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
Mak hosts First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling
African economies are increasingly exposed to climate-related shocks that threaten development gains, fiscal sustainability, and macroeconomic stability. From extreme weather events and biodiversity loss to the depletion of natural capital, climate risks are reshaping economic realities across the continent. Yet many macroeconomic frameworks used in public finance and planning continue to overlook climate and nature-related risks and the long-term benefits of resilience and adaptation investments.
To address this emerging reality, over 250 participants from Africa, Europe and beyond, convened at Makerere University – Kampala, on the 12th and 13th of February 2026, to participate in the First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling.
Following the theme, “Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomics: Rethinking Growth in Africa’s Natural Resource Base, the hybrid symposium organized by Makerere University through the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) within the School of Economics, under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) in Uganda, brought onboard ministers, leading economists and planners, researchers, policy makers, the academia, development partners, climate change experts and the media.
The Symposium being the first of its kind on the continent, reflected Africa’s growing determination to work collectively in confronting shared development challenges, building on recent momentum such as the formation of Pan-African Finance Ministers Forum for Climate Action (PAFMCA).
Featuring speeches and presentations from notable speakers and partners, a keynote address on Natura Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their impact on Fiscal Policy, panel discussions, expert opinions, and exhibition kiosks (World Café), the symposium presented a platform to strengthen Africa’s analytical and institutional capacity to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into macroeconomic and fiscal policy.
Vice Chancellor underscores the role of universities
Welcoming the delegates to Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized that universities must lead innovation and collaborative research efforts to support collective climate change mitigation across the continent.
In the same vein, he advocated for strong collaboration between universities in Africa and government Ministries. “Makerere’s collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, stands as a shining example of how academia and government can strengthen economic management,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the collaboration between Makerere University and the Ministry, has strengthened macroeconomic modelling, fiscal policy analysis, and technical capacity within government. In addition, the partnership led to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling, bridging academic scholarship with real-world policy application.
“We have jointly established the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling. The Centre (established in August 2025) is anchored within the School of Economics in the Department of Policy and Development Economics, under the Master of Science in Economic Policy and Investment Modelling, a program jointly facilitated by Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Bank of Uganda,” he mentioned.
Climate and Economic transformation are inseparable
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the critical intersection between economic transformation and environmental sustainability, noting that economies in Africa, heavily dependent on natural resources, face unprecedented pressures from climate shocks, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Convinced that economic growth cannot be pursued in isolation from climate and environmental realities, he stressed the importance of integrating natural capital accounting and climate considerations into national development strategies.
Prof. Nawangwe advocated for shared responsibility of universities, research institutions, and policymakers to develop innovative analytical tools, responsive policy frameworks, and strong institutional capacities that promote sustainable growth while safeguarding environmental assets for future generations.
The Vice Chancellor commended UN PAGE and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for funding the symposium, as well as, other stakeholders namely the European Union and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CoFMCA), Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for being reliable partners.
Integrating Climate into Fiscal Policy
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija underscored the urgency of embedding climate considerations into economic planning.
“As Ministers of Finance, we are often confronted with difficult trade-offs. Our task is to balance the needs of today with sustainability for future generations,” said Hon. Kasaija, in a speech read by Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties).
The Minister guided that traditional macroeconomic models focusing only on growth, inflation, and fiscal balance are inadequate in an era of climate shocks. He affirmed that African economies are facing interconnected challenges which directly impact economic growth. He stressed that traditional macroeconomic frameworks must evolve to systematically incorporate environmental degradation and climate shocks, whose consequences can no longer be ignored in policy analysis.
“For countries such as Uganda, whose development prospects are closely linked to natural resources and the climate-sensitive sectors, these challenges are not abstract. They affect livelihoods, public finances and long-term economic resilience,” he mentioned.
The Minister emphasized that natural capital accounting and climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling are vital for valuing natural assets, assessing environmental costs, and guiding sound investment decisions.
