Agriculture & Environment
Mak Environmental Economists hold Policy Dialogue with Bugiri District Leadership
Environmental economists from the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) were on 28th and 29th October 2020 in Bugiri district, Eastern Uganda to dialogue with the local government officials on Lake Victoria’s rising water levels and pollution.
The team led by the Director EfD-Mak Centre Assoc. Prof. Edward Bbaale met with Bugiri district local government officials including the administrative and technical arms at the district headquarters.
Officials met included the Chief Administrative officer (CAO), Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Clerk to Council, Chairperson Local Council V, District speaker, District Police Commander and officers from the Environmental Police Protection Unit. The technical team was largely composed of the District Natural Resources officer, Forestry and Water officers as well as District planners and engineers. The meeting was also attended by representatives from Civil Society organizations (CSOs) and the Private sector.
Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is a critical trans-boundary natural resource, underpinning the economy and livelihoods of the population, acting as a waste repository and providing food, energy, irrigation, drinking water, tourism and transportation to the surrounding communities and, is the primary modulator of the region’s climate.
Despite its importance, the LVB has undergone intense environmental degradation for decades, resulting in significant ecological and economic challenges. During the period of late January 2020, the effects of Lake Victoria bursting its banks started to be felt with several landing sites and settlements damaged by floods leaving almost half a million people homeless and property worth billions of shillings destroyed in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The EfD-Mak Centre is mandated to carry out training, research and policy engagement in the realm of environment and natural resources and advise government on the best way the environment can be managed using evidence generated from research.
The university was in Bugiri because of its location and unique features. Bugiri district is located in Busoga Sub-region with a total land area of 1,045.9 km2 (403.8 sqmi). The district is located in a flat and rolling topographical zone with 90% of its landmass constituting the drainage basins of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. As a result, there are many swamps that crisscross the district as well as landing sites. The land surface is characterized by gentle undulating hills with few higher residual features. The district has a total of 1562m2 covered by water Wakawaka landing site covering 26,178 m2, Namatu (62,505m2), Rwengemaziriga (30,024m2) and Rwengekarent (26,645m2). The catchment areas have been grossly degraded, forest cover cut and swamps reclaimed.
The objectives of the policy dialogue was to discuss with district officials the status, challenges and to come up with strategies on how to have a nuance existence between the environment and human development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bugiri district Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. Ezaruku Kazimiro welcomed Mak dons to the district saying, the dialogue had come at a time when the district was experiencing very serious effects of climate change and environmental degradation manifesting with floods that were still continuing. Kazimiro called upon participants to put up some mitigation measures to address these challenges to enhance sustainability in the district and country at large.
The CAO described the policy dialogue as important and, one thatis in line with the National Development Plan III (2020-2025) whose implementation has just started. He said, the NDPIII considers environmental management and climate change very seriously which to some extent must also guide the dialogue.
Mr. Kazimiro said, the NDP III goal under natural resources and climate change sector is to stop and reverse the degradation of water resources, environment, natural resources as well as the effects of climate change on economic growth and people’s livelihoods.
“The key issues or challenges affecting the environment which this country wants to address in this period under NDP III are poor management of water, environment and natural resources coupled with worsening effects of climate change due to high exposure to hazards and disasters, low disaster risk planning, rampant degradation of environment and natural resources, limited access and uptake of meteorological information and poor coordination and institutional capacity”, The CAO said.
The CAO said, there is poor coordination among different institutions, sectors and local government, absence of incentives for good environment practices adding that, there are some key targets which must be achieved under NDP III five years from now.
This according to Mr. Kazimiro include, increasing percentage of land area covered by forests from 9.1% to 15% countrywide, to increase the percentage of the land area covered by wetlands from the current 10.9% to 11.5% within five years among others.
Speaking on behalf of the Resident District Commissioner, Ronald Mukasa expressed the dilemma between environmental conservation and development.
“We have so many activities that are ongoing within our environment. We have timber cutting, we have sand mining in the waters, we have charcoal burning, we have construction ongoing but how really do we protect our environment when development is also going on hand in hand?
