The project team, Dr. Robinson Odong (C), Dr. Peter Akoll (R) and Mr. John Omara (L) share notes shortly before the stakeholders meeting in Mbarara City on 31st May 2022.
Most of the antibiotics used to manage diseases in humans and livestock end up in the environment. Antibiotics (ATBs), Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB), and Antibiotic Resistance (ARGs) have spread in almost all habitats globally. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recognize the problem of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and thus recommend: Prudent use of antimicrobials; and a “One Health Approach” to mitigate the problem. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a situation where bacteria develop resistance against antibiotics intended to destroy them.
Dr Robinson Odong briefing stakeholders about the project
Antibiotics in the environment may induce AMR in bacteria, hence the risk of transfer to humans and wildlife. AMR reduces effectiveness of antibiotics, leading to higher costs of treatment, severe illnesses, and deaths. Globally, about 1.2 million people died in 2019 due to complications of AMR; Sub-Saharan African region alone had 255,000 deaths (Murray et al., 2022, The Lancet, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0).
Assoc. Prof. Charles Masembe, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University. He conducts research on animal diseases using molecular epidemiology tools with special focus on African Swine Fever genetics.
The Strategic Research Agenda by the Joint Programming Initiatives (JPI) calls for transnational studies on AMR in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Indeed, the role of livestock, wildlife and migratory birds in the spread of AMR has previously been under-emphasized, yet they are major reservoirs of ARB and ARG.
Dr Peter Akoll engages stakeholders on the commonly used antibiotics and the potential sites for sample collection
The PAIRWISE Project is being implemented in three countries in Europe, and two in Africa. PAIRWISE is investigating the risks posed to human health and the environment by pollutants and pathogens present in water resources. The project also aims to investigate the dispersal of ATB, ARB and ARG downstream Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) by comparing different geographical/climatic regions, wastewater management practices and types of water bodies.
Project partners include; National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Sweden; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norway; Linköping University (LiU), Sweden; Doñana Biological Station, Higher Council for Scientific Research, Spain; National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Water, and Forestry, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine Ibn Al-Jazzar Sousse, Tunisia; and the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda.
Mr. David Nuwagaba, Mbarara District Natural Resources Officer sharing his views at the stakeholders meeting
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 869178-AquaticPollutants, Joint Programming Initiative on Anti-microbial Resistance (JPIAMR), www.waterjpi.eu; and JPI Oceans, www.jpi-oceans.eu. For Uganda, the three-year project is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, www.aphrc.org coordinates the funding in Uganda.
One of the study areas, River Rwizi Catchment
In Uganda, the research activities are being conducted by researchers from the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University including: Prof. Charles Masembe (Principal Investigator), Dr. Robinson Odong, Dr. Peter Akoll, Mr. Mayega Johnson (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences) and Mr. John Omara (Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences) as team members. The study area in Uganda includes the catchment of River Rwizi, Lake Mburo National Park, and River Aswa.
The Team visits one of the study areas, River Rwizi Catchment
The research will contribute towards better understanding of the factors which influence the occurrence and spread of AMR in water systems, livestock farms, and birds. It will also contribute towards the Government of Uganda’s framework to combat the threat of AMR, through the National AMR Action Plan; design policies to reduce the risks of AMR, and the costs incurred for animal and human disease management.
Dr Peter Akoll moderated the discussion on potential sites for sample collection
On 31st May 2022, the project team from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences led by Prof. Charles Masembe (Principal Investigator) held a consultative meeting to get buy-in and introduce the PAIRWISE Project to the key stakeholders in Greater Mbarara and River Rwizi catchment. The meeting also aimed to receive input from key stakeholders regarding the use of antibiotics in Greater Mbarara district and River Rwizi catchment, to document challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance and identify potential sites for fieldwork.
