Natural Sciences
72nd Graduation Ceremony: CoNAS presents 268 graduands with a record 17 PhDs
The 72nd graduation ceremony of Makerere University has kicked off today, 23rd May 2022 with the Colleges of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Health Sciences as well as the School of Law presenting students for the award of degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.
The graduation ceremony presided over by the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma was graced by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and the First Lady, also Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.
During 72nd graduation ceremony that ends 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.
The College of Natural Sciences has presented a total of 268 students including 17 PhDs, 22 Masters (4 female,18 male) and 229 undergraduates (72 female, 157 male). Of these, a total of 5 students (1 female, 4 male) graduated with First Class degrees. Eight students attained PhD in Mathematics, the highest number of PhD graduates from a single department in the 100-year history of Makerere University. The students were sponsored by the SIDA Bilateral Programme, 2015-2022, project 316 ‘Capacity Building in Mathematics and its Applications. Since 2015, the Project led by Prof. John Mango has sponsored 21 PhD students.
Presenting the graduands, the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta commended Prof. Mango for his invaluable contribution towards research and training in the Department of Mathematics.
The 17 PhD graduates include; Adaku Christopher, Anywar Godwin, Buttibwa Mary, Eneku John Paul, Inuwa Badamasi, Kito Luliro Silas, Kyomuhangi Annet, Mayanja Edison, Mukisa Ambrose, Ochen William, Opio Peter, Nabawanda Olivia, Nanfuka Mary, Nalule Rebecca, Okello Joseph Omwonylee, and Wamono Felix.
Remarks by the President
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni who attended virtually re-echoed the importance of science in development. “The trigger of social change is science. I appeal to Ugandans and social scientists to understand this. When Africa was colonized, it was not that we lacked Kings, Magicians, Priests, we lacked science. Science was not emphasized. What was emphasized was these other actors. We want to emphasize science because it is the basis of socioeconomic transformation,” he explained, recommitting to facilitate government scientists better. “We have insisted on giving good salaries to Government scientists including science teachers in public Universities and secondary schools. This is not because we have forgotten the social scientists and arts people. This is because we cannot handle all at a go,” he noted. Additionally, the President emphasized the need for collaborative research. Commenting on security on Campus, he pledged to facilitate the completion of the University Perimeter wall.
Remarks by the Minister of Education and Sports
Delivering her remarks, the First Lady, also Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni who also attended virtually congratulated the graduands and their parents for the success registered. She thanked the University Management for their commitment in ensuring students attain quality education. “Together with our partners in development, we are still struggling to improve the working conditions, revamp the university infrastructure and to have new curriculum. We are grateful to our partners who have stood with us but most of all the government. We are specifically grateful to the NRM government because it shepherds the Ugandan child from childhood by providing basic health and education services. Government hope is that the Parish Model will empower the family to support the other education requirements of children. As we celebrate 100 years, we thank God for where He has brought us from. From 14 students, the University now has over 3,8000 students. This is no mean achievement. We must stand together. Let nothing divide us in our pursuit to transform the University and country. We should learn to embrace dialogue in conflict resolution,” she noted. The First Lady appreciated the Government for the enormous investment in research at the University. “Through government processes, we received funding for the construction of a 300-bed teaching hospital. This will greatly improve the teaching infrastructure at the University.”
The Chairperson, Makerere University Council
Addressing graduands, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the great service rendered to the University for the years he has held the Office. She presented an award to Prof. William Bazeyo, for his exemplary service as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration. During his tenure, Prof. Bazeyo played a tremendous role in soliciting for funding for the University, leading to a reduction of the University debt from UGX120 billion in 2017 to less than UGX 10 billion currently.
Remarks by the Chancellor
The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma appreciated the President and the First Lady, for their exceptional leadership and persistent determination in managing the Covid19 pandemic. “Despite the enormous economic, social and political pressures that you faced, you refused to relent in the face of the havoc of covid19 upon the world in general and Uganda in particular. I believe that your firm stand on vaccination and on preventive lockdown helped to save thousands of lives of Ugandans who would probably have died.” The Chancellor also appreciated the Government of Uganda for the commitment towards advancing research and higher education in the Country.
In his address, the Chancellor congratulated the graduands and paid tribute to the parents and guardians for the sacrifices made to ensure their children attain quality education. “I plead with the graduands to never forget to cherish and to honour your parents, guardians and sponsors who have sacrificed so much to help you reach this graduation day. As they become older, they will increasingly need your love and financial support. Whenever I meet someone I assisted and he or she tells me how they cherished my support I feel greatly uplifted. But whenever I remember someone I assisted but who has never bothered to send even a message of greetings, I feel discouraged. Please endeavor to cultivate an attitude of gratitude,” he advised.
The Chancellor appreciated Makerere University Management and faculty for the commitment and time invested in delivering quality education to the students.
The Vice Chancellor’s address
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the students and professors on the achievement. He thanked the parents, guardians, Government, and other sponsors, for supporting the students. “A total of 254 of this week’s graduands have been supported under the Government of Uganda Students’ Loans Scheme under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB). Since 2014, the Students’ Loan Scheme has supported 1,816 Students to study different Science Programmes at Makerere University, making it the single biggest supporter of private students at the Institution. These students would otherwise never have achieved their higher education dreams if it was not for the Students’ Loan Scheme. I wish to congratulate you the beneficiaries and appeal to you to use the skills and knowledge you have acquired to serve your country but also remember to pay back such that more students can be supported.”
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor appreciated all development partners who have supported many students to attain quality education at Makerere, including the Mastercard Foundation, Sida, Norad, The Madhvani Foundation, the Inter-University Council of East Africa, as well as Government Ministries and Agencies.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the University Council for expanding the Female Scholarship Scheme to support 40 girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, with special attention to Uganda’s ethnic minorities, including the Ik, the Dodoth, the Batwa, and the Jie. “It is also my pleasure to report that the University Council policy on affirmative action for girls in STEM is already bearing fruit. Because of that policy, the enrolment of girls in STEM has increased from 35% to 42% over the last two academic years.”
Regarding research and innovation at Makerere, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Government for the allocation of UGX 30 billion annually for the last three years towards the Research and Innovation Fund, commonly referred to as RIF. “This fund has transformed Makerere tremendously. Out of 1,200 applications received, more than 700 research grants have so far been allocated and more than 500 innovations have been recorded, many of them with potential for commercialization, and a number of policy briefs and manuals have been developed. The Government of Uganda is now the single largest funder of research at Makerere University and we are obliged to respond by increasing our efforts to find solutions to our Country’s development challenges. Our potential for innovation came out during the COVID-19 pandemic when more than 200 innovations to fight that disease were realized. I congratulate the Makerere researchers for their patriotism and zeal.”
He also appreciated the Government for the considerable investments in improving Makerere University infrastructure. “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 and we thank you very much indeed.”
The Vice Chancellor equally thanked the President for the pledge to support the construction of a perimeter wall around the University campus. He also appreciated the President for his directive for the allocation of funds to renovate student halls of residence and facilities of the College of Health Sciences. “These facilities are central to student welfare and the quality of our teaching and training. With these investments, I want to assure Your Excellency that we shall give our best to build the human capital of this country and enhance research and innovation to drive the national development agenda. The grant of USD 300 million negotiated by the First Lady and Minister of Education for the construction of a teaching hospital at Makerere University will greatly revolutionise teaching and research at Makerere. Makerere will never be the same again,” he noted. He also extended gratitude to the government for the pledge of UGX 800 million to support activities to mark 100 years of Makerere University. This year, Makerere is celebrating 100 years of excellent service to humanity. The climax will be on 8th October 2022.
Full speech by the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Natural Sciences
Makerere Researchers Call for Urgent Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Eastern Uganda
Researchers from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University have highlighted the urgent need to conserve medicinal plants in the face of increasing threats from climate change, over-harvesting, and habitat destruction.
