students and receive knowledge on extension.
The MAAIF Official in charge of Agricultural extension Mr. Stephen Mugume observed that guns and armories cannot solve the problem of agriculture but youth once groomed well can cause a big change in the sector.
“Every ministry, every high ranking officer is engaged with the task of making the youth of Uganda get skills because where Ugandans have comparative advantage is only within Agriculture.
Therefore every agricultural policy formulation from National Agricultural Extension to the National Agricultural Strategy has got guidelines to help agricultural extension work, “he said.
He revealed that the Ministry is currently implementing a prelist agricultural extension program implying that anybody with a skill attained either by formal or non-formal means can have the opportunity to be recognized in agricultural production.
He reechoed that the ministry has also got a policy on the full value chain not ending at production but taking up to the value chain. He however expressed disappointment that Makerere which is a core trainer of agriculturalists does not have enough tractors and other Agricultural equipment to drive the sector.
He warned the students against indiscipline but advised them to focus on working and embracing the abundant opportunities such that they can earn while studying.
Miss Stella Kabatetsi a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture student said most of her peers had not got exposed to practical skills in Agriculture yet they are very key in transferring knowledge to others.
“This recess term has helped us a lot, we have gone to real gardens and done real work which will help us after school, “she said.
She also advised farmers to always consider the use of improved seeds to minimise losses in production as well as embracer other emerging agricultural technologies.
The recess terms was coordinated by Dr Narisi Mubangizi and Dr Opolot Emmanue. Dr. Opolot said the number of students who participated in this year’s recess term was more compared to last year.
“We brought 3rd and 4th year students to take them out of classroom setting to give them practical skills.
“We covered units in crop and soil science, apiculture, food science and technology, horticulture, rural innovation and extensions, records and accounts, economics of all the enterprises on top of agriculture engineering among others,“he said.
In the Food Science stall, students explained and demonstrated the need to add value to agricultural produce, value added products and their health benefits, and how to make different products on both industrial and local scales.
One student group exhibited how to make urea blocks and molasses for dairy farming while others focused on silage and hay making. Another group of students focused on the plant clinic to give farmers guidance on how to diagnose plant diseases and pests, lack of nutrients, bacterial infections among others.
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has been training students as plant doctors since 2013 in collaboration with the Plant wise Program of the Centre for Agriculture and Bio Sciences International (CABI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Article by Communication Office, CAES
By Scholars Program Communication Team
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
By Mak Communication Team
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.
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