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Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 1, Part 1

Published

6 years ago

January 17, 2020

Mark Wamai

R-L: CAES PhD graduands; Ms. NATABIRWA Hedwig, Mr. ONYILO Francis, Mr. OPOLOT Henry Nakelet, Mr. ORIANGI George and Mr. WASUKIRA Arthur with other Graduands during Day 1 of the 70th Graduation Ceremony, 14th January 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

PARIYO Anthony (RIP)

Resolution of genetic structure for resistance to cassava brown streak disease: germplasm diversity, resistance stability and inheritance patterns.

Mr. PARIYO Anthony (RIP) studied the genetic structure for resistance to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), an acute disease that has for decades limited optimal cassava productivity in eastern and southern Africa, which is incited by cassava brown streak viruses (CBSVs). Lack of information on genetic diversity, stability and the mode of inheritance of resistance to CBSD severely limits efforts tailored towards its control. The study resulted into three principal conclusions to guide future work: 1) low frequency of CBSD resistance alleles in eastern Africa cassava germplasm; 2) different CBSD resistance gene actions for foliar and root plant parts; 3) significant environments effects, with Namulonge located in central region, being the most suitable location for CBSD resistance screening. This study was funded by the world Bank coded Millennium Science Initiative, through Government of Uganda, and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr. Yona Baguma.

ACHORA Janet Cox

Use of Information and Communication Technologies in conservation agriculture knowledge pathways among smallholder farmers in Machakos and Laikipia counties, Kenya

Ms. ACHORA Janet Cox examined the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in conservation agriculture knowledge pathways among smallholder farmers in Machakos and Laikipia counties, Kenya. To suggest ways in which emerging ICTs can be integrated for enhanced conservation agriculture knowledge sharing, the study identified that the fragmented conservation agriculture knowledge network, the minor role of ICT actors in conservation agriculture knowledge sharing, the low integration of ICT tools and ICT capacities of conservation agriculture actors, constrained the optimal use of ICTs in conservation agriculture knowledge sharing. The study established that an integrated ICT knowledge sharing framework could improve and integrate the use of emerging ICTs for conservation agriculture knowledge sharing. This study was self-funded and partly supported by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), and was supervised by Dr. Haroon Sseguya and Dr. Florence Birungi Kyazze.

BUKUSUBA John

Modelling the impact of stunting on childhood survival in Buhweju District and the cost of its prevention

Mr. BUKUSUBA John studied the risk factors for the high rate of stunting in Buhweju District, and modelled the impact of its reduction on child survival and the cost of interventions required. The study found half of the children under 5 years were stunted and boys were more stunted than girls. Stunting was largely attributed to low coverage of child survival interventions, morbidity, low consumption of animal-source foods, food insecurity, poverty, and lack of knowledge about stunting. The cost for the reduction of stunting was estimated at US$ 21.2 million for the period 2018-2030, necessitating an additional US$ 250,000 per year for scale up. The interventions and costed strategy can be adapted for the 5-year district development plan and the development of a new multi-sectoral nutrition policy and national development plan. This study was funded by Nestlé Foundation, and was supervised by Prof. Archileo N. Kaaya and Dr. Abel Atukwase.

BYAKIKA Stellah (Ms)

Studies on the safety of Obushera and probiotic potential of selected lactic acid bacteria

Ms. BYAKIKA Stellah examined the safety of Obushera, a popular fermented cereal-based beverage from Uganda. This was motivated by the increasing uncontrolled commercial production of Obushera which compromises consumer safety. She also evaluated the potential contribution of three lactic acid bacteria isolated from Obushera towards improving product safety and human health. Findings showed presence of virulent, antibiotic-resistant and acid-tolerant Escherichia coli and aflatoxins in some Obushera sold in Kampala. The isolates; Lactobacillus plantarum MNC 21, Lactococcus lactis MNC 24 and Weisella confusa MNC 20 bound aflatoxins, inhibited Escherichia coli and exhibited the potential to reduce blood cholesterol, stimulate insulin release and stabilize heart pressure. Adoption of the isolates in processing of Obushera and related products could improve safety and health. The study was co-funded by Mr. Samuel K. Byakika and the Food Technology and Business Incubation Center, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa and Prof. Charles Muyanja.