Protecting Africa’s Natural Capital
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, emphasized the urgent need to protect Africa’s ecosystems. “Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our economies remain anchored in natural capital—forests, water resources, biodiversity, land, and ecosystems—which sustain life, generate fiscal revenue, and underpin development,” she said.
She warned that climate-related shocks are already undermining growth and public investment. “Floods, droughts, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water stress are no longer distant risks. They are present realities, already affecting productivity and macroeconomic stability,” she said.
She emphasized the need for improved economic models that account for environmental and climate risks: “Traditional macroeconomic frameworks have not adequately captured climate risks or the long-term economic benefits of resilience and adaptation. This limits our ability to make informed policy decisions as Africa pursues economic transformation, energy security, and fiscal stability,” she stated.
Hon. Anywar highlighted collaboration with GIZ, Makerere University, and government ministries, which led to the development of the MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment). “This tool is being used to assess natural capital assets for climate change, energy transition, and their linkages to the macroeconomy. It supports budgeting by estimating the cost of depleted natural capital assets,” she said.
“Water security, forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation are not costs. They are investments in Uganda’s long-term economic stability, productivity, and prosperity.”
Stakeholders urged to transform climate threats into opportunities
Adam Sparre Spliid, the Deputy Head of Mission, Danish Embassy said: “Integrating climate risk and natural capital into our macroeconomics frameworks is not only academic exercise, it is a massive de-risking strategy for private investment. By bridging the gap between government policy and planning, academia and research, and the private markets, we transform climate threats into tangible opportunities.”
Sustainability includes youth, jobs and human well-being
Dr. Steven Stone, Chair of the UN PAGE Management Board, emphasized that sustainability extends beyond the environment to encompass youth, jobs, economic growth, and human well-being. “While the environment is Africa’s foundational source of wealth, sustainable development requires balancing ecological stewardship with economic progress, including income and employment for the youth which are critical priorities for countries such as Uganda.”
Dr. Stone highlighted that UN PAGE, originating from the Rio+20 Conference, supports climate-sensitive economic policy in Africa, emphasizing that dialogue, scenario-building, cross-sector collaboration, and strong partnerships are key to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development.
Africa’s Wealth Declining
In the keynote address titled, Natural Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their Impact on Fiscal Policy, Paul Jonathan Martin, Manager of Environmental Operations at the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, and a specialist with over 30 years in climate and natural resources, warned that Africa’s overall wealth is under threat due to declining renewable natural capital.
“Produced capital has increased by 20%, human capital by a third, but renewable capital has declined by 30%,” Martin said. “When combined, Africa’s overall wealth trajectory has been weakening since 2010.”
He stressed that natural resources must be treated as economic assets requiring systematic accounting: “Africa’s rich natural resources are fundamental for sustainable development,” he said.
Citing examples from Ethiopia and Kenya, he highlighted successful integration of natural capital into public investment and budget decisions. “In Ethiopia, there are payments for ecosystems and investment prioritization tools. In Kenya, natural capital accounting integration into budgets has strengthened public investments. Climate change has deep, cascading effects across sectors, but Africa has major potential to lead climate solutions,” he said.
Martin also highlighted the economic benefits of climate adaptation: “From 2020–2050, the cumulative effect of adaptation on Uganda’s GDP is positive. Without action, under a dry/hot climate future, GDP could significantly deviate from projected growth paths.”
Drawing on insights from over 70 country climate and development reports produced by the World Bank, the keynote speaker highlighted the profound macroeconomic impacts of climate change across Africa. He stressed the importance of integrating climate and natural capital into macroeconomic planning. He noted that Africa’s forests, water systems, and biodiversity are vital for sustainable development but face growing threats from climate change, environmental degradation, and climate-related disasters that undermine productivity, public investment, and economic stability.
He observed that traditional macroeconomic models often fail to capture the value of natural assets and regulating ecosystem services, which are critical to both economic stability and resilience but are largely excluded from GDP calculations.
Africa-Led Solutions
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), stressed the importance of developing African-led solutions. “We need to champion the Africa-led model. We need approaches that fit our unique context. Africa is not here to take in other frameworks blindly,” he said.
