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Mak-RIF, CAES Open Day: VC Reveals Plan to Establish a University-wide Research & Innovations Incubation Centre

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Plans are underway to establish a University-wide Research and Innovations Incubation Centre. This was revealed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Open Day held on 14th December 2021 to showcase outputs of some of the research projects supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The event was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama. It was attended by, among others, the representative of the Chair Grant Management Committee, Assoc. Prof. Isa Kabenge; stakeholders in the agricultural sector; the Principal, CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha; the Deputy Principal, Dr.Gorettie Nsubuga Nabanoga; members of the Mak-RIF Secretariat led by Ms. Phoebe Kamya Lutaaya; and members of staff and students of Makerere University.

Touring the exhibition stalls, the Vice Chancellor said Management was fast-tracking the formation of a university-wide Research and Innovations Incubation Centre to support researchers to improve their prototypes. “The projects we have seen today are very impressive.It is gratifying to note that our researchers are actively working with communities to address various challenges. This is clear testimony that we are on the right track as a University. I take this opportunity to congratulate all researchers for the great innovations,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared plans by Management to fast-track the formation of a university-wide Research and Innovations Incubation Centre.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared plans by Management to fast-track the formation of a university-wide Research and Innovations Incubation Centre.

Emphasizing the critical role played by universities in the development of nation states, the Vice Chancellor said Makerere had reached a stage of churning out companies that can transform the country’s economy in the shortest time possible. “Through the Research and Innovations Incubation Centre, this can be achieved. It is our responsibility to ensure our country remains stable by creating employment for multitudes of young people, and enhancing food security. I therefore appeal to the government to support the establishment of the centre.”

The Vice Chancellor reminded the researchers of the need to patent their work. He also advised them to work towards commercialising their products. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the continued support towards research and innovations at Makerere University. He also appreciated the University Grant Management Committee for negotiating the support and ensuring it is put to good use. The Vice Chancellor commended the Mak-RIF Secretariat for working tirelessly to ensure the research conducted does not remain on the shelves but is widely disseminated to foster uptake and economic transformation.

During the event, researchers from CAES showcased outputs of various projects including;

