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
RUFS Empowers Smallholder Farmers to Build Resilience against Floods & Droughts
Smallholder farmers across the globe are increasingly confronted with the dual challenges of water-related stresses, ranging from devastating floods to prolonged droughts. These cyclical extremes threaten livelihoods, food security, and sustainable agricultural productivity. To effectively address these challenges, it is essential to implement resilient, integrated strategies that recognize the complex and fluctuating nature of water availability.
The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project promotes innovative approaches that empower smallholder farmers to better manage water resources by capturing and storing excess water during periods of abundance, efficiently utilizing limited water supplies during dry spells, and building adaptive capacity to withstand and recover from extreme weather events. Through these solutions, RUFS helps create a foundation for sustainable farming that not only mitigates risks but also enhances productivity and long-term resilience in vulnerable agricultural communities.
Under the initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” the team conducted an intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality. The workshop aimed to equip farmers with practical skills and knowledge, specifically in the production of organic pesticides and fertilizers, to enhance their adaptive capacity.
Conducted on 13th and 14th October 2025 at the residence of Bishop Stephen Nsibambi on Kilembe Road, Kasese Municipality, the training built upon insights and outcomes from the inception meeting of the RUFS Phase II held 18th–21st August 2025. The initiatives under Phase II of the RUFS Project aim to reduce damage from natural hazards, improve drainage and water storage, conserve soil moisture, decrease reliance on rainfall, and ultimately bolster resilience against water-related extremes.
The project is led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme.
Achievements Registered from the Workshop
The training enhanced the resilience of smallholder farmers by equipping them to better withstand natural hazards, with a special focus on reducing their vulnerability to floods and droughts. The two-day workshop concentrated on the production and use of pesticides and fertilizers derived from locally available, nutrient-rich plants such as Tithonia (Kimyula), Wandering Jew (Naanda), Amaranthus spp. (Ddodo), Black Jack (Sere), and Phytolacca (Luwoko). It also covered the use of ash, animal and human urine, as well as techniques for harvesting and purifying rainwater.
Specifically, smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality gained practical skills in the production of natural, effective plant teas using decomposing and hairy plants combined with ash, an eco-friendly method to enrich soil sustainably. They were trained in rainwater harvesting through trench digging and other methods, as well as rainwater purification using charcoal. Additionally, the farmers were taken through the process of producing fertilizers using a mixture of cowdung, water and ash, as well as human urine and locally available plants. Furthermore, farmers learned to make organic pesticides from readily available materials such as ash, animal urine, onions, papaya leaves, water, pepper, and soap.
Overall, the training promoted sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices while strengthening smallholder farmers’ skills in pest management and climate-resilient agronomic techniques. It was led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project.
Insights from the farmers’ representative
Mr. Sunday Salveri, a dedicated smallholder farmer from Kasese, highlighted the critical role of active farmer participation in forming and sustaining a farmer group and association. In his address, he urged fellow farmers to become more engaged and take proactive steps to improve their livelihoods through active group participation. He emphasized that increased involvement is essential for maintaining a vibrant, effective group that benefits all members. Mr. Salveri also encouraged more farmers to join the group, viewing collective effort as key to achieving economic sustainability. “Expanding membership is vital for the association’s growth and resilience,” he noted.
Furthermore, Mr. Salveri stressed the importance of applying practical business lessons learned on the ground. He suggested that farmers produce fertilizers and pesticides themselves as a way to both generate income and reduce costs for members. To facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development, he proposed establishing a demonstration site to train other farmers. Recognizing the role of family support, Mr. Salveri emphasized involving family members in these activities, highlighting that their participation is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of agricultural endeavors.
He underscored the need to think beyond agriculture, advocating for the continued existence of the cluster and the RUFS initiative. He expressed hope that these efforts will bring sustained benefits to farmers and their families.
Courtesy Call
The RUFS team paid a courtesy call on the Bishop of Rwenzori region – Lord Nason Baluku who appreciated the team’s efforts. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reaffirm mutual commitment toward the initiatives.
