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72nd Graduation Ceremony: CAES presents the best student in the Sciences

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The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) presented the best student in the Sciences during the second session of the 72nd graduation ceremony held on 24th May 2022. Mr. Nuwagira Albert scored a CGPA of 4.82 in the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology. In recognition of his excellent Performance, the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma presented to him the University Convocation Award which includes a cash prize of UGX1 million.

Mr. Nuwagira Albert the Best Sciences Student scored a CGPA of 4.82 in the Bachelor of Food Science and Technology.
Mr. Nuwagira Albert the Best Sciences Student scored a CGPA of 4.82 in the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology.

CAES graduation statistics

Overall, CAES Management led by the Principal, Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga presented 650 graduands. Of these, 17 graduated with PhDs, 104 (38 female, 66 male) with Masters, 7 (2 female, 5 male) with a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment, and 522 (193 female, 329 male) with Bachelor’s degrees.  A total of 18 students (8 female, 10 male) attained first class degrees.  The PhD graduates include; Aben Charles, Alexander Noah Ruley Jane, Alfonse Leonard, Alio Deborah, Kalanzi Fred, Kalule Wamala Stephen, Kyallo Martina, Loga Dorcas Elizabeth, Mawa Christopher, Mukhongo Wilhem Ruth, Mulinde Catherine, Nakitto Aisha Musaazi Sebunya, Ndaula Sulaiman, Obua Tonny, Ochieng Hannington, and Syofuna Agatha.

The Principal, Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga presents CAES PhD graduands at the second session of the 72nd graduation ceremony held on 24th May 2022.
The Principal, Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga presents CAES PhD graduands at the second session of the 72nd graduation ceremony held on 24th May 2022.

General graduation statistics

During 72nd graduation ceremony that started on Monday, 23rd May and will end on Friday, 27th May 2022, a total of 12,474 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 100 will graduate with PhDs, 1,236 with Masters degrees, 10,998 with Bachelor’s degrees and 140 with undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. 52 % of the graduands are female and 48 % are male. Forty of the 100 PhD graduands and 492 of the 1,236 Masters graduands are female, representing 40% in each category.

Remarks by the Chancellor

Delivering his speech, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof Ezra Suruma, congratulated the graduands and urged them to always honour and support those who have helped them in their education journey. “It is the support of your families, friends and communities through many years that has brought you this far. It is my humble prayer that as you move to the next stage of your life you will copy their example of love. I pray that you will be active citizens, compassionate neighbours who seek to improve your communities, nation and the entire world. Initially, your focus is finding a job which is only appropriate – however don’t lose sight of making impact on those that you meet wherever you go.”

Dr. Tonny Obua, one of the PhD graduates from CAES receiving his doctorate from the Chancellor.
Dr. Tonny Obua, one of the PhD graduates from CAES receiving his doctorate from the Chancellor.

Commenting on the significance of agriculture, the Chancellor urged the graduands to use the knowledge and skills attained to transform the sector. “Agriculture remains the major employer of our population, we therefore look to you for improved production, productivity, and the sustainable use and protection of the environment,” he noted, indicating that agriculture had been identified as the number one pillar in the Parish Development Model.

Emphasizing the importance of the Parish Development Model, the Chancellor said it would facilitate the establishment of better institutions that can systematically transform parishes. “Through the initiative, we shall be able to set up cooperatives that can help farmers to access genuine agricultural inputs, assist in drying, sorting, storing and marketing agricultural products properly so that they can meet national, regional and international food standards.”  

Prof. Ezra Suruma confers the PhD upon Dr. Catherine Mulinde.
Prof. Ezra Suruma confers the PhD upon Dr. Catherine Mulinde.

Remarks by the Vice Chancellor

In his graduation message, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged the graduands to put to good use the knowledge and skills acquired in a bid to transform their communities, the country and humanity in general.

Speaking on the celebrations to mark 100 years of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor invited the graduands, their parents and guardians to participate in the activities. Celebrations to mark 100 years of Makerere commenced on 9th October 2021 with the official launch of the Mak@100 logo by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni. The year-long activities include public lectures, seminars, conferences, and exhibitions showcasing the history of the University and achievements registered over the years.  