Mr John Omara from the Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences sharing his views on the study
The meeting was attended by administrators, senior health, water and environmental officers in Mbarara City and District including:
The District Chief Administration Officer represented by Mr Bakashaba Innocent
Mr David Nuwagaba, the District Natural Resources Officer
Mr Tumwebaze Herbert, Environment Officer, Mbarara City
Dr Oriokot Francis, Deputy Director, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
Dr Akashaba Andrew, Mbarara District Veterinary Officer
Mr Mwesigye Joseph, Environment Officer, Mbarara District
Mr Katongole Joseph, a farmer in Mbarara District
Mr Ayebare Calist, Fisheries Officer, Isingiro District, and a fresh graduate (May 2022, Makerere University 72nd Graduation) assisted in organizing the Stakeholders meeting. During the meeting, Dr Robinson Odong on behalf of Prof. Charles Masembe shared the project overview with participants, outlining the challenges of AMR, and expectations from the research. Stakeholders brainstormed and listed the commonly used antibiotics and the potential sites for sample collection. The research will take the One Health Approach, encompassing aspects of human, animal and environmental health.
Some of the District officials who participated in the PAIRWISE project consultative meeting in Mbarara City
Capacity Building under PAIRWISE Project
As part of the PAIRWISE capacity building component, the project is supporting research activities of two graduate students: Ms. Ndinawe Ruth Pamela (Master of Science in Molecular Biology) studying “The dispersal of antimicrobial resistance bacteria and genes through aquatic birds under different climatic and geographical conditions”; and Mr. George Katende (Master of Science in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology), studying “Characterization of clinically important antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes in river waters upstream and downstream of WWTPs and hospital effluent” https://cns.mak.ac.ug/blog/call-applications-msc-scholarship-under-pairwise-project.
Mr Ayebare Calist (R), Fisheries Officer, Isingiro District and Mr Katongole Joseph, a farmer in Mbarara District at the stakeholders meetingThe Team on the banks of River Rwizi, Isingiro District.Cattle watering in River Rwizi, Isingiro District. The water is also used for human consumption. PAIRWISE is investigating the risks posed to human health and the environment by pollutants and pathogens present in water resourcesA student drawing water from River RwiziThe Project team with farmers in Isingiro District
More than 20 local government officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Entebbe Municipality, and the districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi have concluded a two-day intensive training on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, Evaluation, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. Nick Kilimani- all from Makerere University.
Natural Resources Must Be Valued and Protected
Opening the workshop, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre and Principal Investigator of the project, described the training as timely, given Uganda’s growing environmental and climate challenges.
Prof. Edward Bbaale address participants.
“Uganda is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate variability—on agriculture, health, water resources, and the economy,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “This training empowers our environmental officers to use economic evidence to defend natural resources against competing land uses.”
He emphasized the need to monetize ecosystem services like wetlands, forests, and biodiversity to inform land-use decisions.
“A forest cleared for sugarcane may appear to create jobs, but when you account for its carbon sequestration, rainfall formation, and tourism potential, its long-term value far outweighs the short-term economic gains.”
Prof. Bbaale also urged that natural capital be included in Uganda’s national accounting systems to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
He thanked local government leadership for releasing their staff for the training and praised the collaboration between academia and government.
“You are not just trainees — you are future champions of environmental stewardship in your districts,” he told the participants.
A participant presenting during the discussions
Environmental Degradation Threatens Public Health
Representing the Chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka underscored the public health consequences of environmental degradation, linking it to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
“We have just seen a 14-year-old girl in Lwengo contract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever due to increased human-wildlife contact — a direct result of environmental encroachment,” Dr. Kitaka warned.
She connected rising flash floods, deforestation, and urban sprawl to poor environmental management and called for cross-sectoral awareness of environmental risks.
“This training is not just for environmentalists. Planners, economists, and health professionals must also be equipped with this knowledge,” she said.
Dr. Kitaka applauded the EfD-Mak team for using local experts, not foreign consultants, in delivering the training.
Prof. Edward Bbaale(L) chat with Dr. Sabrina Kitaka after the opening ceremony.
“We must train Ugandans to solve Uganda’s problems. That’s the spirit of Mak-RIF.”