By supporting research, training, policy dialogue and modelling innovation, the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) positions Makerere University as a regional hub for advancing climate-sensitive macroeconomic policy across Africa.
He highlighted CEACM’s capacity-building programs: “Our goal is to ensure African Ministries of Finance have home-grown expertise to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into fiscal and macroeconomic policy. This is critical for long-term resilience and sustainable development,” he said.
The Principal explained that establishment of independent research centres enables Makerere University to go beyond traditional academic instruction and focus deeply on societal challenges, particularly those related to climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.
He reported that the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling is structured to advance methodological innovation, develop new data systems, and strengthen climate-sensitive macroeconomic tools that are tailored to the African context.
MONCAP Model for Policy Assessment
Dr. Peter Babyenda, a member of faculty at CoBAMS, demonstrated MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment), which integrates climate and natural capital variables into fiscal and macroeconomic planning.
“MONCAP allows policymakers to estimate the economic cost of depleting natural assets such as forests, wetlands, and water resources. It helps simulate policy options and determine how investments in natural capital yield long-term benefits,” Babyenda said. “We came up with this model to aid the Ministry of Water and Environment. This model is open—you can extend it,” he added.
He highlighted capacity-building initiatives, including short courses and the Master of Science in Macroeconomic and Investment Modelling, designed to train economists to incorporate natural capital and climate into policy planning.
International Perspectives
Sweetman Liam, Ireland’s Finance Minister, highlighted the economic value of ecosystems: “There is a deeper value of landscapes in flood prevention and biodiversity. Decision-making was informed, and people started understanding economic value,” he said.
Prof. Chukwuone Nnaemeka of the University of Nigeria emphasized collaboration with national statistical agencies: “We coordinate with the National Bureau of Statistics to develop natural capital accounting metrics. Increase the use of Natural Capital Accounting in decision-making,” he stated.
Technical and Parallel Sessions
The afternoon session featured three parallel sessions focusing on Natural Capital Accounting Methodologies and Best Practices, Climate-Sensitive Fiscal and Economic Modelling, and Natural Capital Accounting and Model Uptake and Use.
Drawing on diverse expertise, the panels highlighted innovative approaches and demonstrated that natural capital is not an environmental afterthought, but a central pillar of sustainable economic and policy planning.
The first day of the African Symposium drew to a close with interactive exhibitions at the World Café, where case studies and practical demonstrations highlighted innovative approaches to integrating climate and natural capital into economic planning. Participants actively engaged in discussions and networking, forging collaborations that promise to advance climate-sensitive fiscal and development strategies across Africa, setting a strong and optimistic tone for the days ahead.
Agriculture & Environment
Uganda Martyrs Namugongo Students Turn Organic Waste into Soap in an Innovative School Project on Sustainable Waste Management
*****The students were supervised by researchers from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, led by Prof. Fred Kabi.
The garbage challenge
With urbanization rates rising rapidly across Uganda, municipal solid garbage generation in the country’s cities is projected to increase by more than 40 percent by 2050. The growing burden of unmanaged garbage, particularly organic garbage, continues to pose environmental and public health risks, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions.
It is against this backdrop that Senior Four students of Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo undertook a project to demonstrate how local market garbage challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development.
Addressing the garbage Challenge
As part of their academic project under the competence-based curriculum, the students were tasked with identifying real-world challenges within their communities and developing practical solutions using locally available resources. Through research and field observations, they identified poor garbage management, particularly the accumulation of organic waste at major dumping sites such as Kiteezi Landfill, as a critical issue.
At these sites, unsorted solid garbage often accumulates uncontrollably, sometimes leading to collapses that pose serious environmental and public health risks including water contamination by leachates, persistent foul odors, and disease outbreaks.
Rather than solely viewing solid market garbage as a problem, the students recognized its untapped potential within the biodegradable fraction of market garbage streams. Their innovative solution was to convert organic solid market waste (biodegradable garbage) into an industrial raw material for soap production by utilizing saprophagous Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) to accumulate lipids and applying the scientific process of saponification.
