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
From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Makerere Researchers Turn Water Hyacinth into Valuable Products
For communities living along Uganda’s lakes and rivers, water hyacinth is more than an invasive weed. Its rapid spread can choke waterways, disrupt fishing and transportation, restrict access to water and interfere with livelihoods and essential community services.
But what has for years been viewed primarily as an environmental menace could also become a source of economic opportunity.
Turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity
Researchers at Makerere University, with support from the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), have demonstrated how water hyacinth can be harvested and transformed into useful, value-added products through a small-scale community bio-refining approach.
Their project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” sought to shift the focus from simply removing and disposing of the invasive plant to exploring opportunities for value addition, innovation and enterprise.
Led by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, the research was inspired by the experiences of communities affected by water hyacinth, including residents of Katosi Ward in Mukono District, where the weed has had significant socio-ecological impacts.
According to a community assessment conducted as part of the research, 68.7% of the respondents reported extreme impacts on fishing, while 65.0% reported extreme impacts on water transport.
During community engagements, residents described how the proliferation of water hyacinth had blocked waterways, disrupted fishing and transportation, affected access to water and created significant challenges for household livelihoods. In some instances, obstructed waterways affected children’s access to essential services.
These experiences provided an important starting point for the research team.
Through different processing methods, the team successfully developed three products from the harvested biomass: a bio-fertilizer, briquettes, and biodegradable sanitary pads.
Water hyacinth transformed into bio-fertilizer
One of the products developed by the researchers was a bio-fertilizer made from water hyacinth biomass.
The process began with harvesting the weed from affected water bodies and shredding the biomass to facilitate processing. The researchers explored biological processing approaches, including composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic digestion, to break down the plant material and release its organic matter and nutrients.
Following processing and curing, the resulting material was developed into an organic soil amendment, providing a productive use for harvested water hyacinth while returning organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Briquettes offer an alternative solid fuel
The project team also developed briquettes from water hyacinth biomass, demonstrating its potential as an alternative solid fuel.
The innovation could, with further research, development and appropriate commercialization pathways, contribute to community-based enterprises.
From water hyacinth fibre to biodegradable sanitary pads
Another distinctive innovation emerging from the research is a biodegradable sanitary pad.
To produce the absorbent material, researchers extracted cellulose-rich fibre from the petioles of water hyacinth and combined it with other locally available plant fibres, including banana fibre and papyrus.
The resulting plant-based material was incorporated into sanitary pads that were subsequently developed and tested to assess their performance as a menstrual hygiene product.
According to the research findings, the water-hyacinth-based pads demonstrated higher liquid absorption capacity and potential health and safety advantages compared with conventional pads. Their use of locally available plant fibres also offers potential to reduce production costs and improve accessibility.
Research generating scientific knowledge
In addition to developing value-added products, the project has generated scientific knowledge on the socio-ecological effects of water hyacinth on affected communities.
The research findings have been published in Scientific Reports, Springer Nature Journal, in a peer-reviewed paper by Nabatanzi, A., Nambejja, C. and Byarugaba, I. (2026) titled “Socio-ecological impacts of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes (Mart) Solm) on livelihoods in Katosi Ward, Uganda.”
The study provides evidence of the impacts of water hyacinth on livelihoods, while the wider project demonstrates how the same invasive resource can be investigated as a potential source of useful products.
Other research outputs: Production of personal care and wellness products from different plant materials
Beyond their work on value-added products from water hyacinth, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team are also translating scientific research into a growing range of locally developed skincare, personal care and wellness products under AURENE AURA, a Ugandan innovation emerging from the Makerere University Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB) Product Development Hub.
Built around the integration of research, nature and innovation, AURENE AURA brings together botanical ingredients and formulation science to develop products designed for diverse skincare and personal wellness needs. The growing collection includes medicated acne-control bars, radiant and brightening soaps and lotions, hypoallergenic goat-milk cleansing bars, moisturizing shower gels, baby-care jelly, lip balms and lip gloss, liquid soaps and other personal-care formulations.
