Agriculture & Environment
Mak Granted 10 Hectares in Poron, Napak to set up Livestock Café & Tick Control Demos
By Jane Anyango
Makerere University has been handed 10 hectares of land in Poron Sub-County, Napak District to set up a livestock café with a tick control demonstration site. The land was handed over from Poron Sub-County to the Napak and Moroto District Technical and Political officials and then to the University on 23rd October 2021.
The demonstration site and knowledge hub are to be implemented under the Drylands Transform project funded by the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development, aimed at addressing complex challenges in the East African dylands such as climate change, food insecurity, land and ecosystem degradation and weak institutions.
Drylands Transform investigates the inter linkages between land health, livestock based livelihoods, human wellbeing and land governance mechanisms in order to contribute to transformative change and sustainable development of the social ecological system in drylands of East Africa.
The 10 hectares were handed over following a series of meetings between the Makerere University research team and Napak and Moroto District Local Governments and Poron Sub-County Technical and Political officials, wherein the research team sought permission and support to implement five-year project activities for the benefit of the agro- pastoralists and pure pastoralists.
Makerere University’s Principal Investigator Prof. Denis Mpairwe thanked the Parish, Sub-County and District technical and political units for the support and offer. He said the offer followed field visits and meetings with stakeholders, users and land owners as well as the Sub-County officials in areas where the project activities will be piloted.
“We were able to meet all the Councilors, Sub-County Chiefs and all the Local Council Chairpersons of the parishes where we shall be operating. We were welcomed in the area and there was willingness to work with the people on the Drylands Transform project.
What was amazing was that when we came for recognizance, we met the community and when we left they went ahead and demarcated the land. And later when they found it was not adequate they went ahead to give us another piece across the road but still within the same area and so we secured the 10 hectares that we need”, Prof. Mpairwe said.
The other achievement according to Prof. Mpairwe was that the communities were all in acceptance and agreed to work with the project team that is going to come under the LDSF – Land Degradation Surveillance Framework expected of them in December and January during the dry spell.
The third achievement he said, was that the community accepted to work with enumerators scheduled to come to conduct household surveys on people’s livelihoods with priority participants being the local residents as long as they hold degrees and diplomas.
The Local Council III (LCIII) Chairperson Poron Mr. Agella John summed it all up by saying that the Sub-County had already given the University whatever it required and that the parties had better stop talking and embark on action. Through consensus all the Sub-County and Parish Chiefs as well as District Officials had agreed on the land for the project.
They also noted that as a Sub-County they didn’t have a heavily degraded or bare area as sought by the project team but unanimously agreed with the University team that Matany was different from the other study sites as it falls under the rain belt where they are expected to look at degradation not by the bare ground but by the loss of important species.
“We went to the site with the entire team in the afternoon, and were taken around the land, given demarcations and then there was an official hand over of the land from the community to the Sub-County, from the Sub-County to the District, then from the District to the project, and it was made clear that this land is still theirs”. The PI explained.
The community appreciated the humble approach the University used to request for land expressing happiness and readiness to work with the project team.
They were also appreciative that the project was focusing on livestock, crops and land use which were important to them.
The community members also introduced the research team to the main crops grown including, green gram, sunflower, sorghum, maize and cassava. They were interested in seeing how green gram can be improved as the major cash crop.
The community in addition said, since the project was looking at the degraded areas it has to address the problem of water scarcity too.
The research team was also informed that most of the population never went to school but, what they have seen in the livestock cafe as a knowledge sharing centre, is a school where they will acquire practical skills, utilize the knowledge and teach others.
The community acknowledged poor nutrition of the animals and entire families as a major factor affecting them and wanted researchers to address the issue of controlling ticks on their livestock as it poses a big challenge.
The acquired land according to Prof. Mpairwe is to be used as a demonstration site termed as a livestock café. In this area the project wants to demonstrate the sustainable way of utilizing the land without causing degradation but also improve on its productivity and in the long run, improve the livelihoods of the people.
“Within the livestock cafe we are going to look at how to improve all the crops, the pasture and trees in the area. We are also trying to address the challenges of the drylands where the major factors are water and fodder and that is why we want to work with you to show you the sustainable ways of conserving water and utilizing it”, Prof. Mpairwe said.
He reported that the site allocated has a water tank that is silted and that this was a chance for the project to de-silt it so as to provide enough water for the livestock café in addition to setting up a spray race to control ticks.
“Our target is knowledge sharing, teaching the people on what to do, to conserve the land, increase on its productivity, stop degradation, improve animal and human health and in the long run, improve the livelihoods of people.
In a nutshell, we scored high in Napak. We were able to get a team of willing agro-pastoralists stakeholders to work with us after understanding what the project is about. By the fourth year project mark, the people would have learnt how to utilize the land, increase productivity of both the crop and livestock and got enough knowledge to produce from that land, knowledge to give to others and there is high potential of making money especially from feeds and hay which is becoming a big commodity in Uganda”, Prof. Mpairwe stated.
Napak District Agricultural Officer Mr. Nangiro Abrahams said they understood the whole concept of the Drylands Transform project as one of the longest projects the district will host.
The Agricultural Officer thanked the community of Napak and Poron Sub-County in particular for the teamwork saying, where the district leadership had reached in terms of preparation was amazing.
“As soon as we heard of the coming of the project, we were able to take up the matter and share it with our community leaders. As the District Agricultural Officer, we have interested the community to take up developmental interventions in the area and Poron Sub-County in particular. I have also welcomed the project and I am confident that the community will cooperate for the project to achieve the desired objectives”, Mr. Nangiro said.
Nangiro noted that the main aspects of the project which are landscapes, livestock and livelihoods require a lot of demonstrations in the community. He said the community had gone ahead with the leadership of the Sub-County and District to identify some portion of land of over 20 acres where the project will be located.
The Agricultural Officer said, the mode of project delivery focuses on livestock cafes and the land given by the community will be owned by the Sub-County with all demonstrations about livestock management, crop production, water conservation, pasture management done within the given plot of land.
Mr. Nangiro said after the project, the demonstration site will continue acting as a school for the community and many who have not gone to school for the sustainability of the project.
He said Napak District Local Government welcomes interventions that are geared towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and works together with non-state actors to complement government programs to fill the gaps in advisory services, financing and staffing.
“Many of our people depend on livestock for their livelihood and this aspect has been so much affected because of the changing climate and poor agronomic practices and this is where other actors have to come on board to work with government to find solutions.
Many of our farmers have gone into crop farming and have issues to do with non-adaption to good agricultural practices, lack of agricultural inputs, agro input dealers, agro processing where concerted effort is required”, Nangiro noted. The District Agricultural Officer called upon Makerere University to put more focus into research, practices, technologies and indigenous knowledge that has been lost over the years for better survival of the communities.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Isa Kabenge Officially Hands Over Leadership of DABE to Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Isa Kabenge has officially handed over leadership of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to Prof. Joshua Wanyama. Prof. Kabenge has served as Head of Department since 2021, providing four years of leadership marked by institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded academic output. Prof. Wanyama will serve as Head of Department for a four-year term, effective 6th May 2026.
The handover ceremony, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) on 4th June 2026, was attended by key university officials and members of staff from the department. These included the Director of Human Resources, Makerere University, represented by the CAES Principal Human Resource Officer, Mr. Julius Lebo; the Dean of SFTNB, Dr. Julia Kigozi; and the Head of Internal Audit, represented by the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi.
Remarks and Appreciation by the Dean
In her remarks, Dr. Julia Kigozi commended Prof. Kabenge for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership. She appreciated him for the cordial working relationship, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to institutional development. She particularly acknowledged his efforts in initiating and strengthening partnerships with both local and international partners, which have significantly enhanced the department’s academic and research profile.
Dr. Kigozi congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would build on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Reflections from Prof. Kabenge
Prof. Kabenge expressed gratitude to the University Management, as well as the staff of DABE, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department over the past four years. He also acknowledged the support extended to him by the College and School leadership throughout his tenure.
