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CAES Honours Three Professors for Distinguished Service to Mak

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  • DVCAA hails CAES Principal for the spirit of recognizing colleagues and instituting the culture of  togetherness
  • Staff dine, wine and dance to their last drop
  • All staff get Christmas coupons worth UGX120,000

Three professors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University were on Friday, 14th December 2018 honored for their distinguished service offered to Makerere University after serving in leadership positions for many years.

Prof. Mnason Tweheyo and Prof. John Muyonga were recognized for serving as Deans for the past 8 years since the university turned collegiate in 2011 in the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences and the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering respectively.

The DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba (L) hands over a plaque to outgoing Director MUARIK-Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa (R) as Principal CAES-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (C) applauds, during the CAES End of Year Party

Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa was honored for serving as Director Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) from 2014 to 2018.

The ceremony held at the Forestry Gardens Quadrangle was presided over by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Dr. Umar Kakumba.

Dr. Kakumba hailed the Principal CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha for the spirit of recognizing colleagues for their services and instituting a culture of togetherness.

The DVCAA-Dr. Umaru Kakumba thanked Prof. Bernard Bashaasha for the spirit of recognizing colleagues for their service to Makerere University

“I understand the importance of building human enterprise to be motivated. It is not about working and making money all the time because as humans you reach a saturation point where you need to relax. Such events build cohesion, understanding and appreciation for one another”, Dr. Kakumba said.

The DVCAA congratulated the outgoing leaders for their contributions to the nation and Makerere University.

Dr. Kakumba appreciated the great work done by Prof. Muyonga, saying that as first Deans of their respective Schools, they were both involved in pertinent negotiations during the constitution of the collegiate system.

The Awards handed over to outgoing leaders Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Prof. John Muyonga and Prof. Mnason Tweheyo

“Prof. Muyonga has done great to commercialize the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio engineering as well as promoting agro-processing at the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre.” Kakumba said.

Kakumba described Prof. Tweheyo as a colleague they studied with at the undergraduate level who grew very fast through academic ranks and also a contemporary with whom they came into leadership.

“The School of Forestry has expanded and has done a lot in entrepreneurship and building programs in terms of protecting natural resources, adding value and making them more important to the nation.

A section of the staff who attended the CAES End of Year Party listen to proceedings

Under Prof. Tweheyo’s leadership the school has played a great role in helping the nation to take care of the environment. He has positioned and positively transformed human resources in different aspects like climate change.” The DVCAA acknowledged.

Dr. Kakumba also thanked Prof. Tukamuhabwa for leading MUARIK for four years and face-lifting it to an admirable institute not only in research but also other mandates like production and outreach.

He recognized CAES as one of the strongholds who have supported him in terms of sharing knowledge in the Senate with regard to the constitution and creation of colleges.

The Incoming Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS)-Prof. Fred Babweteera makes his remarks

The DVCAA expressed commitment to support, visit CAES off campus sites for training and to champion the programs that contribute to the vision and mission of Makerere University.

“We should work together not as adversaries. We should not jeopardize each other. We shall support CAES innovations.  You are our flag bearers in research and innovations and the university is aware of that. This is what we need as a university to promote multi-disciplinarity”, he said.

Prof. Bernard Bashaasha thanked the DVCAA for sparing time to attend the function, and all staff for turning up in big numbers saying, the main objective of the ceremony was to say thank you to the outgoing Deans and Director MUARIK.

The Incoming Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio engineering (SFTNB)-Dr. Abel Atukwase makes his remarks

The second objective according to the Principal was to end the year together as they appreciate the services rendered by colleagues.

“In a special way, I thank the outgoing leaders for their great service to the university. They have served with courage and acted with love, led with respect, integrity and passion.

They have been value adding men and we are proud to have had them and hopefully, we will be guided in their way of management.” Prof. Bashaasha stated.

Principal CAES-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha thanked the outgoing leaders for being exemplary managers

The Principal also appreciated the incoming Deans for their willingness to serve. Dr. Abel Atukwase replaces Prof. John Muyonga while Prof. Fred Babweteera replaces Prof. Mnason Tweheyo.

He advised the new deans to consider themselves as God-given with a major assignment of developing the youth.

He said, although there many demands and expectations, they should not worry about the great things that their predecessors have done but rather identify and run their own race and seek support.

Staff were treated to a sumptuous buffet at the End of Year Party

He described CAES as a diverse college made up of three schools and two off campus institutes deriving its strength in that diversity.

He pledged to invite the new DVCAA for a visit to appreciate the college’s opportunities and needs.

L-R: Dr. Abel Atukwase, Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Prof. John Muyonga, Prof. Mnason Tweheyo, DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Prof. Johnny Mugisha and Prof. Fred Babweteera cut the ceremonial cake at the CAES End of Year party

Every end of year, the CAES organizes a get together party to appreciate services offered by outgoing or retiring staff. The event also offers the opportunity to staff to have fun and network. Staff are also given Christmas coupons worth UGX120, 000 as take-home appreciation.

Report compiled by:
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES

Mark Wamai

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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