The Main Speaker-Dr. Henry Nakelet Opolot (C) with the Principal CAES-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (2nd L), PI-Dr. Rosemary Isoto (2nd R) and other guests after the event on 20th April 2021, Food Science Conference Hall, Makerere University.
Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has held the fourth policy seminar on rural development.
Rural Development, a process of improving the opportunities and well-being of rural people is of critical significance in Uganda where over 70 percent of the population still live in rural areas. Beyond agriculture, which is the mainstay of rural people, rural development encompasses health, nutrition, education, the environment, energy and a host of other social services to the rural people.
With support from the Government of Uganda through the Research and Innovation Fund (RIF), Makerere University, the CAES launched monthly policy seminar series to re-ignite the debate and bridge the existing knowledge gap between research and policy making around the issues of agricultural and rural development.
This initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Rosemary Emegu Isoto as the Principal Investigator, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha and Prof. Hyuha Theodora from the School of Agricultural Sciences.
The fourth CAES Policy Seminar was held on 20th April, 2021 at the Food Science Conference Room at Makerere University.
Dr. Henry Nakalet Opolot presenting during the seminar
The main speaker was Dr. Henry Nakelet Opolot, Commissioner, Agricultural Extension and Skills Management, and Coordinator, Agriculture Cluster Development Project, Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Dr. Nakalet’s keynote was titled, “The Centrality of Agricultural Extension Services to Agro Industrialization Agenda in Uganda: Policy Implications”. The event was also graced by Dr. Salim Nahdy, Executive Director- African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS).
The Project PI, Dr. Rosemary Isoto said, the project provides a platform where all researchers that have research output to policy makers make presentations to an audience composed of different researchers policy advisors, policy makers, students among others.
Through this platform Dr. Isoto said,, researchers come and give an overview of basically what the research was about and the research and policy implications that hopefully the policy makers are able to make policies that are evidence based.
It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.
Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.
Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.
I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.
Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.
ELIGIBILITY
For Master’s Applicants
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.
For PhD Applicants
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.
Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/