We have to sensitize our community and population on how to manage nature while preserving the environment. Our call is to plant more trees as we cut some down and this is the only way we shall maintain the environment and even preserve nature”. He said reiterating the call by the government and the president condemning acts leading to environmental degradation.
The representative of the LC5 Chairperson Mr. Mutamba Musa thanked Makerere University for considering Bugiri for the dialogue. He said forests in Bugiri were getting depleted, water levels rising and many activities taking place in the wetlands.
He told participants that the task ahead of every stakeholder was to ensure that the catchment areas that feed the bigger water bodies are protected. Mr. Mutamba attributed the degradation of the environment and natural resources to inefficiencies in environmental committees and the increasing population pressure.
“I would also love to encourage fellow leaders to also ensure that the environmental committees are made active. It is true we have these committees but they are inactive, so we should ensure that they do what is expected of them.
I also think that as Ugandans we are over producing and as you are aware, the supply of land is inelastic so, people have started encroaching on forests and wetlands for survival. So we should ensure that at least we produce manageable numbers of children to safe guard our environment”. Mr. Mutamba said.
The District Police Commander Mr. Ssebuyungo Geofrey noted that although Uganda has adequate policies on environmental protection and institutions including the Environmental Police Protection Unit, there is lack of support to the enforcement and sometimes environmental protection is taken up by politics.
“We need the independence of the enforcement team when it comes to environmental policies. It is also time that we develop a policy on road reserves, so that we plant trees by liaising with Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) because this is free land”. The DPC proposed.
Ssebuyungo also noted that environmental protection must be perceived and conceptualized in terms of development encompassing many things like empowering people to fight poverty.
He said, besides helping ordinary people to use the environment to make money, there is need to think of a policy for all Bibanja owners to plant trees along their boundaries and encouraging all people to have tree projects that can earn them big sums of money in future.
The Clerk to Council Mr. Nandhbu Joshua said Bugiri is one of the worst affected districts with the changing environment especially the rising or changing levels of Lake Victoria.
“We have a landing site called Wakawaka, it has displaced a multitude of homes, people are now moving around but as government we embarked ourselves on constitutionalism. The Minister of Environment wrote to clerk directing that all people who are around the affected area vacate”. He said adding that people who were instructed to leave the landing site were stuck and have nowhere to go.
In her Keynote address, the Senior Environmental officer Bugiri district Ms. Kauma Benadet who is also the Ag. Natural Resources officer reported that the district is faced with anumber of challenges regarding environmental management including the rising water levels, sedimentation due to encroachment of the buffer zone, increasing water pollution and declining fish stocks.
The environmental officer reported that in March 2020, a number of people were displaced by the rising water levels on L. Victoria and they have not been resettled to date, leading to the decline of many economic activities.
“The increasing pollution of water is due to lack of sanitary facilities. We have over one thousand people along the shore, most of these are living close to within 200m of the lake and this has led to a lot of pollution. We only have one pit latrine that was provided by the district which cannot serve this whole community and so, the only alternative is the water source, Lake Victoria”. She stated.
Ms. Kauma said the district was grappling with issues of sedimentation as a result of waste disposal because the catchment, the wetlands have been silted and most of this silt ends up in the lake. She added that most of the people around the shore line have migrated from the village because they don’t have land, so they end up even cultivating the small area on the buffer zone hence increasing the silt in the lake.
The Environmental officer attributed all the environmental issues in the district to the increasing poverty levels and the declining economic activities.
“Most of the people who destroy our environment are below the poverty line and the only thing they can resort to for a living are the natural resources. That’s why you see most of our forests are disappearing because of charcoal burning and the demand of fuel wood. We see the way swamps are disappearing because people have to cultivate rice to earn money to take their children to school, to get the necessary medical services”, Ms. Kauma stated.
She however said, the district was partnering with development partners like the World Vision and Red Cross Society that have provided resources to mitigate the challenges.
Ms. Kauma also expressed gratitude to the government for increasing the budget for natural resources management in the district.
