Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Bernard Bashaasha hands over to New CAES Principal, Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga
Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma appointed Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga as the next Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University effective 1st February 2022. She is the first female Principal of CAES and will hold the position for a period of four years as stipulated in the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions (Management of Constituent Colleges of Makerere University) Statute, 2012. Dr. Nabanoga who has been Deputy Principal, CAES takes on from Prof. Bernard Bashaasha who has served in the position since August 2013.
CAES Structure
CAES is composed of three schools and eight Departments. The schools are; Agricultural Sciences; Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences; and Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering. The School of Agricultural Sciences is composed of three Departments namely; Agricultural Production; Extension and Innovation Studies; and Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics. The Departments under the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences include; Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; Environmental Management; and Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences. The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering is made up of two Departments-Food Technology and Nutrition; and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
The College also hosts several research institutes and centres namely; Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS), the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Waste Management, Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI), Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID), the National Biodiversity Data Bank (NBDB) – Uganda, Uganda Forestry Resources and Institutions Centre (UFRIC) – Makerere University, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), and a Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD). Others are; the Centre for Mountain Resources and Disaster Management, Rangeland Resources Centre, and the Agricultural Policy Analysis Centre. In addition, the College is composed of several administrative units including; the Office of the Bursar, Office of the College Registrar, Human Resource Office, Procurement and Communications.
During her four-year tenure as Principal, CAES, Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga will provide academic and administrative leadership to 373 members of staff and over 3,000 students in the aforementioned Units.
Handover ceremony
Today, 15th February 2022, the outgoing Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha handed over to the new Principal at a ceremony witnessed by the Representative of the University Secretary, Ms. Consolata Komugisha; the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono; as well as the Deans and Heads of Academic and Administrative Units at the College.
Presenting his handover report, Prof. Bashaasha congratulated the new Principal upon her appointment and briefed her on a number of issues relating to the status of CAES programmes; assets; ICT infrastructure; student enrolment; registration and graduation statistics; E-Learning; research, innovations, and outreach programmes; online presence and publicity; human resources; the financial status of the college; as well as the achievements registered; challenges experienced over the years, and the pending tasks.
Achievements registered during Prof. Bashaasha’s term of office
Key achievements registered under Prof. Bashaasha include increased student enrolment. As at December 2021, CAES had a total of 2,922 registered students. Of these 2,758 (94.4%) are undergraduate students and 164 (5.6%) are graduate students (Masters and PhD). Other achievements include growth in graduation statistics from 362 undergraduates in 2013 to 467 in 2021, and 122 graduate students in 2021 (with 21 PhDs) from 83 in 2013 with only five PhDs. There has also been accelerated research output resulting into a total of 331 publications in 2021 from 164 in 2018. “The College also revamped the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) Bulletin into Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (MUJAES),” Prof. Bashaasha noted. According to the outgoing Principal, the College has widened research collaborations locally and internationally, established a research grants office and laid the foundation for the CAES Research and Ethics Committee (REC) to support the ethical aspects of research. “An interim REC Committee has been appointed and the application is with the National Council for Higher Education,” he explained.
Other achievements include; enhanced visibility of CAES through the website and other online platforms, the college quarterly newsletter, annual reports and other IEC materials; rehabilitation of research laboratories and facilities at MUARIK including the Diary Value Chain; establishment of a Botanical Garden at MUARIK, increased number of research centres and institutes; enhanced transport facilities; 50 Zoom licenses procured to support blended teaching and learning; increase in number of programmes to 13 undergraduate and 24 graduate – a total of 6 new programmes have been developed during the last 8 years and another 6 programmes are in the pipeline; increase in the number of research institutes and centres; increase in the number of high level research innovations; procurement of a standby generator for the College; and above all enhanced teamwork at the College. “We inherited a college divided in opinion and strategy. We have managed the diversity and coalesced into one CAES family working together for the good of the College, University and nation,” he said.
Key Research, Innovations and Outreaches
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) undertakes basic, strategic and applied research and development in the broader areas of agriculture, food technology and nutrition, forest management, and environment and natural resources management.
In agriculture, research and development programmes have focused on enhancing farmer-centred approaches, climate smart agricultural systems, value chain improvement for the achievement of food and nutritional security, livelihood improvement and overall rural development. The College has also pioneered R&D in biotechnology, integrated pest and disease management, linking producers to markets as well as incubation of innovation for market products.