Prof. Ezra Suruma confers the PhD upon Dr. Syofuna Agatha.
Prof. Ezra Suruma confers the PhD upon Dr. Syofuna Agatha.

Sharing developments in research and innovation, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Government of Uganda for the allocation of UGX30 billion annually to support high impact research at the University.

“Despite the COVID19 disruptions, Makerere continued on a steady course of transforming into a research-led University in line with our Strategic Plan of 2020-2030. Through the government-supported Research and Innovations Fund of Makerere (Mak-RIF), a total of 700 research grants have so far been allocated and more than 500 innovations registered, many of them with potential for commercialization. Together with grants won by individuals and groups of researchers, as well as institutional development funds from development partners, Makerere now has the biggest research budget at any University in Africa. We should now aim at transforming these innovations into marketable goods and services to transform our economy.” The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere was supporting several Universities in Africa to develop their research capacity.

The Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze presenting Masters graduands.
The Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze presenting Masters graduands.

Additionally, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Government of Uganda for the support extended towards infrastructure development at the University. “Last week the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports came to Makerere to commission some buildings and lay foundation stones for others, including the reconstruction of our iconic Main Administration Building, for which Government has already availed all the UGX 21 billion required. The new building for the School of Dentistry has enabled us to equip the biggest dental hospital in East Africa. The Central Teaching Facilities have greatly alleviated the shortage of teaching and office space, and the new building for the School of Law will enhance research and graduate training in the discipline of Law. All these projects will cost the Government more than UGX 60 billion. We thank you very much.”

Commenting on the Parish Development Model, the Vice Chancellor applauded Prof. Ezra Suruma for the great initiative and pledged University support in ensuring it succeeds. The Parish Development Model, a Government strategy for organizing and delivering public and private sector interventions for wealth creation and employment generation at the parish level as the lowest economic planning unit is a brainchild of Prof. Suruma.

Masters graduands jubilate upon hearing their names.
Masters graduands jubilate upon hearing their names.

In his final remarks, the Vice Chancellor implored the graduands to be proud of their Alma Mater and be her good ambassadors.

Transcripts

The Vice Chancellor explained that transcripts for graduands on four to five-year programmes were ready and can be picked starting Monday, 30th May 2022. Transcripts for graduands on three-year programmes will be ready by the second week of June 2022. The Masters certificates are ready and can be picked upon graduation.

Hasifa Kabejja

Agriculture & Environment

APRC Trains Graduate Students & Stakeholders in the Use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas

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Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Coordinator of the APRC speaking at the launch of the Centre. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.

The Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s agricultural future through evidence-based policymaking. With a mission to ensure that agricultural policies are grounded in empirical research and data, APRC is actively investing in capacity-building initiatives that empower researchers, policymakers, and development actors.

In a significant stride toward building climate resilience in African agriculture, APRC recently organized a two-day intensive training workshop focused on the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) – a state-of-the-art, web-based decision-support platform that facilitates the integration of climate data into agricultural planning and policy.

Dr. Florence Rwiza training participants in the use of the Atlas on Day One of the workshop. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Dr. Florence Rwiza training participants in the use of the Atlas on Day One of the workshop.

The workshop, held on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June 2025 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, targeted two key groups: graduate students on the first day, and university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on the second. This structure ensured tailored learning experiences for both emerging and seasoned professionals, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation.

The African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) is designed to provide dynamic, data-rich visualizations that support informed decision-making in agriculture and food systems across the continent. Through interactive maps and analytical tools, users can explore projected climate impacts, evaluate risks, and identify localized, climate-smart adaptation strategies.

Graduate students at the training on Day One of the workshop held at the School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Graduate students at the training on Day One of the workshop held at the School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES.

