Welcome to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS); I have the pleasure to present to you our Annual Report for the year 2020.We thank the Almighty for taking us through a year of difficulty owing to the Covid19 pandemic which severally affected work at the university, nationally and globally. This is my 10th year serving as Principal of the College of Natural Sciences; I thank all the staff and leadership through the years for the support and hard work. We have been able to take the college to greater heights.
Our niche as a constituent College of Makerere University is teaching and carrying-out research in the basic and applied sciences. As you read this report, you will see many examples of how the College applies its expertise to serve our learners, Makerere University and Uganda as a nation through our teaching and research for a better future. All our work is premised on six strategic goals that guide the CoNAS 2020-2030 Strategic Plan: Goal 1: To increase the capacity of the College to train scientists for the country, the region and beyond Goal 2: To increase the number of demand driven high quality science programmes Goal 3: To strengthen demand driven scientific research and make the college more relevant to national development. Goal 4: To improve the operational efficiency of the College Goal 5: To create a conducive academic environment for students and staff and Goal 6: To maintain high academic standards that are recognized internationally.
Irrespective of the challenges arising from the Covid19 pandemic and curtailing of our work because of a lockdown for most of 2020, we are glad that our staff were able to produce multiple research papers, implement their research and still impart knowledge to our learners via ODEL supported by the Makerere University E-learning Environment online. This is the new normal and we have all had to adapt quickly and continue with our work as best as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the College administration, staff and students for their continued support and participating in the activities of the College. Your hard work ensures that the College is able to move forward in realising its strategic goals.
As a requirement by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and University Senate, the College of Natural Sciences finalised review of its programmes and these have been to Senate and approved. From our research work by staff and students, the college has registered multiple research publications. The college realised a number of promotions as well as new recruitments to replace retiring staff and also fill gaps where staff had either resigned or died. I take this opportunity to recognize Prof. Deborah Baranga (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences) and Prof. Sylvester Nyakana (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology) who have served CoNAS and Makerere University diligently and rising through the ranks.
All that we have achieved through the year would not be possible without support from Government of Uganda, University Administration and partners, this we cannot take for granted. We hope for better in the year 2021 after the challenges of 2020.
As We Build for the Future
Professor J.Y.T Mugisha
PRINCIPAL