Agriculture & Environment
New CAES Principal Delivers Inaugural Speech, explains strategies for improving the College
The new Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Dr. Gorettie N. Nabanoga delivered her inaugural speech to the College community on Friday, 4th March 2022. During the event held in the Biology Laboratory at the School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES, the Principal acknowledged the transformative leadership of the outgoing Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha. She also recognized the former deans and Heads of Department for the excellent service to CAES and Makerere University in general. These included; Prof. Johny Mugisha, Dean School of Agricultural Sciences (2013-2021); Prof. Jacob Agea who served as Head Department of Extension and Innovation Studies (2015-2019); Prof. Paul Kibwika, Head Department of Extension and Innovation Studies (2011-2015); Prof. Archileo Kaaya, Head Department of Food Technology and Human Nutrition (2011-2019); Prof. Phillip Nyeko, Head Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism (2011-2019); Dr. Denis Mpairwe, Head Department of Agricultural Production (2011-2019); and Dr. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Head Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences (2015-2019). Dr. Nabanoga presented plaques to the outgoing Principal and former administrators in recognition of their excellent service to the College and University in general. The Principal together with members of staff from the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, led by the Dean, Dr. Fred Babweteera presented various gifts to the outgoing Principal.
Principal’s address
Addressing the CAES community, Dr. Nabanoga appreciated the support accorded to her by all staff and students while she served as Deputy Principal. “The support motivated me to offer myself to serve as Principal of this mighty College,” she noted.
She acknowledged the support rendered to her by the outgoing Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha that greatly advanced her leadership skills. “The job description of the Deputy Principal is shaped/defined by the Principal, and it on this note that I am profoundly grateful to Prof. Bashaasha for having incrementally assigned me roles and responsibilities that nurtured my leadership skills. Your selfless service and leadership were a source of inspiration that gave me confidence to pursue this leadership position, to add a building block on your achievements,” she said.
Dr. Nabanoga explained that Prof. Baashaasha’s contribution remains a strong foundation for CAES’ journey to excellence. “There’s no price I can pay to reciprocate your contribution to my leadership skills, except ensuring that your contribution to CAES’ growth is sustained. Thank you very much for building a firm foundation on which I will ably make a contribution.”
While appreciating the Deans and Heads of Department, Dr. Nabanoga noted that the great performance of a Deputy Principal is anchored on the committed service and management skills of the former. “I appreciate the Deans and Heads of Department that I worked with in the last eight and a half years as Deputy Principal. You indeed made it easy for me to deliver on my mandate,” she explained.
Dr. Nabanoga equally applauded Prof. Jacob Godfrey Agea and Dr. Patrick Okori for offering themselves for the position of Principal, CAES. “You indeed demonstrated to Makerere University that CAES has potential leaders. I know that you have a lot of experience, knowledge, and competences to make good leaders. I pledge to seek and integrate the ideas presented in your manifestos and will continue to seek your counsel and guidance for the betterment of CAES,” she said.
She appreciated the Search Committee, the University Management, Council and the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma for their trust and confidence in her leadership potential. Following a rigorous search process, the Chancellor appointed Dr. Nabanoga Principal, CAES effective 1st February 2022 for a period of four years.
CAES’ Journey to 2025
Highlighting the achievements, challenges and strategies for improving CAES in the next four years, Dr. Nabanoga reminded members of staff that CAES is a great College with a lot of potential in the area of human capital development through the teaching programmes offered and research and innovations that significantly contribute to Makerere University ranking and brand. “All achievements in the areas highlighted have been possible because of staff commitment, an enthusiastic student community, as well as productive and well maintained research and incubation centres including the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MARCCI), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) and the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC),” she explained, noting that despite the enormous achievements, there is still a lot more potential opportunities that can move CAES to greater heights. “This can only be possible if we deliberate and focus to address the historical and contemporary challenges, while harnessing the unlimited opportunities within and around us,” she noted.
Quoting General George Washington, the First United States President who said “The Honour and Success of the army depends upon harmony and good agreement with each other”, Dr. Nabanoga explained that success can only be realized if there is collective consciousness on the shared mission in an organization. “We are an army of intellectuals whose sole purpose is to shape discourses in our respective disciplines. This can only be possible if we cultivate harmony at CAES and have meaningful engagement with partners. This is a mission I will wake up to pursue every day,” she said.
Structural and operational challenges and strategies to address them
Highlighting the structural and operational challenges that undermine teaching and learning as a key component of the University and College mandate, Dr. Nabanoga explained that CAES programmes require skills development, calling for improvement in practical training. “The quality of practical training at the College has declined over the years majorly because of insufficient and late disbursement of funds for conducting practical training. We do not have enough technical staff in our laboratories. These challenges limit the skillset imparted to the CAES graduate, yet the world today requires human resource with appropriate skillset. As Makerere works towards improving the budget prioritization and funds disbursement routines, we need to diversify collaborations with industry to enable our students to engage in meaningful academic and work experience internships,” she explained.
Regarding the heavy teaching load for academic staff amidst other mandates of research and knowledge transfer partnerships, Dr. Nabanoga explained that most units are understaffed, working with half of the established positions. This, coupled with the low morale amongst teaching and non-teaching, she noted was largely affecting efficiency. “The effects of this include the declining number of grant-winning research proposals, delayed submission of results, and inadequate student research supervision.”
In a bid to improve research and innovations at the College, Dr. Nabanoga called for the revitalization of relationships with former and new development partners with a global research focus. “Additionally, all Units should be encouraged to establish functional relationships with sister Units in Universities in the global North. We also need to work towards fully operationalizing research grant units, and creating incentives for researchers.
On graduate training programmes that are currently experiencing low enrolment, at 6% as opposed to the 40% desired in the University’s Strategic Plan 2020-2030, Dr. Nabanoga said the College through the Office of the Deputy Principal would work on developing a strategy to market graduate programmes. In order to improve the graduate students’ constraint of funding innovative research, she committed to provide support to schools and departments to develop research proposals with a provision of research funds for graduate students. She also committed to foster continuous improvement in the graduate supervision and examination processes, which shall improve the current graduate completion rate from 75% to 90%. “This will require efforts in areas such as increasing the pool of examiners, full operationalization and utilization of the Grad-Track System, developing a system of recognizing best performing examiners, and supporting Units to establish incubation centres to promote innovations.
On resource mobilization, Dr. Nabanoga noted that together with all staff, she would work towards exploring and fully utilizing MUARIK and other Institutes and Centres of Excellence at the College. “We need to change our mindset in sorting these challenges if we have to fast track research and innovation. I propose that we intention and purpose to become entrepreneurs in Academia. My dream is to see CAES as the Apex of impactful research and Human Capital Development, fitting the world of work, with innovative entrepreneurial operations,” she said.
Dr. Nabanoga emphasized the need for inclusivity at all levels of operation, committing that she would support schools and department to form engendered working committees to address their unique challenges.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Nabanoga recognized the unique services of administrative and other non-teaching staff at the College. “The cleaners do a noble job to keep us healthy, the registrars absorb most of the complaints from the students, and the finance team are the engine of the College operations. All these categories of staff including the Human Resources team, communications team and ICT staff are our unsung heroes and heroines. I pledge to be responsive to your needs, interests and aspirations. I will continue to maintain my open door policy. Feel free to walk in and if you don’t, I will walk to you. I reiterate my commitment to a co-creative approach in identifying and addressing the barriers in our areas of mandate.”
At the event, several members of staff paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha for his excellent leadership skills, cooperation, and improvement of the teaching and research infrastructure at the College, and appealed to him to continue offering them guidance.
In his remarks, Prof. Bashaasha acknowledged the overwhelming appreciation of his service by members of staff at the College. He pledged continued support to the new Principal and all staff at the College.
