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GREAT Conducts First Spinoff Courses for ICRISAT Social Scientists and Plant Breeders

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GREAT conducts the first spinoff courses for ICRISAT Social Scientists and Plant Breeders working on Tropical Legumes III to build their Capacities for Gender Responsive Research and Reporting

The Bill and  Melinda Gates  Foundation has  supported Makerere and Cornell Universities to conduct short courses for agricultural researchers in sub-Saharan Africa (2015-2020) and establish Makerere University as a centre of Excellence in Gender and  Agricultural Research Training under the projected titled, “Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT). This initiative is implemented collaboratively by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the School of Women and Gender Studies.

Over the years, there has been increasing demand for Makerere University’s GREAT short courses in Sub Saharan Africa and beyond.  In 2017/2018, the university was contacted by seven organisations/projects to offer tailored courses. This is evidence that the GREAT course profile and visibility have increased.   These spinoff courses represent one of the key strategies for sustainability of the GREAT course. The organisations that request for them show willingness to pay for the GREAT course.

A team of the course instructors from Makerere University

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Makerere University and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in April 2018 for Makerere to train biophysical and social scientists working on the Tropical Legumes III project.

As a result, eighteen (18) participants (9 social scientists and 9 legume breeders) from sub-Saharan Africa working in NARs and Universities on various breeding programs under the Tropical Legumes III project on 26th November, 2018 converged at Forest Cottages, Bukoto in Kampala, Uganda for the GREAT capacity building course on Gender-responsive research and reporting offered at Makerere University.

The research teams from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mali, Ghana and Nigeria have collected household level data on project focus crops mainly groundnuts, cowpeas, common beans and chickpeas production areas.

Dr. Esther Njuguna speaks during the GREAT TLIII Course opening ceremony at Forest Cottages, Kampala Uganda

The six day GREAT-TL III course ending on 1st December 2018 was opened by the Senior Gender scientist for East and Southern Africa, ICRISAT, Dr. Esther Njuguna. Another ICRISAT staff in attendance is Dr. Edward Bikett.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Esther Njuguna said TLIII with its partners in the program have an intention of breeding improved legume varieties in seven countries in East, Western and Central Africa.“So today we have leaders of those breeding programs collectively coming together to discuss about gender integration. These are also teams looking at what gender means, having a gender product profile and how that is practically done in terms of data collection, interpretation of results and designing research questions that need intervention.

“We have requested GREAT if they can build capacity of our teams in this particular aspect because of their experience in training gender and social science teams. So we are spending time here in Kampala to discuss and agree on a way forward so that we can implement gender responsive activities in our project”, Dr. Njuguna said.

Some of the participants applaud as they listen to proceedings during the GREAT TLIII Course

Dr. Njuguna said, gender is important not as an end in itself, but as a means of delivering outcomes for women and men who are vulnerable in different typologies and communities.

She explained that failure to consider gender equals to failure to consider interests of half of the community and failure of having a way to deliver the program objectives.

“So when we are talking about gender-responsive product profile, we are asking ourselves questions like, “What are those traits that are important for women, men or a certain segment of consumers and why, and how programmers respond to those needs, so that we have adoption and impact to change lives in terms of nutrition and income generation”, Dr. Njuguna explained.

Instructors and Participants pose for a group photo after the opening session

In her key message to the participants, Dr. Njuguna stressed that gender issues are important in every sphere of life and that, in a scientific thematic area like plant breeding and seed systems deployment, it becomes challenging because these are traditional areas where many have made progress on how to do things best.

“But one reality is that the adoption levels have been very low and one of the hypotheses is that, we have been blind to the gender issues and needs of the different categories of our farmers and consumers.

“When we are talking  about gender, we are taking a deliberate action by looking at those needs, traits and preferences so  that we are more targeted for better efficiency in our programmes for impact in terms of nutrition and incomes”, Njuguna stated.

Assoc. Prof. Margaret Najjingo Mangheni gives an overview of the training

Makerere University’s Program Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Margaret Najjingo Mangheni said this training focuses on breeders and social scientists who are working with the Tropical Legume III program – a breeding program funded by Bill and Melinda gates Foundation.