GEBREMEDHN Hailay Mehari

Genetic Resistance to Soybean Rust (Phakopsora Pachyrhizi) in Line UG-5

Mr. GEBREMEDHN Hailay Mehari studied the genetic resistance to soybean rust in line UG-5. Soybean rust (SBR) is a devastative foliar diseases causing high yield losses worldwide. In Uganda, a local line UG-5 seems to have unique genes showing potential contribution towards improvement of SBR, but genetic control of its resistance is not yet characterized. The study revealed significant GCA effects and high Baker’s ratio, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of SBR resistance. Three putative QTLs were identified on chromosomes 6, 9 and 18. The QTL detected on chromosome 9 was novel and has not been reported elsewhere. Plant defense signaling pathway-related candidate genes were predicted from the QTLs on chromosomes 9 and 18, which could facilitate efficient MAS and gene pyramiding for the development of durable resistance to SBR. This study was funded by INTRA-ACP Mobility Scheme, and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr. Tomas L. Odong.

KIRYOWA Moses

Resistance spectrum to anthracnose disease and the genetic effect of pyramided genes on yield in common bean

Mr. KIRYOWA Moses determined the pathogenic variability of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (fungus causing anthracnose disease); assessed the effectiveness of pyramided resistance genes against anthracnose disease; and determined genetic effect of pyramided genes on yield in beans. C. lindemuthianum was highly variable with 24 new physiological races, worthy of attention. Pyramided genes in the right combination conferred broad-spectrum resistance but with a yield penalty. Some single genes conferred broad-spectrum resistance but may not be durable. The decision to pyramid resistance genes should, therefore be weighed against the threat the pathogen poses. The effective single and pyramided genes are a resource for breeders and pathologists. This study was funded by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) -Uganda and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr. Stanley Nkalubo.

KUMI Frank

Studies of sorghum resistance to downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi) disease in Uganda

Mr. KUMI Frank studied the prevalence, distribution and population structure of downy mildew disease in major sorghum growing districts in Uganda. He also characterized Peronosclerospora sorghi isolates which causes downy mildew disease. His study found Arua, Namutumba and Pallisa as downy mildew disease hotspots. In addition, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were the main drivers for downy mildew epidemics. He further screened Uganda sorghum germplasm for sources of resistance to downy mildew disease under different disease pressure. Two parents and seven crosses were identified as good transmitters of resistance to downy mildew disease and are recommended as lines in a sorghum breeding programme targeting downy mildew resistance and yield improvement. This study was funded by Intra-ACP CSAA project and RUFORUM, and supervised by Prof. Patrick Rubaihayo and Dr. Moses Biruma.

MIESHO Belay

Genetics of cowpea resistance to bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.)

Mr. MIESHO Belay studied Bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus), which is one of the most destructive insect-pests of cowpea causing significant losses in storage. The study was designed to contribute to the reduction of cowpea storage losses through elucidation of cowpea genetics of resistance to bruchids. Through intensive phenotyping, seed biochemical and inheritance studies, four cowpea genotypes (2419, WC42, TVu-2027and IT84s-2246) resistant to bruchids were identified and recommended as donor parents for cowpea breeding against bruchids. Furthermore, eleven genomic regions and six candidate genes associated with the resistance traits were identified using genome-wide association study which could be used for marker assisted breeding. This study was funded by DAAD and Carnegie through RUFORUM; and University of California through MaRCCI; and was supervised by Prof. Patrick Rubaihayo and Prof. Samuel Kyamanyawa.