“We now have a running budget of 35 million shillings of which about 10 million shillings is for enforcement. So, on issues leading to pollution of the lake, sedimentation and the like, we are going to ensure that we enforce because we have regional officers in the management of environment. We shall always be calling them on board so that we can force the implementation of the 200m buffer zone.” Ms. Kauma stated.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale explained that the bursting of the lake banks is just an effect of the degradation of environment more especially the catchment areas.
“The forests have been cleared, the swamps have been cleared and as a result, erosion of all the debris with all the materials, metals, sediments end up directly in the lake.
The lake is very shallow with an average depth of 40m and the highest being 80m and once degradation goes on for many years as of now, time comes when the lake is over whelmed and as I speak now the lake is over whelmed. It is saturated no wonder it has burst its banks leading to all sorts of issues”. Prof. Bbaale said.
The Director said Lake Victoria is a trans boundary natural resource not only in Uganda but touches other East African countries where part of the solution lies in a consensus and joint efforts where governments must work towards a common goal.
As for Uganda, the professor observed that there is no need for new regulations because the government is already committed to institutions.
“Government has established a number of institutions and frameworks that are intended to protect the natural resources and environment. From parliament for example, we have a Parliamentary Committee in charge of natural resources and environment. We have the Ministry of Water and Environment, we have NEMA, and others and the government has worked together with civil society to protect the environment.
What we need to do is to implement and remove the weaknesses in the implementation of regulations that are here. The weak enforcements should be worked on or revised as a mechanism of achieving favorable environmental and natural resource outcomes”, He explained
Prof. Bbaale said as university researchers, they have a role to play because the population needs alternatives and these alternatives must come from new knowledge generated from research for instance on green energy or clean energy that can be used other than cutting forests or making charcoal.
The Centre Director expressed the university’s commitment to conducting research in the new alternatives as far as energy and agriculture are concerned noting that Agriculture is one of the culprits leading to degradation.
“The type of agriculture being practiced is not smart agriculture. This is the type of agriculture where even the productivity is so low, output per person is so low to the extent that if someone wants to harvest a lot, he needs a very big chunk of land.
But now, there should be research in the new agronomical practices that can ensure the highest yields even on a very small piece of land. You don’t need to clear a forest to have great alternative from your agriculture. You just need to undertake smart agriculture, you just need to work on agricultural productivity as a mechanism of protecting the environment”, He said.
Report compiled by: Jane Anyango, Principal Communication Officer, CAES
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University, Global Partners Strengthen Biodiversity Education & Research Through Innovation & Field-Based Learning
*****Through a project titled “Strengthening Education and Research Capacity for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Use,” Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), has achieved significant milestones in advancing biodiversity conservation education, research capacity, and sustainable natural resource management. The project team disseminated their findings and achievements on 31st July 2026.
Purpose of the project
Biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and the unsustainable use of natural resources continue to pose significant threats to ecosystems, livelihoods and sustainable development worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires a new generation of professionals equipped with scientific knowledge, practical skills, interdisciplinary perspectives and the ability to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
In response to this need, Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), in 2023 launched a project to strengthen higher education and research capacities to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 – Life on Land, the project focused on developing innovative teaching and learning approaches, promoting experiential and field-based learning, strengthening international research collaboration, and generating evidence-based knowledge to address complex environmental challenges.
Beyond its primary focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land), the project contributed to a range of interconnected Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening education and research capacities, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Furthermore, the project supported SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
The project was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnerships Programme, and led by Prof. John Tabuti from the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, and Ms. Nele Vahrenhorstfrom Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences.
End of Project Workshop
On 31 July 2026, the project team convened key stakeholders at Makerere University for a dissemination workshop aimed at sharing the achievements, lessons learned, and experiences gained throughout the three-year implementation period. The workshop provided a platform to reflect on the project’s contributions to strengthening biodiversity conservation education and research, while also discussing strategies for sustaining collaborations and building on the progress achieved.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti, who provided an overview of the project journey, highlighting the major milestones, achievements, challenges encountered, and valuable insights gained during implementation. His presentation underscored the importance of continued partnerships, innovation, and capacity strengthening in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Achievements Registered
- Strengthening Education Through Innovative Teaching Approaches
One of the major achievements of the project was the integration of real-world conservation and natural resource management challenges into university teaching through the development of case studies.Three Makerere University scientists – Drs. Vincent Muwanika, Josephine Esaete and Kenneth Balikoowa – received specialized training and certification from The Case Centre in the United Kingdom on the development and use of case studies in university teaching and learning. Building on this training, they developed three case studies in collaboration with local small and medium enterprises involved in natural resource value chains.