“Here we have nine research teams that are being trained and the focus of the training is to build their capacities to conduct gender-responsive research so that the technologies they generate from their breeding are able to address the priorities and needs of men and women.

It also has a component of seed systems because what they breed has to eventually get out to the communities so that it is utilized by the farmers and other actors in the seed value chain,” the Makerere Don said.

Some of the participants listen to proceedings

She explained that, the teams will be taken through the concepts of gender, gender sensitive research, gender breeding priority setting, how to conduct qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed methods approach, analyze and interpret it so that it is able to feed in national breeding programs of these countries mentioned.

The course participant teams will present the status of their projects i.e., their research questions, progress and any gender-related questions for which they may need answers. Teams that have data will present the gender yield gap case studies which will be interrogated to draw implications for gender-responsive programming.

In her key message, Prof. Mangheni told participants that, the role of GREAT is to create inclusive agricultural systems that are able to address the needs and priorities of men and women. She implored participants to apply what they will have learnt saying, the core value of GREAT is to train for practice.

Zeinabou Ibrahim Drame (R) and other participants listen to proceedings during the training

“It is my call to participants that when they learn, they apply. We don’t want people to learn the skills and leave them in Kampala or here at Makerere… but rather when they get off the planes, they are able to transform the breeding programs and agricultural systems in their countries”, she said.

Background to the GREAT course

The Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) course is a Cornell University-Makerere University joint certificate program in applied gender training for agricultural research.

It offers skills in gender-responsiveness tailored to agricultural researchers to integrate gender in research along the design, implementation, evaluation, and communication pathway. The focus is on gender training linked to practice and change within institutions and national policies.

The overall objective of the course is to enhance the participants’ capacity to design, conduct, and communicate gender-responsive agricultural research.  For more information, please see www.greatagriculture.org

About the Tropical Legumes-III Project

The Tropical Legumes III project (TL-III) is a major international initiative that seeks to develop and deliver seed of improved cultivars of common bean, cowpea, chickpea and groundnut at scale to small-holders, while also fundamentally strengthening plant breeding programs to generate increased rates of genetic gains.  These plant breeding programs include three in the CGIAR (CIAT, IITA, and ICRISAT), 7 NARS in African countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda) and one in India in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

TL-III integrates the genomic resources developed in the Tropical Legumes-phase I (TLI) with the applied breeding and seed delivery initiatives of Tropical phase II (TL-II).  TL-III puts increased emphasis on improving the national breeding and seed delivery programs through a structured improvement process.  More information can be found here: http://tropicallegumes.icrisat.org/

Please follow @MakCAES on twitter and the hashtag #GREATTLIIICourse for updates on the training.

Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer,
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, CAES
Makerere University.

Mark Wamai

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Notice: Medical Review Exercise for Persons with Disability 2026/2027

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Makerere University Students in a discussion group.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the disability entry scheme for 2026/2027 Academic Year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Four Conference Hall.

NOTE: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level or its equivalent and at least five (5) passes at O’ Level or its equivalent will be interviewed.

 Only candidates who sat ‘A’ level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible for admission.

THE EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd May, 2026 respectively from 9.00 A.M – 1.00 P.M each day.

See details below:

IMPORTANT:

(i) If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you this year.

(ii) Applicants with other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Entry Scheme

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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Leading with Purpose: Guild President Ssentamu Churchill James Reflects on His Term

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H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

By Betty Kyakuwa and Carol Kasujja

In this exclusive quick chat, we spoke to the 91st Guild President, Ssentamu Churchill James, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences. He shares insights into his leadership journey, key achievements, challenges, and his vision for the student community.

What inspired you to run for Guild President?

My background and personal leadership journey played a big role. Growing up, I saw my father and uncle actively involved in politics, which shaped my interest in leadership.

I also held leadership roles in high school—serving as Sports Minister at O-Level and later as Head Prefect at St. Juliana High School, Gayaza, during my A-Level. These experiences built my confidence and passion for representing others.

