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Prime Minister Advocates for Value Addition in Uganda’s Agri-business and Nutritional Sector

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The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has emphasized the need to promote post-harvest handling and value addition to boost Uganda’s agri-business and nutritional sector.

This was at the official opening of the 2nd Joint National Agricultural Research Organisation and Makerere University (NARO-MAK) Scientific Conference and the 1st Feed for Future Innovation Lab Nutrition Annual Scientific Symposium on Monday, 12th November 2018. The event is set to run from 12th -15th November 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The Conference and Symposium brought together scientists, policy makers, private sector, innovators, technology developers, entrepreneurs and students to share recent advances in knowledge and technology in agriculture and related sectors Under the theme: “Research for Innovative Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition.”

Dr. Imelda N. Kashaija (R) flanked by Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (Left) delivers her remarks

“During the four days, we are expected to showcase our work  and learn from the practical experiences of experts from the two great institutions especially in the field of science, technology and innovations for social economic transformation and national development,” said Dr. Imelda N. Kashaija, the Deputy Director General, In charge of Agricultural Technology Promotion; NARO.  In a statement, Dr. Kashaija acknowledged the Chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha-the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University for providing excellent leadership.

The 2nd Joint NARO-MAK Scientific Conference and the 1st Feed for Future Innovation Lab Nutrition Annual Scientific Symposium was organised by National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Makerere University (MAK) in partnership with Tufts University.

 In a speech read by the Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut, the Prime Minister said that the agro-business products where value has been added not only enjoy a higher profit margin than basic commodities but also tend to exhibit long-term real-price stability on the market.

Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut represented the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda

“Our sustained promotion of commercial agriculture will be a let-down to the farming community unless it goes hand in hand with the promotion of post-harvest handling and value addition. As His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni constantly states, unless we learn to add value to our produce, we are giving away the much-needed jobs of our young men and women,” he stated.

According to Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, value addition is the only answer to entrenching Uganda’s import-substitution drive and facilitating the attainment of middle-income status by retaining the much needed foreign currency spent on importation.

He therefore commended Makerere University for contributing to import substitution through the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). He equally commended National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) for scaling-up and scaling-out demonstrations of proven agricultural technologies to various districts of Uganda through its Research Institutes.

The State Minister for Agriculture Hon. Christopher Kibazanga delivers his speech

On science and knowledge economy as a critical point in sustainable livelihoods, Dr. Rugunda stressed the need to increase the utility of space science, earth observation and geospatial science and technology to detect the early warning signs of disaster to save lives and safeguard the environment for transformative benefits of society.

“Uganda has redirected its strategic position and has now created a full ministry of Science and Technology since July 2016 that will at policy level facilitate a heightened utility of geospatial technology for sustainability. Uganda also has plans to establish a National Remote Sensing Center. All these efforts are part of our strategic direction to transform Uganda into a middle-income country by the year 2021,” the Prime Minister mentioned.  

The State Minister for Agriculture Hon. Christopher Kibazanga noted that adding value to coffee produce and branding the products can be the only way to save the slowly declining quantities of coffee products that are exported.  

The Chairperson Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (C), Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Principal CAES-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha confer during the Event

He cited the need to integrate ICTs into the Uganda’s agricultural sector. In reference to the conference concept that stated, “Africa’s potential to feed the world is enormous and is poised to drive the global agricultural revolution.” The Minister said that Uganda will not be able to match the trends of the global agricultural revolution unless the Agricultural sector continually integrates ICTs into all stages of value chains.
 
“Our colleagues in the Far East are already realizing the value of employing agricultural drones to spray their vast fields. Colleagues in Europe are utilizing satellite data to detect nutrient deficiency and therefore selectively apply fertilizer, while weather prediction applications are predicting the best times for farmers to plant their crops,” he said.

“ICTs are therefore helping to reduce labour costs, improve crop yields and mitigate climate change associated losses. In Africa, we therefore have the opportunity to leapfrog technology and learn from all our colleagues past experiments to apply the most effective ICTs to our Nation’s agriculture sector,” he added.

The Director General NARO, Dr. Ambrose Agona delivers his address

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said that Africa’s potential to feed the world is enormous and is poised to drive the global agricultural revolution. He was however, concerned about the low productivity on the global market due to limited use of productivity-enhancing agricultural technologies and incomplete linkages in the food value chain particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa.

According to Prof. Nawangwe, with poor post-harvest management and health concerns, the question of food safety during post-production becomes pertinent, despite availability of ample quantities of food.

