Connect with us

Research

ARPPIS-DAAD PhD scholarships for study at icipe – 2022

Published

on

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya, in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) In-Country/In-Region PhD Scholarships Programme and African university partners, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for PhD scholarships in the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

The primary objective of the ARPPIS PhD Programme is to prepare young researchers from Africa to be globally competitive in research and development environments within national, regional and international research programmes. At icipe, ARPPIS scholars are provided with excellent research facilities in an interdisciplinary environment within a structured, three-year PhD programme that includes research, training, developing research partnerships, publishing scientific articles, writing  grant proposals, and attending scientific meetings and international conferences. Scholars conduct strategic, innovative research at icipe’s laboratories and field sites located in different agro-ecological zones.

  • Seven ARPPIS PhD projects are available to nationals of sub-Saharan countries: see List of Projects
  • The programme covers all student costs, including travel, living expenses, medical insurance, university fees and all research and training costs.
  • Successful candidates will register with an ARPPIS partner university in Africa after starting the PhD programme at icipe.
  • The PhD programme will commence in September 2022.

Deadline for applications to icipe: 15th December 2021

See details

Mark Wamai

Natural Sciences

From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Makerere Researchers Turn Water Hyacinth into Valuable Products

Published

on

The Project PI, Dr Alice Nabatanzi briefing participants about the products developed, including biodegradable sanitary pads, a bio-fertilizer, and briquettes during the research dissemination workshop held at the PMB premises on 22nd September 2026. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

For communities living along Uganda’s lakes and rivers, water hyacinth is more than an invasive weed. Its rapid spread can choke waterways, disrupt fishing and transportation, restrict access to water and interfere with livelihoods and essential community services.

But what has for years been viewed primarily as an environmental menace could also become a source of economic opportunity.

Turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity

Researchers at Makerere University, with support from the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), have demonstrated how water hyacinth can be harvested and transformed into useful, value-added products through a small-scale community bio-refining approach.

Their project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” sought to shift the focus from simply removing and disposing of the invasive plant to exploring opportunities for value addition, innovation and enterprise.

Led by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, the research was inspired by the experiences of communities affected by water hyacinth, including residents of Katosi Ward in Mukono District, where the weed has had significant socio-ecological impacts.

The CoNAS Principal, represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba (3rd R) officially launched the products. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The CoNAS Principal, represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba (3rd R) officially launched the products.

According to a community assessment conducted as part of the research, 68.7% of the respondents reported extreme impacts on fishing, while 65.0% reported extreme impacts on water transport.

During community engagements, residents described how the proliferation of water hyacinth had blocked waterways, disrupted fishing and transportation, affected access to water and created significant challenges for household livelihoods. In some instances, obstructed waterways affected children’s access to essential services.

These experiences provided an important starting point for the research team.

Through different processing methods, the team successfully developed three products from the harvested biomass: a bio-fertilizer, briquettes, and biodegradable sanitary pads.

Prof. Kakuba appreciated the research output and called for increased support to scale up the innovations. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Kakuba appreciated the research output and called for increased support to scale up the innovations.

Water hyacinth transformed into bio-fertilizer

One of the products developed by the researchers was a bio-fertilizer made from water hyacinth biomass.

The process began with harvesting the weed from affected water bodies and shredding the biomass to facilitate processing. The researchers explored biological processing approaches, including composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic digestion, to break down the plant material and release its organic matter and nutrients.

Following processing and curing, the resulting material was developed into an organic soil amendment, providing a productive use for harvested water hyacinth while returning organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

 Briquettes offer an alternative solid fuel

The project team also developed briquettes from water hyacinth biomass, demonstrating its potential as an alternative solid fuel.

The innovation could, with further research, development and appropriate commercialization pathways, contribute to community-based enterprises.

 From water hyacinth fibre to biodegradable sanitary pads

Another distinctive innovation emerging from the research is a biodegradable sanitary pad.

To produce the absorbent material, researchers extracted cellulose-rich fibre from the petioles of water hyacinth and combined it with other locally available plant fibres, including banana fibre and papyrus.

