Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches IGE in Practice Programme
By Hilda Makune for EfD-Mak
Makerere University has launched a new program dubbed “Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice”. IGE in Practice, is a collaborative programme between Makerere University’s Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Center and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden fully funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Other participating countries are Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The program is aimed at strengthening Uganda’s capacity for transformation towards an Inclusive Green Economy largely under the United Nations SDG 8 that focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
IGE in Practice will focus on the use of environmental policy instruments, and specifically economic instruments such as environmental taxes, pollution fees, subsidies or subsidy reduction and other types of fiscal incentives for societal development in line with the Global Agenda 2030.
The program is an advanced in-service training with direct applicability in the participants’ daily work involving theoretical training within IGE, practical exercises, project development and support for implementing own change work.
The official program launch and training was held at at Makerere University’s Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) on 4th June, 2021 with six (6) selected senior public servants competitively selected among the 19 participants nominated through the Permanent Secretary, Minsitry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and relayed via zoom to other participants.
The selected senior public servants were from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Planning Authority (NPA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
These selected public servants will undergo a one year course (running from June 2021 to June 2022) and upon successful completion, given a title of IGE fellows and are expected to become IGE change agents and IGE trainers in their different Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The function was also attended by the Principal, Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, the Director EfD-Mak Centre who is also, Dean, School of Economics Assoc Prof. Edward Bbaale and Makerere University IGE program support team – Dr. John Sseruyange, Lecturer in School of Economics and Mr. Peter Babyenda the Policy Engagement Specialist in charge of coordinating the training program. These were joined by Prof. Anders Ekbom, the IGE program head at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
In his opening remarks, the Principal CoBAMS Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali said the future for sustainable growth across the global is in Inclusive Green Economy, a new phenomenon, yet to be fully tapped into. He thanked the donors for putting trust in the university assuring them that they shall rise to the task that they are taking up.
He underscored the importance of IGE as extremely important in the case of Uganda and across the developing world presenting a number of opportunities and areas of interest to harness such as Water, Agriculture Energy that have been adequately taken care of in the planning frame work under the National Development Plan of Uganda.
“There is vast potential in the area of Renewable Energy; we have a potential to produce up to around 6,000mega watts of renewable energy, and yet what has been exploited as of now is under 500mega watts so, there is quite a big potential in the renewable energy in Uganda.
The good will we still have with the donor community, Inclusive Green Economy naturally includes among others tapping into the appropriate technology, good technology and value addition”, the Principal said.
Assoc. Prof. Hisali noted that although there are a number of opportunities and initiatives available in the Inclusive Green Economy, the concept is still new across the private and public arena. He implored the university IGE team to ponder on the issues such as stakeholder coordination, engagement, and involvement.
“Even when you sample across the public and the private sector, not everyone would appreciate the concept in the same way. The coverage is still limited. How do we get the different stake holders on board? How do we exploit now the untapped potential in terms of an Inclusive Green Economy?
The development philosophy of Uganda is largely the private Sector, will naturally play a very big role in driving the development process. Therefore, the question here is how do we incentivize the private sector to take up these different aspects of Inclusive Green Economy investments.
There are a number of initiatives under Inclusive Green Economy investments which are across the country both in the private and public sector. There are different sectors in different locations. How do we plan to coordinate these sectors?” Assoc. Prof. Hisali questioned.
The Director, EfD-Mak Center who is also part of the support team of Inclusive IGE Assoc. Prof. Edward Bbaale introduced EfD as a global network of Environmental Research Centers comprising fifteen centers across the world coordinated in the EfD Secretariat, a special unit in the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg Sweden.
He said the EfD impact modal values a lot academic training which feeds into the Applied Research and also, institutional development which ultimately leads to Research Policy interaction and then the realization of an impact.
The Director said the meeting was about Inclusive Green Economy in practice, a capacity building program where the trainees will be equipped with information about the IGE Program, what it is about, why IGE, what the training will cover and the role of the centre and the trainees.
Prof. Bbaale expressed the need to ensure commitment by the participants on the program tasks and also connect with each other and understand each other’s roles.
