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Undernutrition and Obesity in Uganda a Big Concern-H.E Rhoda Tumusiime

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Undernutrition remains one of the biggest contributors to global child mortality linked to about 45% of deaths among children under the age of five. Meanwhile ten (10) million children are overweight with old people obesity on the rise especially amongst women.

While speaking during  the NARO-Mak Conference on 13th November 2018, former  African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture H.E Rhoda Tumusiime informed participants that poor quality diet poses a greater  threat to public health than either malaria, tuberculosis or measles.

The 2nd Joint National Agricultural Research Organisation & Makerere University (NARO-Mak) & 1st Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Nutrition Annual Scientific Symposium(12th -15th November 2018) was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the republic of Uganda represented by Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut on 12th November 2018.

H.E. Tumusiime noted that global diets are changing due to rapid urbanization and rising incomes which make people to move away from traditional diets. The unfortunate bit, according to the former AU Commissioner, is that diets are not necessarily changing for the better.

L-R:  Dr. Daniel Waiswa (Mak), Dr. Ahmed Kablan (USAID), Prof. Patrick Webb (Tufts University), Dr. Yona Baguma (NARO and Session Chair), H.E. Rhoda Tumusiime and Edgar (WFP) during the opening session on Day2 of the NARO-Mak Conference, 13th November 2018, Kampala Uganda

She also observed that, rising incomes give access to greater diversity of foods but also to more highly processed and sugary foods that promote poor health.

“In Uganda, the current urban population of 10.525million is predicted to almost double by 2030 to 19.914 million and more than quadruple by 2050 to 46,664 million.

34% of urban women are already overweight or obese as compared with 20% of rural women. 16% of urban men are overweight or obese as compared with 6% rural men”, Tumusiime said.

She reminded participants that the food crises of the  2007/8 brought agriculture to  the world’s attention with the international community coming together to discuss food security as the major focus.

Now, with the nutrition challenge, she said, policy makers are beginning to understand the need to integrate nutritional goals into agricultural research and development, shifting the language from ‘hunger and food security’ to ‘food systems and diets”.

Some of the participants listen to proceedings on Day2 of the NARO-Mak Conference, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda

Tumusiime said an emphasis on agriculture is correct but implored researchers, policy makers, the private sector and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to make it bigger by integrating nutrition.

“…The type of food we focus efforts on (mainly starchy staples) does not match the types of food we need for example  fruits, vegetables and pulses).

For example about 45% of the global private sector research investment is on maize with little attention to nutritious crops such as fruits and vegetables, pulses, seeds and nuts.” She said.

Tumusiime however, appreciated that Uganda’s social and economic development has been matched by excellent progress in tackling undernutrition in recent years.

“But we have reached an important decision moment. We are now experiencing an emerging ‘triple burden’ of malnutrition.

Some individuals lack enough Basic calories and micronutrients. Stunting amongst children is really high at 29%. Diet – related non-communicable diseases will bring additional costs to health services in the future”. She stated.

She was optimistic that Uganda’s progressive approach and ability to rise to challenges shows that it can be a leader in Africa and the global community as the Commission strives to provide safe, affordable and health diets for all.

Report compiled by:
Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer CAES

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Application Forms for Admission to Public Universities 2024/2025

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Senate Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of A ‘Level schools that application forms for admission to public universities for senior six candidates (UACE 2023) for the 2024/2025 academic year will be ready for collection from the university from Monday 4th December, 2023.

The application forms should be collected from the Office of the Academic Registrar, Senate Building, Level 3, Makerere University.

Issuing of the application forms will start on Monday, 4th December 2023 on payment of a non-refundable application fee of Uganda Shs. 52,000/=(fifty two thousand Uganda shillings only) per application form.

You are advised to get a pay reference number (PRN) using the ACMIS system (http://pay.mak.ac.ug) to enable you pay the application fees in any bank used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The forms are for Ugandans only.

Please note that only Head Teachers or their authorized representatives will be served.

The closing date for submitting the completed application forms will be Wednesday 31st January, 2024.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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African Universities urged on developing comprehensive safeguarding policies with critical elements of safety & protection

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University presenting a lead paper on “Enhancing Safeguarding at institutions of higher Learning” at the Vice Chancellors’ Forum, a side-event of the 19th RUFORUM AGM held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Right is Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor Nkumba University. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has urged Universities and other institutions of higher learning in Africa to embrace the approach of having comprehensive safeguarding policies where important elements of safety and protection are considered and all the common forms of risk, abuse and harm are emphasized.