Throughout the sessions, participants received hands-on training in a broad range of AAAA functionalities, including:

  1. Leveraging the Atlas for research and policy communication: Enhancing the ability of scientists and policy actors to translate complex climate data into actionable insights;
  2. Assessing projected climate impacts and associated agricultural risks: Essential for forward-looking planning and risk mitigation;
  3. Identifying climate-smart investment options, with a particular focus on the livestock sector, which is especially vulnerable to climate shocks;
  4. Analysing gendered vulnerabilities: Examining how climate change disproportionately affects women in agricultural communities;
  5. Understanding the implications of heat stress on agricultural productivity: Supporting targeted interventions to protect producers and their livelihoods;
  6. Estimating the economic returns of adaptation strategies: Aiding in prioritizing investments and allocating limited resources effectively.
One of the trainers guides graduate students on the use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
One of the trainers guides graduate students on the use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas.

Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the APRC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the training in advancing Africa’s adaptation agenda. “As climate change continues to threaten food security and disrupt livelihoods across the continent, tools like the AAAA, and the skills to use them effectively are essential. They empower decision-makers to craft policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and rooted in science,” he noted.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Florence Rwiza, Lecturer in the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics at CAES.  

More photos from the Training

Graduate students during one of the training sessions held on 25th June 2025. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Graduate students during one of the training sessions held on 25th June 2025.

A graduate student seeking clarification on some of the components of the AAAA. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
A graduate student seeking clarification on some of the components of the AAAA.

Dr. Florence Rwiza training the university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on Day Two of the workshop. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Dr. Florence Rwiza training the university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on Day Two of the workshop.

Some of the university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners who participated in the training. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Some of the university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners who participated in the training.

Dr. Florence Rwiza conducting one of the training sessions on Day Two of the workshop. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Dr. Florence Rwiza conducting one of the training sessions on Day Two of the workshop.

Some of the participants and trainers at the workshop. Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) two-day intensive training workshop on African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), 25th-26th June 2025, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 2nd July 2025.
Some of the participants and trainers at the workshop.

Hasifa Kabejja

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NbS4Tea Project Team Makes Great Progress, Deploys Drones for Data Collection

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Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot, training the project team in drone operations. At Makerere, the project is coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima, third right. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.

****Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NbS4Tea is a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and tea productivity in Uganda.

Launch of drones for data collection

The Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project has registered a significant milestone with the successful deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection.

On 19th June 2025, the project team officially launched the drones at the Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, the project’s main research hub. The launch event included hands-on training sessions by Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot. Mr. Mutungi provided detailed instruction on drone operation, safety procedures, and data acquisition techniques specifically tailored to the project’s goals. The training was attended the core NbS4Tea researchers as well as students supported by the project.

Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot briefs the research team on the critical role of drones in data collection. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot briefs the research team on the critical role of drones in data collection.

By utilizing drone technology, the team will be able to capture high-resolution imagery and gather critical environmental data across vast tea-growing areas. This will enable more precise assessments of biodiversity, soil health, water use, and overall ecosystem services. The valuable insights generated will guide the development of sustainable, nature-based agricultural practices with the potential for widespread adoption throughout the tea industry.

About the NbS4Tea Project

NbS4Tea is a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and tea productivity in Uganda. Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and led by Dr Emmanuel Arthur from Aarhus University, the project is being implemented through a consortium of Ugandan and Danish institutions namely: Makerere University, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, Uganda Tea Association, Aarhus University, Denmark, and Kick-start International.

The project team members attending a training session at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. From Right to left: Dr. Prossy Nakawuka, Dr. Alex Nimusiima - Team Leader, Makerere University, Dr. Twaha Ali Basamba, and Dr. Grace Nakabonge. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team members attending a training session at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. From Right to left: Dr. Prossy Nakawuka, Dr. Alex Nimusiima – Team Leader, Makerere University, Dr. Twaha Ali Basamba, and Dr. Grace Nakabonge.

The primary objective of the project is to sustainably close the tea yield gap in Uganda by developing research-driven, nature-based solutions that enhance the climate resilience of tea production systems. This involves identifying climate-resilient tea varieties, integrating tea prunings and banana by-products, utilizing nitrogen-fixing agroforestry trees, and improving irrigation management. The approach emphasizes socio-economic feasibility, capacity building in research, and a market-oriented, multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure both environmental and economic sustainability.

At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES. Other Project members are; Dr Grace Nakabonge from the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; Dr Prossy Nakawuka from the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering; Dr Twaha Ali Basamba from the Department of Agricultural Production; and Dr Alice Turinawe from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics.