  1. Unlocking the commercial potential of Canariumschweinfurthi (Empafu) indigenous fruits for improved livelihood in Central Uganda – Prof. Jacob Agea. The main objective of the project was to develop high value commercial innovations from the fruit. Specific objectives were to formulate high value wine and jam innovations from the fruit pulp and to assess consumer market acceptability for developed wine and jam innovation.
Prof. Jacob Agea (L) shows off outputs of his reseach project
Prof. Jacob Agea (L) shows off outputs of his reseach project
  1. Design, construction and evaluation of an automated continuous pasteurizer –Dr Emmanuel Baidhe, Dr Julia Kigozi. Along the juice processing chain, thermal processing by pasteurization is considered to be the most crucial of all unit operations as it increases the shelf life of the juice. Several batch pasteurizers have been locally developed and adopted. However, with the batch system, a particular volume of product is processed per unit time. It is therefore very cumbersome for a processor with large volumes since they have to keep emptying and refilling the vat. It requires a lot of resources in terms of labour (Amit et al., 2017), time and energy to have large quantities of juice processed. The purpose of the study was to design, simulate, construct and assess the performance of the low-viscous juice continuous pasteurizer. 
  1. Enhancing Value addition on Potato-Sorghum enterprises for Improved Livelihoods in Uganda (EVaPoSIL) -Prof. Johnny Mugisha. Potato (Solanumtuberlosum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolar) are potential pathways for enhancing household incomes, food and nutrition security in South-western Uganda which is characterized by land scarcity, decreasing agricultural productivity, high post-harvest losses and low per-capita income. Potato and sorghum are the region’s main enterprises but their economic and nutrition potential are not fully exploited. Sorghum productivity and profitability are very low and potato harvest losses in form of non-marketable tubers are high. The project sought to enhance the value of both crops by innovative value addition that makes them complements, reduce harvest losses, increase incomes, and make available to consumers a diversity of high quality products. The overall objective was to improve the economic value of potato and sorghum enterprises for improved livelihoods of the value chain actors.
Prof. Johnny Mugisha's project aimed to enhance the value of potato and sorghum.
Prof. Johnny Mugisha’s project aimed to enhance the value of potato and sorghum.
  1. Developing dry season feeding technologies for different cattle production systems in Uganda – Dr Justine Nambi-Kasozi. Scarcity, high cost and fluctuating quality of feeds are major constraints to sustainable cattle production in Uganda, particularly during the dry seasons. Use of crop residues plays an important role in reducing feed stress. However, most crop residues are bulky and low in nutrient content hence unable to support maintenance and production requirements of cattle. The objective of this project was to develop crop residue-based multi-nutrient blocks (MNB) and pellets to increase the intake and utilization of crop residues for dry season feeding.
  1. Digitalizing the Makerere University Soil Test Kit for rapid soil assessment, improved soil management, crop yields and incomes among farmers in Uganda – Emmanuel Opolot. Accurate assessment of soil is key for its sustainable use and management. The Makerere University Soil Test Kit (MAK-STK) comes in handy. It gives results of five soil parameters (pH, N, P, K and SOM) within minutes. However, the results from the MAK-STK are qualitative and thus hard for agricultural extension workers to advise farmers on how much nutrients to add to the soil. The project objectives were to (i) calibrate the MAK-STK with laboratory data for major soil types in Uganda, (ii) develop a digital platform through which the MAK-STK results can be quickly and easily translated to fertilizer recommendations and (iii) build capacity of the agricultural extension officers, farmers and fertilizer input dealers on the use of the Makerere University Soil Test Kit and its digital platform.
  1. Development of a Safe and Efficacious Anti-malarial drug from Traditional medicine -Prof. John Tabuti.  Malaria is still a leading source of illness and death. In 2017, about 219 million suffered from malaria worldwide, with 92% of cases occurring in Africa. Malaria management is complicated by the fact that access is still limited in some places, and there is a possibility of treatment resistance.The goal of this research was to contribute to the development of a safe and efficacious anti-malarial. The specific objectives were: to compile a list of malaria treatment plants in Tororo District and prioritize them to determine the safety of the malaria treating plants.
  1. Deployment of the new Maksoy soybean varieties for on-farm income enhancement, Food and Nutrition security, Enterprise Development and Job creation in Eastern Uganda – Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa. Over the last 10 years, Makerere University developed six improved soybean varieties namely MAKSOY 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N and 6N. Unfortunately, the potential of the new MAKSOY soybean varieties had not been fully exploited due to limited farmer access to seed in addition to low skill set in soybean agronomic practices that subsequently leads to low yields. Further, each of the soybean varieties has specific attributes for protein, oil, maturity and yield in the field and efforts had been made to enhance their adoption in different parts of Uganda. However, the role of soybean in contributing to food and nutrition security of different households and communities in the country remains a critical challenge. This project focused on harnessing the value of the different soybean varieties through value addition using soymilk and soy flour for adoption by households, SMEs and also to set up a Soy Processing Unit at MUARIK.
Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa (2nd R) showcasing improved soybean varieties.
Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa (2nd R) showcasing improved soybean varieties.
  1. Improving access to biodiversity data for conservation decision making: A case of the National Biodiversity Data Bank, Makerere University, Uganda – Daniel Waiswa. This project sought to revitalize the NBDB as a one-stop biodiversity data centre enabling easy and fast access for sound biodiversity conservation decision making. The overall objective was to improve access to biodiversity data for conservation decision making while the specific objectives were to: increase stakeholders’ engagement and confidence in the NBDB for enhanced biodiversity data sharing and access, re-designing and operationalizing the NBDB Database for reception, storage and open access to data and enhancing and sustaining the staffing, capacity and infrastructure of the NBDB.
  1. A Pedal-Operated Seed Cleaner (PoS-Cleaner) To Boost Post Harvest Grain & Legume Quality, Increase School-Study time & Create Financial Freedom in Rural-Uganda – Peter Tumutegyereize. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) annually registers 40-50% of food Post-Harvest Losses (PHLs) worth US$4 billion with 41% and 26% respectively grains & legume losses in Uganda. Maize grains lost alone, could feed over 1.14 million persons for a full year. These losses along the food chain are greatly attributed to poor seed sorting or cleaning. Unclean seeds and foreign materials promote mold development resulting to dry matter loss, nutritional changes, seed quality loss, aflatoxin contamination and PHLs during storage and processing. Despite this, majority of small-scale farmers have no access to appropriate seed cleaning technologies. The available imported seed cleaners in Uganda are energy and cost demanding in terms of ownership, operation and maintenance. Farmers depend on traditional screening or winnowing which is inefficient, time consuming, labour intensive and dust exposure resulting into ill health. For rural schools that depend on in-kind food tuition contributions from parents, students traditionally clean seeds hence reducing their study time and educational performance. The study sought to create intermediate but appropriate post-harvest cleaning technologies.
A Masters student (L) showcasing a machine he invented to aid soap processing.
A Masters student (L) showcasing a machine he invented to aid soap processing.
  1. Developing an automatically controlled commercial solar-dryer and efficient resource recovery innovations for sustained market responsive fruit production in Uganda -Ahamada Zziwa. Food insecurity and poor livelihoods continue to prevail in Uganda partly due to high post-harvest losses, limited value addition options and low farm-gate prices particularly for perishable foods (FAO, WFP and IFAD, 2019). The lack of affordable preservation options contributes to over 30% post-harvest losses because majority of farmers have no access to electricity for processing and preserving perishable foods. Harnessing solar energy and its use for food preservation is a viable option for most off-grid farmers. However, the existing solar dryer designs are limited in drying efficiency due to absence of temperature and relative humidity controls which undermines their ability to ensure consistent physical and nutritional quality of dried products. Most dryers are also small drying capacity designs based on only solar light as the drying power which renders them unsuitable for large scale drying and uneconomical (Shaikh and Kolekar, 2015). The project aimed to: 1)design, construct, test and promote a sensor-controlled dual heat source (Hybrid) solar dryer to ensure consistent drying of reasonably large volumes of perishable produce; 2) investigate vermicompost recovery from pineapple waste and cow dung; and 3) optimise biogas production from pineapple waste.
  1. Development of Nutrient-Dense Recipes and Products from Underutilized Crops to Alleviate Malnutrition among HIV/AIDS Infected Persons in Western Uganda – Agnes Nabubuya. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global pandemic that is currently affecting 3.7 million people worldwide of which 70% is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda continues to suffer from scourge of HIV with current prevalence at 7%. Healthcare of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Uganda is constrained by poor nutrition, with estimates of 25% suffering from malnutrition. This project addressed the challenge of malnutrition in PLWHA by using underutilized crops through development of nutrient-dense recipes and products. The research team analysed the nutritional composition of identified underutilized crops and developed nutrient-dense recipes and products for PLWHA.
A team of researchers headed by Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe created alternatives for the common wheat flour using amaranth for improved nutrition.
A team of researchers headed by Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe created alternatives for the common wheat flour using amaranth for improved nutrition.