This was during the Vice Chancellors’ Forum, one of the high powered side events of the RUFORUM Annual General Meeting that provides significant platforms for Vice Chancellors of all RUFORUM member Universities to engage, discuss, deliberate and guide on how universities, government and development partners can support the RUFORUM vision and mission of becoming a leader in higher agricultural education.

The Vice Chancellors’ Forum 2023  that was held in Yaoundé Cameroon during the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting that proceeded from 28th October- 2nd November 2023 was the most attended ever with over 150 Vice Chancellors from 40 African countries and other parts of the world. The Forum deliberated on emerging and contemporary issues in higher education to strengthen university systems, promote inclusion and enhance the relevance of universities in national and regional development.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon giving her welcome speech. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon giving her welcome speech.

In her welcome speech, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon welcomed all Vice chancellors in attendance and acknowledged their strong commitment to the RUFORUM as a Network. She also appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellors in setting the agenda for the network to ensure its competitiveness.

According to her, RUFORUM has come of age but growth across every life’s journey comes along with its own challenges and opportunities.  She therefore thanked all the Vice Chancellors that have committed and continue to clear the membership fees in time on annual basis.  “Your contribution of US$5,000 is what keeps the Secretariat operational,” she said.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji drew the attention of the Vice Chancellors to some critical issues such as low institutional burn-out rates of grant funding, the terrible completion rate of graduate students across the network, curriculum reviews that do not incorporate innovative academic programmes and policies that do not respond to global discourses. Noting that such issues have posed serious barriers achieving the network’s objectives.

Prof. Openjuru L. George, the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University (Right) with some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Openjuru L. George, the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University (Right) with some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum.

She urged all universities to collectively support the RUFORUM Secretariat during resource mobilization. “It is important to note that RUFORUM Secretariat is not a donor as many of the members might perceive it. Rather, RUFORUM Secretariat works with all of us to raise resources that can either be sub-granted and/or directly disbursed by the funding agency to each of the universities that is participating. The Secretariat can support the universities efforts in training and ideation processes as well as brokering partnerships with ease. However, we need to ensure that we are all cooperative,” She stated. Presenting a lead paper titled, Enhancing Safeguarding at institutions of higher Learning, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University  is committed to being a professionally governed, equitable, inclusive and gender mainstreamed institution. In line with this commitment, Makerere University has cited the need to have a comprehensive safe guarding policy that is intentional in ensuring that important elements of safety and protection are considered and all the common forms of risk, abuse and harm are emphasized.

According to Prof. Nawangwe, over the years Makerere University has built a record of governing and administrative policies and frameworks such as the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, Makerere University Gender Equity Policy, the Student Accommodation Policy, the Risk Management Plan, the  Policy on Persons with Disabilities, the Human Resources Manual as amended, Information and Communication Technology Policy  which addresses issues of cyber security  and abuse and the Open Distance and E-learning Policy. However, these do not adequately and comprehensively address the key elements of safety and protection.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (Right) and Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University (Left) attending the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (Right) and Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University (Left) attending the 2023 Forum.

“These policies only feature identification and prevention as elements of safeguarding hence guidance on the report procedures are least provided for. They much highlight emotional risk and harm and neglect cyber security threats, financial exploitation, limitation of academic freedoms for staff and students,” he said.  

“All in all, the policies lack some of the internationally considered forms of risk, abuse and harm.  In Africa, we are the second recipients of refugees in the whole world, but we lack anything about protecting refugees in our policies and some of the policies do not have the strategic plans to address any form of risk, abuse and harm,” he added.

He mentioned that the COVID 19 pandemic escalated the issue of mental health with so many cases of mental illnesses globally, an indicator that  it is only in a safe and protected environment that people are mentally healthy to be fully creative and innovative.

The Vice Chancellors Forum 2023 also deliberated on topics such as exploring mechanisms for integrating universities into national and regional innovation systems and aligning African agricultural higher education to the future-of-work on the continent and globally.

Prof. Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University attending the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University attending the 2023 Forum.