“My time in office coincided with particularly challenging circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, I commend the resilience, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by staff, which enabled the department to continue progressing. This experience has affirmed that DABE has an exceptional team with immense potential that can be leveraged to elevate the department to even greater heights,” he said. “It has been an honour to serve as Head of Department. As I step down, I do so with full confidence in the direction the department is taking.”
Prof. Kabenge encouraged staff to continue strengthening the culture of collaboration that has become a hallmark of the department, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary engagement. “Many of the issues the department addresses, such as water security and climate-smart agriculture, are complex and require diverse expertise and collaborative approaches,” he noted.
Prof. Kabenge pledged to continue supporting the department, particularly in the areas of research and collaboration.
Achievements registered
The overarching goal of DABE is to remain a leading center of excellence in agro-production and food systems within the region and across East Africa. The Department currently hosts approximately 315 students and offers a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Water and Irrigation Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Bioprocessing Engineering, Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering, and a PhD in Agricultural Engineering.
Strengthened Research Profile
Prof. Kabenge leaves office at a time when the department has established a strong research profile, with academic staff producing more than 40 publications annually. Research within the department spans a wide range of thematic areas, including soil, water and irrigation engineering; bioprocess engineering; food processing, preservation and bio-based materials; nanotechnology and bioprocessing technologies for agriculture; artificial intelligence and engineering modelling; and power and machinery for sustainable agriculture. This growing research output has been complemented by an expanding network of collaborations that has strengthened the department’s capacity for innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical impact.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building
In addition, DABE has developed several practical training and research facilities, including a fabrication workshop at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), aquaculture ponds, irrigation demonstration and experimental systems, post-harvest handling facilities such as refractive window dryers and hybrid solar dryers, and a water science laboratory currently under development. Many of these facilities have been established through research projects funded by both local and international partners.
The Department also hosts the Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship, a capacity-building programme implemented in partnership with the Aquaya Institute. The fellowship trains students and early-career professionals in water quality monitoring, testing, and management through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and field-based research. It aims to strengthen Africa’s water workforce, improve access to reliable water quality data, and support safer drinking water systems. The programme is part of a five-year regional initiative (2021-2026) operating through universities in Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Welcoming the New Head
Prof. Kabenge congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and encouraged him to sustain and further strengthen the department’s local and international partnerships. He specifically encouraged the revival of visiting professorships and deeper engagement with the department’s expanding and well-connected alumni network.
Remarks by the University Officials and Incoming Head
The Director of Human Resources, represented by Mr. Julius Lebo, commended the outgoing head for his dedicated service and welcomed the incoming head, appreciating his willingness to take on the leadership role.
Similarly, the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi, praised Prof. Kabenge for his professionalism, strong administrative organization, and prudent management of departmental funds.
In his remarks, Prof. Joshua Wanyama expressed gratitude to University Management for his appointment, and to Prof. Kabenge, for his exemplary servant leadership and mentorship. He acknowledged the department’s steady growth under the outgoing head and thanked staff for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead them.
“I pledge my full commitment to serve. DABE is known for excellence and delivery, and I intend to uphold and strengthen that legacy. We shall continue working as a team to pursue excellence and further develop our department,” he said.
Brief about Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Joshua Wanyama is a Ugandan academic and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), a Master of Science in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University.
With over twenty years of experience in teaching, research, and academic mentorship, he specializes in irrigation engineering, water resources management, watershed systems, and climate-smart agriculture. His work focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural water systems and strengthening climate resilience in Uganda and the wider region.
He has supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributed to curriculum development, and served as an external examiner for a number of universities across Africa. He is a registered professional engineer and an active member of professional bodies including the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
In recognition of his academic excellence, he was named among the top-performing mid-career researchers and lecturers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards.
Pictorial of the handover ceremony:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjIS9_8mPM5HVr7UAFP7ik43kkpj-WOY?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University, Uganda Red Cross Society Sign MoU to Advance Research, Training & Humanitarian Action
Makerere University and Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, training, innovation, and humanitarian service delivery.