The resulting plant-based material was incorporated into sanitary pads that were subsequently developed and tested to assess their performance as a menstrual hygiene product.

According to the research findings, the water-hyacinth-based pads demonstrated higher liquid absorption capacity and potential health and safety advantages compared with conventional pads. Their use of locally available plant fibres also offers potential to reduce production costs and improve accessibility.

Some of the community members at the dissemination workshop. The project team worked with communities affected by water hyacinth, including residents of Katosi Ward in Mukono District, where the weed has had significant socio-ecological impacts. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the community members at the dissemination workshop. The project team worked with communities affected by water hyacinth, including residents of Katosi Ward in Mukono District, where the weed has had significant socio-ecological impacts.

Research generating scientific knowledge

In addition to developing value-added products, the project has generated scientific knowledge on the socio-ecological effects of water hyacinth on affected communities.

The research findings have been published in Scientific Reports, Springer Nature Journal, in a peer-reviewed paper by Nabatanzi, A., Nambejja, C. and Byarugaba, I. (2026) titled “Socio-ecological impacts of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes (Mart) Solm) on livelihoods in Katosi Ward, Uganda.”

The study provides evidence of the impacts of water hyacinth on livelihoods, while the wider project demonstrates how the same invasive resource can be investigated as a potential source of useful products.

Beyond their work on value-added products from water hyacinth, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team are also translating scientific research into a growing range of locally developed skincare, personal care and wellness products. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Beyond their work on value-added products from water hyacinth, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team are also translating scientific research into a growing range of locally developed skincare, personal care and wellness products.

Other research outputs: Production of personal care and wellness products from different plant materials

Beyond their work on value-added products from water hyacinth, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team are also translating scientific research into a growing range of locally developed skincare, personal care and wellness products under AURENE AURA, a Ugandan innovation emerging from the Makerere University Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB) Product Development Hub.

Built around the integration of research, nature and innovation, AURENE AURA brings together botanical ingredients and formulation science to develop products designed for diverse skincare and personal wellness needs. The growing collection includes medicated acne-control bars, radiant and brightening soaps and lotions, hypoallergenic goat-milk cleansing bars, moisturizing shower gels, baby-care jelly, lip balms and lip gloss, liquid soaps and other personal-care formulations.

The portfolio also extends to fragrances and botanical perfume mists, herbal respiratory wellness products, and botanical teas and wellness blends, demonstrating the team’s efforts to explore the potential of locally sourced natural ingredients beyond conventional applications.

According to the team, the products are developed through a research-to-product process that involves identifying specific user needs, selecting appropriate botanical and active ingredients, formulation, testing, refinement and packaging. This approach seeks to combine the benefits of botanical ingredients with formulation science, product stability and user safety.

Dr Michael Owor represented the Chair of MakRIF who commended the project outputs and pledged continued support. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Michael Owor represented the Chair of MakRIF who commended the project outputs and pledged continued support.

 Research dissemination workshop

Dr. Nabatanzi and her research team presented the findings and innovations to the Makerere University community and key stakeholders during a research dissemination workshop held on 22nd September 2026 at the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology.

The seminar provided a platform for the team to share the research outcomes, demonstrate the innovations and discuss pathways for translating the findings into practical solutions with environmental, social and economic value.

Remarks from the Chair, MakRIF

Representing the Chairperson of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), Dr. Michael Owor commended the research team for moving beyond documenting the water hyacinth challenge to developing practical innovations with potential community and commercial applications.

He noted that the project exemplifies MakRIF’s mandate, established by the Government of Uganda to support research and innovation that responds to national development challenges.

 “This project exemplifies that mandate by moving beyond describing the problem of water hyacinth to developing practical solutions that communities, enterprises and public institutions can potentially adopt,” he said.

He, however, noted that research findings and prototypes do not automatically translate into sustainable impact, stressing the need for stronger collaboration amongst stakeholders to advance product validation, safety, quality, affordability, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection and market access.

He urged stakeholders to use the workshop to agree on concrete pathways for advancing the innovations, including further testing, standards development, community-based production, manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and resource mobilisation for scale-up.