Despite Namutumba District’s rich diversity of medicinal plants, conservation efforts are limited, and several species are already classified as globally and nationally threatened. This highlights the urgent need for focused conservation strategies to safeguard these vulnerable medicinal plants.
Under a project titled “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Conservation of Commonly Traded Medicinal Plants in a Climate-Changing Environment in Eastern Uganda,” a team of researchers led by Dr Patience Tugume documented 174 medicinal plant species. The goal was to assess the existential threats facing these plants due to unsustainable harvesting practices and the lack of effective conservation measures. These species are widely used to treat various health conditions, including malaria, syphilis, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. The findings of the study are intended to guide the development of species-specific, evidence-based interventions to curb possible extinction and loss of medicinal plant resources. The research revealed troubling trends in the availability of key medicinal plants, including:
- The herbalists mostly collected their medicinal plants from bushlands (92.0%), markets (82.3%) and wetlands (74.7%) and were rarely cultivated. This is of great concern regarding the conservation and future availability of these resources.
- It was noted that 36% of the herbal products were made from roots, which presents a conservation threat since the heavy utilization of roots affects the regeneration of the medicinal plants.
- Common plants used were: Kigelia africana (Naibere), Erythrina abyssinica (Ekiyirikiti) and Geranium sauveolens (Lokowe). Kigelia africana was the most cited species by the herbalists, indicating heavy utilization and a high conservation threat if deliberate measures are not taken to ensure its future availability.
- Almost all respondents (289, 96.3%) acknowledged a considerable decline in the availability of 13 medicinal plants species including Aloe wollastonii (Ekigagi), Commiphora africana (Nkulidho), Myrica kandtiana (Mukikimbo) and Acacia sieberiana (Mufundawuzi).
- Four plant species i.e. Tamarindus indica (Enkoge), Warburgia ugandensis (Balwegira), Mitragyna rubrastipulata (Mutamatama) and Mondia whitei (Mulondo) appear on the Red List of Globally and Nationally Threatened Species and were mentioned among the plants whose population has greatly declined.
- The causes of decline in availability of medicinal plants included climate change, overharvesting, agricultural expansion, habitat destruction, land use change and inadequate regulations.
- There were no medicinal plant conservation efforts by herbalists.
The study recommended the following practices to ensure conservation of the medicinal plants:
- Promote the use of sustainable harvesting techniques to ensure conservation of medicinal plants.
- Conduct capacity building for stakeholders in the medicinal plants sector on conservation, value addition and standardization.
- Establish community botanical gardens raw plant collection and sensitization programmes.
- Advocate for agroforestry among herbalists to reduce the dependence on natural habitats.
- Develop and enforce regulations on accessing natural areas for medicinal plants.
- Promote conservation awareness campaigns.
Research Dissemination in Namutumba District
At the research dissemination workshop held in Namutumba District on 23rd July 2025, and attended by district leaders, researchers, and local herbalists, the project team led by Dr Patience Tugume expressed hope that the insights gained from the project, particularly in medicinal plants conservation approaches, will be invaluable for minimising the decline in medicinal plants.
In her remarks, Dr Tugume, thanked the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) for funding the project. She expressed gratitude to the research team composed of Dr Abubakar Sadik Mustafa, Dr Jamilu E. Ssenku, Dr Savina Asiimwe, and Dr Abdul Walusansa who have worked with her closely from project inception in February 2024. She further thanked the research assistants and all respondents, mainly the herbalists that participated in the study.
In a special way, she appreciated Mr. Fred Aggrey Bangu (Resident District Commissioner), Mr. Ofwono Emmanuel (Chief Administrative Officer), Mr. Kiire Noah (Communication Officer), Mr. Mugunywa Enock (District Community Development Officer), Mr. Kirya Moses (District Environmental Officer), Mr. Bamusubire William (District Forest Officer) and the leaders of herbalist associations for providing support throughout the study and sparing time to attend the dissemination workshop.
Addressing the participants, the Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Fred Aggrey Bangu urged all stakeholders to engage in a collaborative discussion on how the study findings can be translated into practical solutions to promote sustainable use and conservation of commonly used medicinal plants in Namutumba District amidst adverse effects of climate change.