The project team during a training in drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team during a training in drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.

Specific objectives

  1. Identify and quantify climate change impacts on tea yield and quality based on historical and newly obtained data and novel data mining methods.
  2. Screen, select and recommend tea varieties adapted to abiotic (drought and heat) and biotic stresses (diseases and pests).
  3. Develop new knowledge on the potential of local waste biomass (tea prunings, banana pseudostems and peels) as soil amendments- mulch, compost, biochar, to recycle nutrients, improve soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration and alleviate drought.
  4. Reveal NbS through agroforestry combined with organic mulch, irrigation and resilient tea varieties that increase biodiversity and tea yield.
  5. Innovate new methods to enhance tea production under climate change through rainwater harvest and climate-smart irrigation infrastructure.
  6. Empower vulnerable groups (women, youth, and people with disabilities) in tea production and processing to ensure multi-actor involvement and socio-economic benefit outreach of the proposed NbS in tea cultivation and production.
  7. Identify export market strategies for NbS tea products, aligned with consumer preferences.
Some of the PhD and Masters students supported by the project. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Some of the PhD and Masters students supported by the project.

Progress thus far

Launched in January 2024, the project, organized in five work packages, has registered significant progress. Each of the work packages listed below supports one PhD student and one Masters’ student. The PhD students are: i) Mr. Adiga Hassan from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES conducting research under work package 1; ii) Ms. Sarah Namayengo from the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism conducting research under work package 2; Ms. Vivian Namutebi from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management undertaking research on work package 3; Mr. Keneth Chelimo from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering conducting his research under work package 4; and Ms. Moreen Asasira from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics focusing on work package 5. The Masters students are: i) Ms. Evelyn Katasi from the Department of Environmental Management at CAES (work package 1), Mr. Vereriano Turyahebwa from Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism (work package 2); Mr. Ben Okurut from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management (work package 3); Mr. Augustine Okot from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (work package 4); and Mr. Augustine Kigozi from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (work package 5)

The project team receiving training on drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team receiving training on drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Work packages and achievements registered

Work Package 1: Climate change impacts on tea yield and quality – Headed by Dr. Alex Nimusiima

This work package centres on the analysis of historical and projected climate conditions in the study area. It examines how current climate patterns influence tea production, as well as the potential effects of future climate change on tea yield and quality.

Progress

i) A household survey assessing the socio-economic status of tea farmers and the effects of climate variability on their livelihoods has been completed.
ii) The collected data has been cleaned, and the Masters student supported under this work package is currently writing her thesis based on the survey findings.
iii) A historical climate analysis of the study area has been conducted by the PhD student, who is now preparing a manuscript.

One of the drones to be used by the project team flying over the research area during the training session. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
One of the drones to be used by the project team flying over the research area during the training session.

Work Package 2: Screening & selecting tea genotypes for resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses – Headed by Assoc. Prof. Grace Nakabonge

This work package focuses on evaluating existing tea genotypes for their resistance to pests and diseases, using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging as a diagnostic tool.

Progress

i) A screen house has been constructed to serve as the experimental site.

ii) Germplasm from two tea varieties is currently being cultivated in the screen house in preparation for the upcoming experiments.

iii) A drone has been acquired to assist in data collection for this work package.

The students supported by the project undergo practical training at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The students supported by the project undergo practical training at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Work Package 3: Evaluation of NbS for climate resilience, higher yield and biodiversity- Headed by Assoc. Prof. Twaha Ali Basamba

This focuses on the characterization of mulch and biochar derived from tea prunings to improve soil health. It also aims to quantify the added value of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in enhancing tea productivity, promoting climate resilience, and supporting biodiversity.

Progress

  1. So far, Biochar has been produced from tea prunings and characterized.
  2. The Masters student supported under this work package is writing his thesis on the results of biochar characterization.
Ms. Sarah Namayengo, a PhD student supported by the project tests her skills after the training. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Ms. Sarah Namayengo, a PhD student supported by the project tests her skills after the training.

