Students attend a practical session in the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. Date taken: 12th August 2010
Despite the nutritional potential of Syzygium cumini, commonly known as black plum,there has been limited utilisation of the fruits (pulp and seeds) and yet it has capacity to significantly contribute to food and nutrition security. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of utilizing S. cumini fruits in the production of a nutritious and acceptable juice. Ripe S. cumini fruits were randomly sampled from Nakasero Market, Kampla. The fruits were bulked and processed to obtain pulp and seeds. The seeds were separated from pulp, dried and milled into powder while the pulp was processed into juice. The seed powder was used in the formulation of the ready-to-drink juice at 0, 1.25 and 5%. The sensory evaluation was carried out to ascertain the acceptability of juice in which the seeds of S. cumini have been added. The pulp contained total phenolic concentrations in the order of 27.7±2.06 mg 100 g-1; while dried seed powderand juice contained 57.2±4 and 10.6±1.25 mg ml-1, respectively. The levels of flavonoidswere less in juice (5.7±1.0 mg 100 -1 g) compared to pulp (36.00±5.95) and seeds (457.2±31.44 mg 100 -1 g). The total antioxidant activity (TAA) in terms of 1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DHHP) percentage inhibition for pulp, seed powder and ready-to-drink juice were 85.75±0.54, 93.94±0.43 and 25.30±6.07%, respectively. Sensory acceptance reduced with increased levels of dried seed powder incorporated into the juice. On the other hand, the amounts of antioxidants increased in the different juice samples with increase in amounts of dried seed powder.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala