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.
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University Launches Short Course to Strengthen Climate Change Reporting
By Hasifa Kabejja & Ritah Namisango
Makerere University, in partnership with the British High Commission in Uganda, has launched a specialized short training course aimed at equipping media practitioners and digital content creators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively report on climate change and related environmental issues.
The course was officially launched on 5th March 2026 by the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney. The ceremony was graced by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. It was attended by the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, and representatives from Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ), the Editors Guild, and media practitioners and content creators focused on climate-related issues.
About the short course on climate change reporting
Developed by the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) under the leadership of Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, the course was designed to improve climate science reporting. Through the training, media practitioners will gain a deeper understanding of climate science, climate finance mechanisms, policy frameworks, and local climate solutions and innovations. The programme also aims to empower journalists to tell impactful and meaningful climate stories.
“As the coordinating team at MUCCRI, we worked with climate scientists, policy experts, and media practitioners to develop a programme that is accessible, practical, and engaging,” Prof. Twinomuhangi explained.
According to Prof. Twinomuhangi, the training will be delivered entirely online, making it accessible to participants across Uganda and beyond. It is self-paced, allowing participants to learn at their convenience while continuing with their professional responsibilities. At the same time, it has been designed to remain interactive and engaging through multimedia lectures, real-world case studies, and practical exercises.
The course consists of eight modules that together provide a comprehensive introduction to climate change reporting. These modules cover climate science, climate governance and policy, climate finance, nature-based solutions, inclusive climate reporting, and solutions-oriented journalism. Participants will also gain practical skills in interpreting data, asking critical questions, and crafting compelling climate stories.
“Our goal is not only to build knowledge but also to empower media professionals to report on climate change with confidence, depth, and accuracy,” Prof. Twinomuhangi explained.
He expressed gratitude to the UK Government, through the Climate Smart Jobs Programme, for supporting climate resilience initiatives in Uganda. He also thanked the Palladium Group, the implementer of the CSJ programme, for selecting MUCCRI to design and deliver this training under the Media Training and Mentorship initiative.
Remarks by H.E the British High Commissioner to Uganda
In her remarks, Her Excellency, the British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney, described the initiative as both timely and essential, emphasizing the critical role the media plays in shaping public understanding of climate change.
She noted that climate change impacts communities differently, with women often bearing the greatest burden because they are heavily involved in agricultural production and ensuring food security for their families.
“Clear and accurate reporting on climate change is crucial in helping communities understand the risks and the solutions,” she said.
Relevance of the course to Makerere University
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, DVCAA, praised the programme as a reflection of Makerere University’s multidisciplinary, research-led approach to addressing national and global challenges. She highlighted the vital role of the media in translating complex scientific knowledge and policy into accessible information for the public.
“The short course we launch today is both timely and important. It draws on Makerere University’s research expertise and translates that knowledge into practical skills for media practitioners. It provides journalists with tools to better understand climate science, climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation strategies, and issues of equity and inclusion in climate action. By doing so, it strengthens the media’s ability to inform public dialogue and support evidence-based decision-making.”
She equally appreciated the UK Government for supporting the initiative. “We are grateful for the confidence placed in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and in particular, the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations to design and deliver this training. Such partnerships enable universities to translate research into real-world impact.”
Remarks by the Principal of CAES
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and the complexities in reporting climate-related issues, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, reiterated the critical role of journalists in raising public awareness, translating scientific findings, and fostering informed dialogue that can drive effective climate action.
“The short course was therefore designed with a clear purpose: to equip media practitioners with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to report on climate change accurately and responsibly,” Prof. Nabanoga said, emphasizing CAES’s commitment to advancing climate solutions through research in sustainable agriculture, environmental governance, forest restoration, and nature-based interventions.
Appreciation from the Editors Guild
On behalf of the Editors Guild, Mr. Alex Atuhaire applauded the funders for supporting quality journalism, noting that the course will strengthen storytelling skills and improve climate reporting across Uganda’s media landscape.
“The launch comes at a pivotal moment as the media navigates the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital landscape. The retooling course will breathe life into impactful, skilled, and authentic storytelling on climate change in our newsrooms,” Mr Atuhaire said. The Editors Guild pledged continued support in improving the quality of climate reporting across media platforms in the country.
Relevance of the programme to media practitioners
Sharing her experience, media practitioner Leonard Namukasa highlighted the complexities of reporting on climate change, describing it as scientific, investigative, and inherently challenging. She explained that limited access to reliable scientific data complicates coverage, noting that many people mistakenly equate climate change reporting with general environmental journalism. She welcomed the course, saying it will greatly address some of these challenges.
About MUCCRI
The Makerere University Centre for Climate Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) was established in 2014 within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to strengthen climate knowledge generation, knowledge management, and policy engagement. Over the years, MUCCRI has contributed to a wide range of initiatives, including climate knowledge management platforms such as the Climate Adaptation Knowledge Base (CCKB), the SDSN Uganda Chapter, research on climate-induced migration, and programmes that promote sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions, climate-smart cities, climate finance, locally led adaptation, and community resilience.
MUCCRI is a member of the Least Developed Countries Universities Consortium on Climate Change (LUCCC), a global network of universities working together to advance climate research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in least developed countries. Through these efforts, the Centre aims to bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and society.
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