He reported that the first round of this program will run until March 2022 and targets the senior civil servants mainly the economists. In Uganda. Prof. Bbaale said 19 participants were recommended but 6 were selected but the program too has a regional focus with 5 participants from Kenya, Rwanda with 6, then, Tanzania and Ethiopia each with 6.
“The main objective is to strengthen East African countries capacity to transform into an Inclusive Green Economy through; Increased knowledge and Application of Economic and Environmental policy instruments; Organizational change, how do we change the organizations where we work to make sure that we are well aligned in the inclusive Green Economy agenda and; Strengthen National systems for Inclusive and sustainable Economic development”, Bbaale said.
In the program out line, Prof. Bbaale said, phase 1 in March –April 2021was a call for applications and phase 2 is the startup meetings which was being done and running according to plan. In phase 3 there will be trainings on the Inclusive Green Economy aspects, theories and practices.
Prof. Bbaale reported that Phase 4 shall have the Golden thread called the Inclusive Green Economy Project where each participant will have to design a project in their different organizations intended to show how they can change their organizations and how well they can align themselves in a Green Economy.
In the same phase 4, the Director said, there will be support workshops, high level policy workshops, support meetings from the mentors and the peer running reviews followed by regional course between October and March 2022 and then national workshops.
“This program is an advanced in-service training with direct applicability, where participants will get great understanding, knowledge and ability to critically review and analyze the current economic policies and conditions while at the same time find opportunities for transformation towards a Greener Economy. Therefore, this means you are a change agent in your organization, the training will strengthen the role of the participant as a change champion.
The program is organized by the UGOT, the center for sustainable development in collaboration with several expert organizations and Makerere University being part of that under the EfD- Mak Center. A team of experts and Lecturers include; those from Sweden but also other international experts with extensive experience.
The program is fully funded by the Swedish International Development operational Agency (SIDA). All costs are covered by the UGOT. Therefore, the participants will only contribute their time.” Assoc. Prof. Bbaale added.
He highlighted some of the benefits from the program at individual level, organizational and at the system level that combines the entire country.
At individual level he said, there is peer to peer learning, understanding the inclusive green economy, its usefulness, risks and opportunities of applying these economic instruments, and increased knowledge of organizational change, how does one start up the change at organization level and how to build network efforts at international level.
At organizational level; he explained that one will benefit by building capacity on behalf of the organization in the area of Inclusive Green Economy; Application of economic instruments and increased priority on Inclusive Green Economy and the Introduction of Inclusive Green Economy or economic instrument projects and support of the ongoing IGE projects.
At national level, he said the benefits range from Strengthened National systems for green economic transformation; Improved cooperation between government agencies and across countries of collaboration and; Enhanced application of green economy analysis and economic instruments for IGE transformation
Program Training Methodologies
In terms of training Methodologies, the Director said, these shall include; advanced professional capacity building program, which will have action learning methodologies online; under that shall have online meeting place for professionals in planning and policy development strategic and resource green economy.
Since it is going to be an action learning experience, part of it shall be exchange of knowledge and sharing of experiences. There shall be interaction in terms of group work, discussions, joint learning i.e. on line and then develop the Golden Thread – the Inclusive Green Economic Project which will be developed from the different organizations.
The Program Tasks according to Prof. Bbaale include participation in the training, developing and implementing the Inclusive Green Economy Project and conducting and participating in National policy review workshops for peer learning.
As part of the tasks; one will be a trainer and as a participant, one will be given a title of Inclusive Green Economy Fellow (IGE-Fellow) which will distinguish one from those that have not undergone this program.
As a Fellow, one will be required to actively involve the workmates/colleagues where one will form a team at their place of work with in their organization. One will work on experiences and work projects and actively contribute on their own expertise and experiences.
One will in addition manage development and implementation of a number of tasks through the 10months of the program duration and upon graduation and successful achievement of all tasks, one will be awarded a certificate and become part of the IGE-Fellow networks or program alumni.
All IGE-Fellows are assigned a support team which includes; Country Academic partners and expert advisors on Inclusive Green Economy.
