Agriculture & Environment
Mak Flags off 244 Ugandan University Students for Agrostudies Internship in Israel
244 students from five universities – Makerere, Kyambogo, Gulu, Busitema and Bishop Stuart University have been flagged off to Israel for a one year paid internship. 10 out of the 244 flagged off are female.
The students were flagged of by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA) Assoc. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya on 13th October, 2021 at a colorful ceremony held in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) Auditorium, Makerere University.
The function was also attended by a team from the Agrostudies center in Israel led by the CEO Mr. Yaron Tamir, representatives from the participating Universities in Uganda, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Alumni and Coordinators of the Agrostudies Apprenticeship Programme from the five universities.
Prior to the flag off, the Mr. Yaron Tamir and his deputy paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor where they discussed matters of interest to the university and the Government of Uganda especially a plan to start an Agrostudies Alumni Cooperative in Uganda and the possibility of the program Alumni to support Government in providing extension services.
The Agrostudies cohort 2021/2022 was organized under the theme, “Securing the Future of Uganda through Agriculture Capacity Building”. At Makerere University, the programme was coordinated by Dr. Mildred Ochwo-Ssemakula and Dr. Narisi Mubangaizi from the School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The students’ participation in the Agrostudies agriculture capacity building program is a response to the need to transform from subsistence to more commercial agriculture in a bid to secure the future of Uganda.
Presiding over the function as Chief Guest, Assoc. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya welcomed all to Makerere describing the University as a warm and peaceful community.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor reported that Uganda is grappling with several development challenges including low agricultural production and productivity, negative attitude of youth towards agriculture and high rates of unemployment among the youth.
She noted that the Agrostudies apprenticeship programme which aims at exposing Ugandan University Students to modern agricultural technologies in agriculture has a huge potential to deal with these development challenges.
Dr. Nabukenya said most of the students that have participated in the agrostudies apprenticeship programme have set up agricultural enterprises in which they have applied knowledge, skills and financial resources acquired from the programme.
On behalf of Makerere University and all participating universities in Uganda, Prof. Nabukenya appreciated the foresightedness of the Israeli and Ugandan Governments for coming up with this wonderful programme
“By setting up agricultural enterprises, these students have become job creators rather than job seekers. These agricultural enterprises set up by alumni of the Agrostudies apprenticeship programme are also helping in transferring technologies from Israel to other farmers in Uganda,“ she stated.
Dr. Nabukenya expressed gratitude to the governments of Uganda and Israel for entrusting Makerere University with the noble responsibility of being the national coordinator for the Agrostudies program in Uganda and pledged total commitment towards the programme’s success and continuity.
She said, the university has embarked on the process of institutionalizing the programme where the Office of the Vice Chancellor has mandated the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) to coordinate the programme on behalf of Makerere University from 2021 onwards.
The DVCFA also thanked CAES for accepting this responsibility and for the progress so far made. As proof of the university commitment to the programme, Prof. Nabukenya said, Makerere University has provided free accommodation to all the students selected under the programme residing within the students’ halls of residence.
She appreciated the efforts made by several units of Makerere University including the Vice Chancellors’ Office, Office of the University Secretary, Finance and Accounts, University Hospital, Dean of Students and staff in the students’ halls of residence to support the programme.
Dr. Nabukenya congratulated the students upon their successful selection for the program, a competitive process involving rigorous medical examinations as well physical fitness training to ensure that they are mentally, physically and emotionally ready for the work ahead of them.
“Please do not waste this golden opportunity. I encourage you to learn as much as you can and observe very good discipline during your stay in Israel. Above all, I humbly appeal to you to fully observe all the rules and guidelines of the programme and to return to Uganda at the end of the programme”, Dr. Nabukenya implored.
The DVCFA thanked the Agrostudies team from Israel for adjusting the earlier position regarding the non-participation of female students in the programme by enrolling 10 female students.
