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CAES and ACCELERATE Collaboration to Initiate PPPs That Boost Youth and Student Agribusiness Innovations

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Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) together with partners under the ACCELERATE Initiative have held a one day workshop and round-table conversation on Youth, Education and Innovation in development of sustainable Agribusiness.

The workshop was opened by the Deputy Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in charge of Administration Dr. David Owiny at the Makerere University Senate building on Friday, 17th August 2018.

ACCELERATE is a multi-stakeholder partnership for innovation, co-creation and enabling youth to build sustainable agribusiness informed by evidence-based research and with a global presence.

Dr. David Owiny makes his remarks during the opening session

The aim of the workshop was to initiate Public-Private Partnerships for blended learning, which should identify the causes, consequences and expected responses for improving the capacity and competitiveness of the youth in agri-food value chains and solving the challenges of unemployment in Uganda with a global perspective.

The workshop was attended by members from Makerere University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, the Agripreneurship Alliance (Switzerland), Gulu university, RUFORUM, Rural Community in Development (RUCID), The Open Impact Institute, representatives from the private sector, development agencies, youth agripreneurship programs among others.

The Principal CAES, represented by Dr. John James Okiror welcomed participants to Makerere and Uganda saying, the university prides in such collaborative efforts in solving modern challenges.

Dr. John James Okiror (3rd L) moderates the session as a participant contributes to the discussion

In a special way, the Principal recognized the policy makers present adding that their presence signified their interest in the in Makerere’s activities and finding solutions to issues affecting the youth.

Makerere University program coordinator Dr. Fred Kabi said, the theme of the workshop was   Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the Future of Ugandans with Emphasis on Marketing.

“The major aim of this platform is to ask a very hard question. How can we as a university get involved in solving the current challenge of unemployment in Uganda?

And we feel innovation and entrepreneurship can be one of the solutions and therefore this platform is seeking for a paradigm shift in training so that we are able to produce graduates who are innovative and entrepreneurial.

Dr. Fred Kabi underscored the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in moulding well-rounded graduates

But we realize that innovations and entrepreneurship is a market. All innovations produced at the university need to be harnessed hence the need for government actors to help in lobbying,” Dr. Kabi explained.

Dr. Kabi said that the organizers went around the country visiting farmers and markets with innovations and organizations involved in value addition technologies like roasting coffee and packaging.

“The major question put to Government was whether it can deliberately establish regional incubation centres to engage the youth so that they are able to produce products for the local and international markets” Kabi added.

Because of the international markets, Kabi said the platform sought partnership from the global North to help form trade links.

Some of the participants listen to the discussion on Youth involvement in agribusiness

“Students do not have to dig, they can see what others are doing; package it in an enticing manner to reach internal and external markets. We are trying to expose students and also invite inspirational speakers and this is crucial.

Overall, it is because of the high levels of unemployment that we thought we need a paradigm shift in training. But needed to feel the signals that is the market. We invited MUBS because they understand the aspect of international markets better,” the Don remarked.

Dr. Kabi disclosed that the CAES had come up with a mobility exchange program with Erasmus Mundus where Makerere University students on both undergraduate and masters programmes will benefit.

He said, because of the bi-national nature of this program there is need for a credit transfer system. The program will also involve staff exchanges between Makerere and the Swedish universities.

One of the panelists addresses participants

The Woman Member of Parliament Kitgum Municipality Hon. Beatrice Anywar gave a presentation on women and food security in Uganda and shared the experiences of women from Northern Uganda and the initiatives she was spearheading in her constituency to improve livelihoods.

Anywar observed that Uganda is a rich and blessed country but the population has not got the best out of it despite a number of Government initiatives such as the NAADS and OWEC.

She said there is need to focus on empowering women if the country is to move to commercialized agriculture on grounds that they are better agents of change.

“I am proud of women because of their ability to undertake multiple responsibilities to ensure there is food on the table… They are passionate to preserve the environment and they are less corrupt.” Anywar said.

Some of the organic products by Gudie Leisure Farm that were on display during the one-day workshop

The MP also noted that the potential of the youth who form the biggest percentage of Uganda’s population has not been fully tapped into. She also implored the University to classify Ugandan soils.

“If we could regionalize agriculture according to soil types so that the North has simsim, Buganda-matooke, Kabale-irish potatoes, this would avoid fragmented cultivation, establish regional silos and division of labour would come in,” Hon. Anywar said.

Prior to this workshop a section of participants and students visited RUCID in Mityana, Makerere University Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), the University Farm at Kabanyolo and the Consortium for enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development Limited (CURAD) centre.

Other sites visited after the workshop included organic farmers at Prunes Kololo and Gudies Leisure Farm in Najjera.

Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES

Mark Wamai

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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