Makerere University’s Senior nutritionist Prof. Archileo Kaaya has been selected for the African Union (AU) Award 2018 as an Agent of change for Aflatoxin Control in Africa by the Third Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Prof. Kaaya will be recognized during the Third PACA Partnership Platform Meeting to be held from 2nd to 4th October 2018, in Dakar, Senegal.
A letter from PACA Secretariat written to Prof. Achileo Kaaya reads in part:
“We are very pleased to inform you that you have been selected as the recipient of the African Union recognition of agents of change for aflatoxin control Africa in the category of Research and Technology.
You will be receiving your certificate of recognition from the Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AU at the Third PACA Partnership Platform Meeting, 2 to 4 October 2018, in Dakar, Senegal.
The response to the call for nomination of candidates was remarkable with dozens of candidates from across Africa nominated under five categories. Congratulations!”
Archileo Kaaya is a Professor and the Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, under the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio engineering in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
He holds a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture), Makerere University, 1988; a Master of Science from the University of Florida, USA, 1995 and a PhD, Makerere University/Virginia Tech, USA, 2005.
His area of specialty is Mycotoxin Management in foods and feeds and Post harvest handling of fresh produce.
Kaaya has been working for Makerere University as a Professor, Lecturer and Researcher in the field of Food Science and Nutrition for 27 years. He has over 35 Research items, 5,360 Reads and 368 Citations. He has done a lot of research on aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are harmful substances produced by fungi in food.
In a bid to save lives that would be lost to liver cancer and a host of many diseases as well as disorders caused by aflatoxins, the AU Commission enacted a continental scorecard to help monitor the progress made by different countries in controlling aflatoxins.
This move was announced by Dr. Amare Ayalew, the Program Manager of the AU’s Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) at the Second Partners Platform Meeting (PPM) organized by PACA in Entebbe Uganda in October 2016.
The plan for monitoring and evaluation of aflatoxin control followed a June 2016outbreak in Tanzania that claimed the lives of some citizens.
Outbreaks come as a surprise for many due to lack of information. The patients have symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, ascites and jaundice, which are similar to those associated with acute aflatoxin poisoning.
Prof. Kaaya has conducted research and authored/co-authored a number of articles including:
Summary of Gender Report for Peanut CRSP VT 54: Gender issues in Aflatoxin Incidence and Control in Peanut Production in Uganda
The effect of delayed harvest on moisture content, insect damage, moulds and aflatoxin contamination of maize in Mayuge district of Uganda
Peanut Aflatoxin Levels on Farms and in Markets of Uganda
Fungal Microflora Causing Maize Ear Rots in Uganda and Associated Aflatoxins
The effect of storage time and agroecological zone on mould incidence and aflatoxin contamination of maize from traders in Uganda
Factors Affecting Aflatoxin Contamination of Harvested Maize in the Three Agroecological Zones of Uganda
Incidence and Severity of Maize Ear Rots and Factors Responsible for Their Occurrence in Uganda
Factors associated with fumonisin contamination of maize in Uganda
Effect of solar drying on the quality and acceptability of jackfruit leather
Mould and Aflatoxin Contamination of Dried Cassava Chips in Eastern Uganda: Association with Traditional Processing and Storage Practices
Drying Maize Using Biomass-Heated Natural Convection Dryer Improves Grain Quality During Storage
Fatty acid composition of seed oils from selected wild plants of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and surroundings, Democratic Republic of Congo
Oil content and physicochemical characteristics of some wild oilseed plants from Kivu region Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Diversity of Gibberella fujikuroi Species Complex Isolated from Maize Produced in Uganda
Realization of the right to adequate food and the nutritional status of land evictees: A case for mothers/caregivers and their children in rural Central Uganda
Predictors of Stunting in Children Aged 6 to 59 Months: A Case–Control Study in Southwest Uganda
Nutrition, hygiene, and stimulation education to improve growth, cognitive, language, and motor development among infants in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Risk factors for stunted growth among children aged 6–59 months in rural Uganda
The Spirit Project: Strengthening the Capacities for Fostering Innovation Along Potato Value Chains in East Africa
A Review of Production, Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing of Sweetpotatoes in Kenya and Uganda
Contribution of forest foods to dietary intake and their association with household food insecurity: A cross-sectional study in women from rural Cameroon
Shift in performance of food safety management systems in supply chains: Case of green bean chain in Kenya versus hot pepper chain in Uganda
Mid-infrared spectroscopy for discrimination and classification of Aspergillus spp. contamination in peanuts
Assessing the Status of Food Safety Management Systems for Fresh Produce Production in East Africa: Evidence from Certified Green Bean Farms in Kenya and Noncertified Hot Pepper Farms in Uganda
Characterization of Invasion of Genus Aspergillus on Peanut Seeds Using FTIR-PAS
Nutrients and bioactive compounds content of Baillonella toxisperma, Trichoscypha abut and Pentaclethra macrophylla from Cameroon
Composition of Fatty Acids and Tocopherols Content in Oilseeds of Six Wild Selected Plants from Kahuzi-Biega National Park/DR. Congo
Fatty Acids and Tocopherols Content in Fractionated Oils from Five Wild Oilseed Plants Native to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Kivu-DR Congo
Farmers, peanuts, and aflatoxins in Uganda: A gendered approach
Dynamics of Fusarium and fumonisins in maize during storage – A case of the traditional storage structures commonly used in Uganda
Potential for Fumonisin Production by the Strains of Gibberella fujikuroi Species Complex Isolated from Maize Produced in Uganda
Diversity of Gibberella fujikuroi Species Complex Isolated from Maize Produced in Uganda
Effect of Solarization on Mould Incidence, Moisture Content and Germination Percentage of Maize From Farmers and Traders in Mayuge District of Uganda
Prof. Kaaya is the third CAES Professor to receive an outstanding award this year. Prof. Noble Banadda recently won the Pius XI Gold Medal Gold medal 2018 while Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa won the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafesty Consortium (UBBC) Research Award 2018.
The CAES community celebrates as congratulatory messages continue to flow in.
“Congratulations Prof. Kaaya for this recognition. Thanks for flying Makerere's banner high. As CAES we continue counting God's blessings.” CAES Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha posted.
“Congratulations Prof. Kaaya. You are one of the few scientists who have consistently pursued your field of research and avoided pastoralism brought about by the winds of change in sources of global funding.
This is something that can be emulated by the young scientists especially energised by this continental achievement”, Dr. Fred Kabi wrote.
“Prof. Kaaya, Congratulations for such a great achievement. Your success is our passion. You have made us proud and may the Lord grant you more,” said Dr. Stephen Lwasa
Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer, CAES
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing.
She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
The meeting in session.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.