He also noted that Africa’s dire food situation is compounded by a fast growing population, youth unemployment, persistent gender biases, and the effects of a changing climate. In the face of climate change, increased use of agro-chemicals and a general rise in the risks associated with agriculture, institutions must progressively innovate in order to close the gaps in the agri-food system.

The Chaiperson of Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (R) and Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut (L) at the Conference

“Addressing the ever evolving agri-food systems challenges requires that multi-stakeholder platforms are utilized to channel novel research, technologies, and advocacy efforts to deal with old problems and emerging challenges. Policies and institutional innovations geared towards agricultural rural development and enhancing the efficiency of the agri-food value chain are urgently needed,” he noted.

The Director General of National Agricultural Research Organization Dr. Ambrose Agona said that the world is critically challenged now and in the future in ensuring food security, nutrition security and safety. This is exacerbated by the rapid population growth.

He encouraged the importance of reconciling the new technologies and concerns of the people when he said, “we need to take what is good about innovation and science in food production and put in the service of the society. Not for the profit of a few, but as a way to address the challenges that are ahead of us to feed more with the less, to reconcile increased production with environmental concerns.”

Prof. Vincent Amanor-Boadu delivered a Keynote address on Agri-prenuership and Value Chains as Welfare Safety Nets for Improved Livelihoods in Africa

The first session of the 2nd Joint NARO-MAK Scientific Conference and the 1st Feed for Future Innovation Lab Nutrition Annual Scientific Symposium was chaired by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council. During the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Vincent Amanor-Boadu delivered a Keynote address on Agri-prenuership and Value Chains as Welfare Safety Nets for Improved Livelihoods in Africa. Discussed by Dr. Jackie Bonabana-Wabbi, the Keynote address stressed the need to profile African farmers as agribusiness people rather than dependants.

Other activities of the day included; Keynote addresses on the respective topics, plenary sessions and an exhibition.

Follow #NAROMAK18 on Social Media for Live Updates

Proscovia Nabatte

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

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An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

  1. The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
  2. The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
  3. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  5. The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
  6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.

See below for detailed bid notice.

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The Alumnet Magazine 2025-26

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) shakes hands with Elizabeth Gabeya during the role play. 21-year-old Elizabeth Gabeya, a Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation First Year Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, takes charge of the Vice Chancellor's office for two days- March 10th and 11th 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

I would like to extend warm congratulations from the University Management and myself to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team for securing the Second Phase of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, which will run from 2023 to 2034. This achievement is commendable! Makerere University takes great pride in its long-standing partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has yielded numerous valuable outcomes over the past decade. This collaboration has profoundly impacted the Scholars Program and various other initiatives.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many academic institutions shifted to online learning, the Mastercard Foundation played a pivotal role in enhancing our e-learning infrastructure through the E-learning Initiative project. This initiative has enabled the university to create high-quality, inclusive academic online content and support systems that benefit all Makerere University students and those from affiliated institutions across Uganda.

Additionally, Makerere University is working with the University of Cape Town and the University of Cambridge on another important Mastercard Foundation project: The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative. As part of this initiative, we will offer 40 PhD scholarships, 250 MSc scholarships, and skilling programmes for 500 youth. Moreover, 40 women- and youth-led green innovations will be supported, along with 30 postdoctoral scholarships. This demonstrates the immense value of our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, and we are optimistic about continuing this partnership for many years.

Like the first phase, the second phase of the Scholars Program will focus on providing scholarships to vulnerable young people from various backgrounds. Special attention will be given to refugees, young people with disabilities, those from refugee-hosting communities, and other underserved individuals from hard-to-reach areas. This emphasis on inclusivity will further enhance opportunities for deserving youth.

I am pleased to share that Makerere University is progressing significantly toward fostering inclusivity for all students. We have established the Disability Support Centre on the ground floor of the Frank Kalimuzo building, designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for our students with disabilities and other vulnerable young individuals. Thanks to the contributions from the Mak Run 2024, the Centre is now equipped with vital ICT services, including screen readers, JAWS, Fusion, Braille services, and other essential amenities to ensure our students can easily pursue their studies.

Furthermore, I want to assure all our students, staff, partners, and the broader community that the University Management is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. With the University Council’s and partners’ invaluable backing, we have developed and launched the Safeguarding Policy. This vital framework outlines our measures to protect everyone from abuse and harm at Makerere University. We are building a community where everyone can learn, work, and thrive.

Makerere University remains a top choice for young people seeking higher education. The university’s vision is “To be a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.” Its mission is “To provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.” These aspirations place the university in a unique position, and it›s essential to uphold them always. As a University, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to focus on the key issues facing humanity and meet our obligations to a broader society beyond education and research.

