Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES Hosts Hybrid Seminar on Finding the Best Cattle Genetics for Africa (OPTIBOV project)
OPTIBOV: Genetic Characterization of Cattle Populations for Optimal Performance in Africa Eco Systems
A large variety of local indigenous and commercial cattle breeds has been produced as a result of domestication and selection. This variety ensures the capability and adaptability of livestock to fulfil its role in food production under different circumstances, now and in the future. Local breeds exhibit unique adaptive features to harsh environments, which can be useful for adjusting mainstream breeds to climate change. Simply transferring high producing commercial animals to the African continent, will not be the solution due to low performance and even low survival under these harsh environments (ecosystems). The aim of the OPTIBOV project is to improve production and survival of traditional/indigenous breeds adapted to the local environments in Africa. This will secure the future of these well adapted traditional/indigenous local breeds.With combined effort from partners across the globe, the OPTIBOV project will help maintain traditional cattle breeds, capture adaptation, use known variations in production, train, educate & involve stakeholders to perform optimal breeding.
The project is coordinated in The Netherlands (Wageningen University and Research Centre). Participating institutions include; Makerere University, Uganda; Natural Resources Institute Finland; Agricultural Research Council Pretoria, South-Africa; University of Porto, Portugal; Cairo University, Egypt; and Taurus Foundation Netherlands.
Project members include; Dr. Richard Crooijmans, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; Dr. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, Makerere University; Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland; Dr. Nasser Ghanem, University of Cairo, Egypt; Dr. Linky Makgahlela, Pretoria, South Africa; and Dr. Catarina Ginja from Portugal.
The project is supported by LEAP-Agri, a joint Europe Africa Research and Innovation (R&I) initiative related to Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA).
An important deliverable of the project is a new genotyping assay specific for African cattle breeds which will include markers associated with specific traits.
Expected outcomes and impact:
- A uniform bovine phenotype scoring list for adaptation traits.
- Genome-wide information of the traditional breeds. Giving knowledge on the amount of diversity but also on the amount of inbreeding, detection of potential genetic defects and selective sweeps related to adaptation to a specific environment.
- The obtained information can be used to improve traits by selection of animals within or over breeds such as longevity, production and resistance to diseases. This will increase production, longevity and reduces cost for medical treatments which will result in breed performance in the next generations.
- Training of young researchers will be conducted to use the latest technology and techniques and how to implement the findings in breeding.
- Involvement of all stakeholders up to farmers by creating an APP, database and website to submit data and actively participate within the research.
Hybrid seminar
On 25th April 2022, the project team met at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to share updates on activities in the respective countries. The hybrid seminar was hosted by Dr Donald Kugonza and Dr Morris Agaba.
Seminar presentations/issues being researched
- Traditional cattle genomics: search for adaptive markers–Dr Richard crooijmans, Wageningen University in The Netherlands;
- Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr AA Zwane, a Researcher in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production (ARC-AP), Irene, Pretoria, South Africa;
- Molecular responses of heat stress during early embryonic development and alleviation strategies– Dr Nasser Ghanem from the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt;
- Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement–Dr Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa;
- Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds-Prof.JuhaKantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland;
- Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda-Dr.Behabura Generous Betunga, an MSc. Animal Science student in the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES;
- Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems-Waibi Sarah, an MSc. Livestock Development student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University;
- The use of Genomic Tools to Improve Cattle, an Archaeogenomics Perspective– Dr Catarina Ginja
Issues arising from the research
1. Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr. A. A. Zwane
There is notable difference in using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and whole genome sequence (WGS) data in characterizing SA indigenous cattle breeds
WGS data holds the potential for the improvement of indigenous livestock breeds due to the in-depth analysis genome-wide
Genetic diversity studies give the understanding of population structure, demographic history, introgression and heterozygosity levels in South Africa indigenous cattle
Identification of selective signatures provides insight into selection events that have shaped the genomes of indigenous cattle breeds, and allows the identification of important genes
This will allow genomic selection, sooner, in the indigenous breeds, and more studies are needed for other indigenous livestock species
2. Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement – Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa
- Genomics drives biological efficiency of production, boosts livestock contribution for sustainable protein source
- Genomics promises cutting-edge solutions: Nutritional needs of all human beings, while safeguarding natural resources, and preventing environmental degradation
- Genomics enables farmers to increase efficiency, decrease production costs & prophylactics and limits expenditure of resources
- Research (and capacity development) ongoing for better understanding of breeds and to put science to practice
3. Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds – Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland
The gene expression analysis of the northern Eurasian breeds revealed;
- Several differentially expressed genes (DEG) that were associated with the eicosanoid metabolic process (ALOX15, ALOX5 and HPGD) in northern Finncattle and with immunity (CCL4, CCL5 CX3CR1, CXCR6 and PRF1) and the regulation of lipid transport (ABCA1, ABCG1, IRS2 and THBS1) in Yakutian cattle.
