A male researcher inspects a maize cob in a demonstration plot at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso Uganda on 13th August 2010.
From June 22nd until July 10th 2020, VIB – IPBO organizes, together with Ghent university, the course "Modern breeding techniques for maize Improvement".
The course will cover the different challenges faced in maize cultivation and the latest scientific developments and tools to accelerate maize breeding (both conventional breeding and biotechnological techniques). The program will start with fundamental background sessions on maize breeding, the use of molecular markers in plant breeding, plant biotechnology, genetic transformation and new breeding techniques for maize. Experts from Europe and Africa will give an overview of biotic and abiotic stresses affecting the growth of maize and possible solutions to overcome these threats. In these sessions, special emphasis will be given on the effects of fungal contamination, drought and soil fertility on the growth and yield of maize.
In addition, the course will provide a comprehensive view and the latest essential insights on the regulatory frameworks and environmental risk assessment principles in Africa and Europe. The course will alternate theory and exercises for the understanding of the basic principles and methodologies of crop safety and risk assessment.
The sessions will be interactive, including group work, presentations and discussions. The program will also propose visits to a field trial and possibly a two day workshop on maize transformation.
At least 12 fellowships to attend the course will be awarded to candidates from developing countries, to obtain more information or to apply, please follow the link below.
Makerere University has received 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution.
The donation was made on June 30, 2025, as part of UBOS’ broader initiative to distribute a total of 3,025 tablets to ten government-funded institutions of higher learning. The handover ceremony was attended by Makerere’s Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Simon Kizito, the Deputy University Secretary among other Vice Chancellors and accounting officers.
Vice Chancellors from government-funded institutions of higher learning that received the donation of tablets from UBOS.
Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, a UBOS Board Director, who coordinated the distribution of the tablets to the respective 10 Public universities, underscored the significance of inter-institutional collaboration in fostering a data-literate and innovative generation. “This initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships between public institutions. In a country like Uganda, with one of the youngest populations globally, equipping our future leaders with the right tools is critical to achieving both national and global development goals,” she remarked.
The tablets had initially been procured and deployed during the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census. UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza explained that their redistribution marks the beginning of the Bureau’s post-census utilization strategy.
Dr. Chris Mukiza (L) flanked by his Board Director Dr. Allen Kabagenyi (R) addressing the meeting.
“We acquired 120,000 tablets to conduct the census, and as we committed earlier, we are ensuring that these resources continue to serve the country even after the census,” said Dr. Mukiza. “Our expectation is that these tablets will strengthen data collection, teaching, and research in universities and higher institutions. We want to see a culture where statistics are not only produced but also actively used to influence development outcomes.”
Dr. Mukiza encouraged academic institutions to take full advantage of the extensive data available at UBOS, emphasizing that greater use of statistical resources will translate into more impactful research and policy interventions.
Some of the accounting officers who attended the handover ceremony.
During the same event – cultural institutions also received tablets.
With this donation, Makerere University is well-positioned to further empower students and researchers in statistical analysis, evidence-based planning, and innovation-driven teaching.
The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.