Regarding the biodegradable sanitary pads, Dr. Owor stressed the need for sustained engagement with women and girls, schools, health professionals and relevant regulatory institutions to ensure that the product is safe, acceptable, affordable and responsive to the users’ needs.

He further challenged the research team to develop a clear post-project action plan.

“Dissemination should not mark the end of the project; it should serve as a transition from research findings to adoption, enterprise development and demonstrable community impact, he said.

On behalf of the MakRIF Grants Management Committee, Dr. Owor appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued investment in research and innovation through the MakRIF, and acknowledged the University Management for providing an enabling environment for the research.

He also recognized the contribution of the participating communities and stakeholders whose knowledge and experiences informed the project.

Dr Jamilu Ssenku, Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology addressing the participants. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Jamilu Ssenku, Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology addressing the participants.

CoNAS: Turning knowledge into solutions for society – Remarks by the College leaders

On behalf of the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on undertaking impactful, transformative and accessible research that demonstrates how a persistent environmental challenge can be turned into an opportunity for innovation, livelihoods and sustainable development.

Referring to the priorities of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), Prof. Kakuba emphasized the importance of harnessing the country’s innovation capacity to drive socio-economic transformation. “Such research demonstrates how university-generated knowledge can contribute to addressing real-world environmental and socio-economic challenges.”

He commended Dr. Nabatanzi for involving communities and students in the research process, noting that such engagements strengthen the relevance of university research while providing students with practical opportunities to apply scientific knowledge to challenges affecting society. He further underscored the need to strengthen industry-academia partnerships to facilitate the translation of research findings into products and technologies that can be adopted.

The project team led by Dr Nabatanzi sharing their findings during the dissemination workshop. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The project team led by Dr Nabatanzi sharing their findings during the dissemination workshop.

Prof. Kakuba also linked the initiative to the principles of competency-based learning, noting that practical, problem-solving research equips students with skills beyond the classroom and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He urged Dr. Nabatanzi and the research team to widely disseminate their findings to increase awareness, uptake and potential commercialisation of the innovations. He also called for increased support to enable the project to progress beyond research and product development towards further validation, refinement, scaling and potential adoption by communities and industry.

 The Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at CoNAS, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku, equally commended Dr. Nabatanzi and her team for undertaking impactful research that demonstrates the potential of science to address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. He noted that the project contributes to the department’s growing body of impactful research, which continues to generate practical solutions and innovations with relevance to communities, industry and national development.

The Acting Manager of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Prof. Michael Lubwama, commended the research team for its innovative approach to research and effective dissemination of the findings. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Acting Manager of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Prof. Michael Lubwama, commended the research team for its innovative approach to research and effective dissemination of the findings.

MUTIC support

The Acting Manager of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Prof. Michael Lubwama, commended the research team for its innovative approach to research and effective dissemination of the findings, noting that the project provides a valuable model that could be benchmarked by other research projects. He appreciated the contributions of the stakeholders, particularly the local communities whose participation was central to the success of the project. Prof. Lubwama further pledged MUTIC’s support in advancing the innovations towards product development, commercialization and wider community impact.

Ms. Esther Kabinga from the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office briefing participants about the importance of registering innovations. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Esther Kabinga from the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office briefing participants about the importance of registering innovations.

Innovation, commercialization and intellectual property

Ms. Esther Kabinga from the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on the achievement and urged them to prioritise intellectual property protection as they advance the innovations towards wider use and commercialisation. She highlighted the need to formally register the innovations to safeguard them against unauthorised use, imitation and misappropriation, and pledged support in securing the necessary intellectual property rights.

Inspiring young women and advancing menstrual dignity

The Guild President of Makerere University, H.E. Gracious Kadondi, represented by the Guild Minister for Academic Affairs, Ms. Kalazani Neera Elsie, equally applauded Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team for the achievements.