Ssentamu Churchill James and Kadondi Gracious inaugurated as the 91st Guild President and Vice President, 21st March 2025, Main Hall, Main Administration Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi with the H.E. Ssentamu, H.E. Kadondi, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and family members of the Guild Leadership.

Seeing former Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba win also motivated me. We come from the same high school, and I succeeded him as Head Prefect. That gave me the belief that I, too, could lead at that level.

What was your vision when you assumed office, and how much of it did you achieve?

My vision was to amplify students’ voices and ensure their needs were prioritized. While it wasn’t easy due to bureaucracy, we made progress.

We improved students’ social welfare by engaging management, which led to greater flexibility in organizing events like the Bazaar and Freshers’ Ball. We also addressed the issue of missing marks. Previously, it could take semesters to resolve, but now, through the Office of the Academic Registrar, such issues can be handled much faster.

What is your biggest achievement?

One of the biggest milestones was allowing students to sit for examinations after paying at least 60% of tuition. This has reduced the number of students dropping out due to financial constraints.

Left to Right: MD and CEO NEC-Lt. Gen. James Mugira conducts a symbolic handover of keys to the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, Principal CEES and Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito and Deputy Dean of Students-Dr. Rodney Rugyema witness on 25th July 2025. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) hands over fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: MD and CEO NEC-Lt. Gen. James Mugira conducts a symbolic handover of keys to the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, Principal CEES and Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito and Deputy Dean of Students-Dr. Rodney Rugyema witness on 25th July 2025.

We also saw the lifting of the ban on social events, which has gradually revived campus life. Additionally, leadership roles such as ministers and Guild Representative Councillors (GRCs) have become more functional, with clearer responsibilities and greater impact.

What key lessons have you learned?

One key lesson is the importance of daring to take action. Things may seem impossible, but once you step out and try, you realize they are achievable.

I also learned that leadership begins with influence. For example, when class representatives raised concerns about not being paid, I had to engage and influence them to understand the situation while working toward solutions.

Leadership also requires teamwork. You cannot lead alone—you need a support system. When you delegate, trust people and avoid micromanaging.

H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and H.E. Kadondi Gracious welcome freshers in typical Makerere style. Makerere University officially kicks off 2025/2026 academic year with a Freshers’ Orientation at the Freedom Square on Monday 4th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and H.E. Kadondi Gracious welcome freshers in typical Makerere style.

Another lesson is the importance of effective communication with management. Building strong relationships increases your chances of influencing decisions.

On a personal level, I have learned discipline—keeping time, improving how I present myself, and becoming more mindful in how I engage with others.

What do you attribute your success to?

First and foremost, God, who gave me the wisdom and understanding to lead.

I also attribute it to the strong working relationships I built with University leadership, especially the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students. Without that collaboration, it would have been difficult to achieve much.

How did you balance academics and leadership?

It required intentional planning and prioritization. When meetings clashed with tests, I delegated to the Vice President or Prime Minister. This ensured continuity while giving them an opportunity to grow.

H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu alongside other Student Leaders hold the "Strides for Change" banner at Mary Stuart Hall. Makerere University in partnership with Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and UNFPA in Uganda hosted the "Strides for Change" Activism walk and official unveiling of the 2025 16 Days of Activism campaign on Monday 24th November, 2025.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu alongside other Student Leaders hold the “Strides for Change” banner at Mary Stuart Hall. Courtesy Photo.

However, I made it a point to attend critical engagements, such as Council meetings, because I was entrusted with representing students’ voices. I was also selective about external engagements to remain focused on my academics.

What challenges did you encounter?

Managing high expectations from students was a major challenge. Even small delays could attract criticism. For example, when students’ upkeep delayed by a week, some assumed I was not advocating for them.

I learned to remain calm and not react emotionally, instead using feedback as motivation to improve.

Another challenge was handling sensitive cases, such as advocating for students who had been suspended. Even when I did not agree with their actions, it was my duty to seek fair consideration on their behalf.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025.

Was there a difficult decision you had to make?

Yes. Just a month into office, I made the decision to relieve a minister of their duties because they did not align with the cabinet’s vision and values. Leadership requires making tough decisions to maintain unity and integrity.

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I feel I could have engaged more with the administration. At times, I was occupied with activities outside the University, which limited my interaction with management. With more engagement, I believe I could have achieved even more.

What will you miss most?

I will not necessarily miss the office itself. Leadership is about service, and it is now time for others to take on that responsibility as I move on to the next chapter of my life.

H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu enjoys a light moment with officials as he endorses the dummy of the policy. The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, has commended Makerere University for crafting a policy aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of the University community. 4th April 2025, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu enjoys a light moment with officials as he endorses the dummy of the policy.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a selfless leader who went the extra mile to serve others and always put students’ interests first—even when it required personal sacrifice.

For instance, during the Freshers’ Ball, we wanted to host a musician whose fee was UGX 4 million, yet we only had UGX 2 million. I personally covered the balance to make it happen for the students.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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From Curiosity to Clarity: Inside Makerere’s Transformative Career Fair 2026

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Paul Rumanda Rugambwa enjoys a photo opportunity with participants after his keynote address on Day 3 of the Careers Fair. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

At Makerere University, the future didn’t feel distant, it felt urgent, alive, and within reach.

For three days in March, the university’s grounds transformed into a vibrant meeting point of ambition and opportunity as students, graduates, and industry leaders converged for the 2026 Careers Fair. Lecture halls spilled into exhibition spaces, conversations replaced uncertainty, and for many students, career dreams began to take clearer shape.

A Question That Defined the Moment: Man or Machine?

The opening day set the tone with a bold theme;“Machine vs. Man”, placing artificial intelligence at the center of career conversations. Students listened, questioned, and reflected as leaders challenged them not to fear technology, but to harness it.

The message was clear: the future belongs to those who can adapt.

Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 1 held under the theme “Machine vs. Man” and sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), 11th March 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair.

Speakers emphasized that while AI is reshaping industries, it is also creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. For many students in attendance, this was more than a discussion—it was a wake-up call to rethink their place in a rapidly evolving world.

Beyond Jobs: Unlocking Global Opportunities

If Day One provoked thought, Day Two opened doors.

The focus shifted to scholarships, fellowships, and international study opportunities, expanding students’ horizons beyond the immediate job market. Conversations moved from “What job can I get?” to “What possibilities exist for me globally?”

Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 2 held under the theme “Scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates in the United States (US)”, 12th March 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion.

Students explored pathways into prestigious programmes, exchange opportunities, and further study options, discovering that their ambitions could stretch far beyond borders.

Where Potential Meets Purpose

By the final day, the Careers Fair had evolved into something deeper—a platform for connection.

Under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose,” industry leaders, employers, and development partners engaged directly with students, emphasizing collaboration as the key to career success.

Across Freedom Square and exhibition booths, students asked tough questions, shared ideas, and made meaningful connections. Employers, in turn, offered insights into the skills that matter most in today’s workplace—adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.

Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion.

More than 50 organizations participated, turning the fair into a living ecosystem of mentorship, networking, and opportunity.

Stories That Defined the Experience

But beyond the panels and presentations, it was the human moments that stood out.

There was the student who, after a conversation with a recruiter, discovered a career path they had never considered. The group of finalists who used simple tools like mobile phones to create powerful messages about safety and inclusion, reminding everyone that innovation often begins with what is available.

And there were countless quiet exchanges, handshakes, questions, shared laughter—that carried the weight of possibility.

Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square.

A Bridge to the Future

What emerged from the three-day experience was not just a successful event, but a powerful reminder of the university’s role as a bridge, linking academic training to real-world demands.

The Careers Fair reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to preparing students not just for employment, but for meaningful participation in shaping the future. It brought into focus a simple but profound truth: careers are not built in isolation—they are nurtured through connections, curiosity, and courage.

For many students who walked through the fair, the journey ahead no longer felt uncertain. It felt possible.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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