Prof. Bbaale said, the role of the support team is to; Provide feedback on ones assignments and tasks, offer advice on critical questions, support and encourage one to keep moving on the program. This support team understands the Inclusive Green Economy processes, changes process and organization capacity program and they will challenge, coach , encourage and also critically review the written tasks and helps fellows with the information sharing and IGE networking.
Program Guide for the Trainings
- 10th-11 June as the first training
- 17th -18 June second training
- 9th -10th September third training
- 16th -17th September fourth training
These trainings will be conducted virtually.
Giving his remarks via zoom, the IGE program head at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Prof. Anders Ekbom said, Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) is one of the Agenda of 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8).
He said the rich and poor countries cannot do things the same way for various reasons and that is why development is not sustainable.
“And therefore we cannot go on the way we do. The Rich countries consume too much while the poor countries cannot invest in technologies that are sustainable. Investments are not environmentally or socially and economically sustainable. Our horizons are too short.
Therefore, the agenda is to guide development and this program focuses on SDG 8 which really deals with jobs, decent work but also sustainable economic development,” Prof. Anders Ekbom said.
He said IGE is a practical approach to address and work with SDG8 and that it is broader than just Green Economy because one can go for policies that promote green growth but at the expense of the poor or the marginalized people.
He clarified that, one has to emphasize on inclusion or social acceptance as one designs the green economy policies.
He explained that the SDGs are made up of 5Ps, i.e. Prosperity, People, Planet, Peace and Partnerships where the first three Ps represent Inclusive Green Economy.
In the case of IGE Prof. Anders said there is need to ensure that the economy and the environment are brought together in a large extent.
“The concept of IGE is to bring the social, economic and environmental issues together for integration, inclusion of people in planning, decision making and the outcomes. Environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability, the three need to come together so as to have a comprehensive sustainable development”, Prof. Anders Ekbom said.
IGE according to Prof. Anders is made up of several concepts; resource efficiency, system mitigation, system resilience, strong communities and habitats, sustainable economic growth, Inclusive economic growth, equity, poverty reduction, strengthening of rights and social inclusion.
He said the Green economy wants to reduce pollution, reduce inefficiency, reduce waste, economize the natural resources and go for extensive use of natural resources while IGE has to make use of internal policy plans, and other departments as well.
“This does not mean taking over their jobs but rather working together through campaigns and other means.
IGE needs to promote green jobs and sustainable employment. Need to move from the Ministry of Environment and NEMA, and involve the Ministry of Finance because these organizations sit on very powerful tools to manage the environment through economic empowerment.
IGE needs to move away from the victims being paid for polluting the environment but rather have the polluters pay for polluting the environment. That way the environment will be preserved.
Need to move from environmental conservation and protection to sustainable management”. Prof. Anders Ekbom stressed.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Students Urged to Register Agricultural Innovations to Avoid Plagiarism
By Hasifa Kabejja & Buwule Joseph Mary
The Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, Prof. Gorettie Nabonoga has urged student innovators to safeguard their intellectual property rights. Speaking at the end-of-recess exhibition organized by the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Biosystems Engineering to showcase student-led innovations, she cautioned students about the risks of intellectual theft.
“It is essential to take proactive measures to protect your ideas,” Prof. Nabanoga emphasized. “If you have developed something original and useful, make sure to register your innovation. Intellectual property rights are essential for securing the recognition and rewards you deserve. Remember, plagiarism is not just an academic issue – it affects business and innovation.”
She commended the students for their creativity and responsiveness to local market needs.
Held at the School premises on 24th July 2025, the exhibition, attended by students, staff and industry stakeholders, featured a wide array of student-created products, including solar-dried fruit snacks, low-cost grain sorters, biodegradable packaging from crop waste, and nutrient-rich baked goods targeting malnutrition. Students presented petri dishes from a microbial analysis of street-vended mangoes sold around Makerere University, revealing that the fruits may be unhygienic and potentially unsafe for consumption. They also demonstrated a low-cost water purification technology designed for cleaning and reusing wastewater from pilot or food processing plants. The system utilizes moringa seed powder, charcoal, sand, stones, and cotton wool to produce clean, clear water suitable for reuse, such as for cleaning. Additionally, the students showcased the use of activated charcoal and beeswax to extend the shelf life of fruits like bananas and passion fruit. These innovative, low-cost technologies have the potential to be further developed and adopted by farmers and traders to reduce postharvest losses. The innovations were developed during a 10-week recess programme that immerses students in hands-on fieldwork, research, and product development.
