Natural Sciences
Mak-CoNAS Researchers Launch Project to Explore Forage Resources for Stingless Bees in Uganda
Preamble
The products from stingless bees may be little but are so valuable. Stingless bees have many benefits to various sectors of the economy, more especially the Health and Agricultural sectors. The project titled – “Exploring Forage Resources for Stingless Bees in Uganda: The Case of Meliponula bocandei”seeks to preserve them and to maximize their benefits to the economy.
It is led by Dr. Perpetra Akite, Lecturer in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences and supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Launch of the project
Researchers from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University on 18th November 2021 launched a project to explore forage resources for Stingless bees in Uganda, with special focus on the Meliponula bocandei species. The launch held at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Nakyesasa, Wakiso District was presided over by the Commissioner, Entomology at the Ministry of Agricultural, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Mr Lawrence Tusimomuhangi. It was grace by among others, the current Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. Eric Sande, and former heads, Prof. William Banage, Prof. Gilbert Isabirye Basuta and Prof. Anne Mary Akol.
Objectives of the project
Supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the project seeks to profile forage resources for Meliponula bocandei in the Western highlands and Lake Victoria Crescent AEZs of Uganda. It also aims to characterize pollen in honey of Meliponula bocandei collected from the Western highlands and Lake Victoria Crescent AEZs of Uganda. Under the project, the researchers plan to develop a Meliponula bocandei beekeeping calendar for Uganda. Once developed, the beekeeping calendar will guide farmers on the approximate date and duration of the blossoming periods of the important honey and pollen plants in their area, and the kind of flowers available for the bees in the course of the year.
The study follows two previous research projects that sought to domesticate stingless bees in Uganda and to explore the nutritional and medicinal values of their products.
According to the research team, stingless bees present enormous benefits to the Health and Agricultural Sectors. Their products have high nutritional and medicinal values. The pollination services associated with the stingless beekeeping industry can boost crop production especially in the urban settings. The stingless beekeeping industry also has great potential to generate employment. However, the continued destruction of the environment through deforestation and soil pollution presents a major challenge to the survival of the bees since they feed on restricted plant species. It is on this basis that the researchers have set out to study and preserve forage resources for stingless bees.
Expected outcomes
Presenting an outline of their study, the Principal Investigator, Dr Perpetra Akite said the project will largely contribute to the development of the stingless beekeeping industry in Uganda. “The project will impact positively at several frontiers, especially on the role played by stingless bees in crop pollination for food security. Scientists and other key actors will benefit from the knowledge generated from this action research on the identification of forage for stingless bees in Africa, and the economy will largely improve due to increased participation in stingless bee enterprises,” she noted. Other expected outcomes include; a baseline information and platform for developing stingless bee forage in Uganda, a stingless beekeeping calendar to promote meliponiculture and improvement in livelihoods.
Government expectations
Addressing participants, the Commissioner, Entomology at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Mr. Lawrence Tusimomuhangi applauded the researchers for the initiative. “The Government is deeply interested in insect related interventions. However, many questions in the area of entomology remain unanswered. There is need for substantive research into productive insects and Makerere should lead on this.We need to invent technologies for continuous production of insects like grasshoppers that have high commercial benefits. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is relying on Makerere and other research institutions to guide on the development of appropriate technologies for insect management interventions, and the promotion of agro industrialization in line with the National Development Plan III,” he explained. NDP III seeks to promote sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment and wealth creation.
Proposals by participants
During the engagements, participants observed that there was need to study the behaviour of stingless bees at different locations (adaption to the environment) and variations in seasons before designing the beekeeping calendar. They also noted that it is important to collect data during both the dry and wet seasons for better results. Additionally, participants called for studies on the toxicological effects of agrochemicals on stingless bees.
In his remarks, the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, Dr Eric Sande commended the research team for writing a successful project. He appreciated the Government of Uganda for the enormous support towards research activities at Makerere. “Exploring Forage Resources for Stingless Bees in Uganda: A Case of Meliponula bocandei” is one of over 700 projects that have so far been supported by the Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF.
Additionally, Dr Sande acknowledged the presence of the former heads at the event and their continued support towards the development of the Department.