MSISKA Mercy Ulemu

Genetic resistance to adzuki bean bruchid in soybean

Ms. MSISKA Mercy Ulemu studied the genetic resistance to adzuki bean bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis) in soybean. Utilization of resistant varieties to manage bruchids is obstructed by lack of sources of resistance and information on genetics of inheritance. Msiska’s study established sources, basis and inheritance of resistance to C. chinensis in soybean. Two genotypes; AVRDC G8527 and PI G89 were identified as sources of resistance. High tannins, total antioxidants, peroxidase activity and low flavonoids were biochemicals associated with resistance. Potential parents in breeding for resistance were SREB-15C, S-Line 9.2 and S-Line 13.2A. Crosses of the SREB-15C x S-Line 13.2A and SREB-15C x Maksoy 3N were recommended as start up material for the breeding programme. This study was funded by Intra ACP-CSAA, APPSA and Carnegie Corporation of New York through RUFORUM, and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa.

NATABIRWA Hedwig (Ms)

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) extrusion cooking: process optimization and product evaluation

Ms. NATABIRWA Hedwig researched on extrusion of biofortified common beans, with focus on improving the nutritional quality of expanded starchy snack foods, commonly consumed by children. Her work showed that extruded bean product properties were associated with the bean chemical components, and influenced by the extrusion cooking conditions used. She optimized extrusion conditions, thus producing a bean snack with high protein and iron content, and improved protein digestibility. Her research proved that biofortified common beans can be used to produce highly acceptable and nutritive puffed snacks, thus promoting increased intake of macro- and micro-nutrients. The developed process provides an alternative and economically feasible extrusion processing methodology that can be used by industry for production of nutritious expanded snack products. The study was funded by the ADB-GOU HEST research corporation through CIAT and supervised by Prof. John H Muyonga and Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe.

NDIRIGUE Jean

Adaptation and genetic analysis of earliness and yield component traits of yam bean (Pachyrhizus Spp.) in Rwanda

Mr. NDIRIGWE Jean studied the adaptation and genetic analysis of earliness and yield component traits of yam bean (Pachyrhizus Spp.) in Rwanda. Yam bean, a high yielding and rich root crop in Latin America and Asia was recently introduced into Rwanda for integration into the diverse farming agro-ecologies and improvement of diets of root crop dependent communities. Ndirigwe’study identified high genetic variability, heritability and significant high general ability, specific ability and their variance components indicating that both additive and non-additive genes control earliness traits and expected genetic gain could be expected in genetic improvement of yam beans introduced. High yielding and well adapted genotypes were AC 209033, AC 209035 and EC209018 and were recommended for participatory farmer’s selection. This study was funded by the Belgium Technical Cooperation, and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Prof. Emeritus Patrick Rubaihayo.

ONYILO Francis

Functional genetics in ascomycetes Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Synonym Mycosphaerella fijiensis) the pathogen of black sigatoka disease in banana.

Mr. ONYILO Francis studied Functional Genetics in ascomycetes Pseudocercospora fijiensis (formerly Mycosphaerella fijiensis) the pathogen of black Sigatoka in Banana. Francis isolated and characterised Mitogen activated protein kinase encoding genes; PfHog1, PfSlt2 and PfFus3 which are responsible for growth and virulence of Pseudocercospora fijiensis. He developed an RNA interference mediated gene silencing mechanism and an Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation procedure to introduce genes into mycelium fragments of Pseudocercospora fijiensis. His research is a step towards developing banana cultivars with resistance to black Sigatoka disease. This will help increase overall banana production. Functional genetic tools developed by Francis can be used to investigate other fungal pathogens example Magnaporthe oryzae of Rice. This Study was funded by Norman Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agricultural Programme University of California Davis USA and Agricultural Biotechnology Support programme II – USAID. His research was conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Bryce Falk and Prof. Ioannis Stergiopoulos. He was supervised by Dr. Tusiime Geoffrey and Dr. Leena Tripathi.