Mr. Ofwono Emmanuel, the Chief Administrative Officer, praised the Makerere research team for selecting Namutumba as the study area. He said the research served as an eye-opener to the district officials and community, especially regarding the pressure exerted on natural medicinal resources.
Report compiled by Dr Patience Tugume and Dr Abubakar Sadik Mustafa – Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, CoNAS, Makerere University
Natural Sciences
Beyond Being a Dean of Science & Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Prof. Luboobi was a Friend. Just That!
Prof. Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi, Africa’s Icon of Mathematics is gone. The continent has lost a true giant in the field of mathematics, specifically biomathematics. This dynamic and evolving discipline, which applies mathematical principles to the study of biological systems and phenomena, has been deeply shaped by Prof. Luboobi’s legacy. At Makerere University and across Africa, his influence is etched into the fabric of research, mentorship, and innovation. Prof. Luboobi’s contributions have left lasting marks, on the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of lives he touched directly and indirectly. Each of us carries a unique memory, a lesson, or an inspiration drawn from his life and work. We will dearly miss Prof. Luboobi, a brilliant mind, a generous mentor, and a true icon of African science.
To me and my peers, he was our Dean, Faculty of Science in 1995, and he read-out our names at our graduation in January 1999. Later in 2004 as Vice Chancellor, he signed off my official 4-year PhD study leave in Scandinavia. When the 4 years elapsed before I could complete, we returned to the table and successfully negotiated for extra 2 years of grace which enabled me to complete in excellence in January 2010.
Lately, after his retirement, we found ourselves closely intimate, sharing deeper thoughts on a number of social, development, strategic leadership and governance, and academic matters. As a plant biologist, spending time with a retired Professor of Mathematics, one could wonder what we would possibly have to talk about. And yet, our discussions were rich and thought-provoking. One moment that left a lasting impression on me was his quiet humility. Despite the respect and priority I extended to him, he never assumed entitlement. If he sensed I was busy, he would simply wait outside my office, whether at the Botany Building or my current Dean’s office at CONAS, without interrupting. That gesture spoke volumes.
We often talked about science, and I had much to learn from him. I asked how he had managed to start and sustain the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), since we were in the process of setting up the Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU) at the time. I also wanted to hear about his journey – from his undergraduate days to becoming a retired professor. As he shared his story, pausing to catch his breath after long sentences, I sensed he was deeply concerned about something. His concern was that, as of 2017, nearly all senior academics at Makerere University had begun their careers humbly as teaching assistants and risen through the ranks in various disciplines, but that opportunity had since been lost.
He believed that trying to establish a sustainable staffing system without a pool of junior staff, selected directly from the best-performing undergraduate students, was a risky path for the university’s future. With a troubled tone, he said: “I wonder how you people will manage university staffing in the long term when you have removed the foundation…” There were many lessons in that conversation for me.
In October 2023, I started assembling a grant application together with my European and American colleagues (5 Universities) for submission to National Science Foundation (NSF, USA), addressing a certain plant disease conundrum in East Africa. I realized Prof. Luboobi’s expertise in Biomathematics could be relevant. I co-opted him along with another colleague from the Department of Mathematics. I was fascinated at the express knowledge he displayed in modelling biological systems, and in our case, plant disease modelling. Much as his physical strength was less, the intellect was razor-sharp. Even though we didn’t succeed on that attempt, I had numerous other lessons to learn from his seniority.
We shared personal stories. I re-learnt that living simple as much as possible helps a lot. Although this was not new, hearing it from one you respect takes on a whole new meaning. If I died today, I wonder what my peers or junior colleagues would say about me? I would not hear it, though. I am happy I had chance to tell Prof. Luboobi what he meant to me when he was still alive.
I regret his death. We usually say it is untimely, but will death of a loved one ever be timely? Holy Scripture says, “Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; You have appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.” – Job 14:5. This is an emphasis of God’s sovereignty over life and death, highlighting that He determines the length of a person’s life and sets unchangeable limits, just as He does in setting boundaries and limits for all His creation. Prof. Luboobi could not cross the boundary set by the creator.