She however appealed to the Agrostudies Israel team to consider increasing the number of female students onto the programme in the subsequent years, saying, Makerere University is a gender sensitive institution and tries as much as possible to promote gender equity and equality by giving equal opportunities to both males and females.
Orienting the students, the Chief Executive Officer Agrostudies program Mr. Yaron Tamir thanked Makerere University for hosting and selecting the candidates for the year 2021/2021.
Mr. Yaron said Agro studies was established 17 years ago to conduct agricultural capacity building by bringing students from different countries doing traditional agriculture to Israel to learn and practice modern agriculture. He clarified that Agrostudies is neither a university nor a replacement of a university but one has to be a university student to qualify for the program.
The CEO said Agro studies enrolls around 1,500 students every year from 14 countries including Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Benin, Liberia among others. He cautioned students against laziness, escaping and staying in Israel beyond the program period.
“You are not going for summer. It involves very hard and intensive work in the field. If you feel you are not qualified or capable of doing it, this is not a place for you. It is true Agrostudies is a life changing program and we have thousands of students with amazing successful stories but you need to understand that agriculture is not done in the office, it does not involve air condition but it is hard physical work in the field”, the CEO emphasized.
Mr. Yaron however told students not be afraid when they reach the airport saying it is their job to take care of them as mothers and fathers for the next eleven months.
“If you are sick, or have a problem back home, we are the ones to take care of you. We will be very communicative with the university in case of problems and we will solve them. We have a member of staff who will be in charge and he will visit you on the farm, check accommodation to see that everything is well and on arrival at the airport you will be availed emergency numbers”, the CEO pledged.
Yaron told students that on arrival in Israel they will be quarantined for seven days, hosted in a farm apartment and given food and other necessities but before exiting the airport they will be subjected to a PCR test at a cost of USD 20 which will be repeated after seven days at no cost but they will have to pay for a PCR test upon their return to Uganda.
He urged students to carry with them laptops for they will start school during that quarantine period through the Israel system including all courseworks and tests adding that they have to pass to get that diploma.
The CEO said, once out of quarantine, students will be vaccinated because every citizen is vaccinated with Pfitzer noting that Israel is the first country in the world that gives a booster because after 6 months of vaccination the anti-bodies disappear or become low.
He explained that whether vaccinated or not, it does not matter as long as one is through with the quarantine period. In Israel, he said that a green tag is issued after vaccination to allow one to go to a restaurant, mall and other public places.
He reported that the Delta COVID variant was rampant but with the vaccination, the number has gone down significantly and going low day by day with anumber of PCR tests conducted.
He told students that they will be going to one of the campuses once every week to meet teachers, doctors and students from other countries and experience different courses of agriculture including crop, horticulture and dairy farming.
“Our job is to take the knowledge you have acquired here at university and transfer it into actions. Israel is a small and a highly developed agricultural nation with almost no arable land, the majority being a desert with a huge shortage of water unlike Uganda with a lot of water. And only 2% of the population grows everything the population needs and we export 150% of it because we have the technologies and this is why we hope you will experience this technology.
Success comes with hard work, so you will spend five days on the farm doing all farm activities, earn money for it and once you earn, it is important that you save a significant amount to help you come to Uganda and open your own business”, the CEO said
Part of the school requirement according to Yaron is for the students to prepare the agricultural protocol where they will study what the farms have and analyse them so as to help them understand how to eventually start their own agricultural business. Among other things of agricultural course is the requirement by students to prepare a business proposal with the help of Israeli experts so that once they come back, they will have the capital to start a business.
Mr. Yaron observed that unlike Rwanda where the largest cooperative is owned by 101 Agrostudies alumni and the second largest is owned by 39 Agrostudies alumni, there is not yet a cooperative owned by Agrostudies graduates in Uganda.
Yaron told students that Israel farmers are very strict with time adding that they must understand that agriculture is a very profitable business and depends on how one does it. He said, Israel used to grow mangoes but abandoned them for avocados and cherry tomatoes because they are more profitably grown using irrigation from 80% recycled domestic water.
