Delivering Food for Africa in a Transforming Agri-food System in the ‘New Normal’
I thank the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) for inviting me to exchange ideas on how we can continue to effectively deliver food for Africa in the “new normal”.
As of June 2020:
“256 million (20%) of Africa’s population remain hungry while estimated 239 million are undernourished in Sub-Saharan Africa”. These numbers raise anxieties for African Governments, particularly Ministers of Agriculture because of our commitment to end hunger by 2030, which is 10 years from now.
World Bank analysis in April 2020 indicate losses between $37 and $70 Billion USD of food output due to the effect of the COVID 19 pandemic resulting in food security and nutrition issues . This is attributed to labour shortages for production, disruptions in food supplies (domestic & imports manifesting in spikes in food prices in urban areas affecting the urban poor and exacerbating already existing poor socioeconomic conditions), Fight mode is education for job creation, modernisation and industrialisation -post-colonial design.
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Candidate who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.