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Makerere iGEM 2018 – Uganda’s First iGEM Team Turns Waste Plastic into Fuel

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“iGEM” stands for the international Genetically Engineered Machine. This annual, globe-spanning synthetic biology competition invites teams of university and high school level scientists to spend their summers designing, undertaking, and honing their synthetic biology research projects.

For many, iGEM is their first foray into the world of synthetic biology, providing expert training and kicking off their careers as young scientists. Each year the competition culminates in the four-day Giant Jamboree, a huge scientific celebration that sees more than 3,000 young synthetic biologists converge on Boston, Massachusetts. Here, teams present posters, scientific lectures and live demonstrations of their work, as they all vie to achieve medals for their efforts and win the coveted iGEM trophy.

This year, Twist Bioscience is sponsoring the iGEM team representing Makerere University in Uganda, who are undertaking an ambitious project based around the biodegradation of plastic. We recently had the opportunity to speak to the team in more detail about their project, and their experiences so far at iGEM.

iGEM Makerere 2018 is a team of 15 students from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, led by their instructor, Otim Geoffrey, a Medical Laboratory Technologist at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and a Masters fellow at Makerere University. Otim Geoffrey has been involved with synthetic biology since attending SB7.0 in Singapore as a Biosecurity Fellow in 2017. There, he met with many thought leaders in the field, including Kim de Mora, the former Director of Development at iGEM headquarters.

Read full article on the Twist Bioscience Blog

 

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2026/2027 held on Saturday 18th April, 2026.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.

Candidate who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:

Mak Editor

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Makerere University-ND Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and the ND 18th President, Rev. Robert A. Dowd shake hands after signing the MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.

Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.

Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.

The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.

Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.

Mak Editor

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