General
NARO-Mak18 Ends by Tabling 15-point Conference Communique
The 2nd NARO-Mak Joint Scientific Conference successfully ends with 15 point Conference Communique tabled before the Agricultural Minister for policy guidelines.
The 2nd Joint NARO-Mak Joint Scientific conference & 1st Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Nutrition Annual Scientific Symposium successfully ended on Thursday, 15th November 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The four day conference that started on 12th November 2018 under the theme “Research for Innovative Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition” was closed by the Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries represented the state Minister for Agriculture Hon. Christopher Kibazanga.
Earlier, the conference Organising committee represented by Dr. Alice Turinawe from Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics tabled a summary of the conference proceedings culminating in a 15 point Communique for policy guidelines. They include:
- Integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agricultural value chains for detection and management of pests and disease and assessment and manipulation of soil characteristics for appropriate crop management e.g. use of drones.
- Policy and strategies for enhancing intake of quality and safe food, with emphasis on formulation and/or implementation of appropriate standards and regulations.
- Supportive policy frameworks for comprehensive nutrition education of both the grassroots urban and rural consumers of agriculture-based and other foods and food products backed by market power.
- Prioritise investments that improve quality of people through nutrition and healthy diets
- Strengthen implementation of strategies for reducing post harvest losses and waste along the value chain
- Need for embracing the spirit of multi-sectoral planning and implementation of government development programs along the value chain.
- Provision of adequate and reliable funding to research for timely delivery of technological solutions for the continuously growing and dynamic society needs. Similarly, sustainable funding is required for science communication and user education so that results effectively get to the intended beneficiaries. There is need for a paradigm shift in methods of delivering information to farmers and related value chain actors.
- Develop and enact programs for mind frame change for transformation of the youth to actively engage in agri-entrepreneurship.
- Enabling policy and strategies for transiting agricultural research to industrial products via incubation and industrial parks.
- Policy measures to encourage the agro-based private sector to support government in funding agricultural research to ensure the sustainability of research funding.
- The need to reconstruct a national extension system that is organic, holistic, equitable and transformative.
- Need for a model of agriculture that is sensitive to economics, food security, ecology and society issues. Not a one size fit all i.e. large scale farming may not be appropriate for everybody.
- Need to identify and pick good practices from both the traditional and modern concepts of agriculture and develop a model suitable for African situation. Otherwise the binary concept of traditional vs. modern is misleading.
- The need for leadership/governance in every relevant sector to keep an eye on the evolution of gender and extension concepts and provide for adjustments as society needs change.
- Strengthen existing institutions to effectively protect the agricultural sector against counterfeits including inputs especially seeds.
In his remarks as State Minister, Hon. Kibazanga described as challenging, the evidence-based results indicating the levels stunted, underweight or obese children, as well as statistics of the population going hungry, despite the fact that Uganda is gifted by nature.
“I attended the side event and they told us that the level of stunted children is at 33%, Underweight children are at 14%, while obesity is at 28% and all this with 3billion people going hungry worldwide! As the Ministry of Agriculture, we are guilty”. The minister exclaimed.
The minister commended NARO, Makerere and collaborating institutions for not only organizing the conference but also discussing food and nutrition as an important aspect that directly and indirectly impacts on the development of the economy.
“I wish to commend NARO and Makerere University with their partners and the organizing committee for the job well done. Agriculture is one of the most diverse sectors in this country and as Minister, I have a great appreciation of the logistics and human resources required to pull off a conference of this magnitude. This is another step in the right direction for Agriculture in Uganda and I therefore congratulate all the stakeholders for the job well done”, the Minister said.
Hon. Kibazanga said Agriculture is one of the opportunities identified by our Uganda Vision 2040 that needs to be strengthened in order to achieve faster socio-economic transformation.
In this regard, he said, Government set out to: invest in the development of all major irrigation schemes in the country; ensure continued investment in technology improvement through research for improved seeds, breeds and stocking materials; and invest in the development of the phosphates industry in Tororo so as to reduce the cost of fertilizers.
“Government has additionally set out to: reform the extension system in the country to increase information access, knowledge and technologies to the farmers; ensure that land fragmentation is reversed to secure land for mechanization; collect adequate agricultural statistics; improve weather information and its dissemination and intensify environmental control measures to halt the decline in soil fertility,” He said.