Work Package 4: Innovating smart and scalable irrigation technology for improved tea production- Headed by Dr. Prossie Nakawuka

This work package aims to develop and evaluate smart, scalable irrigation solutions to boost tea production. It focuses on assessing how irrigation impacts tea yield and quality, measuring water use efficiency, and analyzing the economic returns of irrigation practices. Additionally, it explores deficit irrigation and climate-resilient strategies to ensure sustainable tea farming in changing environmental conditions.

Progress

  1. The irrigation infrastructure is now in place and fully operational at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.
  2. The experimental plots for irrigation experiments are already in place with water pipes.
A close-up of the drone in flight. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
A close-up of the drone in flight.

Work package 5: Socio-economic assessment of tea-agroforestry and selected tea varieties – Headed by Dr. Alice Turinawe

This work package emphasizes co-creation within multi-stakeholder innovation networks to evaluate the economic feasibility and market access of tea agroforestry systems. It also focuses on promoting gender balance and understanding consumer valuation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) tea from Uganda.

Progress

To date, two co-creation workshops have been successfully conducted and the Masters student under this work package is currently analyzing the workshop results as part of their research.

The project team being trained on drone operation. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team being trained on drone operation.

Expected outputs and outcomes

  1. Increased tea production, productivity, and biodiversity through the adoption of NbS.
  2. Increased research and technical capacity of Makerere and R-ZARDI.
  3. Holistic stakeholder insight on economic feasibility, consumer acceptance and market access strategies, especially for vulnerable groups in the tea value chain.
  4. Increased job prospects for youth and women in tea production sub-sectors.
  5. Improved social status and increased incomes of tea farmers, traders, and exporters.
  6. Improved economic and environmental quality by recycling biomass waste into value-added products dedicated to soil enhancement.
  7. 4+ high-yielding tea genotypes adapted to drought and heat, diseases and pests.
  8. 15+ scientific articles, conference presentations.
  9. Five PhDs and Five MSc degrees.
  10. Market access assessment and empowerment.
Part of the Drip Irrigation System set up by the project team at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Part of the Drip Irrigation System set up by the project team at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Details on the project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2024/01/new-caes-project-to-improve-tea-production-in-uganda/

More photos from the event

The screen house constructed to serve as the experimental site. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The screen house constructed to serve as the experimental site.

The Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.

Fields of the tea crop. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Fields of the tea crop.

Hasifa Kabejja

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New Mak-CAES Project to Spur Green Growth in East Africa

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The project team led by the PI, Dr Patrick Musinguzi (2nd L) at the launch ceremony held in the GIS Lab at CoCIS, Makerere University. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Makerere University, through its Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), has launched a new project aimed at fostering green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and create eco-friendly, low-carbon communities through collaborative research, education, and technology.

The PI, Dr Patrick Musinguzi briefing participants about the objectives of the project. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The PI, Dr Patrick Musinguzi briefing participants about the objectives of the project.

Introducing the TORCH Project: Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-Emission Society

The two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa), seeks to strengthen cooperation between academia and local communities to promote green growth and environmental sustainability. Funded by the OeAD-GmbH under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education Research for Development (APPEAR), TORCH focuses on clean energy solutions, carbon emission reduction, and community empowerment through training, research, and co-creation of green technologies.

Dr Paul Mukwaya (R), Dr Godfrey Taulya, Dr Twaha Ali Basamba Ateenyi, academic staff from CAES at the launch ceremony. Dr Mukwaya represented the Principal of CAES. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr Paul Mukwaya (R), Dr Godfrey Taulya, Dr Twaha Ali Basamba Ateenyi, academic staff from CAES at the launch ceremony. Dr Mukwaya represented the Principal of CAES.

Officially launched by the Principal of CAES, represented by Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, TORCH builds upon existing East African government policies. The project will implement the innovative concept of living labs, where universities, communities, and stakeholders co-design, co-create, and co-produce affordable, reliable green technologies tailored to local needs.  

Mr. Andreas Bauer from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna provided valuable insights into the critical role that living labs play in promoting sustainable, green growth. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Andreas Bauer from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna provided valuable insights into the critical role that living labs play in promoting sustainable, green growth.