Makerere University Support to the project
The students’ project was supervised by Prof. Fred Kabi together with technicians from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. Prof. Kabi and his team have been actively researching on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a bio-waste management technology capable of converting biodegradable solid municipal garbage and farm waste into valuable by-products such as organic fertilizers, animal feeds, soap, and biodiesel.
Working in collaboration with Ento Organic Farm Uganda Ltd, the researchers have demonstrated how insect-based waste conversion systems can support a circular economy by transforming biodegradable waste into industrial raw materials.
According to Prof. Kabi, the five young garbage entrepreneurs (students) began their project by collecting information on household garbage management practices. After analyzing the data, they engaged stakeholders along the garbage value chain to brainstorm all-inclusive, source-based waste management strategies.
“The students developed a solution that links efficient waste management at garbage generation source to support production of organic fertilizer, insect protein for animal feeds, and soap, which is only possible with biodegradable garbage,” Prof. Kabi explained. “This approach of the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) for lower secondary schools supports the concept of taking Makerere University to the community of budding scientists while promoting sustainable community development through a circular economy.”
From Market Waste to Soap Bars
The Team leader, Ms. Ivy Stephanie Kitali explained the step-by-step scientific process behind the project. The students began by collecting organic waste from local markets, which was then shredded to prepare it for the larvae as a substrate. “Black Soldier Fly larvae were then introduced to the prepared waste. The larvae efficiently consumed the organic matter, greatly reducing its volume while accumulating lipids (fats) in their bodies. After maturation, we separated the larvae from the remaining waste, euthanized through blanching and dried it. Oil was then extracted from the dried larvae using ethanol as a solvent. This lipid-rich oil became the primary ingredient or raw material for soap production. To enhance the final product, the larvae oil was blended with minute quantity of sunflower oil before adding sodium hydroxide, initiating saponification, the chemical reaction that transforms fats and oils into soap,” she explained. The process ultimately yielded usable bars of soap derived entirely from what had once been discarded as unwanted market waste/garbage.
Building Skills and Sustainable Innovation
Beyond producing soap, the project provided students with hands-on training in scientific research, waste management techniques, bio-chemistry, and sustainable innovation. They gained practical exposure to insect-based biotechnology and learned how environmental challenges can be addressed through science-driven by entrepreneurship.
The National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) has officially approved Maksoy 7N, the latest soybean variety developed by the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University. The approval was announced during the committee’s 47th meeting at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) in Kawanda on 13th February 2026.
The NVRC, chaired by Dr. Joseph Kikafunda, is composed of stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), research institutes, seed regulatory agencies, farmers’ organizations, and private seed companies. The committee evaluates new crop varieties for performance and traits before official release, helping to enhance national food security.
Rigorous Testing Confirms Superior Performance
MakSoy 7N, a cross between 6N and SG underwent extensive Distinctive, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing across multiple seasons and locations in Uganda, including Kabanyolo (Wakiso), Nakabango (Jinja), Ngetta ZARDI (Lira), Abi ZARDI (Arua), Bulindi ZARDI (Hoima), and Mubuku Irrigation Scheme (Kasese).
The trials were conducted in accordance with the Seeds and Plant Act, Cap. 41 and the UPOV guidelines.
Results showed that the variety is clearly distinct from its closest reference, Maksoy 3N, in pod color, stem hair, and seed hilum, with uniformity meeting the 1% off-type standard, and stability confirmed across locations and seasons. On-farm trials were conducted to test performance under farmers’ management and to determine farmer preferences. Following these findings, the National Seed Certification Service (NSCS) recommended Maksoy 7N for release, providing farmers with a high-yielding and soybean rust-resistant variety.
Key Reasons Behind the Development of MakSoy 7N
Soybean plays a critical role in nutrition and income generation, offering 40% protein and 20% oil. It is used in human food, livestock feed, agro-industrial applications, and soil fertility improvement, supporting climate-smart agriculture and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. It also breaks pests life cycle if included in the cropping system.