The cases provide practical learning materials that enable students to engage with real-life challenges, strengthen problem-solving abilities and move beyond theoretical learning towards applying knowledge in real-world contexts. A case development workshop held at Esella Country Hotel brought together more than 30 participants from industry and academia to promote collaboration in curriculum development and product innovation.
Through these initiatives, the project strengthened university-industry linkages while supporting the development of graduates equipped with creativity, innovation and practical skills required to address emerging environmental challenges.
- Building International Collaboration and Academic Capacity
The project created opportunities for staff and students from Makerere University and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences to participate in exchange programmes, fostering intercultural learning and strengthening academic networks.
Junior staff members Drs. Kayendeke, Juuko, Erima, Ssekuubwa and Mugizi travelled to Germany, where they received training in interactive and digital teaching approaches and developed new teaching materials. The knowledge gained continues to enhance learner-centred teaching practices at Makerere University.
The project also facilitated participation in international SDG workshops in Tanzania and South Africa, while stakeholder engagements held in Uganda strengthened collaboration between universities, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations and local communities. These engagements created opportunities for future research partnerships, joint funding proposals and continued collaboration in support of sustainable development goals.
To support modern teaching and research, the project improved institutional infrastructure through the acquisition of three laptops and video conferencing equipment to enhance e-learning and academic collaboration. Plans are also underway to install a weather station to support student research and data collection.
- Field Courses Transforming Students into Emerging Conservation Researchers
A key highlight of the project was the implementation of interdisciplinary field courses at Kibale National Park, which provided students with hands-on experience in biodiversity research and conservation practice.
Two joint graduate field courses were conducted in June 2024 and June 2025, bringing together 98 students, including 90 from Makerere University and eight from Rhine-Waal University. Working in intercultural teams under the guidance of lecturers from both institutions, students identified conservation challenges, developed research ideas, designed data collection tools, conducted fieldwork and analyzed data.
The field courses equipped students with advanced tropical biodiversity data collection skills while strengthening teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration and scientific communication. Students gained first-hand experience studying ecosystems, including forest regeneration, indigenous tree species, primates, birds, insects and human interactions with protected areas.
- From Field Experience to Advanced Research: Students Share Their Success Stories
The field experiences also generated valuable research ideas and conservation insights, with some students developing their field course projects further into postgraduate research.During the dissemination workshop, two students shared how their field experiences shaped their research interests, strengthened their professional skills and inspired them to contribute to biodiversity conservation.
For Makerere University student Vincent Mbahinzireki, the Kibale field course was a transformative experience that connected classroom knowledge with real-world research. Through collaborative research activities, community engagement and field data collection, he gained practical skills in research design, data analysis and scientific communication.
The experience also broadened his understanding of conservation as a complex relationship involving ecosystems, wildlife and human communities. Through interactions with local communities, including household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, Vincent gained valuable insights into human-wildlife conflicts, community reliance on natural resources and the importance of inclusive, community-centred approaches to conservation.
Similarly, Oweka Jenifer, a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management student at Makerere University, shared how the field course became the foundation for her ongoing research on human-wildlife coexistence around Kibale National Park.
During the field course, Jenifer and her colleagues identified conservation challenges within the landscape and developed research proposals addressing issues emerging from their observations and community interactions. Her initial field study on community coexistence strategies in Kanyawara Ward later evolved into a broader MSc research project titled “Assessing Locally Driven Strategies for Human-Wildlife Coexistence around Kibale National Park, Uganda.”