- The genes involved in the immune system are also associated with environmental adaptation.
- The eicosanoid metabolic process was previously found to be involved in the hibernation of brown bears (Ursusarctos) and indigenous peoples associated with seasonal changes. These findings indicate a convergent evolution that may have occurred in different mammalian species living in northern and sub‐arctic environments.
4. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda – Dr. Behabura Generous Betunga, Makerere University
The Ugandan cattle herd is comprised of 93.3 percent of indigenous breeds and their crossbreeds which are mainly; Long-horned cattle of Uganda (Sanga) (Bostaurusindicus); Zenga breeds (Sanga and Zebu crosses); East African short-horn Zebu (Bosindicus). The OPTIBOV breeds of interest in Uganda are; Long horned Ankole cattle (South-Western Uganda); Nganda cattle (Central-Uganda) and Ntuku cattle (Mid-Western Uganda). The study aims to carry out phenotypic characterization for performance traits and draw a genomic growth curve for Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle under different management systems for a period of 0 to 18 months in Uganda. It also aims to carry out genetic characterization and measure the genetic relationship between the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle in Uganda; and to assess selection techniques (natural and human mediated) of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda. Meetings have been held with farmers and animals selected for sampling and samples collected for analysis.
Issues arising include;
- The Indigenous cattle breeds are at the threat of genetic erosion. There is need for Phenotypic & genotypic Characterization for the performance traits of the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda
5. Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems
Cattle is a valuable source of income, employment & a major source of nutrition to people in the East especially Karamoja and Bukedi in Tororo. Angoria Ting and Cheptoyoi are the indigenous cattle breeds in Karamoja: Karamajong women prefer rearing goats to cows. The study aims to;
- To phenotypically characterize the performance and adaptive traits of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To develop indices for assessing the productivity of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To assess status and risk of erosion of the two indigenous cattle genetic resources
Meeting with Makerere University Vice Chancellor
In the course of the seminar, the OPTIBOV project team paid a courtesy call on Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who congratulated them upon winning the research grant.“As we celebrate 100 years of teaching, research and innovation, such projects are vital in pushing forward our agenda of transforming Makerere into a research-led University,” he noted, pledging to accord the researchers all the support they need to achieve the project objectives.
The project leader at Makerere University, Dr. Donald Kugonza expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the support he accorded the team in their bid for the project.
Presentations:
Agriculture & Environment
Strengthening Capacity and Shaping Policy: Makerere University Reviews Progress of MERIT and Environmental Risk Research Programs
Makerere University, this week, through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), hosted a comprehensive impact review of the Environmental Risk Management Under Increasing extremes and Uncertainty (MERIT) Project, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and partners from Ugandan and Norwegian institutions. The discussions highlighted the transformational impact of collaborative research, student engagement, and capacity development in shaping policy, strengthening community resilience, and advancing Makerere’s contribution to national development.
A Cross-Continental Partnership Driving Change
The MERIT Project, focusing on Environmental Risk Management and the Increasing Extremes and Uncertainty, is a five-university collaboration funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) under the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) programme. The project, which runs from 2021 to 2026 (with a one-year extension due to COVID-related delays), seeks to enhance mutual collaboration between universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and Norway. The project grant is worth 20 million Norwegian kroner and is being implemented across four Universities, namely, Makerere University, Uganda Martyrs University, University of Dar es Salaam, and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, with a strong involvement of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Western University of Science and Technology.