She particularly commended the development of biodegradable sanitary pads, noting that the innovation could help promote menstrual dignity among women and girls, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ms. Kalazani also described Dr. Nabatanzi’s achievement as an important source of inspiration for young women and students pursuing science and research. She called for greater involvement of students and young people in research and innovation, noting that such opportunities can nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators capable of developing solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

The Guild Minister for Academic Affairs, Ms. Kalazani Neera Elsie described the research outputs of Dr Nabatanzi as an important source of inspiration for young women and students pursuing science and research. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Guild Minister for Academic Affairs, Ms. Kalazani Neera Elsie described the research outputs of Dr Nabatanzi as an important source of inspiration for young women and students pursuing science and research.

Communities at the centre of research impact

On behalf of the Najjembe community in Buikwe District, Ms. Nabukeera Sylvia expressed gratitude to Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, MakRIF, and the wider University community for the continued support extended to local communities through the Alice Mabira Foundation (AMAF) and other research initiatives undertaken in the area.

Ms. Nabukeera said the community had greatly benefited from Dr. Nabatanzi’s work and the support provided through the Alice Mabira Foundation, which she established to empower households to develop home-based enterprises and cottage industries. Through the Foundation, community members have gained practical skills in baking, processing food and medicinal products, and preserving and sustainably utilising important tree species.

She noted that these initiatives have enabled community members to turn knowledge and locally available resources into livelihood opportunities and solutions to everyday challenges, demonstrating the value of research that responds directly to community needs. She expressed gratitude to the researchers and partners for their continued engagement with the Najjembe Community and called for sustained collaboration to ensure that the innovations generated through university research continue to reach communities and create tangible social and economic benefits.

On behalf of the Najjembe community, Ms. Nabukeera Sylvia expressed gratitude to Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, the MakRIF, and the wider University community for the continued support extended to local communities. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
On behalf of the Najjembe community, Ms. Nabukeera Sylvia expressed gratitude to Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, the MakRIF, and the wider University community for the continued support extended to local communities.

Future prospects

The research has laid the groundwork for transforming water hyacinth from an environmental challenge into a potential source of community enterprise and sustainable livelihoods through bio-refineries and circular bio-economies.

Moving the innovations from research to wider application will require collaboration among researchers, communities, government, industry and other stakeholders to refine the technologies, assess production and market opportunities, strengthen quality standards and establish pathways for scale-up and commercialisation.

Beyond the three products already developed, the research also opens opportunities for exploring additional value chains, including animal feed, crafts and other potentially marketable products, subject to further research to establish their safety, technical feasibility and economic viability.

If successfully scaled, the innovations could create new opportunities for employment, income generation and community enterprise, while contributing to the sustainable management of water hyacinth and the restoration of affected waterways.

Ms. Nabukeera speaks on behalf of the Najjembe community. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Nabukeera speaks on behalf of the Najjembe community.

Participants pose with some of the products developed by the research team during the dissemination workshop. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants pose with some of the products developed by the research team during the dissemination workshop.

The CoNAS team with the community members who participated in the research. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The CoNAS team with the community members who participated in the research.

A community member showcases some of their products developed with support from the Alice Mabira Foundation. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A community member showcases some of their products developed with support from the Alice Mabira Foundation.

The CoNAS leaders with the project members. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The CoNAS leaders with the project members.

Cutting cake in celebration of the achievements. Research Dissemination for Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Botany Lab 2, 22nd September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Cutting cake in celebration of the achievements.

View on CoNAS

Hasifa Kabejja

Continue Reading

Research

Science Minister Challenges Makerere to Move Research into Use at Scale

Published

on

Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki with University Management, MakSPH leadership and researchers following the engagement on strengthening research translation, adoption and scale on 16th September 2026. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Uganda must strengthen the systems that move university research beyond prototypes and publications into policies, public services, products and enterprises that improve people’s lives, Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President (STI-OP), has said.

He made the call during a visit to Makerere University School of Public Health on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, as part of his wider engagement with Makerere University’s research and innovation ecosystem. Accompanied by University Management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Minister met researchers presenting work across major public health priorities before touring the School’s new building.

Hon. Eng. Asiimwe linked the challenge to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which targets expanding the country’s GDP from nearly USD 50 billion in 2023 to USD 500 billion by 2040. He argued that science, technology and innovation must help deliver that ambition by raising productivity, improving public services and creating viable enterprises.

Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki delivers remarks during his visit to MakSPH on 16 September 2026, calling for stronger systems to move university research into wider use. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki delivers remarks during his visit to MakSPH on 16 September 2026, calling for stronger systems to move university research into wider use.

“The Tenfold Growth Strategy will not be achieved by one particular project alone,” he stated. “It will be achieved when science, technology and innovation repeatedly raise the productivity and incomes of millions of ordinary people.”

The work presented at MakSPH showed how public health research can contribute to that ambition by shaping clinical guidance and national policy, strengthening systems that improve services and protect population health, and advancing technologies towards wider testing and adoption.

One such example was the PURPOSE 1 study, a 2022–2024 trial that evaluated Gilead Sciences’ twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women. Prof. Noah Kiwanuka served as Site Principal Investigator for MakSPH’s work at Makerere-Kalangala site through the UVRI-IAVI collaboration. The trial recorded no HIV infections among participants who received lenacapavir, contributing evidence that informed regulatory decisions and WHO’s 2025 recommendation of the drug as an additional HIV prevention option.

Prof. Noah Kiwanuka briefs Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki and VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during the MakSPH research exhibition. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Noah Kiwanuka briefs Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki and VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during the MakSPH research exhibition.

In maternal and newborn health, MakSPH’s Centre of Excellence for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health recently partnered with St. Francis Hospital Nsambya to establish Uganda’s first human milk bank and generate evidence on the safe use of pasteurised donor milk. The work has now contributed to Uganda’s first National Donor Human Milk Guidelines and provides a model that other hospitals could adopt.

The exhibition also showed how university expertise can strengthen national systems. Through the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) Programme, MakSPH worked with the Ministry of Health for more than 15 years to develop and support platforms for health reporting, disease surveillance and programme management. The U.S. CDC funded the programme through PEPFAR, providing US$103.8 million across three five-year grants. In March 2026, MakSPH transitioned 16 digital health systems developed through METS, together with their supporting infrastructure, to Ministry of Health stewardship.

Makerere University School of Public Health Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze said the School embeds teaching and research within communities, health facilities and public institutions through its “Public Health School Without Walls” model, designing research around the problems it must address and the value it can create.

MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze emphasises that research translation must begin at design and connect scientific evidence to health, societal and economic outcomes. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MakSPH Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze emphasises that research translation must begin at design and connect scientific evidence to health, societal and economic outcomes.

“For us, translation is not alien. It is where we start when designing our research,” Prof. Wanyenze noted. “We examine what drives ill health and what we can do to solve the problem. As we consider translation and commercialisation, we must define how scientific impact grows into societal impact and track that contribution through health outcomes and economic growth.”

That approach informs VectorCam, an artificial intelligence-enabled smartphone tool that MakSPH is evaluating in Mayuge and Adjumani districts. It enables community health workers to identify mosquitoes by species, sex and feeding status, generating faster data for malaria-control decisions. Prof. Peter Waiswa serves as Uganda Principal Investigator for the Gates Foundation-funded project, which MakSPH implements with Johns Hopkins University. The partners plan to extend it to 22 districts and assess its performance under routine conditions in 12.

Watch how VectorCam uses a smartphone and artificial intelligence to identify mosquitoes and strengthen malaria surveillance:

The School’s national survey work also demonstrates local capacity to generate evidence for policy. Uganda launched the 2024–2025 Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) in May 2025 with support from the U.S. Government and technical leadership from MakSPH. The Ministry of Health expects to release the findings on 1 October 2026, providing updated evidence on HIV prevalence, new infections, viral suppression, service coverage and associated risk behaviours to guide the country’s future HIV response.

The School also led Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) Uganda, a nationally representative platform that generated recurring evidence on contraceptive use, access and service quality. Working with the Ministry of Health and other partners, it enabled Uganda to track change, identify persistent gaps and guide family-planning policy and investment.