Presenting on behalf of Prof. Bonang Mohale, Chancellor, University of Free State, South Africa, Agnes W. Mwang’ombe, a Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology- Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection- University of Free State said that university education has become  very competitive  yet it is crucial for universities  to remain ahead and relevant to their clients  and other stakeholders  through inclusive virtual modes that have set in  new dimensions  such as in-house pool of talent that in most cases await to be tapped.  She mentioned that it is high time for Universities to shun away from the rampant blame games of how African graduates are not ready to tackle community challenges and focus on revamping, modifying and creating new systems of conducting research. 

“As universities, we are expected to produce relevant information, knowledge, technologies, and innovations to fulfill aspirations; develop mechanisms to tap on human resource and mobilize research funds for the university. There is need for actual retooling of academic staff to  be able  to harness the various  competences and skills  represented in the universities  including students through  building alliances  and effective  teams to grant calls with wider society impact,” she said.  

In the context of food and nutrition insecurity, Prof. Mwang’ombe noted that the  changing climate  has dwindled natural resources  and increased  social  and economic inequalities hence raising  concerns for more health  food systems and eco-system services. She therefore called for collective efforts towards building resilience for sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment of those most affected by climate change through   bio diversity restoration using natural based solutions.

Some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum.

“Food and nutrition is constrained by many factors including the heavy reliance on very few staple crops yet Africa has the diversity of crops some of which can handle some of the current situations,” she noted.

Painting a picture of the Future of Work for a competitive Africa, Prof. Peter Kamwi Matengu, Vice Chancellor, University of Namibia, was concerned about the role of higher education in developing interventions as a mitigating factor towards decreasing jobs in the agricultural sector. According to him, a report published in 2023 by the World Economic Forum recorded 673 million jobs across the globe.  It is however expected that this number will decline by 83 million hence creating a job deficit of about 2%.

“It is not surprising that the field of agriculture which has increasingly been mechanized and automated will lose up to 60% of the jobs. The World Economic Forum report also notes that although the automation in Agriculture will create up to 25% of jobs, it is also expected that 75% of job will be lost in Africa if there is no intervention of up scaling and re scaling. This also means that 44% of the workers whose skills need to be upgraded will face a disruption,” he said.

Prof. Kamwi Matengu called upon universities in Africa to undertake relevant, impactful, responsive research that majorly focus on participation.  “ The kind of research, I am talking about should enable us translate our knowledge into practice  and African education should focus on national self- reliance and train people to be internationally competitive and to be very  aware that we have  the responsibility of the welfare of everyone,”  he emphasized. The Vice Chancellors’ Forum 2023 was moderated by Prof. Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, Vice Chancellor, University of Dschang and Canon Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University.

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Call For Expression of Interest: MURBS Independent Trustee (RE-ADVERTISED)

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Front Row (Left to Right): MURBS Trustees Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, Mr. George Bamugemereire, CPA Franco Angida Mugyema and Mr. Joseph Ikarokok. MURBS Presentation of Performance FY 2022/2023, 24th October 2023, Telepresence Centre, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.

Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) is a Scheme for Makerere University staff. MURBS was established under irrevocable trusts with effect from 1st April 2009. MURBS was set up by Makerere University for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University upon retirement from the University. The Scheme is governed by a Board of Trustees whose fiduciary mandate is enshrined under the Trust Deed and Scheme Rules. MURBS is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme that is licensed with the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (License No. RBS.0005).

MURBS is inviting Eligible Individuals to submit their Expression of Interest to join the MURBS Board of Trustees in the capacity of an Independent Trustee.

Eligibility Criteria for the Independent Trustee of MURBS

Individuals interested in this role should satisfy the following Eligiblity Criteria:

a) Meet the MURBS Fit and Proper Criteria (Download the form from the MURBS website at https://murbs.mak.ac.ug/join-our-team/);
b) A minimum of a Postgraduate qualification in any of the disciplines; Strategy Planning and Management; Pension Administration and Management; Finance or Commerce, Investments; Insurance, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Economics, Mathematics, Literature, or Law;
c) At least 3 years’ experience as a member of the Board of Directors of an entity with assets not less than Ushs 50bn or at least 3 years‘ experience as a Trustee of a Retirement Benefits Scheme whose Fund value is not less than Ushs 50 bn; and,
d) Not a member of staff of Makerere University or a member of Makerere University Council in the last five (5) years.

Submission Deadline: 3:00 pm on 19th December 2023.

Detailed Terms of Reference to support response to this call can be accessed via the link: https://murbs.mak.ac.ug/join-our-team/ or by sending an email to info@murbs.mak.ac.ug to request the same.

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