The expanded study, which involves 333 households and key informants from conservation organizations and local leadership structures, aims to generate evidence that can strengthen community-driven conservation initiatives, support policy development and promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
Jenifer’s research journey highlights the value of experiential learning in nurturing independent research, building scientific capacity and preparing the next generation of conservation professionals to develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Appreciation from Mak’s Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships
In his remarks, Makerere University Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, for the generous financial support provided to the project. He noted that the investment had significantly strengthened research capacity, fostered international collaboration, and contributed to efforts aimed at conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity and natural resources.
Prof. Wamala also commended the implementing partners, highlighting the value of cross-border and interdisciplinary collaborations in generating knowledge and innovative solutions that address challenges affecting both local and global communities.
Emphasizing the importance of the project, he observed that for Uganda, where livelihoods and economic development are closely linked to natural resources, protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and social necessity. “Universities therefore have a critical role to play in generating evidence, developing innovative technologies, training highly skilled professionals, and informing policies that advance sustainable development. The project has made significant contributions towards fulfilling this mandate by going beyond research outputs to strengthen postgraduate education, enhance research capacity, promote international academic partnerships, and equip emerging researchers with the knowledge and practical skills required to address evolving environmental challenges. These achievements align with Makerere University’s commitment to producing graduates and research outcomes that respond to national priorities and global development needs.”
Prof. Wamala further noted that the knowledge generated, partnerships established, and capacities built through the project provide a strong foundation for future collaborative research, innovation, policy engagement, and community outreach. “As biodiversity conservation challenges continue to evolve, collective efforts must remain dynamic, innovative, and sustained. There is need for continued efforts to identify practical pathways for sustaining partnerships, scaling successful interventions, mobilizing additional resources, and translating research findings into policies and practices that enhance environmental stewardship and improve livelihoods.
He re-affirmed the Directorate’s commitment to supporting multidisciplinary research, strengthening international partnerships, promoting research excellence, and ensuring that research undertaken at Makerere University delivers meaningful and lasting impact for society.
Remarks from the Head, Department of Environmental Management
Addressing participants, the Head of the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, appreciated the funders and project team for their unwavering commitment, which culminated in the successful implementation of the project.
“It is one thing to start a project and another to complete it successfully,” she said, explaining that many projects begin with great enthusiasm but require sustained commitment, teamwork and effective leadership to achieve their intended outcomes.
Prof. Namaalwa paid special tribute to Prof. John Tabuti for his exemplary leadership throughout the project, describing him as a dedicated researcher who has consistently spearheaded several impactful initiatives within the Department. “Such leadership has strengthened the Department’s research profile, expanded collaborations, and contributed to addressing critical environmental and biodiversity challenges.”
Highlighting the Department’s contribution to Makerere University‘s research agenda, Prof. Namaalwa noted that although the Department has a relatively small number of academic staff, it continues to make a remarkable impact through high-quality research, innovation and community engagement. She attributed this success to the commitment, resilience and collaborative spirit of the staff, who continue to attract competitive research funding and implement projects that generate knowledge and inform policy and practice.
She also briefed the project team on Makerere University‘s Safeguarding Policy, emphasizing its importance in fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all staff, and project partners. She encouraged all staff to familiarize themselves with the policy and uphold its principles, reaffirming the University’s commitment to ethical conduct, accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Issues Arising from the Dissemination Workshop
The dissemination workshop provided an opportunity for participants from Makerere University and representatives from partner institutions to reflect on the project’s achievements while identifying priority areas for strengthening biodiversity conservation education, research and practice. The following key issues emerged during the discussions:
- Strengthen Field-Based Learning and Practical Training: Participants emphasized that universities need to be more deliberate in increasing opportunities for fieldwork and practical learning. While classroom instruction provides essential theoretical knowledge, field experiences expose students to real conservation challenges, strengthen problem-solving skills and improve their ability to apply scientific concepts in diverse ecological settings. Participants further recommended that practical components should be integrated into all academic programmes through structured in-semester field activities rather than being limited to occasional field courses.
- Integrate Learners’ Perspectives into Curriculum Review: The workshop highlighted the importance of giving students a stronger voice in curriculum development and review processes. As the primary beneficiaries of university education, learners can provide valuable insights into emerging skills gaps, learning experiences and industry expectations. Their participation would help ensure that curricula remain relevant, responsive and better aligned with contemporary conservation challenges.