  1. Strengthening the resilience and visibility of peri-urban poultry farmers in Wakiso for better marketing and profitability through feeding, post-harvest handling, value addition and resources recovery – Ahamada Zziwa. Globally, COVID-19 has had adverse impacts on the poultry value chain through infecting workers, farmers, stalling production, disrupting the supply chain, and thus affecting product demand. The lockdown led to socioeconomic restrictions and distortions in community dynamics, marketing and sale of products leading to huge losses in the poultry sector (FAO, 2020; Poudel et al., 2020). Transport restrictions to poultry farmers and closure of national borders, weekly markets, institutions, schools, hotels and restaurants, which were the main markets, left farmers with large quantities of unsold poultry products, resulting in financial losses especially to farmers without value-addition options and resources recovery innovations. The overall objective of the project was to strengthen the resilience and visibility of peri-urban poultry farmers for sustained poultry production, better marketing and enhanced profitability through innovative feeding, post-harvest handling, value addition and resources recovery.
  1. Optimized software for planning and simulation of food aid response during the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar disasters in Uganda – Fildah Ayaa. Covid-19 was declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020. First lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus effected on 31st March 2020. Covid-19 lockdown disrupted food supply systems, causing food insecurity, especially in urban areas.Uganda’s government food distribution efforts were frustrated by poor planning for both food stock and manpower. Only 12 % of the total population received food aid during lockdown period. Of these, 24% were urban residents and only 7% lived in rural areas (Acayo,2020). The research team designed software for authorities to plan for food distribution during and after the Covid-19 pandemic in Uganda.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Guest of Honour, Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama touring the exhibition stalls.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Guest of Honour, Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama touring the exhibition stalls.
  1. Development of a Green Low Cost Touchless Handwash Technology (TW-20 Kit) For Public Shared Spaces – Joshua Wanyama. Effective hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds and limiting contacts are useful COVID19 preventive measures. However; the existing point-of-hand washing systems are ineffective in achieving the set measures as most of them require individuals to touch the units, have no mechanism in place to ensure hand washing with soap for the recommended time and are therefore prospective contagion points for the pandemic (WHO 2020). There was therefore, a need to develop a low-cost hand washing technology that automatically releases soap detergent without contact and allows users to rub and scrub the hands with soap for 20 seconds before water is released for rinsing. The project aimed to provide a safe water and hygienic technology to boost behavioural hand washing culture and reduce the risk of SARS-COV-2 human to human transmission in public shared spaces. The specific objectives were: i) to re-evaluate and modify the first prototype of TW-20 Kit V1.1 design customized for public settings, ii) to influence public behavioural change towards hand hygiene and product validation by undertaking a comprehensive pilot study in selected shared public spaces in Kampala Metropolitan Area.
  1. Design and development of an atomized spray drier for egg powder production for use in bakery industries of Uganda – Kivumbi Hussein Balimunsi. Due to the introduction of fast growing breeds of chicken in Uganda, there has been enormous production of high quality eggs, making the country one of the largest egg producers in the region. However, due to the outbreak of COVID19 and the subsequent lockdowns, the prices of eggs drastically reduced to nearly 5000 UGX per tray consequently affecting chicken farmers. This was further worsened by the lack of value addition to the available eggs leading to huge losses. This project sought to explore the utilization of spray drying in the production of high-value products from eggs in Uganda as a measure to minimize losses.
  1. Automation of communal hand water pumps to eliminate COVID-19 transmission – Nicholas Kiggundu.The research was motivated by the observation that alternative solutions of limiting the spread of COVID-19 such as washing hands with water and soap or use of chemical sanitizers are difficult to enforce especially in the low income rural and peri-urban communities where the boreholes are found. The researchers invented MAKNAI an acronym for the Makerere UniversityMAK NAyIkondo – vernacular for borehole, a prototype to automate cranking of the hand pump that draws water from a well. Designed by a team from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) the prototype consists of a PV (photovoltaic) panel, battery, solar charge controller, inverter, motor, pulleys, belt, reciprocating arm and a foot switch. The foot switch serves to replace the use of palms and fingers to crank the pump handle, as is the practice while drawing water at boreholes.
Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu (L) invented the MAKNAI to safeguard the spread of COVID19 at boreholes.
Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu (L) invented the MAKNAI to safeguard the spread of COVID19 at boreholes.
  1. Empowerment of the Agro-Processing Industry to meet the Quantity and Quality Standards for the Local and Export Market; a Programme Enhancing the Practical Skills of Students in Makerere University – Julia Kigozi. 
  1. Mountain Gorilla Tourism Re-examined: Implications of increased visitor numbers to the welfare and behaviour of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda – Prof. David Mwesigye Tumusiime.
  1. Developing Biofertiliser Formulations to Unlock Crop Productivity for Improved Food Security and Household Livelihood in Uganda – John Baptist Tumuhairwe