“Israel is a good country but with very hard conditions so we had to do what was possible especially using technology not to starve. You need to know you are not representing yourself but Uganda. … you are young, your future is bright. Come back and be a success story not to end with few dollars in restaurants to wash dishes”, the CEO warned.
The Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha described the day’s event as a happy day and thanked the coordinating team from various universities for a job well done.
Prof. Bashaasha thanked the Government of Uganda and Government of the state of Israel for the political collaboration and partnerships that enables such activities to take place.
Bashaasha also expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellors of the five participating universities for embracing the program.
He thanked Agrostudies for the vision and initiative that started in 2013 noting that seventeen years down the road, the vision has matured.
The Principal congratulated the selected students for successfully reaching the flagging-off stage and going through a stiff competition, thorough screening process and medical examination
“When you go to Israel, be good ambassadors. You are carrying the flag of Uganda and take that very seriously because it is not just a ritual but something seriously intended. When you go, please come back so as not to spoil chances of your other colleagues and the implementation of the program”, Bashaasha advised.
Prof. Bashaasha appreciated the Government of Uganda for putting up a policy framework that allows such activities to happen.
He said the Agrostudies activity being conducted in various universities here is anchored in the government policy on guidelines of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET 2009) in the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Giving oversight of this, Prof. Bashaasha said, is the TVET Council which provides guidelines with eleven key parameters which stipulate that there has to be a governance structure, some remuneration, a written contract, social security coverage, a legal framework, the program of learning, on-off job training, formal assessment and within the duration of one to four years.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Agriculture & Environment
Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference Rallies Young Learners to Champion Environmental Sustainability
Kampala, March 20, 2026 : More than 250 primary school pupils have been rallied to take an active role in environmental protection during the Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference hosted at Makerere University.
Organised by the Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda in partnership with the Green Vests Initiative, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the conference aimed to promote environmental awareness and responsible stewardship among learners.
The half-day event brought together Primary Five to Primary Seven pupils and their teachers for a series of educational sessions and interactive activities under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools.”
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to nurturing environmental responsibility from an early age, complementing EfD’s traditional focus on policy engagement and research. The programme included keynote remarks, environmental education sessions, and interactive activities designed to inspire pupils to take practical steps in protecting their environment.
Schools Key in the Fight Against Environmental Crisis
Schools must take a leading role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens if Uganda is to effectively address climate change and environmental degradation, a policy engagement specialist said.
Representing the College Principal and Director of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, Dr. Peter Babyenda described schools as critical platforms for promoting environmental stewardship and influencing long-term behavioural change.
He welcomed participants and encouraged young learners to envision themselves as future students and leaders at Makerere University. “In a few years, you will be here, and this will be your college,” he said.
Dr. Babyenda warned that Uganda remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with more than 40 percent of its land degraded and an estimated 100,000 to 122,000 hectares of forest lost annually. He noted that environmental degradation is already affecting key sectors including health, food security and education.
In Eastern Uganda, over 90 percent of children reportedly experience climate-related disruptions to learning, while urban centres such as Kampala face increasing flooding, disease outbreaks and extreme heat, which affect school attendance and concentration.
He attributed the crisis largely to human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, wetland encroachment and poor waste management. Citing recent floods in the capital, he said blocked drainage systems and irresponsible garbage disposal are worsening the situation.
“Most of the floods you are seeing are likely caused by us,” he said. “If we don’t protect our environment, the effects will find us—even in our classrooms.”
Babyenda emphasized that teachers, particularly at primary level, play a critical role in shaping environmentally responsible behaviour early in life. “You can play a great role in safeguarding the environment if you teach these young ones from the start. It is very easy to change behaviour from the beginning,” he said.
He noted that Uganda’s youthful population-about 44 percent below the age of 15, presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable change. With more than 18,000 primary schools and about 3,000 secondary schools, he said the education system remains the largest structured platform for influencing behaviour nationwide.