Its core components include:
- Curriculum review and development
- Staff and student training (Master’s and PhDs)
- Joint research and publications
- Community-based environmental risk interventions
- Student and staff exchange programs
- SDG integration and gender mainstreaming
So far, 20 staff and 15 mainstream students have benefited from and participated in the project initiatives, with 13 Master’s and 2 PhD candidates progressing through specialised training in environmental risk management, geohazards, and disaster risk studies.
Student Research Driving Evidence-Informed Policy and Practice
The MERIT and NORHED-supported projects have empowered graduate students and early-career researchers at Makerere University to undertake cutting-edge research that directly informs Uganda’s environmental risk management agenda. Although the full findings are yet to be published, the projects have catalyzed important scientific inquiry in several key areas.
Some of the students are currently working on:
- Improving environmental data and modelling to strengthen flood forecasting, hydrological planning, and climate-related risk assessment in high-risk regions.
- Assessing disaster risk reduction practices at the local government level and examining how global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework and the SDGs are being implemented on the ground.
- Exploring nature-based solutions, including sustainable approaches to land restoration, riverbank stabilization, and ecosystem protection.
- Studying climate impacts on agriculture and food systems, with a focus on supporting vulnerable households and smallholder production.
- Mapping urban ecological systems, including forest patches and carbon stocks, to guide sustainable urban planning.
- Documenting community-led adaptation strategies and traditional ecological knowledge to strengthen locally grounded resilience approaches.
- Evaluating the role of non-state actors, such as NGOs and community groups, in environmental risk reduction and recovery efforts.
Together, these research efforts are generating practical insights that can shape policy development, inform district and national planning, and strengthen community resilience. The projects are also building a new cohort of scientists equipped with the skills to bridge academic work with real-world environmental management challenges.
Community Engagement and Local Knowledge at the Centre
The Environmental Risk Management component of the MERIT project has contributed to impactful knowledge and research vital for community interventions in highland and mountainous areas such as Mbale, Bududa, Sironko, and other districts that are prone to environmental risks, like landslides, flooding, and geohazards.
Key community-focused activities highlighted in the meeting included digitizing households in high-risk areas, using remote sensing and GIS to develop contextual warning systems, documenting and integrating traditional ecological knowledge, assessing community resilience and vulnerabilities, and generating data for localized environmental risk planning. Such engagements not only strengthen community preparedness but also provide students with rich field experience and data for their research.
Student Exchanges and a Global Learning Experience
In an Interview, Prof. Harald Aspen,the Head, Department of Geography and Social Anthropology at NTNU, and Ms. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunja, the administrative co-ordinator of the project at NTNU, noted that, so far, five students from NTNU are currently undertaking research and internships in Uganda, immersing themselves in local challenges and contributing to joint innovations. Ugandan students have also benefited from exposure to Norway’s systems, creating a two-way flow of knowledge and experience.
They further noted that the exchange program, supported by the CostClim project under the Norpart project, helps students appreciate the complexities of implementing SDGs in diverse contexts, turning theory into practical, actionable insights.
Strengthening Makerere’s Institutional Capacity
Makerere University has benefited significantly from the MERIT collaboration. In his remarks, Prof. Yazhidi Bamutaaze, the Deputy Principal, CAES, noted that the College had acquired a Land Cruiser to support fieldwork, funding for curriculum review and SDG evaluation, support for gender mainstreaming initiatives, research funding for senior academic staff, enhanced visibility through joint publications and innovations, competence development trainings for college staff and students and co-supervision arrangements among others.
Such partnerships reinforce the University’s strategic commitment to cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and community impact.
Sustainability, Student Energy, and the Path Forward
A major segment of the meeting focused on the operationalization of sustainability principles across the University. Dr. Paul Mukwaya, the Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES, emphasized leveraging student enthusiasm, building sustainability clubs, and avoiding passive “mainstreaming” in favour of proactive sustainability actions.