In his remarks, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa, Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, encouraged the students to envision their projects beyond the academic realm and focus on transforming them into viable commercial enterprises. “The future of agriculture lies in innovation. The students have demonstrated the potential to solve pressing challenges, create jobs, and build businesses. Their work shouldn’t end at the exhibition. It should continue into the market,” he said.
Dr. Stella Byakika, Coordinator of the recess programme, emphasized the importance of experiential learning in shaping Uganda’s next generation of agricultural leaders. “This programme goes beyond fulfilling academic requirements. It is a practical training platform where students apply their knowledge to real-world problems. We are preparing them not just to graduate, but to lead in transforming Uganda’s agricultural and agro-processing sectors,” she explained.
On behalf of her classmates, Ms. Ndegema Daphine, a Third Year student of Human Nutrition, expressed gratitude for the hands-on experience gained during their internship. “During the recess term, we had the opportunity to work directly with children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, including cases with edema and dermatosis. We participated in both inpatient and outpatient therapeutic care, which gave us a real-world perspective on the clinical management of these conditions. Unlike in the classroom, where we only study such cases theoretically, the internship allowed us to witness the treatment process a nd see patients recover first-hand. With guidance from our supervisors, we were able to conduct clinical assessments for malnutrition and edema, as well as evaluate dietary needs. We also put into practice what we had learned in our communication skills course by delivering nutrition education sessions, helping patients and caregivers understand the importance of proper nutrition in recovery and long-term health.”
Delivering her remarks, the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Biosystems Engineering (SFTNB), Dr Julia Kigozi appreciated the University and College Administration for their unwavering support towards students’ projects and academic endeavours. She commended the students for their creativity and commitment to excellence in their work. “Our goal is to nurture and produce well-rounded graduates who not only excel academically but also embody an entrepreneurial mind-set, a strong work ethic, a deep sense of social responsibility, and respect for authority. These values are essential as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to society and the broader global community.”
Held annually, the recess programme equips students with field experience through community-based projects, agribusiness development, and food innovation. The culminating exhibition serves as a platform for feedback, exposure, and networking with industry professionals.
More photos from the exhibition
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Revitalizes Internship Programme to Boost Students’ Field Experience & Community Impact
In an effort to enhance practical learning and support community and government initiatives, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University has taken significant steps to revitalize its internship programme. The renewal offers students immersive field experiences, allowing them to develop crucial skills, gain first-hand insight into industry challenges, and make meaningful contributions to agricultural development. It equally fosters stronger collaborations with agricultural industries, research institutions, and community organizations.
This year, 51 students from various departments within the College engaged in diverse agricultural activities on farms across Mpigi and Masaka Districts, with a strong focus on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the 4-Acre Model. In Mpigi, the training took place in Kasamu village, while in Masaka, the students were assigned to farms located in the Kyesiiga, Buwunga, and Kyanamukaka sub-counties. The primary host farms were Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District and Green Valley Farm in Masaka District. Coordinated by Dr. Emmanuel Opolot from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management and Dr. Gabriel Karubanga of the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, the internship aimed to provide hands-on learning in sustainable farming practices while sharing innovations with local farmers. The students engaged in multiple agricultural enterprises, including coffee, poultry, banana, and maize farming. They also acquired and shared expertise in modern irrigation techniques, production of renewable energy, and record keeping.
Key Enterprises and Training Areas
- Coffee Production
Over 60% of coffee quality is influenced by the method of harvesting, making it a critical focus area for improvement. In collaboration with local farmers, the students engaged in knowledge sharing and capacity building on sustainable farming practices aimed at increasing yields and improving both harvest and post-harvest handling processes. The students emphasized the importance of proper harvesting techniques, highlighting the differences between good and poor practices and how these can directly impact the quality of coffee. Training sessions covered key stages of post-harvest handling, including selective harvesting of ripe cherries, the floating process to remove defective beans, proper drying techniques to avoid mold and fermentation, accurate weighing and packaging, as well as safe storage and transportation methods to maintain bean quality. Additionally, the students gained practical knowledge in establishing and managing high-quality nursery beds. They learned how to produce healthy, disease-free seedlings by avoiding common mistakes in coffee farming, such as poor soil preparation, overcrowding, or inadequate pest control.