The event was crowned with a cocktail party for all staff held in the School of Agricultural Sciences Quadrangle.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak hosts First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling
African economies are increasingly exposed to climate-related shocks that threaten development gains, fiscal sustainability, and macroeconomic stability. From extreme weather events and biodiversity loss to the depletion of natural capital, climate risks are reshaping economic realities across the continent. Yet many macroeconomic frameworks used in public finance and planning continue to overlook climate and nature-related risks and the long-term benefits of resilience and adaptation investments.
To address this emerging reality, over 250 participants from Africa, Europe and beyond, convened at Makerere University – Kampala, on the 12th and 13th of February 2026, to participate in the First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling.
Following the theme, “Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomics: Rethinking Growth in Africa’s Natural Resource Base, the hybrid symposium organized by Makerere University through the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) within the School of Economics, under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) in Uganda, brought onboard ministers, leading economists and planners, researchers, policy makers, the academia, development partners, climate change experts and the media.
The Symposium being the first of its kind on the continent, reflected Africa’s growing determination to work collectively in confronting shared development challenges, building on recent momentum such as the formation of Pan-African Finance Ministers Forum for Climate Action (PAFMCA).
Featuring speeches and presentations from notable speakers and partners, a keynote address on Natura Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their impact on Fiscal Policy, panel discussions, expert opinions, and exhibition kiosks (World Café), the symposium presented a platform to strengthen Africa’s analytical and institutional capacity to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into macroeconomic and fiscal policy.
Vice Chancellor underscores the role of universities
Welcoming the delegates to Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized that universities must lead innovation and collaborative research efforts to support collective climate change mitigation across the continent.
In the same vein, he advocated for strong collaboration between universities in Africa and government Ministries. “Makerere’s collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, stands as a shining example of how academia and government can strengthen economic management,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the collaboration between Makerere University and the Ministry, has strengthened macroeconomic modelling, fiscal policy analysis, and technical capacity within government. In addition, the partnership led to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling, bridging academic scholarship with real-world policy application.
“We have jointly established the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling. The Centre (established in August 2025) is anchored within the School of Economics in the Department of Policy and Development Economics, under the Master of Science in Economic Policy and Investment Modelling, a program jointly facilitated by Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Bank of Uganda,” he mentioned.
Climate and Economic transformation are inseparable
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the critical intersection between economic transformation and environmental sustainability, noting that economies in Africa, heavily dependent on natural resources, face unprecedented pressures from climate shocks, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Convinced that economic growth cannot be pursued in isolation from climate and environmental realities, he stressed the importance of integrating natural capital accounting and climate considerations into national development strategies.
Prof. Nawangwe advocated for shared responsibility of universities, research institutions, and policymakers to develop innovative analytical tools, responsive policy frameworks, and strong institutional capacities that promote sustainable growth while safeguarding environmental assets for future generations.
The Vice Chancellor commended UN PAGE and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for funding the symposium, as well as, other stakeholders namely the European Union and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CoFMCA), Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for being reliable partners.
Integrating Climate into Fiscal Policy
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija underscored the urgency of embedding climate considerations into economic planning.
“As Ministers of Finance, we are often confronted with difficult trade-offs. Our task is to balance the needs of today with sustainability for future generations,” said Hon. Kasaija, in a speech read by Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties).
The Minister guided that traditional macroeconomic models focusing only on growth, inflation, and fiscal balance are inadequate in an era of climate shocks. He affirmed that African economies are facing interconnected challenges which directly impact economic growth. He stressed that traditional macroeconomic frameworks must evolve to systematically incorporate environmental degradation and climate shocks, whose consequences can no longer be ignored in policy analysis.
“For countries such as Uganda, whose development prospects are closely linked to natural resources and the climate-sensitive sectors, these challenges are not abstract. They affect livelihoods, public finances and long-term economic resilience,” he mentioned.
The Minister emphasized that natural capital accounting and climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling are vital for valuing natural assets, assessing environmental costs, and guiding sound investment decisions.
Protecting Africa’s Natural Capital
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, emphasized the urgent need to protect Africa’s ecosystems. “Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our economies remain anchored in natural capital—forests, water resources, biodiversity, land, and ecosystems—which sustain life, generate fiscal revenue, and underpin development,” she said.
She warned that climate-related shocks are already undermining growth and public investment. “Floods, droughts, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water stress are no longer distant risks. They are present realities, already affecting productivity and macroeconomic stability,” she said.
She emphasized the need for improved economic models that account for environmental and climate risks: “Traditional macroeconomic frameworks have not adequately captured climate risks or the long-term economic benefits of resilience and adaptation. This limits our ability to make informed policy decisions as Africa pursues economic transformation, energy security, and fiscal stability,” she stated.
Hon. Anywar highlighted collaboration with GIZ, Makerere University, and government ministries, which led to the development of the MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment). “This tool is being used to assess natural capital assets for climate change, energy transition, and their linkages to the macroeconomy. It supports budgeting by estimating the cost of depleted natural capital assets,” she said.
“Water security, forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation are not costs. They are investments in Uganda’s long-term economic stability, productivity, and prosperity.”
Stakeholders urged to transform climate threats into opportunities
Adam Sparre Spliid, the Deputy Head of Mission, Danish Embassy said: “Integrating climate risk and natural capital into our macroeconomics frameworks is not only academic exercise, it is a massive de-risking strategy for private investment. By bridging the gap between government policy and planning, academia and research, and the private markets, we transform climate threats into tangible opportunities.”
Sustainability includes youth, jobs and human well-being
Dr. Steven Stone, Chair of the UN PAGE Management Board, emphasized that sustainability extends beyond the environment to encompass youth, jobs, economic growth, and human well-being. “While the environment is Africa’s foundational source of wealth, sustainable development requires balancing ecological stewardship with economic progress, including income and employment for the youth which are critical priorities for countries such as Uganda.”
Dr. Stone highlighted that UN PAGE, originating from the Rio+20 Conference, supports climate-sensitive economic policy in Africa, emphasizing that dialogue, scenario-building, cross-sector collaboration, and strong partnerships are key to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development.
Africa’s Wealth Declining
In the keynote address titled, Natural Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their Impact on Fiscal Policy, Paul Jonathan Martin, Manager of Environmental Operations at the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, and a specialist with over 30 years in climate and natural resources, warned that Africa’s overall wealth is under threat due to declining renewable natural capital.
“Produced capital has increased by 20%, human capital by a third, but renewable capital has declined by 30%,” Martin said. “When combined, Africa’s overall wealth trajectory has been weakening since 2010.”
He stressed that natural resources must be treated as economic assets requiring systematic accounting: “Africa’s rich natural resources are fundamental for sustainable development,” he said.
Citing examples from Ethiopia and Kenya, he highlighted successful integration of natural capital into public investment and budget decisions. “In Ethiopia, there are payments for ecosystems and investment prioritization tools. In Kenya, natural capital accounting integration into budgets has strengthened public investments. Climate change has deep, cascading effects across sectors, but Africa has major potential to lead climate solutions,” he said.
Martin also highlighted the economic benefits of climate adaptation: “From 2020–2050, the cumulative effect of adaptation on Uganda’s GDP is positive. Without action, under a dry/hot climate future, GDP could significantly deviate from projected growth paths.”
Drawing on insights from over 70 country climate and development reports produced by the World Bank, the keynote speaker highlighted the profound macroeconomic impacts of climate change across Africa. He stressed the importance of integrating climate and natural capital into macroeconomic planning. He noted that Africa’s forests, water systems, and biodiversity are vital for sustainable development but face growing threats from climate change, environmental degradation, and climate-related disasters that undermine productivity, public investment, and economic stability.
He observed that traditional macroeconomic models often fail to capture the value of natural assets and regulating ecosystem services, which are critical to both economic stability and resilience but are largely excluded from GDP calculations.
Africa-Led Solutions
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), stressed the importance of developing African-led solutions. “We need to champion the Africa-led model. We need approaches that fit our unique context. Africa is not here to take in other frameworks blindly,” he said.
By supporting research, training, policy dialogue and modelling innovation, the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) positions Makerere University as a regional hub for advancing climate-sensitive macroeconomic policy across Africa.
He highlighted CEACM’s capacity-building programs: “Our goal is to ensure African Ministries of Finance have home-grown expertise to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into fiscal and macroeconomic policy. This is critical for long-term resilience and sustainable development,” he said.
The Principal explained that establishment of independent research centres enables Makerere University to go beyond traditional academic instruction and focus deeply on societal challenges, particularly those related to climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.
He reported that the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling is structured to advance methodological innovation, develop new data systems, and strengthen climate-sensitive macroeconomic tools that are tailored to the African context.
MONCAP Model for Policy Assessment
Dr. Peter Babyenda, a member of faculty at CoBAMS, demonstrated MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment), which integrates climate and natural capital variables into fiscal and macroeconomic planning.
“MONCAP allows policymakers to estimate the economic cost of depleting natural assets such as forests, wetlands, and water resources. It helps simulate policy options and determine how investments in natural capital yield long-term benefits,” Babyenda said. “We came up with this model to aid the Ministry of Water and Environment. This model is open—you can extend it,” he added.
He highlighted capacity-building initiatives, including short courses and the Master of Science in Macroeconomic and Investment Modelling, designed to train economists to incorporate natural capital and climate into policy planning.
International Perspectives
Sweetman Liam, Ireland’s Finance Minister, highlighted the economic value of ecosystems: “There is a deeper value of landscapes in flood prevention and biodiversity. Decision-making was informed, and people started understanding economic value,” he said.
Prof. Chukwuone Nnaemeka of the University of Nigeria emphasized collaboration with national statistical agencies: “We coordinate with the National Bureau of Statistics to develop natural capital accounting metrics. Increase the use of Natural Capital Accounting in decision-making,” he stated.
Technical and Parallel Sessions
The afternoon session featured three parallel sessions focusing on Natural Capital Accounting Methodologies and Best Practices, Climate-Sensitive Fiscal and Economic Modelling, and Natural Capital Accounting and Model Uptake and Use.
Drawing on diverse expertise, the panels highlighted innovative approaches and demonstrated that natural capital is not an environmental afterthought, but a central pillar of sustainable economic and policy planning.
The first day of the African Symposium drew to a close with interactive exhibitions at the World Café, where case studies and practical demonstrations highlighted innovative approaches to integrating climate and natural capital into economic planning. Participants actively engaged in discussions and networking, forging collaborations that promise to advance climate-sensitive fiscal and development strategies across Africa, setting a strong and optimistic tone for the days ahead.
Agriculture & Environment
Uganda Martyrs Namugongo Students Turn Organic Waste into Soap in an Innovative School Project on Sustainable Waste Management
*****The students were supervised by researchers from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, led by Prof. Fred Kabi.
The garbage challenge
With urbanization rates rising rapidly across Uganda, municipal solid garbage generation in the country’s cities is projected to increase by more than 40 percent by 2050. The growing burden of unmanaged garbage, particularly organic garbage, continues to pose environmental and public health risks, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions.
It is against this backdrop that Senior Four students of Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo undertook a project to demonstrate how local market garbage challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development.
Addressing the garbage Challenge
As part of their academic project under the competence-based curriculum, the students were tasked with identifying real-world challenges within their communities and developing practical solutions using locally available resources. Through research and field observations, they identified poor garbage management, particularly the accumulation of organic waste at major dumping sites such as Kiteezi Landfill, as a critical issue.
At these sites, unsorted solid garbage often accumulates uncontrollably, sometimes leading to collapses that pose serious environmental and public health risks including water contamination by leachates, persistent foul odors, and disease outbreaks.
