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Agriculture & Environment

Mak & UHTTI Sign MoU to Boost Research in Tourism Sector

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Makerere University and Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between the two institutions. At the signing ceremony held on Friday 22nd October 2021, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Mr. Cephas Birungi Kagyenda signed on behalf of Makerere University and UHTTI respectively. The Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is the implementing unit in Makerere University.

Makerere is the premier university in the region established in 1922 and set to celebrate 100 years in 2022. UHTTI was established in 2015 by an Act of Parliament (UHTTI Act, 2015) as the Principal Government Agency responsible for training human resource for the Hospitality and Tourism sector in Uganda. Currently, UHTTI awards Diplomas and Certificates. During discussions held, it was clear that establishment of a partnership between the two institutions offers opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Mr. Cephas Birungi Kagyenda (L) exchange the signed MoU.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Mr. Cephas Birungi Kagyenda (L) exchange the signed MoU.

The focus of this MoU and collaboration is to build synergy between the two institutions. Specifically, the areas of collaboration highlighted in the MoU include: Exchange of scientific, academic and technical information; sharing training space and facilities; organization and participation in joint academic activities like seminars and conferences; research and training in the tourism and hospitality sector; staff/student exchange; staff development and collaborative projects; and identifying opportunities for commercialization of innovations.

In his remarks welcoming the UHTTI delegation to Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe said “ Makerere is happy to contribute to this sector and nation. Tourism is a major sector and foreign exchange earner for Uganda; collaborating with UHTTI is an example of how the university supports national development. This partnership is very important not only for the institutions but the country as a whole, I am very happy to append my signature on behalf of Makerere University.”

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) and UHTTI’s Mr. Cephas Birungi Kagyenda (3rd R) with Mr. Javason Kamugisha (R), Assoc. Prof. Edward Mwavu (2nd L) and other officials at the MoU signing ceremony on 22nd October 2021, CTF1, Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) and UHTTI’s Mr. Cephas Birungi Kagyenda (3rd R) with Mr. Javason Kamugisha (R), Assoc. Prof. Edward Mwavu (2nd L) and other officials at the MoU signing ceremony on 22nd October 2021, CTF1, Makerere University.

Mr. Cephas Birungi who represented the UHTTI Board Chairperson Mr. Joseph Wokadala and led the UHTTI delegation said, “UHTTI has been awarded ‘Centre of Excellence’ status by the Government of Uganda. The institution located in Jinja is under refurbishment through funding by the World Bank to the government.”

He reiterated that establishment of UHTTI is timely to enable skilling of Ugandans for employment in the hospitality and tourism sector which has for a long time been mainly served by foreign nationals. Mr. Birungi informed the meeting that The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities as a mother ministry of the institute is supportive of the partnership between Makerere University and UHTTI.

Present at the signing ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Edward Mwavu who represented CAES and the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism as well as the Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Javason Kamugisha. Mr. Semakula Sacheora (Board Member, UHTTI), Mrs. Namutosi Miriam Amori (Principal, UHTTI), Mr. Kawene Moses Stephen (Deputy Principal, UHTTI) and Mrs. Oyaka Odongot Christrine (Academic Registrar, UHTTI) also attended the ceremony.

Zaam Ssali

Agriculture & Environment

CAES Annual Report 2024

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Cover page of the CAES Annual Report 2024. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga

It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.

Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.  

Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.

Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.

I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES

Follow the link below to access the full report;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: 30 Masters, 6 PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

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Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
  8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
  11. The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
  8. The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
  11. The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

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Apply now! 2025 Farmer field schools innovation award is now open for submissions!

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

  • Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14th to 17th of October 2025
  • Receive support and mentorship from global experts
  • Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

  • Producers and producer groups;
  • FFS facilitators or master trainers;
  • Project and programme teams;
  • Development organizations;
  • Social entrepreneurs;
  • Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

  1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

  1. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility
  1. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
  2. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15th of June 2025

Apply now  

Mak Editor

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