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
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
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