General
Annual Advisory Board Meeting Commends MaRCCI Progress and Initiatives
A committee of the Advisory Board constituted of nine eminent scientists and business people from various institutions in and outside Africa and the US including some of eminent Private sector companies from 11th to 15th March 2019 converged at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala Uganda to assess the annual progress recorded by the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI).
The committee which is appointed by the Vice Chancellor for a two-year term routinely sits to follow up progress with centre activities.
This year, the major advisory Board activities included; Curriculum planning/review, Informatory session and presentations on MaRCCI progress, Private sessions, Meeting with the University Management, a visit to the MaRCCI home and touring the facilities at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK).
The Centre Director Dr. Richard Edema said, in the four days, they were presenting what the centre was able to do to in one year, challenges faced and some of the issues where they needed to adjust. This was to help the Advisory Board better understand how the centre was doing and give appropriate advice.
“They have listened to our presentations in terms of what we do in training, research, staffing, financials, our level of integration and institutionalization and internal issues.
They also had an opportunity to interface with the Vice Chancellor (VC). They are happy with the progress and willing to keep going and to be associated with MaRCCI.
The Board also presented its report on MaRCCI to the VC, detailing the accomplishments strengths and some of the areas for improvement.” Explained the Centre Director, adding that:
“We are lucky to have a Board like this because we are running such a big platform which is basically selling and promoting Makerere’s visibility, adding to its core functions and vision of being research-led by increasing graduate training”.
Dr. Edema reported that there has been an increase in the number of graduate students that have gone through the Centre to date.
“We have about 171MSc and 71PhDs who have gone and are going through the precursor of MaRCCI with a big number being foreign students.
We have developed a coherent breeding program on cowpea and sorghum. It used to be on soybean. They have come to see the products we are making from cowpea and sorghum and they are doing it for free.
So, I can see that, with this Advisory Board, MaRCCI can go very far because they are even selling us abroad, getting us new partners and advising us on how to better organize ourselves.” Dr. Edema added.
The Board members also visited the MaRCCI home at MUARIK and toured the training and research facilities.
The Director disclosed that the centre was about to the upgrade the internet connectivity and purchase another server to improve on research data storage given the rising graduate enrolment and research data generated.
“With this kind of work, we gather a lot of information used to develop new varieties. These days gathering information as well as characterizing a plant and describing genes has been digitalized. With the increasing student intake there is a wealth of information and, that is why the committee members have advised us to get a bigger server for storage. ” Edema said.
While touring the university farm, Dr. Edema said the centre will soon hold a ground breaking ceremony for construction of the MaRCCI home. The University allocated two acres of land at MUARIK for this cause.
“We are in the final stages of procurement and the contracts committee is beginning evaluation of the companies. There will be a ceremony and we shall invite the VC and Management to witness another milestone for MaRCCI and this will greatly contribute to the growth of the University.” Edema noted.
Out of the total US$6Million allocation to MaRCCI, UGX2billion has been earmarked for the construction of this building. The key components of the building include staff offices, lecture rooms and complementary facilities like screen houses, seed store for experiments, storage and safety.
The Advisory Board members also visited the Post Graduate Training Facility constructed under the AfDB-HEST project where MaRCCI has furnished one of the seminar rooms for use.
“While the AfDB facilities are ready for use, we have been struggling with limited lecture facilities due to the ever increasing number of students on MaRCCI. The University Management allowed us to furnish and use them to train students.
Using our resources we bought 40 students’ chairs with flip able tables at UGX15,812,000. The reason we are doing this, is that MaRCCI is looking forward to integrating its programs with sister programs like joint taught programs, so the facility will be very useful starting next semester.” The centre Director reported.
The other centre milestone is the initiative to add value to the local crops (cowpea and sorghum) to have better market value. According to Dr. Edema, the Centre started an initiative to add value to every variety developed.
“We are working with CURAD (Consortium for enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development Limited) to add value for easy storage and longer life span. For the first time, we are doing that for cowpea and some products are ready for marketing. The issue is Intellectual property. If such products are marketed, there will be increased demand leading to more productivity and eventually improved livelihoods”. Dr. Edema noted.
Advisory Board members commended MaRCCI for steady progress.
“I have the great fortune to have been part of the team at the conception of the MaRCCI… I am so pleased to see MaRCCI’s growth over the last two years. I remember coming back to the original old dormitory and now I am pleased to see new buildings.
I had the opportunity to meet the Makerere Vice Chancellor, Principal CAES and some Heads of Department and I got a sense that there is great excitement and potential that MaRCCI is offering to Makerere University, to the connections with NACCRI ,NARO and all other research institutions. As advisory member, it is a great honor and, I am excited to see what comes in the future and wish MaRCCI so well”, said Dr. Craig Yencho, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Program Leader Sweet-potato and Potato Breeding and Genetics Programs – Department of Horticultural Sciences, North Carolina State University – USA.
“I am really impressed with the progress that MaRCCI has made and the way they have utilized the investment from the Uganda Government and others from partners. It is really exciting to see the growth and to see the training support to Africa and contributing to training the workforce that will contribute to agricultural production for Africa.
I would like to commend the Centre Leadership because, they are extraordinary, dedicated, very talented, and very passionate about training the next generation of Plant breeders.
And, by doing high quality scientific research, they are raising the visibility of Makerere as a university and increasing its stature at the global stage. The partners MaRCCI has entered into collaboration with are really elevated at a world level. I am particularly impressed with the partnership with NARO for being not only a resource for new genetic materials but also, a resource for students that will become a work force.
Coming to the farm, it has been exciting to see these great resources. Besides the laboratories , lecture rooms, and accommodation facilities, I see this beautiful soil with a significant number of acres and am very happy that MaRCCI and students have access to utilize it for research,” said Prof. Rita Hogan Mumm, Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
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