She also revealed that the Government of Uganda has funded over 1,300 research projects through Mak-RIF over the last five years and called for continued investment in locally driven innovation.
“Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Science must be funded to help Ugandans solve Ugandan problems.”
Experts Present Practical Tools for Sustainable Planning
Localized Climate Action Is Urgent
Dr. Aisha Nanyiti urged participants to design district-specific climate policies, differentiating between mitigation (addressing the causes) and adaptation (responding to the impacts).
“Climate action begins at the local level. Districts must create context-appropriate bylaws and planning strategies to reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate shocks.”
She emphasized that Uganda’s local governments are key to meeting national targets under NDP IV and Vision 2040, and that climate change must be addressed in all sectors — from health to urban planning.
Environmental Evaluation is a Safeguard
Dr. Sseruyange warned that development projects are at risk of failure if environmental assessments are not properly conducted.
Dr. Sseruyange presenting
“Roads, schools, and hospitals may be destroyed by floods or landslides if we ignore the environment. Planning must consider both the impact on nature and the reverse impact from degraded ecosystems.”
He called on local environmental officers to assert their roles in safeguarding both the environment and infrastructure investment.
“Neglecting environmental oversight may undo everything we build.”
What is Not Valued is Easily Destroyed
Dr. Peter Babyenda introduced participants to valuation tools like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Travel Cost Method, which help quantify the economic value of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.
“These tools inform cost–benefit analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation. If we don’t value our natural assets, we risk losing them permanently.”
He stressed that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also an economic, social, and political matter. He encouraged integration of valuation results into budgeting and planning under frameworks like the National Environment Act (2019).
Local Officials Call for Continued Engagement
Ibrahim Muwanguzi, Environmental Officer from Wakiso District, praised the training as a vital step toward mainstreaming environmental valuation into local and national development processes.
“Most government officials focus solely on economic returns, ignoring the critical but intangible value of natural resources,” he said.
He cited a recent case during Mpigi Expressway construction where a culturally significant tree sparked debate over its monetary value — from UGX 100,000 to UGX 100 million — due to lack of valuation standards.
“If services like flood control were quantified in shillings, it would help justify preservation of wetlands and forests,” he noted.
Muwanguzi also emphasized the need for environmental economists in government roles, urging stronger collaboration between academia and policy.
“We have graduates in natural resource economics. Let’s integrate them into our public service.”
Let This Not Be the Last
Tonny Mwidyeki, District Natural Resources Officer for Mpigi, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all trainees, emphasizing the long gap since the last such training.
“For many of us, it’s been years since we had a refresher like this. If we continue to have such sessions, we will serve our people and protect our environment better.”
He thanked the facilitators from Makerere University for the two-day sensitization and urged that such capacity-building workshops be held more regularly.
“From here, we go back not just informed, but ready to lead change.”
Time to Act is Now
Closing the training, Dr. Sseruyange, speaking on behalf of the EfD-Mak Director, reminded participants that environmental degradation has been decades in the making, and action must no longer be delayed.
“Development depends on the natural world. Let us act now — from our households to our districts — to reverse the damage and secure our future.”
He thanked the participants for their active engagement and promised continued collaboration between Makerere University, local governments, and national stakeholders to promote evidence-based environmental policy.
About EfD-Mak and Mak-RIF
The Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University is part of a global network of research institutions focused on environmental economics, coordinated by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF) is a Government of Uganda-funded program supporting local research to address national development challenges. Since inception, Mak-RIF has supported over 1,300 research projects across disciplines.
Dr. Jackson Efitre, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University has been appointed as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report. He was amongst the 664 experts nominated by governments and selected by the IPCC Bureau from a global pool of 3,771 nominees. This prestigious appointment recognizes his extensive expertise and significant contributions to climate science globally. Dr. Efitre previously contributed to the Africa chapter of IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report that was launched in 2022. In the seventh assessment cycle, Dr. Efitre will contribute to Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Chapter 17: Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Fiber and Fisheries.
