Agriculture & Environment
Makerere & Partners to Develop Soybean Value Chain in Uganda
Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (MakCAES) is working with partners to develop the soybean value chain in Uganda. This was revealed at the Soybean Mission hosted by the Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) on the 24th October, 2021 at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The partners involved in the initiative include Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the Government of Russia. The potential of the crop has not been fully utilized in Uganda hence the initiative at hand.
Soybean has been described as a miracle crop with many uses – people can eat them, drink them in milk alternatives, and take them in the form of supplements. Manufacturers may also extract the oil from soybean. The crop contains approximately 40% protein and 20% oil, both of which are vital in human and animal diet. With the available technology for processing soybeans at industrial and household level, soybean has become one of the most promising food crops available to improve the diets of millions of people in the world. Soybean contains at least 100% more proteins with yields of 5-10 times more protein per unit area than any other crop. The protein in soybean is also balanced with all the essential amino acids which the body cannot manufacture.
In his opening remarks, the Principal of MakCAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha welcomed participants to MakCAES and MUARIK. Prof. Bashaasha said the meeting is aligned to the policy framework of the National Development Plan III (NDP III) which emphasizes industrialization, value addition and value chains. Likewise, the strategic plan of the MakCAES also highlights partnerships as a means of research and innovations development. He reiterated that Makerere is working to become a research-led University and thus the initiative under discussion here is very consistent with the move towards research. “Support of value chain development, productivity, profitability and improved incomes and livelihoods is major thrust for the College,” he noted. Prof. Bashaasha further explained that most value chains are struggling but Soybean has performed well.
Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, the Principal Investigator for the Soybean Breeding and Seed Systems at MakCAES presented the work that had been accomplished over the years by the Soybean Centre and the work that continues to be done. He pointed out that Makerere University is leading in soybean research in Uganda and the African region. He highlighted the importance of soybean in humans and livestock nutrition, and outlined the soybean varieties bred and developed by Makerere University, namely Maksoy 1N, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N, Maksoy 5N and Maksoy 6N. He pointed out that these soybean support soybean industry in Uganda, where 94% of the Ugandan farmers grow Makerere University varieties. Prof. Tukamuhabwa noted the importance of public-private partnership as well as other partnerships to develop the value-chain of this ‘wonder crop’. “We are excited about the partnership with UNDP. FAO, Russia and MAAIF to take our work on soy-bean forward, especially the efforts of the last five years,” he said.
Representatives from FAO and UNDP expressed their pleasure at working with Makerere University and CAES in particular. “We look forward to working with all the partners on this project”. The meeting participants were taken on a tour of the facilities of the Soybean Centre at MUARIK, after which the team proceeded to visit various sites in Eastern Uganda including farmers and a factory, where the initiative activities will take place.
The centre has also established a state-of-the-art seed storage facility for early generation seed (Breeders and Foundation seed) and soybean germplasm used for breeding other varieties. Other facilities are soybean processing equipment (soycow) and Soybean roaster that are used to add value to soybeans.
It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.
Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.
Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.
I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES
Follow the link below to access the full report;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing
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