Maksoy 7N was developed to address yield stagnation, rising disease pressure (including soybean rust), and growing national and regional demand for high-performing varieties. Advanced yield trials across six locations – Kabanyolo (Central), Nakabango (Eastern), Bulindi (Mid-West), Ngetta (Northern), Abi (West Nile), and Mubuku (Western) – demonstrated the variety’s strong performance in both multi-environment trials and participatory on-farm evaluations.
According to Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Principal Investigator and Director of MAKCSID, Maksoy 7N demonstrates strong resistance to soybean rust and outstanding agronomic performance. The variety yields between 3-3.5 tons per hectare and matures in approximately three months. Maksoy 7N is expected to enhance national soybean productivity, increase smallholder farmer incomes, and strengthen Uganda’s soybean value chain.
Maksoy 7N joins six previously released high-yielding varieties (Maksoy 1N–6N). Impact studies by the Vegetable Oil Development Project (VODP) reveal that 93% of Ugandan soybean farmers plant Maksoy soybean varieties.
Appreciation to the partners
Prof. Tukamuhabwa expressed gratitude to the local and international development partners for their invaluable support to the project. These partners include the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Oil Seeds Project(NOSP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) who funded the research. Other research partners include the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Integrated Seed and Sector Development Uganda (ISSD Uganda), Soybean Africa Ltd, Makerere University Animal Science Laboratory, Soybean Innovation Lab, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the host farmers who participated in the on-farm trials.
He also appreciated the Makerere University administration for the support extended to MAKCSID.
Honoring the Research Team
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kikafunda, Chair of the National Variety Release Committee, praised the research team for their exceptional achievements and steadfast dedication to enhancing the nation’s food security. He emphasized the importance of their work in driving agricultural innovation and urged them to prioritize the rapid multiplication and widespread distribution of the new varieties, ensuring they reach the farmers and contribute to increased productivity and improved livelihoods across the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Head of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and member of the National Variety Release Committee, lauded the team for their commitment in developing the new variety, MakSoy 7N. “This is the result of over eight years of dedicated effort. The previous variety, MakSoy 6N, was released in 2017. I deeply appreciate the team’s dedication to field activities. I also commend the former Principal of CAES, Prof. Bashaasha, for his contribution in making the MakCSID a reality, and the current Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, for her continued support to the Centre.”
Dr. Ochwo further recognized the pivotal role of Makerere University, particularly CAES, in training critical human resources for the country, noting that most innovators and personnel in key agricultural organizations are graduates of CAES.
The Soybean research team includes:
- Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa – Breeder & Team Leader
- Dr. Tonny Obua – Breeder
- Prof. Jeninah Karungi – Entomologist
- Dr. Geoffrey Tusiime – Pathologist
- Dr. Thomas Odong – Data Scientist
- Dr. Dennis Okii – Data Scientist/Germplasm Research
- Ms. Mercy Namara – Seed Scientist
- Mr. Alex Malaala – Agronomist
- Mr. George Yiga – Nursery Manager
- Mr. Jordan Uworthrwoth – Germplasm Maintenance
Approval of the Sweet Potato and Sorghum Varieties from NARO and NASECO
At the same event, the Committee approved three purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties – NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P – developed by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). These varieties are credited for their high yields, strong disease resistance, and abundant provitamin A content. With a short growing period of just three to four months, these sweet potatoes allow farmers to achieve multiple harvests annually, boosting both productivity and profitability.
The committee also approved two high-yielding sorghum hybrid varieties, NS1 (Tongo) and NS5 (Tara), from NASECO (1996) (U) Ltd. These varieties are versatile, suitable not only for food consumption but also for livestock feed, bioethanol production, and brewing. Early reports indicate strong adoption rates among farmers, which is expected to reduce dependence on imported hybrid seeds and strengthen the local agricultural seed industry.
More photos from the event
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