IPCC Assessment Reports are the most authoritative assessment of the state of knowledge on climate science, mitigation and adaptation. Commissioned by nearly all governments, the reports are key in informing climate policy, and shaping international climate negotiations.
We congratulate Dr. Efitre on joining a distinguished group of experts who will contribute to this crucial undertaking for global climate policy.
Newly admitted students to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been strongly encouraged to make academic excellence their top priority as they begin their university journey. During the official College orientation held on 6th August 2025, continuing students shared valuable insights aimed at helping the freshers adapt and thrive both academically and socially in the university environment.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Britah Kemigisha and Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, students of Conservation Biology and Petroleum Geosciences respectively, offered practical advice drawn from their experiences at CoNAS. The two students emphasized the importance of time management, consistent class attendance, and fostering healthy academic competition.
“Be ambitious and attend classes because attendance earns you some marks. Be competitive in a way that promotes excellence,” Mbabazi advised. He encouraged freshers to approach university life with purpose, noting that unlike in high school, university students must take personal responsibility for their learning outcomes. He recommended the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing their value in facilitating meaningful connections, expanding one’s professional network, discovering job opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and insights.
Dr Joel Isanga briefing students about the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
Ms. Kemigisha underscored the importance of building supportive peer networks. “Form groups and inspire each other with rewards based on academic excellence,” she advised, emphasizing that academic group work, peer mentorship, and study circles can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability. According to her, surrounding oneself with goal-oriented individuals creates a positive learning environment that fosters growth and resilience, especially when faced with academic challenges.
The Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor addressing the freshers about the different departments and programmes in the schoolSome of the freshers and college administrators at the orientation held on 6th August 2025 at JICA.
The orientation programme served as a platform to introduce First Year students to the academic programmes, services, and student life at CoNAS and the University in general. The session led by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi featured presentations by both College and University leaders, who sensitized the new students on key university policies, academic structures, and support services. School Deans and Heads of Departments in attendance briefed students on the specific programmes offered within their respective units. These included the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, represented by Dr Joel Isanga; the Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Arthur Batte; the Head, Department of Mathematics, Dr Ismail Mirumbe; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr Denis Okello; the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology represented by Dr Godwin Anywar, and a representative from the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Students were also sensitized on the registration and examination processes, ICT support services, library services, fees payment policies, the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy, counselling and guidance services, the emerging leaders programme, and general welfare at the University.
The Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume addressing the students.
On behalf of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the College.He provided an insightful overview of the key academic units and programmes offered both within the College and across the University. In his address, Prof. Kasozi congratulated the students on securing admission into one of the most competitive, vibrant, and intellectually rigorous colleges within the University. He encouraged the students to take full ownership of their academic journey, emphasizing the importance of commitment, discipline, and focus from the very beginning. Highlighting the value of hard work and determination, he reminded them that the foundation they lay now will shape their future success.
Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke addressing the students about the programmes in the Department of Chemistry.
In his address, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Centre at the University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental health. He urged students to prioritize their psychological well-being, noting that maintaining a healthy mind is fundamental for academic success and overall personal development. Mr. Nsubuga encouraged students to actively seek support and adopt positive coping mechanisms to navigate the pressures of academic life.
Mr. David Kisitu, ICT Officer at CoNAS moderated the session.Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza briefed students about the programmes in the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, and the significance of the natural sciences in general.Dr. Arthur Batte (L) addressing students about the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies.Dr. Godwin Anywar represented the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.Ms. Britah Kemigisha, a prospective BSc. Conservation Biology graduand briefing students on how to plan for a good CGPA.Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, a prospective Bachelor of Petroleum Geosciences graduand, also offered valuable tips on achieving academic excellence.Mr James Muhwezi, on behalf of student leaders at CoNAS briefed students about life on Campus.Dr Barbara Nerima from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology briefed students on the emerging leaders programme at the University.Some of the students listening to officials.A section of officials at the orientation.
The lectures are expected to commence on Monday, 11th August 2024.