General
Mak Launches Online National Biodiversity Data Bank
Makerere University with support from USAID and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has launched an Online National Biodiversity Data Bank (NBDB) software application to boost research in Uganda’s Biodiversity.
The Data Bank software application was launched by the Acting Commissioner Biodiversity in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Dr. Akankwasa Barirega at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Thursday, 5th September 2019.
The Coordinator of the Data Bank Dr. Daniel Waiswa from Makerere University’s School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) in his remarks highlighted that without data on Uganda’s biodiversity, the tourism sector will head into sleep mode.
“The Data Bank is a central repository for biodiversity data in Uganda to serve the public, private and civil society domain,“ he said.
He explained that biodiversity data for most of the work done at the University is scattered, requiring a central place which can help to make informed decisions on the status of biodiversity resources.
“Currently we collect data from the field and stakeholders, keep it and make it accessible to all those interested in conservation of biodiversity. For students we use the data for research to inform policy with regard to management of biodiversity resources” remarked Dr. Waiswa.
He said the Data Bank will move towards increasing access to data, considering the case of the online and offline database donated to the NBDB by WCS. He also reiterated that the online Data Bank is quite important in broadening the scope of the current databank to include aquatic biodiversity and environmental quality data.
According to Dr. Waiswa the NBDB was formulated with a vision of becoming the leading centre of excellence in quality biodiversity and environmental data collection, processing and management in Uganda.
Its mission is to inventory and monitor the national biological resources and provide biodiversity information to conservationists, government agencies, land managers and others interested in the conservation and sustainable utilisation of these resources.
The NBDB future outlook includes Capacity Building in biodiversity and related issues as well as generation of funds through proposal writing, fundraising. Others are consultancies and increased participation in university programs of teaching and research among increasing relevance of stakeholders through provision of demand driven products and services.
The Dean SFEGS, Assoc. Prof. Fred Babweteera who represented Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) said the Data Bank software application was a great milestone for the college to make its resources more accessible in the public domain. He lauded USAID for providing resources and technical support for the conference.
Dr. Akankwasa Barirega who also heads the Department of Wildlife Conservation at the Ministry of Tourism applauded Makerere for launching the Online National Biodiversity Data Bank.
“For us as a Ministry responsible for Tourism and Wildlife, we have great excitement because we cannot develop tourism products without biodiversity data.
You must know where the animals, plants, birds, mammals, reptiles are so that we can promote them for Tourism, “he noted.
He observed the need to know what is available so that it can be managed better, saying unknown data cannot be managed.
“Government is responsible for management and conservation of wildlife, there is no way this work can be done without having information on where these things are. To us this is a great tool that will help in the day-to-day conservation management, decision making, tourism product development and conservation as well as tourism development policy formulation, “he emphasized.
He reported that lack of updated data has been one of the biggest challenges faced by the Tourism and Wildlife sector,
“There are many species of animals that we don’t know about, people only know about big mammals like the elephants, Gorillas, yet there are a lot of insects like beetles and butterflies which can contribute to tourism in addition to their ecological benefits like pollination which masterminds the agriculture sector in Uganda, “he said.
Taking into consideration the recent debate on the proposed construction of a dam on Murchison Falls, Dr. Waiswa said that such a resolution was not being guided by the available data on biodiversity, noting that the availability of resources like the National Biodiversity Data Bank will easily guide decision-making.
The Country Director Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Mr. Samuel Nampindo Takozekibi said that his organisation has worked closely with Makerere University particularly the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) to ensure that the platform is accessible by the public through the internet.
“The Data Bank is as good as having the data which we have also contributed to collecting; we also support academic training so that the students can collect the data as they earn their degrees, “he revealed.
He said that WCS is working towards negotiating the international treaties like the post CDD 2020 to come up with the targets which will become key frameworks for governments, so as to contribute to slowing down species’ loss and extinction.
Mr. Nampindo observed the need for the data collected to be used in reporting on the natural capital contribution to the development of this country, so as to attract increased investment by government.
He advised other public universities to be part of the process since they have continuous recruitment of students who do research in an effort to earn their degrees which will provide key sustainability for the data bank.
“The data bank can also innovate products that can be sold mostly to international students, to earn money to enhance its sustainability.”
Article Compiled by; Jane Anyango and Agnes Nankebe Nantambi, Communication Office CAES
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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