- Poultry Farming and Management
The students gained and exchanged knowledge on sustainable poultry farming practices. Key areas of learning included the significance of proper chick brooding, essential components of an effective brooding system, and step-by-step procedures for setting up and managing a successful brooder. Emphasis was placed on the care and management of chicks throughout the brooding period to ensure optimal growth and health. In addition, students acquired practical skills in egg quality assurance and grading based on established standards, which are crucial for market readiness and consumer safety. They also explored innovative and eco-friendly practices such as azolla farming for supplemental feed, and the use of black soldier fly larvae as a sustainable source of high-protein poultry feed. Furthermore, the importance of strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain flock health was emphasized throughout the training.
- Banana Farming
The students acquired skills in the agronomic practices essential for successful banana cultivation. This included learning how to select high-quality planting materials to ensure healthy crop establishment. They were trained in proper planting techniques and maintenance practices such as weeding, mulching, and composting to improve soil health and moisture retention. The training also covered the appropriate application of manure and fertilizers to promote optimal plant growth. Additionally, students gained practical knowledge in pruning, propping, and desuckering to manage plant structure and enhance yield. The students equally attained skills in effective pest and disease management to protect the crop from common threats.
- Maize Farming
The students gained and exchanged valuable insights on the essential conditions necessary for the successful growth and development of maize. Mr. Lubwama Fred, a maize farmer from Mpambire village in Mpigi District, who benefits from support under the Parish Development Model (PDM), highlighted the positive impact of this knowledge-sharing. He explained that the information provided by the students helped him to effectively address several challenges that had been limiting productivity on his farm. These challenges included pest infestations such as monkeys and other pests, crop diseases, unpredictable price fluctuations in the market, and issues related to soil infertility. With the new strategies and techniques learned, Mr. Lubwama has been able to improve crop health and yield, demonstrating the practical value of the internship programme.
- Artificial Insemination and Silage Making
In the livestock sector, students were provided with practical training and hands-on experience in artificial insemination techniques, an essential method for enhancing genetic quality and improving breed performance in farm animals. Additionally, they learned the intricacies of silage making, a vital process for preserving high-quality forage to ensure consistent and nutritious livestock feed during dry seasons.
- Smart Irrigation and Water Conservation in Agriculture
In collaboration with farmers, the students explored advanced and innovative irrigation methods aimed at promoting water conservation in agriculture. They gained hands-on experience with various systems such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, solar-powered pumps, and manual watering techniques. Alongside understanding how these technologies function, the students also learned essential maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of irrigation equipment. They were introduced to practical water-saving strategies that can help optimize water usage, reduce wastage, and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
- Sustainable Solar Drying for a Bountiful Harvest
During their training, the students acquired valuable skills in sustainable solar drying techniques. This eco-friendly method harnesses the power of the sun to effectively dry agricultural produce, helping to preserve quality while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. By mastering these techniques, the students are better equipped to promote environmentally responsible practices that contribute to increased food security and reduced post-harvest losses.
- Record Keeping
Students developed a comprehensive understanding of record-keeping practices, recognizing it as a crucial component of modern farming. Accurate and systematic record keeping enables farmers to track crop performance, manage resources efficiently, monitor financial transactions, and make informed decisions to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural operations.
- Biogas Production
During their internship, students actively engaged in hands-on training in biogas production. This practical experience allowed them to understand the underlying biological and chemical processes, operate relevant equipment, and appreciate the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy generation through biogas technology.