About NaLIRRI
Briefing participants on the NaLIRRI, the representative of the Director, Dr Patrice Kasangaki appreciated the long standing collaboration between the Institute and Makerere University Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences. The Department has collaborated with the NaLIRRI on several research projects and continues to offer practical training as well as supervision of students. NaLIRRI supported the department in research on domesticating stingless bees and exploring the nutritional and medicinal values of their products. The Institute has pledged support for the current project aimed at exploring forage resources for stingless bees in Uganda.
As part of the project launch activities, participants toured the Meliponary at NaLIRRI to learn more about the preservation of stingless bees.
Agriculture & Environment
Ugandan Local Government Officials Trained on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, and Climate Resilience
Entebbe, Uganda – September 19, 2025
More than 20 local government officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Entebbe Municipality, and the districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi have concluded a two-day intensive training on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, Evaluation, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Held at Central Inn Hotel in Entebbe from September 18–19, the workshop was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere University Centre and funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). The objective was to build local capacity in environmental governance and integrate natural capital and climate risks into local development planning.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. Nick Kilimani- all from Makerere University.
Natural Resources Must Be Valued and Protected
Opening the workshop, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre and Principal Investigator of the project, described the training as timely, given Uganda’s growing environmental and climate challenges.
“Uganda is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate variability—on agriculture, health, water resources, and the economy,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “This training empowers our environmental officers to use economic evidence to defend natural resources against competing land uses.”
He emphasized the need to monetize ecosystem services like wetlands, forests, and biodiversity to inform land-use decisions.
“A forest cleared for sugarcane may appear to create jobs, but when you account for its carbon sequestration, rainfall formation, and tourism potential, its long-term value far outweighs the short-term economic gains.”
Prof. Bbaale also urged that natural capital be included in Uganda’s national accounting systems to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
He thanked local government leadership for releasing their staff for the training and praised the collaboration between academia and government.
“You are not just trainees — you are future champions of environmental stewardship in your districts,” he told the participants.
Environmental Degradation Threatens Public Health
Representing the Chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka underscored the public health consequences of environmental degradation, linking it to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
“We have just seen a 14-year-old girl in Lwengo contract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever due to increased human-wildlife contact — a direct result of environmental encroachment,” Dr. Kitaka warned.
She connected rising flash floods, deforestation, and urban sprawl to poor environmental management and called for cross-sectoral awareness of environmental risks.
“This training is not just for environmentalists. Planners, economists, and health professionals must also be equipped with this knowledge,” she said.
Dr. Kitaka applauded the EfD-Mak team for using local experts, not foreign consultants, in delivering the training.
“We must train Ugandans to solve Uganda’s problems. That’s the spirit of Mak-RIF.”
She also revealed that the Government of Uganda has funded over 1,300 research projects through Mak-RIF over the last five years and called for continued investment in locally driven innovation.
“Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Science must be funded to help Ugandans solve Ugandan problems.”
Experts Present Practical Tools for Sustainable Planning
Localized Climate Action Is Urgent
Dr. Aisha Nanyiti urged participants to design district-specific climate policies, differentiating between mitigation (addressing the causes) and adaptation (responding to the impacts).
“Climate action begins at the local level. Districts must create context-appropriate bylaws and planning strategies to reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate shocks.”
She emphasized that Uganda’s local governments are key to meeting national targets under NDP IV and Vision 2040, and that climate change must be addressed in all sectors — from health to urban planning.
Environmental Evaluation is a Safeguard
Dr. Sseruyange warned that development projects are at risk of failure if environmental assessments are not properly conducted.
“Roads, schools, and hospitals may be destroyed by floods or landslides if we ignore the environment. Planning must consider both the impact on nature and the reverse impact from degraded ecosystems.”
He called on local environmental officers to assert their roles in safeguarding both the environment and infrastructure investment.
“Neglecting environmental oversight may undo everything we build.”
What is Not Valued is Easily Destroyed
Dr. Peter Babyenda introduced participants to valuation tools like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Travel Cost Method, which help quantify the economic value of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.
“These tools inform cost–benefit analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation. If we don’t value our natural assets, we risk losing them permanently.”
He stressed that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also an economic, social, and political matter. He encouraged integration of valuation results into budgeting and planning under frameworks like the National Environment Act (2019).
Local Officials Call for Continued Engagement
Ibrahim Muwanguzi, Environmental Officer from Wakiso District, praised the training as a vital step toward mainstreaming environmental valuation into local and national development processes.