OPOLOT Henry Nakelet

Unraveling critical factors for a responsive university-farming community engagement in Uganda: insights from two outreach projects at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University

Mr. OPOLOT Henry Nakelet explored factors for development of a systematic long-term engagement framework between universities and farming communities. Findings showed that: the quality of teaching using participatory methods for development of lifelong skills; field attachment duration and appropriateness of host organizations to support practical learning; timely sharing of information; and farmers’ capacity development are critical for enhancing the role of universities on agricultural development. The study recommended strengthening application of participatory teaching methods for students to develop lifelong learning skills, increasing field attachment duration in accredited organizations for enhanced practical learning, integration of ICTs for timely information sharing, and mainstreaming farmer training into outreach activities. The study also suggested introduction of a post-graduation apprenticeship as an avenue for professional skills development and long-term engagement. This study was funded by RUFORUM CARP03 Project, and was supervised by Dr. Prossy Isubikalu & Dr. Bernard Obaa.

ORIANGI George

Urban resilience to climate extremes in Mbale municipality in Eastern Uganda

Mr. Oriangi George investigated historic and projected occurrence of precipitation extremes up to the year 2050, assessed factors perceived to be influential in enhancing resilience and proposed and tested a Municipality Resilience Index (MRI) to measure household resilience to precipitation extremes in Mbale municipality. Findings revealed that extreme precipitation periods have become and are likely to become more frequent between September and January. Additionally, household ability to meet its daily expenditure needs, household size, networks with NGOs, health care, education, access to credit and employment showed to be crucial factors in enhancing resilience to precipitation extremes. The MRI revealed that Mbale municipality has a low resilience index (0.2). Thus, contributing to previous studies on community resilience and bear relevance for practitioners to understand where to invest more resources to enhance resilience. This study was funded by SIDA and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya and Prof. Petter Pilesjö.

WASUKIRA Arthur

Comparative analysis of genotypic diversity among Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum and Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum strains

Mr. WASUKIRA Arthur conducted genome wide association studies on bacterial wilt isolates from banana, ensete and sugarcane from Eastern Africa. Bacterial wilt continues to reduce banana productivity and therefore affect livelihoods. He determined two major clades of bacterial strains within Eastern Africa, sequenced fourteen Xanthomonas strains and identified thirty-two specific candidate genes. The genome assemblies are useful in molecular dating studies, specific genetic markers used in functional, epidemiological and biogeographical research. New breeding technologies use pathogen-derived effectors as molecular probes to identify resistance genes for genetic plant protection. This study contributes to transgenic development of banana bacterial wilt resistance through gene editing. The study was funded by Millennium Science Initiative/NARO, University of Exeter, and was supervised by Dr. Geoffrey Tusiime and Dr. Jerome Kubiriba.

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1: Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

#Mak70thGrad

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Women in Business Empowered at Makerere

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2025

Eve Nakyanzi

Prof. Sarah Ssali (Seated 3rd Right) with officials and participants during the Women in Business training on 20th August 2025. Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business, 20th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on 20^th August 2025 commenced a training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business. The two sessions, which brought together women from diverse business sectors, were held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility. The training covered critical areas such as business requirements and strategic positioning, access to credit—particularly the Women in Business initiative by Stanbic Bank—and navigating procurement processes in the public service, among other vital aspects.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Agaba, Director of the Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU) at Makerere University, outlined relevant laws and shed light on reservation schemes for women-owned businesses. He detailed the requirements for companies to participate in procurement reserved for women, the necessary qualifying documents, and the benefits associated with such schemes. Mr. Agaba referred to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2003, a law aimed at regulating procurement processes while enhancing service delivery and ensuring value for money. He noted that the Act has undergone several amendments to address emerging issues and reinforce principles of fairness and inclusivity, including measures to integrate previously marginalized groups—women, youth, and persons with disabilities—into business opportunities.

He further emphasized that reservation schemes are designed to provide incentives for women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must be registered with the appropriate authorities, with at least 51% of its shares owned by one or more Ugandan women. On specific requirements, he highlighted the need for registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), annual registration with the PPDA to be listed among providers, and documentation proving 51% female shareholding. However, Mr. Agaba noted that more effort is needed to actualize some provisions, such as ensuring that 15% of every procurement plan in public institutions and all procurements below UGX 30 million are reserved for women.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Beatrice Nabagya Mugambe, whose organization funded the training, underscored the importance of the program, describing it as a response to critical gaps identified through organizational assessments and surveys. She observed that despite ongoing efforts in gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in procurement processes remains limited—a challenge not unique to Makerere but also evident across other agencies. She pointed to barriers such as lack of capital, insufficient information about bid opportunities and procedures, perceptions that bid amounts are beyond their reach, and limited business networks that could otherwise facilitate collective bidding. She stressed that such limitations can be overcome through collective action.