The portfolio also extends to fragrances and botanical perfume mists, herbal respiratory wellness products, and botanical teas and wellness blends, demonstrating the team’s efforts to explore the potential of locally sourced natural ingredients beyond conventional applications.
According to the team, the products are developed through a research-to-product process that involves identifying specific user needs, selecting appropriate botanical and active ingredients, formulation, testing, refinement and packaging. This approach seeks to combine the benefits of botanical ingredients with formulation science, product stability and user safety.
Research dissemination workshop
Dr. Nabatanzi and her research team presented the findings and innovations to the Makerere University community and key stakeholders during a research dissemination workshop held on 22nd September 2026 at the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology.
The seminar provided a platform for the team to share the research outcomes, demonstrate the innovations and discuss pathways for translating the findings into practical solutions with environmental, social and economic value.
Remarks from the Chair, MakRIF
Representing the Chairperson of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), Dr. Michael Owor commended the research team for moving beyond documenting the water hyacinth challenge to developing practical innovations with potential community and commercial applications.
He noted that the project exemplifies MakRIF’s mandate, established by the Government of Uganda to support research and innovation that responds to national development challenges.
“This project exemplifies that mandate by moving beyond describing the problem of water hyacinth to developing practical solutions that communities, enterprises and public institutions can potentially adopt,” he said.
He, however, noted that research findings and prototypes do not automatically translate into sustainable impact, stressing the need for stronger collaboration amongst stakeholders to advance product validation, safety, quality, affordability, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection and market access.
He urged stakeholders to use the workshop to agree on concrete pathways for advancing the innovations, including further testing, standards development, community-based production, manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and resource mobilisation for scale-up.
Regarding the biodegradable sanitary pads, Dr. Owor stressed the need for sustained engagement with women and girls, schools, health professionals and relevant regulatory institutions to ensure that the product is safe, acceptable, affordable and responsive to the users’ needs.
He further challenged the research team to develop a clear post-project action plan.
“Dissemination should not mark the end of the project; it should serve as a transition from research findings to adoption, enterprise development and demonstrable community impact,” he said.
On behalf of the MakRIF Grants Management Committee, Dr. Owor appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued investment in research and innovation through the MakRIF, and acknowledged the University Management for providing an enabling environment for the research.
He also recognized the contribution of the participating communities and stakeholders whose knowledge and experiences informed the project.
CoNAS: Turning knowledge into solutions for society – Remarks by the College leaders
On behalf of the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on undertaking impactful, transformative and accessible research that demonstrates how a persistent environmental challenge can be turned into an opportunity for innovation, livelihoods and sustainable development.
Referring to the priorities of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), Prof. Kakuba emphasized the importance of harnessing the country’s innovation capacity to drive socio-economic transformation. “Such research demonstrates how university-generated knowledge can contribute to addressing real-world environmental and socio-economic challenges.”
He commended Dr. Nabatanzi for involving communities and students in the research process, noting that such engagements strengthen the relevance of university research while providing students with practical opportunities to apply scientific knowledge to challenges affecting society. He further underscored the need to strengthen industry-academia partnerships to facilitate the translation of research findings into products and technologies that can be adopted.
Prof. Kakuba also linked the initiative to the principles of competency-based learning, noting that practical, problem-solving research equips students with skills beyond the classroom and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged Dr. Nabatanzi and the research team to widely disseminate their findings to increase awareness, uptake and potential commercialisation of the innovations. He also called for increased support to enable the project to progress beyond research and product development towards further validation, refinement, scaling and potential adoption by communities and industry.
The Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at CoNAS, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku, equally commended Dr. Nabatanzi and her team for undertaking impactful research that demonstrates the potential of science to address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. He noted that the project contributes to the department’s growing body of impactful research, which continues to generate practical solutions and innovations with relevance to communities, industry and national development.
