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
The grounds of Makerere University came alive with energy and ambition as students, graduates, and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Makerere Careers Fair, an engagement that continues to cement the University’s role as a bridge between academic training and the realities of the modern workplace.
Held in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as part of the wider NSSF Career Expo, and the US-Mission Uganda, the three-day event created a vibrant space where conversations about careers moved beyond theory into lived, practical experience. The Yusuf Lule, Central Teaching Facility, Auditorium, the Freedom Square and exhibition spaces transformed into arenas of exchange, where students interacted directly with employers, asked difficult questions about their futures, and began to map out their professional journeys with greater clarity.
At the heart of this year’s engagement on day one, 11th March, 2026, was a theme that resonated deeply with a generation stepping into uncertainty: “Man or Machine: Exploring AI’s Impact on Careers.” Across panel discussions and keynote sessions, speakers challenged students to confront the realities of a rapidly shifting job market. The message was consistent: technology is not simply displacing jobs; it is reshaping them, demanding a workforce that is adaptable, digitally fluent, and grounded in distinctly human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Day Two, 12th March, 2026, led by the United States Mission to Uganda, shifted the focus to global opportunities, equipping students with practical guidance on U.S. university applications, scholarships, and visa processes, as well as fully funded fellowships they can apply for. Through direct engagement with credible experts, students gained clarity on navigating international academic pathways and positioning themselves competitively beyond national borders, expanding the Careers Fair’s scope from local employability to global mobility.
The final day, 13th March 2026, under the theme “Connecting potential to purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact,” brought together Makerere University and key partners, including Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Uganda, TotalEnergies Uganda, the Uganda Police, Pslams Food Industries, among others, to emphasise collaboration as the cornerstone of career readiness. The conversations underscored a shared commitment to aligning education with industry needs, demonstrating that sustainable career pathways are built through strong partnerships that connect talent to opportunity in a rapidly evolving world.
What stood out most was not just the content of these conversations, but the way students engaged with them. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and urgency, as young people sought to understand where they fit in a future increasingly defined by automation and innovation. For many, the Careers Fair became more than an event; it was a bridge to internship and graduate trainee opportunities, and to careers whose balls were set rolling. It was a moment of reckoning and possibility.
This transformation was made possible through a strong network of partners whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping career pathways. NSSF Uganda anchored the engagement with insights into financial planning and long-term security, reframing how young professionals think about work beyond immediate income. Stanbic Bank Uganda brought industry perspective, offering students a clearer understanding of the competencies required to thrive in the financial sector. The United States Mission to Uganda contributed to broadening horizons through knowledge exchange and exposure to global opportunities, while TotalEnergies Uganda highlighted the evolving energy sector landscape and the role of innovation in driving sustainability, among other players.
Together, these partners did more than exhibit; they participated in shaping a narrative about the future of work that is inclusive, dynamic, and grounded in real-world demands.
For Makerere University, the Careers Fair represents more than an annual engagement; it is a reflection of its enduring commitment to preparing students for life beyond the lecture room. By convening diverse actors from academia, industry, and development spaces, the University continues to position itself as a national hub for talent development and thought leadership. It is within these spaces that education becomes truly transformative, where knowledge meets opportunity, and where ambition is matched with access.
Advancing Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
The Careers Fair also speaks directly to Makerere University’s Advancement agenda, which is increasingly focused on building purposeful, long-term partnerships that extend the University’s impact beyond its campus.
Through such engagements, Makerere is intentionally cultivating relationships that create shared value. The presence of industry leaders and development partners is not incidental; it is part of a deliberate strategy to align academic training with market realities while opening up pathways for mentorship, internships, and employment. These collaborations are gradually shaping an ecosystem in which students are not only educated but also actively supported in their transition into the workforce.
What emerges is a model of engagement that moves beyond transactional interactions to something far more meaningful. Partners are not just sponsors or participants; they are co-creators in preparing the next generation of professionals. In turn, Makerere strengthens its position as a trusted partner, one capable of convening, connecting, and contributing to national and global development priorities.
As conversations from the Careers Fair continue to echo across campus, one thing remains clear: the future of work will belong to those prepared to evolve with it. Makerere University, through platforms such as this, is ensuring that its students are not merely observers of change but active participants in shaping it.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Makerere University and Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation Sign MOU to Advance Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development
Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between academia, policy actors, and the private sector.
The agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at promoting research, policy dialogue, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and knowledge exchange to support Uganda’s economic transformation and the growth of its private sector.
The MoU, which will run for an initial five-year term, brings together Makerere University’s academic and research expertise with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation’s commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, one of Uganda’s most influential economic reformers and a proud alumnus of the University.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Private Sector Development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, SC, Chairman of the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, described the occasion as an important milestone that establishes a purposeful partnership between two institutions committed to knowledge, national development, and the advancement of Uganda’s private sector.
“This is an important occasion because it formalises a partnership between two institutions with a shared commitment to knowledge, to national development, and to the advancement of Uganda’s private sector,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi emphasised that Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on the strength and competitiveness of its private sector and the country’s ability to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound policy.
According to him, the Centre will provide a practical platform through which research can inform policy, young people can be trained and inspired, partnerships can be built, and innovation can be supported to help enterprise flourish.