Key recommendations included:
- Training students on how to develop policy briefs
- Ensuring every student project reflects the SDGs
- Creating a central repository or map of all student work
- Strengthening academic supervision to grow student confidence
- Building systems that ensure research outputs influence actual practice
Dr. Mukwaya further highlighted the importance of student self-confidence, continuous reflection, and mentorship in shaping future academic and professional careers through the MERIT project.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the project has achieved significant milestones, several challenges remain, such as administrative and IT-related delays, balancing donor expectations with academic timelines and bureaucracies, maintaining strong collaborations across multi-university partnerships and ensuring sustainability initiatives are integrated and action-driven
Conclusion: A Growing Ecosystem of Impact
The review meeting affirmed that the MERIT and related research programs are not just academic exercises; they are shaping the future of environmental resilience, policy development, and capacity building in Uganda. The University’s commitment to student growth, collaborative innovation, and evidence-based policy influence underscores the central role Makerere continues to play in national and global development conversations.
As the project enters its final years, the focus now shifts to consolidating gains, scaling successful interventions, and ensuring that the research produced today continues to transform lives tomorrow.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), held the third edition of its Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, bringing together student innovators to showcase a semester’s worth of creativity, research, and product development. The exhibition is a key milestone under the SFTNB Entrepreneurship Program – Cohort 3, a structured model that guides students through the full innovation journey — from idea generation and business training to prototyping, testing, and market access. Supported by MIIC with a UGX 7 million innovation fund, the program has empowered more than 60 students across 15 innovation groups to develop practical, sustainable, and market-ready solutions in food technology, nutrition, and engineering. This year’s exhibition provided a platform for students to present their prototypes, share their business concepts, and engage with university leaders, industry partners, and potential investors, further strengthening Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurial change-makers.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for nurturing innovations that reflect both creativity and commercial potential. He observed that many of the student products exhibited could be patented, scaled up, and exported, provided their shelf life, packaging, and branding are further improved. Emphasizing that innovation must go beyond classroom projects, Prof. Nawangwe urged students to view their work as viable enterprises capable of transforming communities and creating employment. He also pledged the university’s support in helping innovators register companies and access product certification, even suggesting that Makerere could subsidize related costs. He further called for closer collaboration with economists and marketers to assess product feasibility, adding that the university’s innovation ecosystem should include a dedicated marketing unit. He concluded by reminding students that their ideas hold the power to reshape Uganda’s economy and uplift livelihoods. “Don’t think what you’re doing is small. You’re contributing to transforming a whole society,” he said, adding that “You will not need to go out looking for jobs; you will be creating them.”
The Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Julia Kigozi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the university management for their continued support toward the school’s initiatives. She noted that the exhibition was a reflection of the hard work and creativity of students who are being equipped not only with technical skills but also with the mindset to innovate and contribute meaningfully to industry. Prof. Kigozi highlighted that the school’s projects have significant potential for commercialization and industry collaboration, made possible through ongoing support and funding. She reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing practical, industry-relevant training that empowers students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. “When you see the students out here working hard, they are very encouraged,” she said, adding that “what they are doing demonstrates a lot of potential for products to go out for commercialization and for creating training platforms that can support industry in various ways.”
Mr. Gilbert Buregyeya, Programs Lead of the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC), commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for its commitment to innovation and practical learning. He noted that the partnership between MIIC and the school has been instrumental in redesigning the curriculum to emphasize commercialization and market readiness of student projects. Highlighting ongoing efforts to make the certification process more accessible for young inventors, he revealed discussions with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) aimed at developing flexible, lower-cost certification pathways that allow students to test their products in the market.
Mr. Buregyeya further emphasized the importance of cross-college collaboration within the university, pointing to successful engagements with other colleges such as COFA and Queensland College. He expressed optimism that Makerere’s innovation ecosystem will soon produce groundbreaking, market-ready products capable of competing globally. “We are happy that the journey is underway this semester,” he said, adding that “our goal is to support young innovators to move from small markets to compete with the bigger ones outside, and to make certification and commercialization more attainable for students.”