MUTIC support
The Acting Manager of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Prof. Michael Lubwama, commended the research team for its innovative approach to research and effective dissemination of the findings, noting that the project provides a valuable model that could be benchmarked by other research projects. He appreciated the contributions of the stakeholders, particularly the local communities whose participation was central to the success of the project. Prof. Lubwama further pledged MUTIC’s support in advancing the innovations towards product development, commercialization and wider community impact.
Innovation, commercialization and intellectual property
Ms. Esther Kabinga from the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on the achievement and urged them to prioritise intellectual property protection as they advance the innovations towards wider use and commercialisation. She highlighted the need to formally register the innovations to safeguard them against unauthorised use, imitation and misappropriation, and pledged support in securing the necessary intellectual property rights.
Inspiring young women and advancing menstrual dignity
The Guild President of Makerere University, H.E. Gracious Kadondi, represented by the Guild Minister for Academic Affairs, Ms. Kalazani Neena Elsie, equally applauded Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team for the achievements.
She particularly commended the development of biodegradable sanitary pads, noting that the innovation could help promote menstrual dignity among women and girls, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ms. Kalazani also described Dr. Nabatanzi’s achievement as an important source of inspiration for young women and students pursuing science and research. She called for greater involvement of students and young people in research and innovation, noting that such opportunities can nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators capable of developing solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
Communities at the centre of research impact
On behalf of the Najjembe community in Buikwe District, Ms. Nabukeera Sylvia expressed gratitude to Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, MakRIF, and the wider University community for the continued support extended to local communities through the Alice Mabira Foundation (AMAF) and other research initiatives undertaken in the area.
Ms. Nabukeera said the community had greatly benefited from Dr. Nabatanzi’s work and the support provided through the Alice Mabira Foundation, which she established to empower households to develop home-based enterprises and cottage industries. Through the Foundation, community members have gained practical skills in baking, processing food and medicinal products, and preserving and sustainably utilising important tree species.
She noted that these initiatives have enabled community members to turn knowledge and locally available resources into livelihood opportunities and solutions to everyday challenges, demonstrating the value of research that responds directly to community needs. She expressed gratitude to the researchers and partners for their continued engagement with the Najjembe Community and called for sustained collaboration to ensure that the innovations generated through university research continue to reach communities and create tangible social and economic benefits.
Future prospects
The research has laid the groundwork for transforming water hyacinth from an environmental challenge into a potential source of community enterprise and sustainable livelihoods through bio-refineries and circular bio-economies.
Moving the innovations from research to wider application will require collaboration among researchers, communities, government, industry and other stakeholders to refine the technologies, assess production and market opportunities, strengthen quality standards and establish pathways for scale-up and commercialisation.
Beyond the three products already developed, the research also opens opportunities for exploring additional value chains, including animal feed, crafts and other potentially marketable products, subject to further research to establish their safety, technical feasibility and economic viability.
If successfully scaled, the innovations could create new opportunities for employment, income generation and community enterprise, while contributing to the sustainable management of water hyacinth and the restoration of affected waterways.
Natural Sciences
Prof. Juma Kasozi Hands Over the Office of Deputy Principal, CoNAS to Prof. Godwin Kakuba
Prof. Juma Kasozi has formally handed over the office of Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, to Prof. Godwin Kakuba.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, 11th September 2026, followed the appointment of Prof. Kakuba as substantive Deputy Principal of CoNAS for a four-year term, effective September 2026. His appointment was approved at the 814th meeting of the Makerere University Appointments Board held on 3rd September 2026.
Prof. Kasozi, who served as Deputy Principal from 1st April 2022, handed over the office after more than four years of service. Both Prof. Kasozi and Prof. Kakuba are members of staff in the Department of Mathematics, School of Physical Sciences, CoNAS, and have previously served as Heads of the Department.
Principal Commends Prof. Kasozi’s Service
In his remarks, the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and invaluable contribution to the advancement of academic affairs at the College.
He particularly recognized Prof. Kasozi’s role in strengthening academic processes and facilitating the effective coordination of teaching, learning and graduate education at CoNAS.
