General
MARCCI Procures Equipment Worth One Billion
Makerere University’s World Bank funded Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) on Friday June 29th 2018 procured the recent first class agricultural equipment to help students in the tilling of land for crop improvement.
The equipment procured at a cost of about sh1b was received by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK) Kabanyolo.
Prof. Nawangwe while receiving the equipment stressed the need for the institute to embrace commercial production of crops which can help in the feeding of the University students, staff and other members of the general public.
He challenged the Agricultural College (CAES) to utilize the equipment to till the large chunk of land at Kabanyolo such that they can transit into commercial production.
“This can help us to utilize the proceeds not only to sustain our staffs but even to sustain the equipment such that agricultural expansion at the university can be enhanced, “he said.
Prof. Nawangwe also challenged the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) to take advantage of the partnerships the University has with Israel to have large plantations not only at Kabanyolo but also other places to grow crops such as Ovacado which has proved to have a huge market on the international scene.
He said the University has instituted a committee to begin investigations and recovery of all the land that belonged to the university.
He said the University is working with local governments to ensure that all the land that belongs to Makerere is free from encroachment so that the university can invest on it.
Prof. Nawangwe also applauded the college towards the equipment saying MaRCCI being a regional project, the first class equipment will enhance agricultural development in the entire region.
“I am impressed with what I have seen at our institute and I am sure that since they are the latest equipment they will greatly improve agricultural studies at the university and agriculture as a whole.
Dr. Richard Edema, the Director of the Regional Centre explained that the equipment worth sh1b include a tractor, a plough, a hauler, a planter ,an automatic fertilizer and insect side application machine and will greatly make mechanization and planting easier for the students.
“With this first class equipment, we shall help students open a lot of experimental land for cowpea, sorghum among other crops", he said.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Makerere University won a $6 million USD World Bank Grant for the establishment of the Regional Centre of Excellence in Crop Improvement within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The Centre according to Dr. Edema is an expansion of current activities of the university Regional Graduate Programs in Plant Breeding with the main objective of strengthening the PhD program in Plant Breeding in Biotechnology, the MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems, applied research in various crops, and outreach activities to improve Ugandan agriculture through enhancing the skills of public and private personnel supporting crop breeding and production activities.
He said the grant provides for additional scientific and support staff and enhancement of facilities and equipment with the goal of modernizing and expanding the teaching, research, and service activities of MaRCCI in a sustainable manner.
He re-echoed that the Institute used to do a lot of small level field trials but with the equipment a lot more acreage of land will be tilled to enhance field trials.
“There are some nice varieties that we want to expand the trials and we hope this will help us a lot to increase the acreage on top of producing good varieties which can be distributed to farmer’s multiplication.
He observed that sorghum and cowpeas are crops grown on low level for food, but they want to upgrade them to become raw materials for industries through increasing their yields to enhance industrial sustainability.
“We are trying to increase the yields of these two crops such that they can liberate the country in terms of industrial raw materials to help farmers increase their income at the same time fight against food insecurity", he said.
The Principal of CAES Prof Bernard Bashaasha said the Institute has been having a problem of farm power equipment but with the new equipment, more land will be opened and be utilized beyond students.
He said the College is planning to involve everybody to promote the growing of avocados for commercial production.
He said the MaRCCI means a lot to the College and the entire university. MaRCCI is helping the College to achieve the objectives of training, research and outreach.
“It is enabling us to train for the region and for Africa as reflected in the number of international students who are part of the project equivalent to 40 students", he said.
Towards research, Prof. Bashaasha stressed that the project is building the research value chain because it has produce state-of-the-art lab equipment to train both Uganda’s scientists and those in the region to breed new seeds developing them and trial testing them in the field and with farmers.
He said MaRCCI has done a lot on outreach where some students are carrying out farm trials where as some farmers come to the College for training on top of capacity building of the staff.
He said the Institute has about 600hectates of land at Kabanyolo which has not been maximally utilised. The Institutehas one tractor which has been overused and always breaking down.
“What we need now are the brand new long life tractors which we can use beyond students and staff experiments to open up more land for commercial production", he said.
Dr. Dramadri Isaac Ojega, a crop breeder in cow pea said the project is helping him to improve cow pea for diseases, pests, drought and high yield.