Agriculture & Environment
MakCAES Celebrates Third Cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University on 3rd October 2025 proudly celebrated the successful completion of training of the third cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship.
The event, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering at CAES, was graced by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, who presented certificates to the 30 successful trainees.
About the Fellowship
Implemented by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in partnership with the Aquaya Institute, and generously supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the fellowship equips students with vital skills in water quality testing, research, and project management. The programme supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Good Health (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDP III), the fellowship emphasizes research impact and community livelihood improvement by training water sector professionals critical for enhancing water quality at local and national levels.
Training Highlights for the Third Cohort
The 2025 cohort, trained in Mukono District, included 30 students drawn from five programmes: B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering, B.Sc. Bioprocessing Engineering, B.Sc. Civil Engineering, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Water and Irrigation Engineering, and M.Sc. Agricultural Engineering.
The curriculum, developed jointly with the Aquaya Institute, covered six comprehensive modules:
- Fundamentals of Drinking Water Quality
- Water Quality Management and Treatment Technologies
- Field Data Collection and Sampling Procedures
- Standard Laboratory Practices
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Technical Report Writing
During their training, fellows surveyed over 700 water points across Mukono District, applying their skills in real-world settings to improve local water quality.
Achievements registered thus far
Highlighting the achievements registered, Prof. Isa Kabenge, Head, Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES said the programme had successfully trained 90 students, underscoring its impactful contribution to capacity building in the field. He acknowledged the vital support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Aquaya Institute, whose partnership has been central to the success of the programme.
Remarks by the University Officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali congratulated the fellows on their transformative learning experience, noting the high employability of graduates as a testament to the programme’s relevance and impact. “The students have gained invaluable knowledge and skills in water quality testing, research methodologies, and project management. They have had the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, contributing to improved access to safe water for communities.”
She affirmed the University’s commitment to expanding the fellowship, including efforts to standardize the training modules and to establish an accredited water quality laboratory.
In her remarks, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, praised the trainers for their dedication to advancing the College’s mandate. “Our work must have real-world impact. Research should be directed toward solving the challenges faced by our communities. No one can thrive without access to safe, clean water,” she emphasized. “I commend the trainees for committing their time to this important programme, and I urge you to become champions for safe water in your communities. This knowledge is meant to be shared.”
She appreciated the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Aquaya Institute, and the Mukono District Local Government for their invaluable support.
Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the project as one of the school’s flagship initiatives, emphasizing its transformative impact on student learning. She noted that beyond reinforcing theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom, the project has been instrumental in equipping students with hands-on, practical skills essential for real-world application. Dr. Kigozi appreciated the funders and trainers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and support in making the initiative a success.
Remarks by the alumni and partners
On behalf of the alumni, Mr. Edgar Kugoza expressed gratitude to the funders and the trainers for the opportunity granted to them to improve their skills in water quality management. “We now become internationally accredited water quality professionals and ambassadors of safe water.”
Eng. Yvone Sanyu Lugali, WASH Sustainability Manager at Water for People and an alumnus of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the programme as a significant milestone in advancing the quality of water resources in the country. She praised the initiative for equipping local professionals with practical, world-class skills and shared information about ongoing and upcoming training and employment opportunities at her company.
Mr. Patrick Mufwoya, Managing Director Davis & Shirtliff Uganda highlighted the positive impact the programme has had on his company through the fellows they have hosted. He praised the fellows for their strong competence and professionalism, noting that their contributions reflect the quality and potential of the training programme. Mr. Mufwoya expressed confidence that initiatives like this could play a transformative role in shaping the future of the water sector nationwide.
In her remarks, Dr. Anna Murray, Deputy Director of Research at the Aquaya Institute appreciated the support provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in advancing efforts to ensure universal access to safe and clean water. She also praised the trainees for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration and teamwork in driving progress and achieving shared objectives.
The trainers included Prof. Isa Kabenge, Prof. Ahamada Zziwa, Dr Joshua Wanyama, and Dr Prossy Nakawuka, all members of staff in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at Makerere University.
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