- Address Political Dimensions of Conservation: Participants noted that biodiversity conservation is often affected by political interests, competing development priorities and governance challenges. Political interference can undermine conservation initiatives and limit effective management of natural resources. The workshop therefore recommended integrating political economy perspectives into conservation planning and strengthening collaboration between political leaders, policymakers and conservation managers to ensure that conservation decisions are supported by sound governance and long-term sustainability objectives.
- Generate Evidence to Influence Policy: The workshop underscored the need for research to produce credible, well-packaged and policy-relevant evidence capable of informing decision-making. Participants observed that meaningful policy change can only be achieved when research findings are communicated in ways that clearly demonstrate their practical value. Universities and researchers were therefore encouraged to strengthen knowledge translation efforts so that scientific evidence effectively informs environmental policies and conservation strategies.
- Promote Community-Centred Conservation: Participants emphasized that successful conservation initiatives must take into account the livelihoods and interests of communities living around protected areas and biodiversity hotspots. Conservation interventions should provide alternative livelihood opportunities where access to natural resources is restricted and actively involve local communities in planning and implementation. Such inclusive approaches are essential for fostering community ownership, reducing conflicts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation programmes.
- Harness Digital Technologies for Conservation Education: Drawing from his training experience in Germany, Dr. Charles Juuko highlighted the growing availability of digital resources that can transform conservation education. He encouraged universities to make greater use of online learning platforms, automated analytical tools and open data repositories to enrich teaching and research. He also recommended strengthening Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training at the master’s level and expanding student exposure to emerging technologies such as drone applications, air-quality monitoring sensors and geospatial data analysis for environmental monitoring and decision-making.
- Strengthen Practitioner Engagement in Teaching and Learning: According to Tumwebaze Adson, Environment Innovations Officer at NEMA, practitioners should play a greater role in developing case studies and practical learning experiences for students. He noted that involving professionals from government, industry and conservation organizations would expose learners to real-world environmental challenges and improve the relevance of university training. He also encouraged students to design research projects that respond directly to contemporary environmental and conservation issues.
- Foster Stronger Academia-Industry Partnerships: The workshop reaffirmed the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities, government agencies, conservation organizations and the private sector. Such partnerships can enhance research, facilitate knowledge exchange, provide internship opportunities, support innovation and improve the application of research findings to address biodiversity conservation challenges.
- Strengthen Environmental Law Education: Participants expressed concern that many students graduate with limited knowledge of environmental legislation, conservation policies and regulatory frameworks. They recommended integrating environmental law and policy more comprehensively across relevant academic programmes to equip graduates with the legal and institutional knowledge required to support sustainable natural resource management.
- Prioritize Solution-Oriented Research: Participants called on universities to place greater emphasis on research that generates practical solutions to conservation challenges rather than focusing primarily on academic publications. While scholarly outputs remain important, research should increasingly translate into innovations, technologies, management practices and policy interventions that create measurable environmental and societal impact.
- Through strengthened teaching approaches, international partnerships, experiential learning and applied research, the project has laid a strong foundation for producing a new generation of professionals committed to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Sustaining the Achievements
While the project recorded significant achievements, implementation was not without challenges. The team navigated disruptions associated with the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, which affected planned activities, including the cancellation of the 2026 joint field course due to an Ebola outbreak reported in some parts of Uganda.
As the funding period comes to an end, partners expressed commitment to sustaining the collaboration. Future areas of cooperation include joint research projects, student co-supervision, continued academic exchanges and pursuit of additional funding opportunities.
Pictorial of the workshop:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHmVkq8Hl-g1QQJwR6IieqrBzoijLqHK?usp=sharing
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General1 day agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
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General2 weeks agoFreshers’ Joining Instructions 2026/2027
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Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoMakerere University, Global Partners Strengthen Biodiversity Education & Research Through Innovation & Field-Based Learning
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Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoMakerere University Awards Certificates to First Cohort of Critical Thinking and Social Intelligence
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General2 weeks agoMakerere University Newsletter Apr-Jun 2026