General
Mak to partner with Belgium in agricultural production and vocation skills training
“In Uganda, agriculture is for livelihoods, but we would like to focus on Agriculture for production and agribusiness. I am glad that young people are developing an interest in agriculture. The young people are willing to train and acquire relevant skills in modern Agriculture,” said the First Secretary and Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda, Mr. Alexandre Brecx.
Mr. Alexandre Brecx who was accompanied by two guests from the Embassy made the remarks during a visit to Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK) on Monday 13th May 2019.
The historic visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between Makerere University and Belgium, understanding the operations of MUARIK and exploring possible opportunities for partnership in the field of agriculture as well as vocational skills training.
During the interaction with Staff from Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, MUARIK and Mak Public Relations Office, Mr. Alexandre Brecx revealed that the Government of Belgium will focus on agriculture and vocational skills training as the next 5-year country programme.
“In the next country programme, we would like to focus on agriculture. Uganda has a huge potential for agriculture. We would like to partner with Makerere University to provide an important platform for students, youths and farmers to embrace the latest technologies in agricultural production,” he said.
Mr. Alexandre commended Makerere University for championing vocational skills training in Uganda. “I recognize Makerere University for its unmeasured effort to provide hands-on skill to the youth and farmers prioritizing agriculture. We acknowledge the important research undertaken by the Institution to solve farmers’ problems and the great innovations done from Makerere University geared towards improving Uganda’s agricultural sector,” he said.
The Belgium Government has immensely invested in building capacity of Makerere University staff especially in the area of Food and Agricultural Engineering and other related science subjects. According to Mr. Alexandre Brecx, every year the Government of Belgium sponsors students and staff from Makerere University to pursue their studies (graduate, postgraduate and research programmes) in Universities in Belgium.
On behalf of Makerere University, Prof. Noble Banadda, the Head, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and an alumnus of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium acknowledged support from the Government of Belgium that has enabled staff from Ugandan Institutions of Higher Learning to upgrade academically. He recognized the tremendous support the Government of Belgium is extending to Uganda through ENABEL to improve the agricultural sector of Uganda. He looked forward to a fruitful partnership between Makerere University and the Embassy of Belgium to Uganda that will lead to knowledge transfer in Agricultural Engineering and technological Incubation.
“We have the leading agricultural college in the region. It is also well known in capacity building and hands-on skills however, we need more knowledge and skills on mechanization, irrigation, equipment maintenance, agricultural and food processing equipment fabrication and welding. I am aware that Belgium mastered the art of these skills and we hope that when a partnership is sealed, we shall learn from them,” said Prof. Banadda.
Led by Mr. Tweyambe Chrysestom- the Farm Manager at MUARIK, the delegation visited the Engineering workshop where machinery and other agricultural tools are fabricated. They also visited the feed processing unit, the soil mixing and sterilization unit, the dairy chain, the banana plantation and the goats breeding unit. Throughout the tour, visitors interacted with students from Ssese Farmers Institute; who are undertaking their internship training at MUARIK.
Makerere University Agricultural Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) is an arm of Makerere University that interfaces with the National Agricultural research system (NARS). Seated on 650 hectares of land, the institute is being managed as a multi-disciplinary facility for training, research, outreach, and production under the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
The Institute is located 19 kilometers North-West of Kampala off Gayaza Township on the Kampala-Zirobwe Road. It houses;
- The Center for Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC),
- A Biotechnology Lab renowned globally for undertaking continental plant breeding programmes
- The Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) focused on an African continent free from hunger and malnutrition through the provision of improved varieties of food crops in Africa
- The Graduate Training and Research Laboratory, with state-of-the-art facilities aimed at enhancing the quality of analysis of practical field work for graduate students
- The Modern Poultry Unit (KOICA) comprising three (3) sub-units with a capacity of five thousand (5000) birds each, a brooder house, a drying shed for dehydrating chicken manure and a microbial facility to grow microorganisms to be used in the fermentation of chicken manure
- The Coffee Value Addition Centre (CURAD) focused on agri-business incubation to create employment opportunities for students.
- The Dairy Value Chain Unit and the Feed Mill
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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