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Commemorating World Fisheries Day – Stakeholders call for more Investment in Fish Farming

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The Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, and the Archbishop of Gulu Dioscese, His Grace John Baptist Odama arrive for celebrations to mark World Fisheries Day on 22nd November 2021, Layibi Gulu City

Theme of the 2021 World Fisheries Day celebrations:“Recognizing and Supporting the Contribution and Sustainable Development of Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture”

The World Fisheries Day celebrated on 21st November annually presents an opportunity for stakeholders in the fishing industry to reflect on the state of Fisheries resources.

On 22nd November 2021, Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate the day. The celebrations to mark the day were held at St. Isidoro (Negri) Bar-Dege, Layibi Division in Gulu City. The event was presided over by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa and attended by major actors in the fisheries industry in Uganda as well as political and religious leaders from Gulu District.

Highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by the fisheries sector globally, participants expressed concern over the continued depletion of fish from water bodies as a result illegal and unregulated fishing methods.

Dr. Jackson Efitre (2nd L) explaining to the Minister how the solar tent drier works.
Dr. Jackson Efitre (2nd L) explaining to the Minister how the solar tent drier works.

Addressing participants, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa called for more investment in fish farming to salvage the industry. “The fishing sector is faced with numerous challenges. The persistent use of illegal fishing gears and methods has resulted in catching and processing of immature fish. This has led to the decline of fish stocks reducing fish catches and consequently undermining the contribution of the sector to the economy,” she explained, calling on the general public to embrace aquaculture.

“Uganda is well endowed with water resources, good climate and raw materials for the production of fish feeds. With all these, we are well positioned to undertake aquaculture. Aquaculture can be practiced on commercial scale, in ponds, tanks and cages and has great potential to fill the gap created by the declining fish catches from natural water bodies. It also has potential to provide employment,” she noted.

The Minister acknowledged the support rendered by various actors towards the development of the fishing industry, one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners.

Emphasizing the contribution of the Fisheries Sector to the economy, the Director Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Ms Joyce Ikwaput Nyeko called for concerted efforts to address the challenges affecting the industry.

The NutriFish Uganda project team with the Minister.
The NutriFish Uganda project team with the Minister.

“Uganda is blessed with a lot of water resources with 20% of our surface area covered by lakes, rivers, swamps, and has potential to provide 1.7 million tonnes from both aquaculture and capture fisheries. This is however undermined by numerous challenges including unregulated fishing, lost fish habitats and global warming. This calls for drastic interventions to sustain the industry,” she said.

Currently, Uganda exports fish worth USD 177 million and is second to coffee in foreign exchange earnings from non-traditional exports. The fishing industry in Uganda provides employment to 1.2 million people and supports 5.3 million people. Besides the commercial benefits, fish and fisheries products play an important role in food and nutritional security around the world. 

Representing Hauge Aqua, Dr. Ronald Semyalo, a Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University called for more training and skilling of youth in Fisheries and Aquaculture as a measure to minimize unemployment. The Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University supports training in fisheries and aquaculture at various institutions in the country.

Exhibitions

The Minister touring the exhibition stall of NutriFish Uganda, a project under Makerere University Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).
The Minister touring the exhibition stall of NutriFish Uganda, a project under Makerere University Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).

As part of the activities to mark the day, key stakeholders in the fishing industry including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO); NutriFish Uganda; and the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) showcased some of their products.

Exhibition by NutriFish Uganda

Supported by the International Research Development Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through their joint programme, Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund (CultiAF), NutriFish aims to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups that cannot afford expensive commercial fish but are in critical need of high quality nutritious diets.

As key stakeholders in Uganda’s fishing industry, the project team led by Dr Jackson Efitre actively participated in the exhibition to mark World Fisheries Day in Gulu City. At their stall, the researchers showcased some of their products from small pelagic fish, actively engaging and explaining to participants the nutritional benefits and the product flow process of the fish. Some of the products showcased included, composite flour enriched with mukene (silver fish), Baghia from Nile Perch, fish sauce with mukene, instant porridge enriched with mukene, fish seasoning with mukene, mukene snack and the solar tent drier.

Graduation Ceremony – Award of a Certificate in Community Aquaculture, Level 1 

Officials and Graduates from Community Aquaculture Schools in Gulu and Arua Districts pose for a photo with the Minister after receiving their certificates.
Officials and Graduates from Community Aquaculture Schools in Gulu and Arua Districts pose for a photo with the Minister after receiving their certificates.

During the ceremony, 100 students from two community aquaculture schools in Arivu, Arua District and at St. Isidoro Farm in Gulu District graduated with a Certificate in Community Aquaculture, Level 1. The graduation ceremony was presided over by Gulu Archdiocese Archbishop, His Grace John Baptist Odama.

The two schools were established with support from Caritas International as part of the contribution of the Catholic Church towards the development of aquaculture in Uganda, and eradication of poverty and hunger in line with sustainable development goals 1 and 2. The project aims to uplift the lives of the vulnerable and unemployed youth and women through creating skills in fish farming, entrepreneurship, and cooperatives for marketing products in the fish value chain. To date, 1,051 students have completed training at these schools.