Key Objectives and Activities

TORCH aims to:

  1. Enhance teaching on green growth by integrating principles into selected academic curricula.
  2. Establish three living laboratories in Central, South Western, and Eastern Uganda to boost co-creation on energy efficiency and low-carbon emissions.
  3. Increase human capacity through short courses, field research, and training.
  4. Empower women in science and technology.
  5. Promote novel green technologies and support policy transformation.
  6. Strengthen partnerships among universities in East Africa.
Mr. Andreas Bauer delivering his presentation on the significance of living labs. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Andreas Bauer delivering his presentation on the significance of living labs.

These activities directly contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), while also reducing health risks and conserving the environment.

Dr Anna Ninsiima, gender expert on the project together with the representatives of farmers at the launch ceremony. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr Anna Ninsiima, gender expert on the project together with the representatives of farmers at the launch ceremony.

Leadership and Partner Institutions

The overall project coordinator is Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University. TORCH involves several partner institutions, including: Makerere University (Uganda), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Austria), Kabale University (Uganda), Busitema University (Uganda), Kyambogo University (Uganda), and the University of Juba (South Sudan).

The coordinators at Busitema, Kyambogo, and Kabale Universities briefing participants on their roles in the project. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The coordinators at Busitema, Kyambogo, and Kabale Universities briefing participants on their roles in the project.

Highlights of the Launch Ceremony

During the launch ceremony held in the GIS Lab at Makerere University, and attended by representatives from the partner institutions, Dr. Musinguzi presented an overview of TORCH, outlining key strategies for implementation and expected outcomes. Central to the project’s strategy is the integration of green growth principles into Makerere University’s academic curriculum. This will be formally proposed to the University Management for adoption. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen the university’s research agenda in this critical area. This will involve supporting faculty and student-led research projects and generation of evidence-based insights on green growth to influence policy at both local and national levels. There are also plans to establish three living labs in Central, South Western, and Eastern Uganda to serve as practical hubs for advancing green growth.

Mr. Kayanja Susane (L), a farmer from Luweero sharing his views on the importance of collaboration between local communities and the academia. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Kayanja Susane (L), a farmer from Luweero sharing his views on the importance of collaboration between local communities and the academia.

Expert Insights on Community Engagement

In his presentation, Mr. Andreas Bauer from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna provided valuable insights into the critical role that living labs play in promoting sustainable, green growth. Highlighting practical examples and innovative approaches, Mr. Andreas Bauer emphasized how living labs serve as dynamic platforms for collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and local communities, enabling real-world experimentation and the development of eco-friendly solutions that drive environmental and economic progress.

Some of the project members at the launch ceremony. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the project members at the launch ceremony.

To emphasize the importance of collaboration between local communities and the academia, Mr. Kayanja Susane, a farmer from Kawumu Village in Luweero District, explained that, with guidance and support from the project team, he learned to produce biogas from animal waste -a reliable source of energy that reduces dependence on traditional fuels, subsequently minimizing environmental degradation.

Dr Walusimbi Sadhat, Lecturer in the Department of Range and Animal Science at CAES sharing his views on the project. Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), launch of two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa) to foster green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa, June 2025, GIS Lab, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr Walusimbi Sadhat, Lecturer in the Department of Range and Animal Science at CAES sharing his views on the project.

Research Focus 

As part of the strategy to guide implementation, the project team brainstormed potential ecological and social indicators of low emissions in homesteads, and proposed several research areas to support green growth. Proposed research areas include:

  1. Life cycle analysis
  2. Circular economy practices within homesteads
  3. Gender integration and the intersection of gender with green growth
  4. The role of livestock in promoting green growth
  5. Evaluating the impact of interventions on total emissions
  6. Barriers to adopting green innovations
  7. The use of indigenous knowledge in promoting green growth

Addressing the participants, the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), represented by Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, commended the project as a timely initiative aligned with the University’s research agenda. He underscored the importance of collaborating with other stakeholders, noting that similar projects have been conducted within and outside Makerere. Dr. Mukwaya called for the adoption of the theory of change framework to ensure the project delivers measurable, sustainable impacts that extend beyond policy briefs and gender mainstreaming, ultimately contributing to lasting green transformation in the region. He expressed appreciation to the project funders for their unwavering support to Makerere University.

Hasifa Kabejja

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