“Most government officials focus solely on economic returns, ignoring the critical but intangible value of natural resources,” he said.
He cited a recent case during Mpigi Expressway construction where a culturally significant tree sparked debate over its monetary value — from UGX 100,000 to UGX 100 million — due to lack of valuation standards.
“If services like flood control were quantified in shillings, it would help justify preservation of wetlands and forests,” he noted.
Muwanguzi also emphasized the need for environmental economists in government roles, urging stronger collaboration between academia and policy.
“We have graduates in natural resource economics. Let’s integrate them into our public service.”
Let This Not Be the Last
Tonny Mwidyeki, District Natural Resources Officer for Mpigi, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all trainees, emphasizing the long gap since the last such training.
“For many of us, it’s been years since we had a refresher like this. If we continue to have such sessions, we will serve our people and protect our environment better.”
He thanked the facilitators from Makerere University for the two-day sensitization and urged that such capacity-building workshops be held more regularly.
“From here, we go back not just informed, but ready to lead change.”
Time to Act is Now
Closing the training, Dr. Sseruyange, speaking on behalf of the EfD-Mak Director, reminded participants that environmental degradation has been decades in the making, and action must no longer be delayed.
“Development depends on the natural world. Let us act now — from our households to our districts — to reverse the damage and secure our future.”
He thanked the participants for their active engagement and promised continued collaboration between Makerere University, local governments, and national stakeholders to promote evidence-based environmental policy.
About EfD-Mak and Mak-RIF
The Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University is part of a global network of research institutions focused on environmental economics, coordinated by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF) is a Government of Uganda-funded program supporting local research to address national development challenges. Since inception, Mak-RIF has supported over 1,300 research projects across disciplines.
Newly admitted students to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been strongly encouraged to make academic excellence their top priority as they begin their university journey. During the official College orientation held on 6th August 2025, continuing students shared valuable insights aimed at helping the freshers adapt and thrive both academically and socially in the university environment.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Britah Kemigisha and Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, students of Conservation Biology and Petroleum Geosciences respectively, offered practical advice drawn from their experiences at CoNAS. The two students emphasized the importance of time management, consistent class attendance, and fostering healthy academic competition.
“Be ambitious and attend classes because attendance earns you some marks. Be competitive in a way that promotes excellence,” Mbabazi advised. He encouraged freshers to approach university life with purpose, noting that unlike in high school, university students must take personal responsibility for their learning outcomes. He recommended the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing their value in facilitating meaningful connections, expanding one’s professional network, discovering job opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and insights.
Ms. Kemigisha underscored the importance of building supportive peer networks. “Form groups and inspire each other with rewards based on academic excellence,” she advised, emphasizing that academic group work, peer mentorship, and study circles can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability. According to her, surrounding oneself with goal-oriented individuals creates a positive learning environment that fosters growth and resilience, especially when faced with academic challenges.
The orientation programme served as a platform to introduce First Year students to the academic programmes, services, and student life at CoNAS and the University in general. The session led by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi featured presentations by both College and University leaders, who sensitized the new students on key university policies, academic structures, and support services. School Deans and Heads of Departments in attendance briefed students on the specific programmes offered within their respective units. These included the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, represented by Dr Joel Isanga; the Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Arthur Batte; the Head, Department of Mathematics, Dr Ismail Mirumbe; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr Denis Okello; the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology represented by Dr Godwin Anywar, and a representative from the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Students were also sensitized on the registration and examination processes, ICT support services, library services, fees payment policies, the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy, counselling and guidance services, the emerging leaders programme, and general welfare at the University.
On behalf of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the College.He provided an insightful overview of the key academic units and programmes offered both within the College and across the University. In his address, Prof. Kasozi congratulated the students on securing admission into one of the most competitive, vibrant, and intellectually rigorous colleges within the University. He encouraged the students to take full ownership of their academic journey, emphasizing the importance of commitment, discipline, and focus from the very beginning. Highlighting the value of hard work and determination, he reminded them that the foundation they lay now will shape their future success.
In his address, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Centre at the University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental health. He urged students to prioritize their psychological well-being, noting that maintaining a healthy mind is fundamental for academic success and overall personal development. Mr. Nsubuga encouraged students to actively seek support and adopt positive coping mechanisms to navigate the pressures of academic life.
The lectures are expected to commence on Monday, 11th August 2024.
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