“We are currently having cowpea varieties and we are evaluating a collection of cow pea line both locally in Uganda and also from the international collaborators in the University of California. The best line in the field that will be evaluated for three years will be recommended to farmers", he said.
He said that the cowpea being a legume has a low production of less than 200,000 tones per a year which is quite very low.
“In most of the Northern, North East and some parts of Karamoja which are prone to drought and flooding, they really need this crop because it survives very well in such areas", he remarked.
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
The 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference at Makerere University closed on Friday 31st October 2025 after three rich days of debate, learning, and inspiration. Delegates were kept engaged by keynote addresses, roundtable discussions, and various parallel sessions as well as poster presentations that brought forth ideas from ongoing research and innovations. The atmosphere at the closing session was warm but purposeful, as speakers reflected on achievements and affirmed a shared duty to shape Africa’s research future in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with conviction and unity.
The Secretary-General ARUA, Prof. John Owusu Gyapong, thanked delegates for their dedication and vibrant engagement throughout the three days, noting that the rich exchanges and collaborative spirit demonstrated ARUA’s growing strength and shared purpose. He expressed deep appreciation to keynote speakers, panelists, and partners for elevating the dialogue on Africa’s research and innovation future, and extended special recognition to the organising committees and Secretariat for their tireless work behind the scenes. He also encouraged members to continue building on the momentum and translating ideas into action across the continent.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University the host, expressed deep appreciation to the delegates for their active participation and commitment throughout the three days, noting that their engagement reflected the strength and promise of Africa’s research community. He commended the Secretariat and the organising committee for delivering a seamless and impactful event, especially during a period of leadership transition, and congratulated them for upholding the high standards of ARUA. Reflecting on the future of artificial intelligence on the continent, he reaffirmed that Africa cannot afford to trail behind in the next technological era, emphasizing that the conversations and innovations shared at the conference are clear proof that the continent has the talent, vision and will to lead.
Prof. Sizwe Mabizela Chairperson ARUA Board and the Vice Chancellor, Rhodes University expressed deep gratitude to Makerere University, Uganda, and all contributors, from planners to ushers and cultural performers. He highlighted the conference’s central insight: AI must empower and advance human creativity rather than replace it. He urged Africa to take full charge of its destiny through research, innovation, and unity, reminding participants that history will judge this generation by the solutions it builds. He officially closed the conference with wishes for safe travel and a call for peace.
The final roundtable discussion brought together senior university leaders to chart how African institutions can translate bold AI ideas into grounded action. Moderating the session, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo the Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, framed the conversation around three guiding themes: responsible integration of AI in research and teaching, building sustainable funding and governance systems, and positioning ARUA universities at the center of Africa’s AI future.
Dr. Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University emphasized that universities must begin by defining the real problems AI should solve for African societies, and embed those questions into institutional missions, engaged research, and capacity building.
Prof. Sarah Ssali cautioned that technology is never neutral and reminded participants that AI must reflect human dignity, agency, and African knowledge traditions, not simply mirror Western systems or deepen global and gender divides. She called for intentional policies, cultural awareness, and protections for indigenous and marginalized communities whose knowledge and identities are often overlooked.
Drawing from industry-facing experience, Prof. David Asamoah, Vice-Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana stressed that universities must move beyond isolated pilots and adopt ecosystem thinking, interoperability, national frameworks, phased implementation, and strong links with industry to scale AI meaningfully.
Speaking virtually, Prof. Francis Peterson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, encouraged institutions to develop and share higher-education AI frameworks, case studies, and collaborative models, and to build stronger partnerships outside academia to turn research into practice.
Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan, Nigeria emphasized the legal and ethical backbone needed to support all these ambitions, outlining governance structures, transparency, intellectual property safeguards, and accountability systems that protect academic integrity without choking innovation.
The last day of the conference also featured two forward-looking keynote addresses that grounded the conversation in real-world application and evidence. Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of minoHealth AI Labs, demonstrated how Africa can lead in health innovation by designing and deploying AI tools developed on the continent, for the continent. Samantha Carter, Senior AI Policy Manager at J-Pal, followed with a data-driven case for using AI to tackle inequality and poverty.
In closing, Prof. Gyapong announced that the next ARUA Biennial Conference will be hosted by Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, from 27th to 29th October 2027. Delegates were encouraged to mark their calendars and begin preparing for meaningful engagements on how AI can be harnessed to better shape Africa’s future.
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