In his remarks, the National Director, Caritas Uganda, Msgr. Dr. Francis Ndamira appreciated the support rendered by Makerere University Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences towards the training of students.

Traditional dancers entertain guests at the World Fisheries Day celebrations held at St. Isidoro (Negri) Bar-Dege, Layibi Division in Gulu City on 22nd November 2021.
Traditional dancers entertain guests at the World Fisheries Day celebrations held at St. Isidoro (Negri) Bar-Dege, Layibi Division in Gulu City on 22nd November 2021.

Hasifa Kabejja

Natural Sciences

CoNAS Annual Report 2024

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Cover page of the CoNAS Annual Report 2024. College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 9 constituent colleges of Makerere University, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and education in Uganda.

Comprising two schools and seven departments, CoNAS offers cutting-edge research and academic programs across diverse fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biological sciences.

The College is committed to nurturing innovative thinkers and leaders who can tackle the complex challenges of today’s world through scientific exploration and discovery. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, CoNAS plays a central role in shaping Uganda’s scientific and technological future. It fosters a culture of critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The College’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative research initiatives continue to inspire and develop world-class professionals who make significant contributions to both national and global progress.

This edition of the report highlights the activities and achievements of 2024, aligned with the University’s strategic focus on Innovative Teaching and Learning, Research, Innovations and Technology Transfer, and Strategic Engagement and Partnerships.

Hasifa Kabejja

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Preparing Graduates for Life after University: CoNAS Launches Terminal Seminar for Final Year Students

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Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, one of the key architects of the programme, briefs participants on the significance of the seminar. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Relevance of the seminar

Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.

According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.

While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.

In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.

Dr Kubiriza addressing participants. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Kubiriza addressing participants.

Objectives of the Terminal Seminar

The seminar aims to:

  1. Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
  2. Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
  3. Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
  4. Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
  5. Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would equip students with practical skills and emotional resilience for today’s dynamic job market. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would equip students with practical skills and emotional resilience for today’s dynamic job market.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students are expected to:

  1. Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
  2. Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
  3. Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
  4. Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career.

2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights

On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.

Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. John Walugembe addresses participants.

The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.

A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.

Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Acting Director of the Makerere University Innovation Pod, addressed students on leveraging the digital landscape to boost their careers. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Acting Director of the Makerere University Innovation Pod, addressed students on leveraging the digital landscape to boost their careers.

Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.

Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.

In his remarks, Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
In his remarks, Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable.

In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.

 Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.

Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland, also an alumnus of CoNAS sharing his experiences. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland, also an alumnus of CoNAS sharing his experiences.

Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.

Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”

Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session.

Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.

Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Joel Isanga moderates the session.

 In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.

The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.

The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event.
Some of the Final Year students at the seminar. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the Final Year students at the seminar.
Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Natural Sciences

Novel Chicken Feed with a Cocktail of Bacteriocins and Phytobiotics

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Phyto-Nutra, a healthy, safe, organic, nutritious, antibiotic-free chicken feed formulation for healthy humans by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), Kampala, East Africa.

By Dr. Alice Nabatanzi

Due to the frequent use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of poultry by Ugandan farmers, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. This has resulted in an outbreak of poultry and human diseases in addition to drug residues in chicken meat being consumed by the majority of Ugandans. Thus, “If you are eating chicken daily then you could be at a high risk.” These residues have spilled into the environment and also contaminated the food for the indigenous free-range chicken which people thought were safer to eat. Interestingly, some consumers think cooking chicken can reduce antibiotic residue levels, but it does not completely remove them. Boiling or frying chicken can cause antibiotic residues to migrate into the cooking liquid, but they don’t guarantee full degradation or elimination.

Looking at the situation at hand, I went back to our indigenous knowledge systems in a quest to formulate an organic poultry feed since natural solutions have proven safer, effective, and sustainable. But remember, to break the cycle or solve any problem, we have to start from the roots and this is by improving the diet for our poultry and ruling out the use of conventional antibiotics. Thus, I went ahead to investigate natural bacteriocins and phytobiotics which I integrated into a special feed for chicken. In addition to the feed is a probiotic solution for gut health.

Phyto-Nutra pellets and their packaging. Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) with her Phyto-Nutra chicken feed formulation.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and their packaging.

Special thanks to the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) for funding this research to prototypes.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) with her Phyto-Nutra chicken feed formulation.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and booster in their packaging.

Soon we will commence bulk processing and take the feed to the market but before that, we will scientifically validate the feed through efficiency testing in comparison with imported feeds and Uganda-produced feeds. Furthermore, we will produce different feeds to meet the needs of the different types of chicken (broilers, layers, dual-purpose). This will put our product in a better place on the market and also be able to convince our customers with concrete scientific evidence. In addition, we want to change the mindsets of the majority of Ugandans, especially poultry farmers, and let them understand that Organic poultry farming is the best as it results in quality meat, quality eggs, quality fertilizer, and more returns/ profits.

Phyto-Nutra, a healthy, safe, organic, nutritious, antibiotic-free chicken feed formulation for healthy humans by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), Kampala, East Africa.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi.

In conclusion, we need to embrace our indigenous systems and remember that once we were healthier without cancer, strange disease conditions, and rampant fertility issues. This is majorly because we consumed clean food as opposed to now where our food is highly contaminated with drug residues.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University

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