The agreement, signed on 19th May 2026, establishes a strategic framework through which the two institutions will jointly address pressing national and global challenges by combining academic research with practical humanitarian action.
The MoU was endorsed by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe Mwanaki, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), on behalf of Makerere University, and Mr. Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Purpose of the Partnership
The partnership brings together Makerere University’s expertise in research and higher education with the Uganda Red Cross Society’s experience in disaster response, emergency health services, and community outreach, to strengthen efforts in addressing humanitarian and public health challenges. Under the agreement, the institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, academic programmes, staff and student exchanges, and grant applications.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Building on this foundation, the two institutions will also work together to strengthen humanitarian assistance, volunteerism, health, and disaster risk management in Uganda through joint capacity-building initiatives. These will include short courses, training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences, and other professional learning events, as well as the exchange and dissemination of case studies, best practices, and research findings.
Institutional Collaboration and Resource Mobilization
In addition, the partnership will deepen institutional collaboration through the development of strategic alliances, support for advocacy on capacity development action plans, and the promotion of stakeholder participation in each other’s programmes. It will further provide for joint resource mobilization- including co-development of funding proposals, and mutual access to institutional platforms that enhance skills development, methodological expertise, and knowledge transfer.
Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
The collaboration will also provide opportunities for Makerere University students to participate in humanitarian initiatives such as blood donation campaigns, volunteer services, and disaster response activities. In addition, students and staff will benefit from field-based training, internships, and experiential learning opportunities through the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Remarks from Makerere University
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Alinaitwe commended the Uganda Red Cross Society for its long-standing humanitarian service and strong international reputation. He explained that Makerere University, as a leading research institution, has a responsibility to strengthen humanitarian efforts through evidence-based research, innovation, and professional expertise. “This partnership demonstrates the university’s commitment to applying academic knowledge to real-world humanitarian challenges affecting communities across Uganda and beyond.”
Prof. Alinaitwe highlighted the role of young people in advancing humanitarian action, saying Makerere University’s large student population presents an opportunity to strengthen volunteerism, disaster preparedness, and community engagement initiatives. “Empowering students and young professionals through such partnerships not only contributes to national development but also nurtures a culture of compassion, civic responsibility, and leadership among the next generation,” he noted.
Highlighting potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions, including health services, emergency response, disaster risk management, research, training, and capacity building, Prof. Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s strong commitment to humanitarian work. He expressed confidence that the partnership would foster meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation, and joint initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing and resilience of vulnerable communities across the country.
Remarks from Uganda Red Cross Society
Reflecting on the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions, URCS Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga, expressed gratitude to Makerere University for its continued support toward the organization’s humanitarian work. “The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in our partnership and serves as a renewed commitment to deepen collaboration in areas that directly advance public health, disaster preparedness, and community resilience, while enhancing the overall impact of humanitarian service delivery across the country.”
Mr. Kwesiga explained that the formal agreement will provide a structured framework for joint initiatives such as research, student engagement in humanitarian fieldwork, capacity building for staff and volunteers, and knowledge sharing in emergency response systems. According to him, this alignment between academic expertise and humanitarian practice is essential in addressing Uganda’s evolving social and health challenges.
“Makerere University’s role as a leading academic institution brings valuable technical and scientific capacity to the partnership, while the Uganda Red Cross Society contributes practical, field-based experience in disaster response and community support. Together, the two institutions are better positioned to design evidence-based interventions that save lives and strengthen vulnerable communities. The MoU will not remain a symbolic document, but will translate into tangible outcomes that benefit students, researchers, and the wider public through impactful programmes and sustained collaboration,” he noted.
Implementation and Duration
The agreement will run for an initial period of five years and is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity in research-driven humanitarian response and sustainable community development. At Makerere University, implementation of the MoU will be coordinated by Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and member of staff in the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, while Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya Kibuule will coordinate on behalf of the URCS.
Pictorial of the MoU signing ceremony: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUigt
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