MakSPH Deputy Dean and PMA Uganda Principal Investigator Prof. Frederick Makumbi briefs Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki and VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on how PMA evidence informs family-planning policy and investment. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MakSPH Deputy Dean and PMA Uganda Principal Investigator Prof. Frederick Makumbi briefs Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki and VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on how PMA evidence informs family-planning policy and investment.

This combination of evidence generation and local capacity gives practical expression to Makerere University’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, launched in July 2026, which seeks to build a sustainable, research-led and responsive university. During a visit to MakSPH on 18 June 2026, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the School as a model of that institutional direction.

“I think the School of Public Health is the perfect example of what a research-led unit should be,” Prof. Nawangwe said. “You are really showing the way for the rest of the University and what we should be as a research-led university.”

VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlights Makerere University’s research contribution to national development and calls for sustained investment to expand its impact. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlights Makerere University’s research contribution to national development and calls for sustained investment to expand its impact.

The work supports priorities under Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), including stronger health research, innovation and uptake of locally generated solutions. Speaking at a public dialogue on health financing jointly organised by MakSPH and partners in April 2026, Prof. Nawangwe said Makerere attracts more than UGX 1 trillion into Uganda annually through research and urged the Government to increase support for the University’s national role.

Today, the Government allocates about UGX 25 billion annually through theMakerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) to support research and innovation across Makerere. Beyond Mak-RIF, it recently contributed UGX 14 billion to the construction of the new MakSPH building. Work began in 2020 and remains on course for completion in December 2026.

The facility will expand space for teaching, research, laboratories and collaboration. The School’s next infrastructure priority is a specialised environmental health laboratory to investigate health risks associated with air, water, food and other environmental exposures.

The new MakSPH building in August 2026, nearing completion with UGX 14 billion in Government support. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The new MakSPH building in August 2026, nearing completion with UGX 14 billion in Government support.

Through STI-OP, the Government also supports the NUTRIMEAL Project. Dr Barbara Eva Kirunda leads the project, which brings together MakSPH and Makerere University’s School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering to develop a non-dairy probiotic beverage from locally available finger millet and beetroot for people living with HIV. The team will test its safety and effects on immune and nutritional outcomes among 432 participants.

Hon. Eng. Asiimwe placed that support within a longer pathway from research to use. He said developing and testing an innovation represent only part of the journey and called for stronger systems to move viable innovations into policy, public services, products and enterprises.

Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki arrives at MakSPH with Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze for an engagement focused on moving viable research into policy, public services, products and enterprises. Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Day 3 of Ministerial Maiden Visit to Makerere University, 16th September 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki arrives at MakSPH with Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze for an engagement focused on moving viable research into policy, public services, products and enterprises.

“Every innovation should be able to name its user, define the problem it solves and show the value it creates,” he said. “We should move beyond saying, ‘We developed a prototype,’ to showing who uses it, who manufactures it, how it reaches the market and how it will grow.”

Reaching that point requires the capacity to generate and test evidence, alongside collaboration among universities, government and industry in validation, standards, intellectual property, financing, manufacturing, procurement and public trust.

Public health research creates value not only through commercial products but also evidence that changes policy, strengthens surveillance, improves clinical practice and guides national programmes. The challenge now is to move the strongest research into use and turn it into better services, greater productivity and healthier lives, all essential to Uganda’s tenfold growth ambition.

View on MakSPH

John Okeya

Continue Reading

Agriculture & Environment

Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges

Published

on

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.

Overall competition winner Andrew Mudhasi (left) receives his first Place award certificate for his innovation

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.

Rhondah John pitches her innovation repurposing diaper waste into soil moisture retention

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.

Stuart Mayira (left) receives his 3rd Place award certicate at the school of Public Health Auditorium.

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.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Banabas Nawangwe giving his remarks

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.

PositionWinnerInstitutionScore
1stAndrew MudhasiMakerere University90%
2ndRhoda JohnUniversity of Nairobi89.6%
3rdStuart MaheraMakerere University86.2%

Allan Ainematsiko

My name is Ainematsiko Allan. I am a student of Makerere University and currently in my final year. I am pursuing a Bachelors in Journalism and Communication.

Continue Reading

Trending