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Guide to Sanitation Resource Recovery Products & Technologies

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The world is currently undergoing a paradigm shift towards a circular society in which resources are recovered and reused rather than discarded. The global population has surpassed seven billion people, and rapid urbanisation in many areas is putting a significant strain on our ability to provide basic services to all. The Sustainable Development Goals highlight the fact that millions still lack access to food, healthcare, water and sanitation. At the same time, it is increasingly evident that we are consuming the Earth’s resources and releasing waste into the environment in an unsustainable manner. The resulting effects on climate change, biodiversity loss and changing nutrient cycles threaten to over-step critical planetary boundaries. Crossing these boundaries has the potential to cause irreversible environmental change and to threaten the ability of humanity to develop and thrive. Sanitation systems manage carbon, nutrient and water flows, which are key resource flows that affect the planetary boundaries and thus should be recovered and recirculated instead of being released into the environment. Increasing resource recovery within our sanitation systems can play a critical role in shifting to a more sustainable society.

There are significant resources within excreta and wastewater fractions that can be recovered and turned into useful products. For example, the average person excretes 4.5 kg of nitrogen, 0.5 kg of phosphorus and 1.2 kg of potassium every year. These elements and other micronutrients found in excreta are critical for the fertilising and restoration of agricultural soils. The energy value of faeces is on average 4 115 kcal/kg of dry solids. This energy can be utilised as a renewable energy source. On top of this, there are large volumes of wastewater that can be captured, cleaned and reused. However, human excreta and wastewater contain pathogens and other undesired substances, risks that need to be managed in a reuse system. The growing demand for recycling needs to be complemented with a growing knowledge of how to do it safely.

The aim of this document is to provide an overview of the possibilities for resource recovery from sanitation and provide guidance on treatment processes to achieve safe products for reuse. The focus of this document is on resource recovery from the organic wastes managed in sanitation systems and, to a lesser extent, on the recovery of water and energy generation. Resource recovery sanitation systems are defined as systems that safely recycle excreta and organic waste while minimising the use of non-renewable resources such as water and chemicals. Safe recycling means that waste flows are managed so that physical, microbial and chemical risks are minimised. Thus, the recycled product should not pose any significant health threat or environmental impact when correctly used.

The specific objectives of this document are:

  1. To expose the user to a broad range of recovered sanitation products and innovative treatment technologies.
  2. To help the user to design functional solutions for resource recovery by illustrating the linkages between sanitation inputs, treatment technology and the recoverable products.
  3. To provide an overview of basic information regarding design aspects, operational requirements and health, safety and social considerations related to resource recovery technologies and products.
  4. Describe and fairly present technology-specific advantages and disadvantages.

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Mark Wamai

Engineering, Art & Tech

Driving Innovation by Strengthening Ugandan Universities for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) convened a meeting at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) focused on the critical role of research in national development. The meeting attended by college leaders’ and staff emphasized the shift from basic research which makes up nearly 80% of research efforts to applied research, which has the potential to generate revenue, create industries, and provide employment opportunities.

The discussion held in the CEDAT Board room Thursday 29th May 2025, highlighted the government’s agenda to prioritize applied research, ensuring universities become hubs of innovation rather than just centers for academic publishing. The meeting also stressed the importance of pilot testing and learning from early experiences to refine university support systems for commercialization.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

The School of Engineering Hosts CFIT Workshop on Innovation and Technology

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The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) on 28th May 2025 convened the UNESCO China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT III) supported workshop, an event aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancements within the university. The high-level workshop hosted by the School of Engineering aimed at fostering innovation and advancing the national development agenda. It brought together academics, industry experts, students, and government officials to discuss the future of engineering, science, and technology in Uganda.

The event was officially opened by the College Principal Professor Moses Musinguzi, who congratulated the School of Engineering for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the importance of innovation in African universities. He noted that institutions often overlook innovation, yet it is a key pillar in higher education worldwide. “Innovation should be at the core of universities. It defines progress, and as a college, we are committed to expanding our contributions in this field,” he stated. Prof. Musinguzi stressed that innovation is the key to economic transformation, and universities must integrate it into their work.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Advert: Application for Additional Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The following Programmes have been added:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE)
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Day and Evening)

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 27th May 2025.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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