Rather than solely viewing solid market garbage as a problem, the students recognized its untapped potential within the biodegradable fraction of market garbage streams. Their innovative solution was to convert organic solid market waste (biodegradable garbage) into an industrial raw material for soap production by utilizing saprophagous Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) to accumulate lipids and applying the scientific process of saponification.
Makerere University Support to the project
The students’ project was supervised by Prof. Fred Kabi together with technicians from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. Prof. Kabi and his team have been actively researching on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a bio-waste management technology capable of converting biodegradable solid municipal garbage and farm waste into valuable by-products such as organic fertilizers, animal feeds, soap, and biodiesel.
Working in collaboration with Ento Organic Farm Uganda Ltd, the researchers have demonstrated how insect-based waste conversion systems can support a circular economy by transforming biodegradable waste into industrial raw materials.
According to Prof. Kabi, the five young garbage entrepreneurs (students) began their project by collecting information on household garbage management practices. After analyzing the data, they engaged stakeholders along the garbage value chain to brainstorm all-inclusive, source-based waste management strategies.
“The students developed a solution that links efficient waste management at garbage generation source to support production of organic fertilizer, insect protein for animal feeds, and soap, which is only possible with biodegradable garbage,” Prof. Kabi explained. “This approach of the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) for lower secondary schools supports the concept of taking Makerere University to the community of budding scientists while promoting sustainable community development through a circular economy.”
From Market Waste to Soap Bars
The Team leader, Ms. Ivy Stephanie Kitali explained the step-by-step scientific process behind the project. The students began by collecting organic waste from local markets, which was then shredded to prepare it for the larvae as a substrate. “Black Soldier Fly larvae were then introduced to the prepared waste. The larvae efficiently consumed the organic matter, greatly reducing its volume while accumulating lipids (fats) in their bodies. After maturation, we separated the larvae from the remaining waste, euthanized through blanching and dried it. Oil was then extracted from the dried larvae using ethanol as a solvent. This lipid-rich oil became the primary ingredient or raw material for soap production. To enhance the final product, the larvae oil was blended with minute quantity of sunflower oil before adding sodium hydroxide, initiating saponification, the chemical reaction that transforms fats and oils into soap,” she explained. The process ultimately yielded usable bars of soap derived entirely from what had once been discarded as unwanted market waste/garbage.
Building Skills and Sustainable Innovation
Beyond producing soap, the project provided students with hands-on training in scientific research, waste management techniques, bio-chemistry, and sustainable innovation. They gained practical exposure to insect-based biotechnology and learned how environmental challenges can be addressed through science-driven by entrepreneurship.
The National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) has officially approved Maksoy 7N, the latest soybean variety developed by the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University. The approval was announced during the committee’s 47th meeting at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) in Kawanda on 13th February 2026.
The NVRC, chaired by Dr. Joseph Kikafunda, is composed of stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), research institutes, seed regulatory agencies, farmers’ organizations, and private seed companies. The committee evaluates new crop varieties for performance and traits before official release, helping to enhance national food security.
Rigorous Testing Confirms Superior Performance
MakSoy 7N, a cross between 6N and SG underwent extensive Distinctive, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing across multiple seasons and locations in Uganda, including Kabanyolo (Wakiso), Nakabango (Jinja), Ngetta ZARDI (Lira), Abi ZARDI (Arua), Bulindi ZARDI (Hoima), and Mubuku Irrigation Scheme (Kasese).
The trials were conducted in accordance with the Seeds and Plant Act, Cap. 41 and the UPOV guidelines.
Results showed that the variety is clearly distinct from its closest reference, Maksoy 3N, in pod color, stem hair, and seed hilum, with uniformity meeting the 1% off-type standard, and stability confirmed across locations and seasons. On-farm trials were conducted to test performance under farmers’ management and to determine farmer preferences. Following these findings, the National Seed Certification Service (NSCS) recommended Maksoy 7N for release, providing farmers with a high-yielding and soybean rust-resistant variety.