The key research achievements include;
- Launch of crop breeding programmes on disease and drought tolerant cowpeas and sorghum by the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop improvement (MaRCCI)
- Construction of a Graduate Training and Research Laboratory building at MUARIK
- Development of a hybrid dryer, automatic communal borehole, 3D thermal imaging for the pots (value added potatoes), refractive window drying technology for fruits, and a solar irrigation pump
- Development and release of a new soybean variety – Maksoy 6N
- Establishment of a pig semen lab at MUARIK
- Making diesel from recycling plastics
- Making organic pesticides from agricultural waste
- Invention of a three-wheeled multi-purpose farmers’ tractor – MV MULIMI, and;
- Signing of various MoUs on research and innovations
Challenges experienced
Despite the achievements, the College has experienced a number of challenges. These include; erosion of staff, depleted transport facilities, lack of data to support blended teaching and learning, underfunding, limited research funding, lack of a budget for MUARIK, non-registration and overstay on programmes by graduate students, limited teaching space, and depleted ICT facilities. Prof. Bashaasha implored the new Principal to follow up on a number of issues including; pending appointments and replacement of retired staff in critical units – appointment of a graduate programmes coordinator and a dedicated registrar to support graduate students’ registration. He also appealed to her to follow up on the operationalization of the College Research and Ethics Committee and the Grants Office, pending results, mobilization of CAES alumni to support the establishment of the College Endowment Fund, and the rehabilitation of facilities in the College.
Appreciation to staff
Prof. Bashaasha appreciated Makerere University Management and all staff for the cooperation and support accorded to him during his term of office. He pledged continued support to the new Principal and all staff at CAES.
Remarks by Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga
In her communication to members of staff at CAES, Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga appreciated the Search Committee, Senate and Council for recommending her for the position. She expressed gratitude to the CAES fraternity for their support. “I wish to thank the Search Committee, Senate and the University Council that identified me as the most suitable candidate. My appreciation to all the colleagues at CAES that encouraged, supported and provided mentorship. I will forever be grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I commit to work tirelessly to deliver on my mandate as Principal, CAES,” she stated.
Similarly, Dr. Nabanoga extended appreciation to the outgoing Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha. “I wish to pay tribute to Prof. Bernard Bashaasha who has steered CAES for the last 8 and a half years with utmost dedication and professionalism. Thank you so much for your commitment to serve CAES. It is great honour and privilege to succeed you and build upon the significant transformations you have made at CAES. I thank you for all the support offered to me as your Deputy, which enabled me to gain management experience and advance my professionalism.”
She equally appreciated her contenders, Prof. Jacob Godfrey Agea and Dr. Patrick Okori for offering themselves for the position. “It showed the zeal and motivation you equally have to serve this university and CAES fraternity in particular. “We may have had slightly different visions and strategies to move CAES in the next 4 years, which if consolidated, shall get the College to the desired level much faster. I pledge to seek and integrate your brilliant ideas, and also harness your networks within and outside the University,” she noted. Dr. Nabanoga acknowledged the support of the former and current Deans and Heads of Department.
Pledge to serve
Getting the Journey started, Dr. Nabanoga pledged to steer the College Management to deliberate on how best to cascade the University Mantra of a Research-Led University, and thus, nurture the CAES that everyone will be proud of. “Through this process, all voices shall contribute to co-creating winning strategies as we nurture the CAES we shall continue to be proud of. I reiterate my aspirations of having a united, harmonious and progressive CAES and, I continue to count on your support, even much more than you did when I served as Deputy Principal. I Pledge to serve you with utmost professionalism,” she stated. Dr. Nabanoga pledged to maintain an open-door policy during her term of office. The open-door policy will not just be about leaving my office door open, but reaching out to all staff to establish their psychological wellbeing and to seek views on how to manage the College better,” she explained.
In his remarks, the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono congratulated the new Principal upon her appointment and appreciated the outgoing Principal for the commitment and dedication that steered CAES to greater heights. “Prof. Bashaasha has come out strongly to defend CAES programmes in various Management engagements and I highly commend him for that,” he said.