The minister pointed out 16 irrigation projects the Government has under construction in different parts of the country to fulfil its promises to the people. These included: Doho phase II in Butalejja district; Mubuku phase II in Kasese district; Wadelai in Nebbi district; Tochi and Ngenge in Oyam district; Atari in Bulambuli and Kween districts and Katete in Kanungu district among others.
He expressed happiness that throughout the course of this joint scientific conference, researchers and participants were engaged in dissemination and discussion of findings that are in line with Government’s interventions to improve agricultural productivity across the value chain.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University represented by Prof. John David Kabasa thanked researchers, students, agriculturalist, veterinarians and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector from Uganda and the Diaspora for coming together to exchange research findings and information on various aspects of agriculture production and productivity in a changing environment.
Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO)’s commitment to contribute to national development through advancement of agricultural research.
“As Makerere University, we are constantly challenged that it is not good enough to conduct cutting edge research but also equally important to find the most appropriate and beneficial ways to disseminate the findings thereof. This conference is the second effort to do just that in partnership with NARO”.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed hope that the participants have had an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and collaborative networks with other key stakeholders so as to continue research and find lasting solutions to the challenges in the agricultural sector and its interfacing areas.
“I do therefore, expect that the outputs of this conference will cumulatively and going forward in a supportive environment enhance livelihoods as set out in the conference theme.
“In addition, the partners who participated in the parallel exhibition to sensitize the consumers about products that are presently being applied by primary producers in agriculture are expected in the future to outlet more of the products to a more informed clientele.
“I am sure participants have interested and fostered relationships with industrial partners that will last and contribute to the development of a vibrant agricultural sector.
“Let me also take this opportunity to commend the chairpersons, rapporteurs and the presenters of all sessions that covered the various subthemes. You did a wonderful job and the conference was indeed a success.
"I note the cross cutting contribution of the knowledge exchanged under each subtheme and I challenge NARO, Makerere, Tufts University and other research and educational institutions to increasingly undertake research and innovation initiatives in these sub-themes in line with their mandates”, Prof Nawangwe commended.
The Vice Chancellor also thanked the Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the Deputy Director NARO Dr. Imelda Kashaija and other partners for organising this conference.
Equally, Prof. Nawangwe extended his appreciation to USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab, TUFTS University, Global Panel for Agriculture and Food System for Nutrition and NARO and other partners for supporting this conference and exhibition.
The Chairman Board of Directors, NARO, Prof. Joseph Obua appreciated the partnerships between Makerere University and his Research Organisation and the efforts to bring on board the international partners, expressing hope that more will be attracted in the 2020 conference, including the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation.
Reflecting on the Minister opening remarks on day one and his emphasis for researchers to help the country realize its target of exporting 20million bags of coffee by 2025, Prof. Obua advised government to think of exporting value added coffee rather that coffee beans, so as to create more jobs, income for farmers and earn more foreign exchange.
He also asked government to support the development of an Intellectual Property policy to protect technologies.
Prof. Obua identified other areas that require attention such as the weak research-farmers linkage curtailing uptake of research products, and the weak research-industry linkage.
Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango;
Principal Communication Officer CAES
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The President of the Republic of Uganda and Visitor of Makerere University, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 8th April 2025 officially flagged off the Research and Innovations Week 2025 and lauded researchers on progress made in utilizing funds to inform national development.
“The more a society is able to tame and harness nature; natural laws, and use them for improving their life, the more developed that society is, so I am very glad that you seem to be getting the message now,” President Museveni commended.
Citing innovations such as Freza, a nanotechnology-based preservation solution used for either shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables or accelerating ripening, President Museveni observed that such practices exist traditionally and called upon scientists to rise above the inferiority complex that seeks to neglect indigenous science knowledge. He noted, to the joy of the audience, that the annual allocation to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) was subject to future increment.
“This money we are sending, the 30 billion is endozo/jaribu; you taste and if you like, I will give you more” remarked the President to instantaneous applause from the audience. He nevertheless cautioned researchers in their pursuit of coming up with innovations that make economic sense not to ignore what would be considered taboo according to indigenous knowledge. The President was referring to the proposed use of animal protein to enrich cattle fodder.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni in her speech read by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu commended Makerere University’s upon utilizing Mak-RIF funding to dynamically respond to both national and global needs.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the tangible outcomes of these investments, pioneering innovations, technological advancements, and actionable policy recommendations that continue to propel Uganda forward,” remarked the First Lady.