CAES Field Days and End of Internship Programme
The 8-week internship programme, which commenced in June 2025, concluded with field day activities held on 22nd and 23rd July at Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District and Green Valley Farm in Masaka District, respectively. According to Dr. Emmanuel Opolot, one of the internship coordinators, the event aimed to showcase the students’ work and foster an exchange of experiences between the interns and local farmers. Additionally, the activities provided a valuable opportunity to gather feedback from the farmers on the training gaps. During the event, participants, including the students’ supervisors from CAES, Makerere University, and farmers from the respective districts, toured the various projects the students had been working on.
Students’ Reflections
Sharing their experiences, the students, led by Mr. Mayson Wangusa (Mpigi District) and Mr. Clever Asiimwe (Masaka), explained how the programme had profoundly transformed their mind-set and equipped them with essential skills in modern agriculture. “Initially, when we travelled to these remote villages for our internship, the sheer isolation almost discouraged us from continuing. However, as time passed, we adapted to the environment and began to truly appreciate and enjoy the training. Through this hands-on experience, we acquired invaluable practical skills that have significantly enriched our understanding of agricultural practices. We are deeply grateful to the University and College Management, our dedicated coordinators, the supervisors, and our generous hosts for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their guidance and encouragement played a crucial role in making this learning experience both meaningful and rewarding.”
Farmers’ Perspectives
According to Mr. Tonda Deogratious, the owner and proprietor of Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District, the initiative is highly commendable. “I thank Makerere University for this kind of arrangement. While its primary goal was to equip students with practical skills, we as farmers have benefited immensely. The students have been incredibly resourceful and we have learned a lot from working with them. Their presence has broadened our approach to modern farming practices. With our 60-acre coffee farm, a student recommended introducing an Agricultural Production Log (APL) to improve management and is currently drafting for us a proposal in that line. The students also suggested using Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) solutions to enhance piggery management, and we are now collaborating on a proposal in that area. We have also gained valuable skills in tick management and record keeping. Given their expertise, I plan to continue working with the students. I also strongly encourage the University to sustain this partnership.”
Mr. Tonda further praised the students for their discipline and professionalism throughout the training programme.
As a farmer operating within the 4-acre model, Mr. Tonda highly advocates for mixed farming. “By integrating different types of agricultural activities, such as crop cultivation alongside livestock rearing, farm units can mutually support one another, leading to increased efficiency and resilience. This approach not only maximizes the use of available land and resources but also helps reduce overall costs by diversifying income sources and minimizing dependency on a single commodity.”
Mr. James Kabiito, the proprietor of Green Valley Farm located in Kyesiiga Sub County, Masaka District, is equally appreciative of the programme. He emphasized the vital role that universities play in advancing and transforming the agricultural sector. According to Mr. Kabiito, collaborating directly with students on his farm has been a significant benefit. Speaking during the field day activities on 23rd July 2025, he noted that the students had consistently demonstrated resourcefulness, bringing fresh ideas and energy that contributed positively to the farm’s operations. “This hands-on partnership not only supports the students’ practical learning but also enhances the overall productivity and innovation within the agricultural community.”
Remarks by the DPMOs
Mpigi District DPMO, Mr. Patrick Ssserwadda and Masaka District DPMO, Mr. Ssekayi Godfrey expressed gratitude for the programme, emphasizing its role in enhancing the partnership between academic institutions and grassroots communities. They noted that such initiatives not only provide practical solutions to local challenges but also create a platform for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. “The collaboration between the University and local governments is a significant step forward. It allows us to tap into academic research and innovation to improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development in our districts,” Mr. Sserwadda explained. Mr. Ssekayi echoed the sentiment, calling for even deeper collaboration in research and extension services. “Strengthening research partnerships will enable us to address community-specific needs more effectively, and ensure that interventions are both evidence-based and impactful,” he stated.
Remarks by the University officials
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Dr. Olupot Giregon praised the initiative, describing it as a transformative approach to enhancing the practical dimension of agricultural training. He emphasized that such hands-on experience is essential for bridging the gap between academic training and real-world agricultural practice. Dr. Olupot expressed the School’s commitment to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the programme, highlighting its potential long-term benefits for both students and host communities. Furthermore, he advocated for the integration of a soil management component within the district production units, noting its critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. He thanked the host communities for their invaluable support and hospitality towards the students. He acknowledged the University and College leadership for their foresight and innovation in reshaping the internship programme to better meet the evolving needs of students and the agricultural sector.