Remarks by the Permanent Secretary, MAAIF (Guest of Honour)

Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Maj. Gen. David KasuraKyomukama commended the innovations at CAES and Makerere University in general. He applauded Makerere University Management and Council for creating an enabling environment for research and innovations. Maj. General Kasura appreciated the Government of Uganda for the enormous investment in research at Makerere and other Institutions of Higher Learning.“With guidance from the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, the Government has invested heavily in research, one of the major drivers of economic development. The Government has supported the formation of various initiatives aimed at advancing research in the country. In particular, the Government has supported the creation of several research initiatives at Makerere University. This is highly commendable and a great stride towards transforming our economy,” he noted. He appealed to the researchers to invent more technologies to aid the production of quality agricultural products in the country. “We should always ensure our agricultural products are 100% free of aflatoxinto avoid reputational damage,” he advised. Maj. Gen. Kasura pledged support towards the commercialization of the research outputs. He urged the researchers to extensively disseminate their work, saying that knowledge that is not shared is useless.

The Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama addresses participants at the Mak-RIF CAES Open Day on 14th December 2021, Makerere University.
The Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama addresses participants at the Mak-RIF CAES Open Day on 14th December 2021, Makerere University.

The representative of the Chair, Makerere University Grant Management Committee, Prof. Isa Kabenge expressed gratitude for the support rendered by the Government, noting that the impact of the research projects is invaluable. Since Financial Year 2019/20, the Government through Mak-RIF has supported 711 multidisciplinary research and innovation projects across the 10 colleges of Makerere University. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has obtained 79 projects across the three financial years.

In his remarks, the Principal, CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha applauded the researchers for the great initiatives. He extended appreciation to Makerere University Management, the Government of Uganda, and development partners for supporting the researchers to explore their full potential. “The research generated at the College is highly commendable and has played a critical role in shaping the national and global policies,” he said.   

Similarly, the Deputy Principal appreciated the researchers, CAES Management, the University Management, Government and development partners for the support that has enabled the college to generate productive research.

About Mak-RIF

The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) is a funding stream to support generation and translation of high impact research and innovations to drive Uganda’s development Agenda. This initiative is funded by the Government of the Republic of Uganda.

Objectives of the Fund

  1. Developing and funding a robust research agenda based on National development priorities identified from academia, government, implementing partners, and industries.
  2.  Supporting the dissemination of high-quality research and innovations in a way that impacts development policies and programs.
  3. Supporting the growth of research leadership capacity in the university.

Hasifa Kabejja

Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

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

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

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

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

Who can apply?

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

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

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

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

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

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

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

Apply now  

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

New Project to Improve Relevance of CAES PhD Graduates

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Participants together with the Project Coordinators, Prof. Heinrich Schüle and Prof. John Tabuti (2nd & 3rd R) during the conference at CAES, Makerere University on 17th March 2025. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.

Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.  

Overview

The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.

Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference.

What the ADVALUE Project targets to address

Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.

Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.  

Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference.

Project objectives

  1. Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
  2. Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
  3. Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
  4. Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.

To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.

The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze offered valuable insights into the challenges hindering doctoral training. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze offered valuable insights into the challenges hindering doctoral training.

The ADVALUE interim conference

The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17th-19th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.  

The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.

Some of the participants at the workshop. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the participants at the workshop.

Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A

In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.

Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains.

Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Joseph Nkandu addressing participants on agricultural value chains in East Africa. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Joseph Nkandu addressing participants on agricultural value chains in East Africa.

Remarks from NCHE

In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.

The representative of the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol addressing participants. She emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal productivity. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The representative of the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol addressing participants. She emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal productivity.

Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”

A participant sharing his views on the project. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
A participant sharing his views on the project.

Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga

During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.

Participants following the proceedings of the workshop. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants following the proceedings of the workshop.

Key Issues Arising from the Workshop

  1. Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
  2. Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
  3. Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
  4. Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
  5. Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
  6. Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
  7. Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
  8. Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
  9. Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
  10. Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
  11. Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
  12. Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
  13. Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
  14. Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
  15. Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.
A participant from the University of Nairobi sharing ideas at the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
A participant from the University of Nairobi sharing ideas at the conference.

Recommendations

  1. Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
  2. Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
  3. Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
  4. Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
  5. Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.

Photos from conference activities

In the course of the conference, the project team visited the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a smallholder farmer in Matugga, Nansana Municipality. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
In the course of the conference, the project team visited the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a smallholder farmer in Matugga, Nansana Municipality.

The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga.

The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga.

The Project team after touring Mr. Mpiira's farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team after touring Mr. Mpiira’s farm in Matugga.

The project team in group discussions on the different work packages. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The project team in group discussions on the different work packages.

The project team in group discussions on the different work packages. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The project team in group discussions on the different work packages.