Addressing the topic of access to credit, Mr. Joel Mukasa, Relationship Manager at Stanbic Bank, highlighted opportunities available to women-owned businesses through the bank. Drawing from over seven years of experience, he noted that women tend to be better business managers, with 90% of loans disbursed to women being repaid, compared to less than 50% among men, attributing the gap to men often diverting business funds for personal use. Mr. Mukasa explained that Stanbic Bank has established several initiatives tailored for women, including the ‘Grow Project’ in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the government, and the ‘Stanbic for Her’ program. He clarified that the ‘Grow Project’ does not provide free money but rather credit facilities designed for active women entrepreneurs. To qualify, businesses must be registered as sole proprietorships headed by women, companies with at least 51% female shareholding, partnerships led by women, or formal/informal savings groups composed entirely of women. Applicants are also required to have an operational account with Stanbic Bank for at least six months, which eases qualification without the need for audited books.

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to gender equity and justice as central pillars of its operations. She noted that Makerere is the first public institution globally to apply for the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal, with the process beginning in 2022. As part of this commitment, the university is evaluated on gender parity in student enrollment. Since 1991, initiatives such as the 1.5 scheme, the establishment of a gender institute, and other affirmative action programs, including those addressing disability and inclusion, have been implemented to promote gender balance among students.

She added that as a gender-responsive employer, the university emphasizes women’s representation in its workforce, particularly in leadership and staffing. Makerere has a comprehensive Gender Equality Policy and Framework supported by affirmative action, which has significantly increased women’s representation in both employment and leadership roles. However, Prof. Ssali acknowledged that challenges persist in the area of procurement. Bound by the PPDA Act, the university cannot impose gender quotas since bidding is based on merit and fair competition. Low participation of women in bids is often due to their operation at a micro-level, lack of familiarity with the PPDA Act, and insufficient capital to handle large contracts.

To address these challenges, Prof. Ssali said Makerere is exploring lawful strategies to promote gender parity in procurement. The main focus is to strengthen women-owned businesses so they can compete effectively for large contracts, while also supporting small and medium women entrepreneurs as they scale up. She explained that the current workshop was deliberately designed for women in business, with participation restricted to women-owned companies. Its primary goal was to build competitiveness by equipping participants with knowledge of pre-qualification, bid submission, assessment, appraisal, and selection processes—ensuring women-owned businesses are fully integrated into Makerere’s procurement activities as part of the university’s broader gender inclusivity agenda.

Ms. Sara Nakibuuka, a practicing procurement professional at Makerere University, stressed the importance of such initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs. She encouraged women to take full advantage of provisions under the existing Acts of Parliament to expand their business opportunities and strengthen their market presence.

The Women in Business Training 2025 was moderated by Donna Keirungi, a member of the Makerere University Gender Equality Seal implementation team.

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2 Applications Now Open!

Published

4 days ago

August 20, 2025

Mak Editor

E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda launched! Apply by September 1, 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Innovation Pod is thrilled to announce the launch of the E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda! This immersive one-year program offers exceptional Bachelor of Science and related discipline students (2^nd-3^rd year) the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills in electric vehicle technology.

We are seeking motivated individuals from Physics, various Engineering fields, Industrial Art, Architecture, and Business (Marketing) with a strong academic record. Participants will engage in hands-on training, industrial immersion at Kiira Motors, and contribute to the development of the “Moonshot Project.”

Apply by September 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative skilling initiative. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here: https://forms.gle/jntp2TrzYqJ4TrKv9

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

Published

6 days ago

August 18, 2025

Mak Editor

An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20^th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28^th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20^th August 2025.