Hon. Janet Museveni nevertheless called for the strengthening of collaborations between academia, Government, industry and civil society in order to maximize the impact of Mak-RIF research outputs. “This exhibition serves as a platform for these crucial interactions, where research meets policy, academia meets industry, and ideas transform into market-ready solutions.”
Referring to Mak-RIF’s 65 projects identified for commercialization and 79 projects producing actionable policy recommendations as, “proof that we are making strides in the right direction”, the First Lady urged the private sector to take keen interest in the innovations and support their adoption for economic transformation.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero described universities as invaluable in the journey to synthesize science in six milestones. These she broke down as; 1) generating knowledge through research, 2) developing technologies, 3) converting technologies into usable products, 4) manufacturing products at industrial scale, 5) building viable businesses and brands that can be sold globally, and 6) ensuring that brands touch the economy through profitability, as well as creating distribution channels, related businesses, and science that is environmentally friendly.
Citing the example of Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), Hon. Dr. Musenero observed that many products that had their humble beginnings at Makerere University have now reached the market. “Not only have we produced buses, but we have also designed prototypes of SUVs; the common vehicles that we use in Government. Your Excellency, we are asking that Government policy is revised so that we give priority to domestically developed products” she appealed.
Describing the exhibition as the apex of the fulfillment of point number five of the National Resistance Movement’s original ten-point programme, which called for the creation of an integrated and self-sustaining national economy, the Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga thanked President Museveni for the funding extended to Mak-RIF.
“This exhibition is laying out very relevant innovations and discoveries by our own people; the children of Uganda, taught by Uganda, who are also assisting create other innovators and researchers. That really gets us to the point of being truly self-sustaining as a country” remarked the Chancellor.
“Therefore Mr. President as we approach the next anniversary of Heroes’ Day in June this year,” Dr. Kiyonga continued, “we can reassert that the blood of our Ugandan Heroes was not shed in vain” he concluded.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara in her remarks described the occasion as “not merely a ceremonial event, but a celebration of the transformative role of research and innovation in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
“Today, we showcase the fruits of years of dedication and ingenuity. The exhibitions you will encounter today are not just academic endeavours – they underscore Makerere University’s enduring role as a centre of excellence, a hub for innovation, and a key partner in national development,” observed Mrs. Magara.
Acknowledging Government’s support to research and innovations, the Chairperson of Council reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Government and to pursuing new frontiers of collaboration with industry. “Your Excellency, we extend our deepest appreciation. The establishment of the RIF is a testament to your unwavering commitment to nurturing Uganda’s academic and innovation ecosystem.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that Makerere has been spurred on to pursue impactful research thanks to the President’s positive criticism whenever he addresses the staff. “The level of research that you have seen is world-class.”
Prof. Nawangwe reported that over 1,300 awards had been made by Mak-RIF since inception. Additionally, by the end of the Financial Year, 2023/24, a cumulative total of 666 (approximately 50%) projects had completed implementation of their activities and closed out.
The Vice Chancellor took the opportunity to thank UNDP for supporting the establishment of the Makerere University Pod (Mak UniPod). “The University Pod is where researchers are trained to on how to incubate their ideas and turn them into businesses so that they can go out there and create jobs for our youth,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by thanking the Government for the funding, the University Council for guiding Management, and the line Ministry for releasing the funds. He equally congratulated the researchers on the enormous work done and urged them to do even more.
A total of 91 exhibitors are showcasing their projects at the Research and Innovations Week 2025.
View the Event Livestream
General
Prof. Nawangwe encourages Mastercard Foundation Alumni to support each other in advancing their careers
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University held its inaugural scholar-alumni convening, themed “Building Bridges: From Scholars to Global Change Makers,” with great pomp and fanfare.
While representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi urged the Scholar-alumni to support one another and grow their careers together.
“Dear alumni, I encourage you to support one another, as it will help you grow your careers together. Education is a foundation, not just a destination. What you do after Makerere defines the true success of the Scholars Program. Wherever life takes you, stay curious, courageous, and committed to uplifting others as you rise. Prof Buyinza remarked.