I am grateful that the Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University and his team did their best to mobilize support at the most critical moment of need. I am grateful to God for gifting Makerere University with Prof. Luboobi, and for allowing me in particular a chance to walk a little close with him in his evening days of his life between 2023-2025.
Good bye Prof. Livingstone S. Luboobi! Go and serve God with the angels. We will also join you, in the course of time! See you later when that time comes!
*****15 students from different departments at CoNAS are showcasing their projects.
Over 300 Ugandan innovators, among them students from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and other science-based colleges at Makerere University are participating in the 2025 National Science Week exhibition, currently underway at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
Launched in 2021, the National Science Week is an annual event organized by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President. The exhibition serves as a strategic platform for showcasing Uganda’s advancements in science, technology, and innovation, both at the national level and on the global stage.
Held under the theme “Made in Uganda: Innovation to Market”, the 2025 edition (running from 15th-20th June) aims to highlight the country’s growing capacity to transform home-grown scientific ideas and research into viable, market-ready products and technologies.
Key highlights from the official launch of the National Science Week
During the official launch held on 13th May 2025, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, outlined several milestones Uganda has achieved over the past year, including:
- The commencement of clinical trials for locally developed therapeutics, marking a significant step in Uganda’s biopharmaceutical sector.
- Notable growth in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, including the deployment of over 5,000 electric motorcycles and 27 electric buses across the country.
- Establishment of critical green infrastructure, including 140 battery swapping stations and more than 30 direct current (DC) fast chargers nationwide.
According to the Minister, these developments demonstrate Uganda’s advancing capabilities in green technology and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Minister also highlighted additional achievements by the STI Secretariat, including the revitalization of Sukulu Phosphates, the launch of both the Deep Tech and Climate Tech summits, and the operationalization of vaccine production lines for both human and animal health. Dr. Musenero expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support, emphasizing its strategic vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation as a transformative vehicle to position Uganda as a continental leader in deep tech innovation.
The 2025 National Science Week Activities
The National Science Week is designed to be an interactive experience for all attendees. According to Ms. Cathy Muhumuza from the STI, the exhibition will feature various activities including the official opening by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, expected to take place on Thursday, 19th June 2025. Other activities will include policy dialogues, the Academia Day dedicated to young innovators, and the Investor Day providing a platform for innovators to connect with potential investors.
Additionally, the event will host a “Made in Uganda Supermarket,” allowing visitors to purchase products directly from exhibitors.
CoNAS Students’ projects
Among the many innovators featured at the exhibition are several talented student teams from CoNAS, presenting a diverse array of projects across scientific disciplines, including biotechnology and green energy. Guided by their lecturers and coordinated by Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, the students are showcasing the following projects:
- Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Gel Research Project
Team Leader: Mwebaze Bruce
Team Members: Atim Martha, Sebastian Jordan
This project explores the development of a topical gel with both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, aimed at improving public health outcomes in communities with limited access to conventional treatments. - Minoxidil Production for Hair Regrowth
Team Leader: Keinembabazi Melissa
Team Members: Hashima Nanyiri, Nkamusiima Andrew
Focused on producing affordable, locally made Minoxidil, this project aims to provide a cost-effective solution for treating hair loss. - Infrared Biosensor for Aflatoxin Detection
Team Leader: Rubeihayo Randolp
Team Members: Namuleme Martha, Wabitereza Teddy
This innovation utilizes spectrophotometry to develop an infrared biosensor capable of detecting harmful aflatoxins in food, contributing to food safety and public health. - Biofuel Production from Water Hyacinth
Team Leader: Bill Garvin
Team Members: Kalanguka Patience Pearl, Nuwagaba Victor
The project converts invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biofuels using hydrothermal liquefaction, offering an environmentally friendly alternative energy source. - Automobile Fuel Gauge Detector
Team Leader: Ayebare Sam
Team Members: Achieng Rosemary, Nakirinda Winnie
This project involves the development of a reliable fuel gauge detector to improve vehicle fuel management and efficiency.
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