Key Reasons Behind the Development of MakSoy 7N
Soybean plays a critical role in nutrition and income generation, offering 40% protein and 20% oil. It is used in human food, livestock feed, agro-industrial applications, and soil fertility improvement, supporting climate-smart agriculture and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. It also breaks pests life cycle if included in the cropping system.
Maksoy 7N was developed to address yield stagnation, rising disease pressure (including soybean rust), and growing national and regional demand for high-performing varieties. Advanced yield trials across six locations – Kabanyolo (Central), Nakabango (Eastern), Bulindi (Mid-West), Ngetta (Northern), Abi (West Nile), and Mubuku (Western) – demonstrated the variety’s strong performance in both multi-environment trials and participatory on-farm evaluations.
According to Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Principal Investigator and Director of MAKCSID, Maksoy 7N demonstrates strong resistance to soybean rust and outstanding agronomic performance. The variety yields between 3-3.5 tons per hectare and matures in approximately three months. Maksoy 7N is expected to enhance national soybean productivity, increase smallholder farmer incomes, and strengthen Uganda’s soybean value chain.
Maksoy 7N joins six previously released high-yielding varieties (Maksoy 1N–6N). Impact studies by the Vegetable Oil Development Project (VODP) reveal that 93% of Ugandan soybean farmers plant Maksoy soybean varieties.
Appreciation to the partners
Prof. Tukamuhabwa expressed gratitude to the local and international development partners for their invaluable support to the project. These partners include the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Oil Seeds Project(NOSP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) who funded the research. Other research partners include the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Integrated Seed and Sector Development Uganda (ISSD Uganda), Soybean Africa Ltd, Makerere University Animal Science Laboratory, Soybean Innovation Lab, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the host farmers who participated in the on-farm trials.
He also appreciated the Makerere University administration for the support extended to MAKCSID.
Honoring the Research Team
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kikafunda, Chair of the National Variety Release Committee, praised the research team for their exceptional achievements and steadfast dedication to enhancing the nation’s food security. He emphasized the importance of their work in driving agricultural innovation and urged them to prioritize the rapid multiplication and widespread distribution of the new varieties, ensuring they reach the farmers and contribute to increased productivity and improved livelihoods across the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Head of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and member of the National Variety Release Committee, lauded the team for their commitment in developing the new variety, MakSoy 7N. “This is the result of over eight years of dedicated effort. The previous variety, MakSoy 6N, was released in 2017. I deeply appreciate the team’s dedication to field activities. I also commend the former Principal of CAES, Prof. Bashaasha, for his contribution in making the MakCSID a reality, and the current Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, for her continued support to the Centre.”
Dr. Ochwo further recognized the pivotal role of Makerere University, particularly CAES, in training critical human resources for the country, noting that most innovators and personnel in key agricultural organizations are graduates of CAES.
The Soybean research team includes:
- Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa – Breeder & Team Leader
- Dr. Tonny Obua – Breeder
- Prof. Jeninah Karungi – Entomologist
- Dr. Geoffrey Tusiime – Pathologist
- Dr. Thomas Odong – Data Scientist
- Dr. Dennis Okii – Data Scientist/Germplasm Research
- Ms. Mercy Namara – Seed Scientist
- Mr. Alex Malaala – Agronomist
- Mr. George Yiga – Nursery Manager
- Mr. Jordan Uworthrwoth – Germplasm Maintenance
Approval of the Sweet Potato and Sorghum Varieties from NARO and NASECO
At the same event, the Committee approved three purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties – NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P – developed by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). These varieties are credited for their high yields, strong disease resistance, and abundant provitamin A content. With a short growing period of just three to four months, these sweet potatoes allow farmers to achieve multiple harvests annually, boosting both productivity and profitability.
The committee also approved two high-yielding sorghum hybrid varieties, NS1 (Tongo) and NS5 (Tara), from NASECO (1996) (U) Ltd. These varieties are versatile, suitable not only for food consumption but also for livestock feed, bioethanol production, and brewing. Early reports indicate strong adoption rates among farmers, which is expected to reduce dependence on imported hybrid seeds and strengthen the local agricultural seed industry.
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