Prof. Buyinza further reminded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University alumni to always remember that they are more than just graduates; instead, they should view themselves as a powerful force capable of changing Uganda and the world.
“I encourage all of you to value your connections within the university. As graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you have the power to change Uganda and Africa. Makerere University supports the AlumNet Foundation, which we hope will partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Our mission is to educate, empower, and help you realize your bold dreams for meaningful change,” Prof. Buyinza emphasized.
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Uganda, represented by Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, the Country Lead for Program Communications in Uganda, acknowledged the invaluable partnership with Makerere University, noting that the collaboration has made a substantial impact in the communities through the active engagement of Scholar alumni.
“The Mastercard Foundation is proud of its decade-long partnership with Makerere University, which has borne a lot of fruit and made a significant impact in the communities through the activities of the scholars and alumni, especially through the component of giving back to the community, ” Mr. Bukenya remarked.
Mr. Bukenya further urged the Scholar-alumni to leverage their extensive network worldwide to connect, learn from one another, and support each other in finding jobs or creating entrepreneurial ventures.
“I call upon you to take advantage of the extensive network of Mastercard Foundation partners around the world, especially for the opportunities created under the Young Africa Works strategy. I invite you to visit the Foundation’s website to explore these opportunities and connect with your peers who are working with the Foundation. I also encourage you to stay connected with your peers across the partner networks and your university. Lastly, I encourage you to live boldly by expressing your ideas.” Mr. Bukenya pointed out.
Mr. Bukenya encouraged the scholar-alumni to step out of their comfort zones and look beyond titles and descriptors that aim to belittle them.
“When I look around the room, I don’t see scholars or alumni; I see great thinkers, rising leaders, influential innovators, and quiet disruptors of the status quo. I see future ministers, parliamentarians, chief executives of Organisations, and quiet innovators of ideas that will change this world. Therefore, I urge you to look beyond titles and descriptors such as ” scholar-alumni,” Mr. Bukenya emphasized.
Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, Team Lead of the Alumni Association under the AlumNet Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership. He noted that this collaboration has immensely benefited many young people in Uganda and throughout Africa.
“I would like to first express our gratitude to the Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership, which has enabled many young people to obtain a quality university education that most of us may not have otherwise attained,” Mr. Ruhweza stated.
Mr. Ruhweza reminded his fellow alumni of the importance of the convening as a vehicle to support them in achieving their shared visions and dreams.
“Colleagues we’re here today to commemorate our first Scholar-alumni convening for a reason. We are here today because we have a shared vision, we have dreams, and we can only achieve our dreams if we often share ideas, learn and support each other.” Mr. Ruhweza remarked.
Mr. Ruhweza encouraged his fellow alumni to take advantage of the resources the Foundation provided and the skills imparted by Makerere University, to enable them transition successfully to the next chapter of their lives.
“The Foundation provided all the resources we needed, Makerere University imparted the knowledge and skills; therefore, we have no excuse not to transition to any of the pathways: namely, Employment, Entrepreneurship, or further studies,” he added.
The Program Director for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to inspire the alumni to maintain the spirit of giving back to their communities, a core component of the Scholars Program.
“Dear Alumni, I encourage you to continue embracing the spirit of giving back to the community, as it has a profound impact and supports your peers. We are grateful for the significant project you completed in Buyende District in 2024. Now is the time to start planning for an even bigger project in 2025,” Professor Namaalwa stated.
Prof. Namaalwa further reminded the alumni not to focus too much on the class of degree they obtained; instead, they should concentrate on what they can accomplish and achieve with the education they received at Makerere University.
“The class of degree may not matter much; instead, what truly counts is what you can do with the education and skills you acquired at Makerere University. Do not focus solely on the paper; rather, what you are now and where you want to be is what truly matters,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The inaugural alumni convening was a vibrant event featuring a range of engaging activities, including panel discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, and lively music and dance performances. Organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the Alumni Convening serves as an important annual platform for alumni to network and deepen their involvement in Program activities. By uniting Scholar alumni from different cohorts, the event fosters a strong sense of community and provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. This collaborative environment not only strengthens the Scholar Alumni community but also encourages ongoing engagement and support among alumni.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications & Public Relations OfficerMastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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