More photos at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak Launches Urban Futures Project, Unveils Handbook on Urban Heat Management

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Stakeholders that attended the launch event pose for a group photo at Fairway Hotel in Kampala on 6th March 2025. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Fairway Hotel Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

“Toward health equity, inclusive governance, and climate adaptation in African Informal Settlements”

Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, on 6th March launched a new project titled: The Urban Futures Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange. The Urban Futures project is the first learning lab initiated to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange amongst the various stakeholders and inclusive decision-making process that addresses complex challenges faced by informal settlements in Kampala.

Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University.

Project Partners: Makerere University, University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, Institute of Development Studies, Sierra Leon Research Centre, Training and Research Support Centre, Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Act Together Uganda, and Focus for Life Development Link.

Participants. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants.

Unveiling the Urban Heat Management Handbook

During the launch event at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Urban Heat Management Handbook was unveiled to help raise awareness and promote knowledge exchange on heat stress. The handbook covers critical topics such as understanding heat resilience, assessing heat risk, planning for heat resilience, responding to heat waves, and providing solutions for heat resilience.

Participants sharing personal experiences. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants sharing personal experiences.

The Urban Futures project will highlight the multifaceted risks faced by informal residents and workers, aiming to create South-South learning opportunities to address these inequitable threats. The study will focus on vulnerable populations in informal settlements and workers, seeking to identify equitable adaptation pathways to address climate risks that exacerbate health disparities.

Participants. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants.

Project Approach

The project will adopt a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, focusing on developing health adaptation strategies, building resilience, and fostering growth through knowledge co-generation, continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement. The research will be conducted in three large African cities on the frontlines of climate change: Kampala (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). Through interdisciplinary and participatory methods, the study will gather evidence on how climate-related risks impact the daily lives of residents and workers in these areas.

Group one. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group one.

 Key Remarks

In his opening remarks, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, described the learning lab as an essential space for dialogue among stakeholders in informal settlements. “The Urban Action Lab is our space to discuss urban development challenges together as a community, to find effective solutions,” he said.

Group presentations. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group presentations.

Ms. Anita Kusiima, representing the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spoke about the challenges posed by attitudes toward enforcement. “KCCA has initiated strategies like greening, skilling, and livelihood programs. However, we struggle with enforcement. Until statistics like these are shared with communities, people don’t realize how much we are destroying our environment. It’s common to wake up and find over 40 trees have been cut down overnight. In places like Nakasero, many trees are cut during the night. As a country and a city, we face not only poor attitudes toward the law but also towards the quality of life we want to achieve,” she said. “Urban farming has seen success at the household level, greening has been effective, and school programs aimed at raising awareness have also been successful.”

Participants during group discussions. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants during group discussions.

Dr. Robbinson Kabanda, a Veterinary Doctor at KCCA, emphasized the learning lab’s potential in addressing issues such as budget cuts and the impacts of climate change on Kampala. “With budget cuts affecting many funded activities, this is a great opportunity for Kampala, where the majority live in informal settlements and are especially vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “These collaborative spaces foster innovation and experimentation in urban contexts, bringing together various stakeholders and practitioners to address complex urban challenges through shared learning.”

Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, Researcher, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, Researcher, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University.

Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, from the Research Urban Action Lab, highlighted the power of the urban learning lab in addressing urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, improved decision-making, and public involvement.

Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Peter Kasaija, PhD student, Makerere University.

Issues highlighted at the Launch

  1. There is a critical need for timely interventions to address heat stress and other challenges facing informal settlements.
  2. Informal settlements lack sufficient space for tree planting.
  3. Trees take time to mature, making them a long-term solution.
  4. Reducing electricity costs and improving water access are immediate priorities.
  5. Solar energy use is vital for reducing heat stress, particularly in households.
  6. Strong government policies on heat stress, such as promoting the use of mosquito nets, are essential.
  7. Wetland degradation and tree clearance are major contributors to heat stress.
Dr. Paul Mukwaya (Left) with participants in a group discussion. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University in collaboration with University of Waterloo and University of Manchester, launch of project titled: The Urban Future Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange and Urban Heat Management Handbook, 6th March 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Paul Mukwaya (Left) with participants in a group discussion.

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Mariam Kasemiire

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