Babyenda called for practical interventions within schools, including tree planting, establishment of school gardens, waste recycling and composting, clean-up campaigns, energy conservation and the creation of “talking compounds” that reinforce environmental responsibility.
He also urged schools to strengthen environmental education through clubs and peer learning initiatives, and to revive greening policies such as school woodlots under the Green School Programme.
Highlighting the importance of forests, Babyenda pointed to the degradation of major reserves such as Mabira Forest, Bugoma Forest and Budongo Forest, warning that continued loss of tree cover threatens biodiversity, livelihoods and climate stability.
“We are saying trees, trees, trees because their benefits are immediate,” he said, noting their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating temperatures and maintaining ecological balance.
Encouraging personal and community responsibility, he challenged learners to influence change beyond the classroom. “You can even correct your parents—tell them that throwing rubbish out of a car window is not right,” he said.
He also proposed simple but symbolic actions to embed environmental values in everyday life. “Let us make it a habit—even on your birthday, plant a tree. That is how you celebrate life while protecting the future,” he added.
Babyenda stressed that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts from individuals, schools, communities and government institutions.
“Start small but think big. Let each school be a beacon, one tree, one club, one lesson at a time,” he said.
He pledged the centre’s readiness to partner with schools and stakeholders to advance environmental sustainability efforts across the country.
“The future lies in you, the young ones,” he said. “If we guide you well, you will become the leaders who protect our environment.”
Green Vest Initiative Champions Student-Led Environmental Action”
Green Vest Initiative Team Lead John Robert Tenywa said the gathering aimed to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who act beyond their personal interests to protect shared resources.
The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools,” emphasized the critical role of young people in driving environmental change. Tenywa noted that schools provide a strategic platform for shaping attitudes and behaviors that can influence communities and the country at large.
“We are focusing on raising a generation that lives beyond itself—one that is mindful of the environment and committed to making a difference,” he said.
Tenywa outlined the Initiative’s key activities, including cleaning public spaces, educating communities about environmental conservation, and promoting waste management practices that turn waste into valuable resources. He added that the organisation conducts monthly community outreach activities, combining clean-up campaigns with public sensitisation efforts.
For the current cycle, the Initiative has shifted its focus toward education, targeting students with information and discussions on environmental protection. Tenywa said this approach complements ongoing clean-up efforts by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation through awareness.
He also highlighted the Initiative’s faith-based foundation, noting that it integrates moral and spiritual values into its work while engaging communities.
The engagement marks a growing effort by civil society and public institutions to involve young people in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas where waste management and pollution remain pressing concerns.
Everyone Has a Legal Role in Safeguarding the Environment
Wilber Ikalai, NEMA Manager of Environment Education and Advocacy, urged students to understand that every individual has a legal and moral duty to maintain a clean and healthy environment. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it,” he said, quoting environmentalist Robert Swan. He reinforced that the National Environment Act mandates all Ugandans to prevent pollution and enhance environmental quality.
Ikalai highlighted that environmental stewardship goes beyond trees, water, and wildlife, noting that human behaviors are integral to the ecosystem. He gave examples of harmful practices in schools, including improper disposal of waste, overuse of water, overprinting of documents, and the unsafe handling of food packaging materials that release chemicals into the food chain. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are part of the pollutants affecting your environment,” he said.
The NEMA official also outlined the agency’s role in coordinating national environmental management, working with lead institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, local governments, and educational institutions. Through policy guidance, environmental impact assessments, and public education, NEMA seeks to promote sustainability and prevent environmental degradation.
Ikalai called on students to adopt green practices in schools, including proper waste management, water conservation, minimizing overprinting, and avoiding harmful materials in food handling. He encouraged learners to report unsustainable practices they observe and to actively contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility. “Students are the stewards of the environment for the coming generations,” he said, urging them to take personal responsibility for practices that impact both their immediate surroundings and the broader ecosystem.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
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