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into academic training. He described the student exhibition as a celebration of “innovation, action, purpose and science that transforms,” noting that such initiatives align with national goals of value addition, sustainability, and community transformation. Prof. Bbaale emphasized that the showcased projects — spanning food, nutrition, and engineering — demonstrate how students are emerging as entrepreneurial learners and change agents addressing real-world challenges.
He acknowledged the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC) for supporting student-led research and urged innovators to remain focused, ethical, and community-oriented in their ventures. Commending the mentors and staff for their guidance, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building a research-intensive, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports ideas from concept to commercialization. “Never involve yourself in a business when you are not serving a community problem,” he advised, adding that “you have shown resilience, creativity and passion — proving that innovation knows no bounds. The future belongs to those who are ready to build it.”
The exhibition concluded with the recognition of the top-performing student innovation groups, celebrating their creativity, technical skill, and market potential. Umoja Lacto Blend emerged as the Second Runner-Up, impressing judges with its unique product concept and strong value-addition focus. The First Runner-Up, Green Farm Tractor, showcased an innovative engineering solution designed to improve agricultural efficiency and accessibility for smallholder farmers. Taking the top spot was Agri Farm, whose outstanding innovation, clear business model, and readiness for market positioned them as the overall winners of the 2025 cohort. Their achievements reflected the high caliber of talent within SFTNB and the transformative potential of student-led entrepreneurship.
Agriculture & Environment
Vice Chancellor Closes International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Action
Certificates awarded to participants as Makerere reaffirms commitment to climate-smart agriculture
Makerere University has today October 29, 2025 closed the International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Action, with participants awarded certificates for their contribution and completion of the intensive two-day engagements. The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, students, and international partners to deliberate on how to transform food systems in the face of growing climate challenges.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the organizers and participants for their active engagement and commitment to addressing challenges in food systems and climate change.
“This training has been very useful. Every conference I attend teaches me something new, and I can see that this has been a rich learning experience for everyone here,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We must continue to innovate and work closely with smallholder farmers to ensure that even the smallest pieces of land are used productively. Technology, artificial intelligence, and affordable irrigation systems can make a real difference.”
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of turning university research into practical solutions that benefit communities, noting that Makerere’s scientists must go beyond publications to create commercial products and start enterprises that add value to their innovations.
“Our professors should not only retire on government pension but also on royalties from their innovations,” he added. “We must transform our research into products and services that create jobs and wealth.”
He further highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property and promoting collaboration between universities and industries, drawing lessons from global examples such as Malaysia and China, where research and innovation have powered industrial growth.
Representing the Principal of CAES, Dr. Julia Kigozi, the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for gracing the conference and commended participants for their enthusiasm.
“We explored challenges, trends, and opportunities in food systems and climate change, and this conference has given our researchers and PhD students valuable insights,” she said. “It reminded us that while challenges are shared across countries, we can each start small and still make a difference.”
Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, one of the conveners, emphasized the importance of integrating climate action into food systems transformation, noting that the conference had strengthened Makerere’s networks in food and agricultural sciences.
“This meeting has expanded our collaborations and reaffirmed the university’s leadership in advancing sustainable food systems,” he said. “It was also deliberate in engaging the youth, who are our next generation of innovators.”
On behalf of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Dr. Haris Akram, the Program Manager, thanked Makerere University for hosting the international gathering and reiterated the need for continued collaboration.
“We must ask ourselves whether this workshop will make a difference in our lives and practices,” he remarked. “The real success lies in how we apply the knowledge gained to improve food security and sustainability.”
The conference, organized by Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in partnership with OIC-COMSTECH, brought together experts from across Africa and Asia to share experiences on sustainable food production, agro-processing, and climate-smart innovations.
Officially closing the conference, Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to leading research and innovation in agriculture, food systems, and climate resilience.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our country and the most important driver of our future,” he concluded. “Let us put our heads and hands together to transform this sector and build a sustainable future for our people.”
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