On behalf of the Principal of CAES, Dr. Richard Miiro from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies expressed gratitude to the host farmers for their willingness to train and mentor the students. “Makerere University deeply values this partnership, as farmers play a pivotal role in driving the growth and development of the agricultural sector, which remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.” Dr. Miiro highlighted the significant impact of the programme, noting that it has been instrumental in reshaping the perspectives and attitudes of the students toward agriculture. “Through hands-on experience and direct engagement with farming communities, our students gain practical knowledge and skills, leaving the field better equipped and more confident as future agricultural professionals.” Furthermore, he appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued support and commitment to advancing agricultural education and development. This collaboration, he noted, is a vital step toward strengthening the sector and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the nation. He commended the coordinators of the programmes for the guidance and mentorship provided to the students. On behalf of the College, Dr Miiro handed over two irrigation pumps to farmer groups in Mpigi and Masaka Districts. He also handed over a soil testing kit donated to the Masaka District Production Unit.
The coordinators represented by Dr. Opolot expressed gratitude to the College and University Management for their visionary efforts in redesigning the agricultural internship programme. “This thoughtful restructuring will significantly enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.” He further praised the students for their resilience, unwavering dedication, and enthusiastic commitment to learning throughout the internship period. “You have demonstrated great potential to drive transformation in the agricultural sector.”
The LC5 Chairman, Masaka District
The LC5 Chairman of Masaka District, Mr. Andrew Battemyetto Lukyamuzi, appreciated the government for its continued support of internship programmes at the district. He highlighted the importance of establishing soil fertility centres within the district to improve crop productivity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Lukyamuzi also called for increased support in providing affordable agricultural inputs to farmers, alongside initiatives aimed at reskilling and empowering them to enhance agricultural output. He underscored the vital role of partnerships between universities and local communities, noting that such collaborations are essential for driving innovation and boosting agricultural production. He advised students to maintain discipline throughout their studies, and encouraged them to approach the job market with an open and adaptable mind-set.
More photos on the activities at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EReMonIyk8zHtYdJMaEQVReIb8XXr1lI?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Signs MoU with NAU China to Boost Agricultural Research and Innovation
Makerere University has today July 28, 2025, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) of China, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration in agricultural research, training, innovation, and capacity building.
The agreement, to be implemented at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), marks a major milestone in the university’s efforts to foster global partnerships that support sustainable agricultural development and academic excellence.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in enhancing the university’s strategic objectives in agricultural science and innovation. “This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing research that responds to local and global food security needs. It opens up pathways for our staff and students to gain international exposure while co-developing solutions with NAU,” he said.
Prof. Zhu Yan, Vice President of NAU, led the Chinese delegation and expressed great optimism about the future of the partnership. “NAU is proud to join hands with Makerere University, one of Africa’s premier institutions. Together, we will pursue impactful research, promote knowledge exchange, and cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists and innovators,” she noted.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, who led the delegation from NAU, expressed confidence in the partnership and its potential to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector. He particularly noted the opportunity to improve the coffee value chain, enhance marketing strategies, and support the production of organic fertilizers through collaborative research and technology transfer. “This partnership is timely. It aligns well with Uganda’s agricultural transformation agenda, and I am confident it will yield lasting impact for our farmers and agro-industrial players,” he said.
The five-year MoU outlines collaboration in various areas including:
- Joint research projects in agriculture, environmental sciences, food systems, and biosystems engineering;
- Student and staff exchanges for training, internships, and fellowships;
- Development of innovative teaching and learning technologies;
- Joint resource mobilization and participation in global partnerships with bodies such as the UNDP and WHO;
- Promotion of knowledge transfer and sustainable solutions to community challenges.
The ceremony was witnessed by university leaders, faculty, and government officials from both institutions, and concluded with a commitment to initiate pilot programs and joint research activities within the next academic year.
This partnership adds to Makerere University’s growing portfolio of global collaborations aimed at expanding its reach, influence, and contribution to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges through science and innovation.
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