General
Mak Soybean Breeders Turn to Music as an Outreach Tool in Acholi & Lango sub-Regions
• Farmers nickname Maksoy bean varieties “Somalia”
• The song describes soybean as the “golden beans”
• Song targets Luo speakers such as the Langi, Acholi, Alur and Kumam
Makerere University’s plant breeder Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Associate Plant Breeder Mr. Tonny Obua have released the Soybean Production Guide in form of a song. The Soybean Production Guidebook was published by the duo from the Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in 2015.
The song was produced by local musician Jesper Ewanyi in Lira also known by his stage name as Dealrafael JSP. It was released on 5th January 2019 during the participatory field day to evaluate the 35 Pan-African soybean varieties from six African countries under trial at the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research Development Institute (ZARDI) in Lira District.
Speaking during the function Associate Plant Breeder Mr. Tonny Obua said, as researchers they turned to music because it is easier for the locals to understand and share via social media, Bluetooth, radio and email unlike books and posters.
“We basically translated our Soybean Production Guide in Uganda into music for Acholi and Lango sub-regions targeting Luo speakers mainly the Langi, Acholi, Alur and Kumam.
This is because Northern Uganda is the leading producer of Maksoy bean varieties and has enormous untapped potential”, Obua said.
Maksoy varieties (1N-6N) have been nicknamed by farmers in Northern Uganda as “Somalia”. The Luo song describes the varieties as the “golden beans” in the chorus; describing soybean as a miracle crop and highlighting its importance, varieties and advantages. It gives hope to farmers that they will become rich when they grow soybean, and advises them on the need to form farmer groups and adopt bulk selling, good agronomic and post-harvest handling practices as well as storage.
Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa has pioneered development of glyphosate tolerant soybeans in Africa, in containment, at Makerere University. He has also spearheaded the development and release of soybean varieties (Nam2, Namsoy 3, Namsoy 4M, Maksoy 1N, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N, Maksoy 5N and Maksoy 6N) and the climbing bean varieties (Nabe 12C, Nabe 9C, Nabe 8C, Nabe 7C and Nabe 6C) all widely grown in Uganda and in the region at commercial level.
While addressing farmers, processors, seed companies, Local government officials and development partners at a similar field day held on 3rd January 2019 at Mubuku Irrigation scheme, Prof. Tukamuhabwa hailed youth and farmer groups in Northern Uganda for embracing the Maksoy varieties that have transformed many lives.
”Farmers in Northern Uganda call soybeans “Somalia’. They tell their youth that instead of going to Somalia or Arab countries to do odd jobs, plant soybean because they will become as rich as those who go abroad but they are safer.
The choice is in your hands because you have no reason why you should not grow soybean. The market is more than you can produce. So you have no excuse as to why you do not have money.” Prof. Tukamuhabwa stated.
Prof. Tukamuhabwa urged farmers to be proactive, produce quality seeds and sell in large quantities by working in groups, pledging that Makerere and other development partners were more than ready to work with the people of Kasese, Jinja and Lira to offer education and advice for the betterment of their lives.
The Gross Margin Analysis for soybean production with fertilizer and improved seed indicates that it’s a viable and profitable venture. The total Variation Cost is UGX480,000. The output per acre is 800 Kg; priced at UGX1,200 leading to total revenue of UGX960,000 with a Gross Margin of UGX480,000 per acre.
The demand for soybean seed and grain from seed companies is high. RECO; a company specializing in agro processing and agricultural development, for example has announced that it needs 120,000 tons of soybean grain for food processing. A kilogram of soybean grain costs between UGX800 and UGX2,200 while the seed goes for UGX4,000-6,000. This makes soybean one of the highly priced cereals in the country with ready market from local consumers, seed companies and food industries.
The Project Officer PASTTA Project Mr. Arnold Mbowa told participants that the mission of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is to see small and medium holder farmers gain access to technology. He said the foundation core crops of prominence have been maize, beans and cassava but soybean has emerged as both a food and cash crop.
“We have turned our focus to uplift soybean because of its high potential. We have been to Kasese, Hoima and many other ecological zones but we have discovered that Lango and Acholi sub-regions are the leading producers of soybean in Uganda and there is still a lot of potential”, Mbowa noted.
Mbowa also observed that soybean, unlike other crops, has different uses as a source of income, human food and animal feed, and as a raw material for many industries.
“As farmers you are more important than any other personnel because you are the supporters of life. We would like to have a sustainable system and that’s why the PASTTA project under AATF is working with Makerere University, funded by USAID Feed the Future and Sygenta program to bring the seed technology to increase production and productivity.”
AATF works in six African Countries including Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Africa and Malawi where the 35 varieties under trial in Uganda originate.
Assistant Plant Breeder Mercy Namara expressed the University’s commitment to develop new varieties and get them to the farmers.
She appreciated farmers, processors, seed companies, donors and Local governments for the different roles they play in the soybean value chain, adding that their participation in the field day would help researchers identify the best varieties for release so as to improve livelihoods.
“We would like to work together with you farmers as end users of the technologies to understand the specific traits that you are interested in as well as bridge the gap between researchers, farmers, processors, seed companies and other key players”.
Namara emphasized the need for farmers to practice good agricultural practices like weeding, early planting and proper spacing if they are to get good yields.
The Farm Manager, Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research Development Institute, Mr. Apela Bushira described the field day as an important activity in the breeding program.
“It is from your vote that our breeders will select the best variety. So make sure your vote is representing the interests of people in the sub-region. The most important point is, when you start selecting take your time and wisely select a variety that will do well”, the manager advised.
Mr. Apela said their role as a ZARDI is to multiply the selected variety and release it to the farmers. He however advised farmers to form groups so as to benefit from such technologies and programs because the ZARDI cannot reach out to every individual farmer.
The song may be accessed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jyu1XTQHkHI
Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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