In conclusion, we are grateful to our invaluable partner, the Mastercard Foundation. The renewal of the partnership with Makerere University for another 10 years of Phase Two of the Scholars Program is a significant commitment that will empower 1,000 young people in Uganda and throughout Africa. We sincerely appreciate the Foundation’s support and dedication to this mission. The University Management is committed to supporting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to realize the vision and mission of Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation as We Build for the Future.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

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Mary Stuart Hall Reborn: Makerere Celebrates Reopening of Historic Female Residence

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Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni (2nd Left) flanked by Left to Right: Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Mrs. Lorna Magara and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the official reopening of Mary Stuart Hall on 15th August 2025. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, carried out by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). The reopening ceremony, held on August 15, 2025, was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, who expressed profound gratitude to God, the government, and the University leadership for what she described as a long-awaited answer to prayer. The function begun with an opening prayer led by Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa of St. Francis Chapel.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Hon. J.C. Muyingo, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda and other officials are given a brief tour of Mary Stuart Hall by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Makerere Leadership. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Hon. J.C. Muyingo, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda and other officials are given a brief tour of Mary Stuart Hall by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Makerere Leadership.

Mary Stuart Hall, the largest and oldest female residence at Makerere, was constructed in 1947 and named after Mary Stuart, wife of Anglican Archbishop Simon Stuart, who championed women’s admission to the University. For decades, it has been home to generations of accomplished women, including cabinet ministers, diplomats, academics, and entrepreneurs. Yet in recent years, the hall had fallen into a state of disrepair, with broken facilities, leaking roofs, and a lift that had remained non-functional for nearly 50 years.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni beams as she listens to some of the speeches. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni beams as she listens to some of the speeches.

In her address, the First Lady recalled touring Makerere’s halls of residence during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, where she was distressed by their poor condition. Believing that one’s environment directly shapes one’s mindset, she was moved to pray for their restoration. The reopening of Mary Stuart Hall, she noted, symbolized God’s faithfulness and the government’s commitment to dignified student living. She commended NEC for its timely and high-quality work, praised the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for providing the funding, and reaffirmed the NRM government’s pledge to gradually restore all Halls of Residence across the University.

Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, hailed the First Lady’s nine years of transformative leadership in the education sector, pointing to substantial improvements in human resource investment, infrastructure development, and research funding. She noted that staff salary allocation at Makerere had increased by 116%—from UGX 102.4 billion in FY 2016/17 to UGX 221.6 billion today—including successful salary harmonization, with professors now earning up to UGX 15 million per month. Infrastructure investment has also more than doubled, with the development budget rising from UGX 10.1 billion in FY 2016/17 to UGX 23.4 billion, a 132% increase, enabling projects such as the restoration of the Main Building, construction of the Schools of Law and Dentistry, and perimeter wall construction. In addition, government support has boosted research excellence, with annual funding growing from zero in FY 2016/17 to UGX 20 billion today. She described the reopening of Mary Stuart Hall as a visible symbol of this broad, sustained commitment to higher education.

Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her speech on the occasion. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her speech on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe described the reopening as not just the restoration of a building, but the renewal of a legacy. He noted that Mary Stuart Hall has always been more than a residence, “it has been a sanctuary of sisterhood, leadership, and inspiration for women” he said. The renovations have transformed the hall into a modern facility housing 521 students, complete with a new lift, modern washrooms, laundry facilities, bright corridors, pantries, a reading room, and a senior common room. NEC has also committed to installing a solar lighting system and landscaping the grounds, while plans are underway to modernize the kitchen and dining area. He further thanked the First Lady for the meticulous leadership in the education sector.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.

The 91st Guild President, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, speaking on behalf of students, called the reopening a restoration of hope and pride for the Makerere community. He urged fellow students to cherish and protect the renewed facility as a place of ideas, friendships, and shared teachings, while carrying forward the hall’s proud legacy of resilience and leadership.

Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire, a fourth-year medical student, spoke with gratitude and renewed hope, describing the reopening as a rebirth of the hall. She celebrated the hall’s historical significance as the first female residence at Makerere, praising its new inclusive features such as ramps and a lift for persons with disabilities. She encouraged fellow students to embrace the new facilities with a sense of responsibility and to use them as a foundation for creating brighter futures.

Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire.

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including State Minister for Higher Education Hon. J.C. Muyingo, was marked by joy, prayers, and reflection on the hall’s historic role in shaping Uganda’s women leaders. As Mary Stuart Hall officially reopens, it stands not only as a restored building but also as a renewed commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the holistic development of the Makerere student community.

The First Lady poses for a group photo with officials at the Mary Stuart Hall signpost. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The First Lady poses for a group photo with officials at the Mary Stuart Hall signpost.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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