“These are not separate concerns,” he said. “They are all part of the same national task: building an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunity, and improves the lives of our people.”
Makerere’s Role in Hosting the Centre
Makerere University will host the Centre of Excellence and support its work through its research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and network of scholars and experts. The University leadership noted that the partnership aligns closely with Makerere’s mission as one of Africa’s leading research universities and its commitment to knowledge-driven development.
In her remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted, “Makerere University is fully committed to hosting, resourcing, and championing the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence, and we look forward to working closely with the Foundation to attract additional partnerships that will strengthen its impact.”
The collaboration will bring together academic excellence and practical engagement with the private sector, positioning the Centre as a national resource for policy research, entrepreneurship development, and dialogue on economic transformation.
She also reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to working closely with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation to attract additional partnerships and funding to strengthen the Centre and expand its impact.
Honouring the Legacy of Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile
Beyond its institutional significance, the establishment of the Centre represents a tribute to the enduring legacy of Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who served for many years as Governor of the Bank of Uganda and played a central role in shaping Uganda’s economic policy and institutional development.
Governor Mutebile was widely recognised for his intellectual rigour, commitment to sound economic policy, and dedication to building strong institutions that could support sustainable growth and stability.
Through the Centre of Excellence bearing his name, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation seek not only to commemorate his contributions but also to continue advancing the values he championed, including policy discipline, intellectual seriousness, and a commitment to national development.
As Rt. Hon. Mbabazi noted that legacy should be understood not merely as remembrance but as meaningful work that benefits future generations. “It is about creating a platform through which research can inform policy, through which young people can be trained and inspired, and through which innovation can be supported,” he said.
A Platform for Ideas, Innovation, and National Development
The Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development is expected to serve as a hub for research, capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector and expanding economic opportunity.
By bringing together academia, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators, the Centre will help foster practical solutions to the challenges facing enterprise development while nurturing the next generation of Ugandan entrepreneurs and economic leaders.
Through this partnership, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have taken an important step toward ensuring that Governor Mutebile’s legacy continues to inspire ideas, institutions, and opportunities that contribute to Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Career Expo 2026 Concludes as Students Gain Industry Insights, Career Guidance, and Networking Opportunities
The Makerere University Careers Expo 2026 has successfully concluded, offering a wealth of opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Held from March 11–13, 2026, the three-day event climaxed under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.” It provided a dynamic platform for career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, networking, innovation, and insights into evolving workplace dynamics.
Associate Professor Anthony Gidudu, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants for their support.
“Thank you, Makerere University, for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the event’s success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented at the expo. “Make the most of it,” he urged.
The expo attracted prominent partners, including the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force, who offered valuable career insights and opportunities. Gidudu also welcomed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar of Makerere University, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys.
On behalf of the University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the significance of the Career Expo 2026.
“This event gives us a chance to support our students in transitioning from the academic world to the world of work,” he noted.
He commended the theme for underscoring the importance of aligning students’ abilities with purpose and societal contribution. Prof. Mukadasi also expressed appreciation to key partners, including the MasterCard Foundation, NSSF, and the Parliament of Uganda, as well as collaborators such as the Makerere University Advancement Office, Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, DFCU Bank, Uganda Baati, and ABSA.
Reflecting on the role of technology, he noted that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency but does not replace human potential. He urged students to embrace lifelong learning, referencing the well-known assertion that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In his keynote address, Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources at the Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized the importance of aligning potential with purpose.
“Potential is what you have, while purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said.
Rugambwa encouraged students to develop transferable skills, seek mentorship, and uphold integrity. He highlighted agility and digital literacy as essential competencies in today’s job market.
“It doesn’t matter what course you are pursuing, you must be digitally literate,” he emphasized.
He also urged students to view their peers as future collaborators, drawing inspiration from global success stories built on partnerships.
The closing session featured a panel discussion with representatives from various organizations who deliberated on key issues across multiple sectors.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. He noted the availability of internship opportunities, skills training, and the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young people with practical business skills. He encouraged students to build financial discipline and relationships early.
On inclusion, Gorretti Byomire, Director of the Disability Research and Learning Centre at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities. She called for stronger commitments from both government and the private sector, including the adoption of employment quotas and incentives. She also underscored the importance of building confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities.
Addressing technology adoption, Fred Percy Kisa, Senior Manager Transformation at NSSF Uganda, urged students to embrace artificial intelligence as a complementary tool.
“It is not machine versus human; it is human plus machine versus human,” he noted, encouraging a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
He highlighted the growing global AI economy and called on Africa to strengthen its contribution to research and innovation.
On employment dynamics, Evelyn Kisakye, Placement Officer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today’s job market. She highlighted initiatives such as the Work Readiness Project, which connects graduates to opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism while equipping them with essential soft skills.
Commissioner of Police Anatoli Muleterwa, Head of Community Policing Department, outlined career opportunities within the Uganda Police Force. He noted that the institution accommodates a wide range of professional qualifications and highlighted four entry pathways, from constable to officer level. He encouraged students to prepare for and consider careers in national service.
The Career Expo 2026 concluded with a strong call to action, urging students to harness their potential, embrace innovation, and pursue purpose-driven careers. Participants, predominantly students, left with renewed clarity and direction, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s development.
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