The Representative of the University Secretary, Ms. Consolata Komugisha congratulated Prof. Bashaasha for the achievements registered over the years, noting that CAES had not experienced any serious financial challenges under his tenure. She congratulated Dr. Nabanoga upon her appointment as the first female Principal of CAES and pledged to support her. Commenting on the budget cuts that have led to insufficiency in most of the Units, Ms.Komugisha implored Dr. Nabanoga to work towards managing staff expectations, endeavouring to explain and opening up to staff on the situation at hand.
The College Human Resource Officer, Ms. Hawa Harriet congratulated the new Principal and appreciated the outgoing Principal for the cordial working relationship.
On behalf of all staff and students of CAES, the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Dr. Abel Atukwase welcomed the new Principal and pledged to support her to advance the mandate of CAES. He appreciated the outgoing Principal for the cordial relationship, mentorship and guidance over the years and appealed to him to continue supporting the College.
Profile of the New Principal Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga
Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga is innovative, goal-oriented, dependable, trustworthy, open-minded, easy going yet a perfectionist. She enjoys co-creating ideas, learning, unlearning and re-learning when engaging with teammates. She endeavours to always use these qualities in her personal and professional engagements.
She is a Christian, Ugandan citizen, born in 1969. She holds a PhD-Social Sciences; with research in Gender and Natural Resources Management, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands; a Master of Science in Management of Natural Resources and Sustainable Agriculture (MNRSA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway; a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Department of Forestry, Makerere University, Uganda, and she completed her ordinary and advanced levels of education from Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga, Uganda.
Dr. Nabanoga completed her 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry with an Upper Second Honors Degree of Makerere University in 1993 and has since served Makerere University growing through the academic ranks from Teaching Assistant to currently Associate Professor.
She has also held several administrative and academic leadership portfolios in the University; starting as the first female Head, Department of Community Forestry and Extension, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation-MAK for 8 years; the first female Dean of Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation-MAK for 3 years; the first female Deputy Principal, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University for 8 years; and now the first female Principal, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University. She has also served the University on several management committees as Member of the Inaugural Board of Directors, Makerere University Holdings Company for 7 years; Chair, Procurement Sub-committee, Makerere University Holdings Company for 6 years; Chair, Research and Innovations Sub-committee, of the Change Management Committee of the URARFC, Makerere University for one year; Member of the Search Committee for Principal and Deputy Principal for the College of Health Sciences; Member of the Senate Committee in the formation of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD); Member of Makerere University Governing Council- Science Senate representative and Member of Makerere University Senate.
She has supervised several undergraduate and graduate students and mentored staff and students, many of whom have risen though the academic ranks under her mentorship; edited a Book, published two Book Chapters, several publications in peer reviewed journals and mobilized close to US$ 14 million research grants through international collaboration with several development agencies and Universities such as Agricultural University of Life Sciences, Norway (UNMB), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Lund and Uppsala Universities, Sweden, Wangeningen University, The Netherland, Yale University, USA, Connell University, USA, Michigan State University USA among others. And regional Universities such as Stellenbosch University South Africa; Sokoine Agricultural University, Tanzania; the University of Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia; Egerton University, Kenya as well as many Universities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Uganda. She has also been part of a number of consultancy teams local, regional and international.
In fulfilling the University’s outreach and community service mandate, Prof. Nabanoga is currently serving as the Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors – Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEV); and Member of Technical Working Committee (TEWOCO) for the Consortium for enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD). She previously served as an Advisory Board Member, Uganda Martyrs University – Masaka Campus; Chair, Uganda Martyrs University’s Advisory Board Academic Planning Committee – Masaka Campus; Vice-chairperson, Board of Advisors – Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement Bwaise Facility (EMLI); and Patron – Buganda Kingdom Environment Development Association. In the private sector, she is one of the Directors, Royal Suites Hotel (a 20 US million dollar 4-Star Suite Hotel with about 130 employees) located in Bugolobi, Kampala Uganda-. Award winner of the Investor of the Year Award in 2003 and Kalanoga Resort (a 2 US million dollar Resort with about 50 employees) located 2km off Kajjansi-Munyonyo Highway, Busabala Road Junction, Kampala, Uganda.
Prof. Nabanoga is a Uganda National Academy of Science (UNAS) Fellow, a member of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB); Uganda Society for Science and Technology (USST); Norwegian Friends of Uganda (NUFA); Uganda Forestry Association (UFA): and Buganda Kingdom Development Programme-Agro Sector.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
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