Prof. Ireeta also commended Prof. Kasozi for his humility, commitment and willingness to offer wise counsel, describing him as a dependable adviser whose contribution extended beyond the routine responsibilities of his office.
“Prof. Kasozi has been a humble, committed and invaluable adviser to the College. His contribution to the development and review of the CoNAS Strategic Plan, in particular, demonstrated his commitment to the long-term growth and transformation of the College,” Prof. Ireeta said.
In recognition of his service, the Principal presented Prof. Kasozi with a Distinguished Service Award,acknowledging his dedicated service and exemplary leadership as Deputy Principal of CoNAS.
Prof. Ireeta congratulated Prof. Kakuba upon his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to build on the achievements of the College and contribute to its continued growth and transformation. He wished Prof. Kakuba a successful and impactful tenure, noting that his experience, expertise and commitment to academic excellence would be valuable in advancing the College’s mandate in teaching, learning, research and innovation.
Deans Applaud Prof. Kasozi’s Contribution
The ceremony was witnessed by the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume, and the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who equally commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and significant contribution to the College.
They particularly appreciated his efforts towards streamlining academic processes, including the timely appointment and payment of graduate supervisors, which contributed to strengthening graduate supervision.
Prof. Kasozi’s Contribution to Strengthening Academic Administration at CoNAS
The Office of the Deputy Principal plays a pivotal role in the academic administration of the College and in advancing the University’s core functions of teaching and learning, research and outreach.
During his tenure, Prof. Kasozi provided leadership across a wide range of academic responsibilities. These included chairing the College Academic Board, coordinating academic programmes, overseeing programme accreditation and review, managing examinations and results, and strengthening graduate education.
He also oversaw the appointment of supervisors and examiners for graduate students, coordinated field attachments and internships, administered supplementary examinations, promoted CoNAS academic programmes, and facilitated timely communication of key academic information to staff and students.
Prof. Kasozi further played a significant role in aligning CoNAS academic programmes with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, a major institutional transition aimed at enhancing the relevance, quality and responsiveness of university education.
Key achievements during his tenure included the accreditation of several undergraduate and graduate programmes by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE); strengthened student support systems; increased student enrolment and growing demand for postgraduate education; more efficient academic proposal and examination processes; and improved graduate student completion rates and examination outcomes.
Appreciation from Prof. Kasozi
In his handover message, Prof. Kasozi congratulated Prof. Kakuba upon his appointment and welcomed him to the office, expressing confidence that he would build on the work already undertaken.
He thanked the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve in the position. He also the appreciated the Principal, the Deans, Heads of Departments, administrators and the wider CoNAS community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on his time in office, Prof. Kasozi described his service as a privilege and honour, noting that the handover marked the conclusion of his tenure as Deputy Principal rather than his departure from Makerere University.
“I leave the door open for continued friendship and service,” Prof. Kasozi said, as he expressed his best wishes to Prof. Kakuba and prayed for the continued growth and success of the Deputy Principal’s office.
Following the handover, Prof. Kasozi is set to return to the Department of Mathematics, where he will continue teaching, research and outreach activities, with a particular focus on Insurance Mathematics and Financial Mathematics.
Remarks by Prof. Kakuba
For Prof. Kakuba, the transition brings a new responsibility within a College where he has already served in academic and administrative capacities. His experience in the Department of Mathematics and previous service as Head of Department provide a strong foundation as he takes on the leadership of the Deputy Principal’s office.
In his remarks, Prof. Kakuba acknowledged and commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and the achievements registered during his tenure. He appreciated the University Management for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
Prof. Kakuba noted that he was taking over the office with confidence, having inherited a strong foundation established by Prof. Kasozi.
Her expressed commitment to working collaboratively with the Principal, College leadership, staff and students to sustain the progress made.
Pictorial of the ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XOZU67Rll-P_CaEzRScIVULIqvyBT34z?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
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