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Call for Applications: PhD Research Grants

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BACKGROUND

Funding opportunity description: Makerere University received special funding from the Government of the Republic of Uganda, to support high impact Research and Innovations that will accelerate national development. The Financial Year 2022/23 will be the fourth year of this fund’s availability. The fund illustrates the increasing importance that the Government attaches to Research and Innovation as a driver of socio-economic transformation. The objective of the fund is to increase the local generation of translatable research and scalable innovations that address key gaps required to drive Uganda’s development agenda. Over the last three Financial Years (2019/2020, 2020/21 and 2021/2022), government appropriated 79 Billion Uganda Shillings to support this Fund. Between the two years, MakRIF has funded a total of 775 projects across all sectors critical for development. In the next Financial Year (2022/23), Makerere University expects to receive about 30 Billion Uganda shillings (about US$ 8.1 million) under the Government Research and Innovation Fund (RIF). Of this, at least 3 Billion Shillings will fund PhD research ideas that generate knowledge that addresses national development priorities. The Makerere University Research and Innovation Grants Management Committee (GMC) therefore announces the RIF Round 4, Track 2 (PhD Research Grants). Available funds are obligated for the Financial Year 2022/2023, with an expectation of actionable results that speak to the National Research and Innovation Agenda. The GMC therefore invites applications from PhD students with original research ideas that demonstrate a clear link to key thematic areas of the National Research and Innovation Agenda. 

This is a closed call that is open to only PhD students. This funding call is specifically targeted to PhD students that are full time at Makerere University.

Grant amounts and estimated number of awards: The GMC estimates to award the following number and amount of PhD Research Grants:

CategoryAmount per awardApproximate NumberTotal amount
Category 1: Arts and HumanitiesUp to 25,000,000/=50*1,250,000,000/=
Category 2: SciencesUp to 35,000,000/=50*1,750,000,000/=
Total 1003,000,000,000/=

*Note: The numbers shown are only indicative. The MakRIF GMC reserves the right to adjust the numbers based on the quality of the proposals submitted.

Applicants should take into consideration the following:

  • Given that the MakRIF funds are received on an annual basis, and are tied to a specific financial year, the current grant only commits to funding the awardee for a period of one year. This award therefore covers one financial year.
  • However, the MakRIF GMC is cognizant of the fact that PhD research often spreads over more than one year in which case it requires multi-year funding. Because of this reality, PhD students who are funded under this round will be eligible for extension funding in the following financial year. Second year funding will not be automatic but will be conditional to the following: 1) Availability of funds, 2) Showing cause as to which additional areas of research will be covered in the second year of funding, 3) Successful execution and completion of all the objectives for Year 1 funding, evidenced by full submission of the required deliverables; 4) Full technical and financial accountability for all the funds given to the researcher during the current year of funding. Students would have to apply for the follow-on funding through the next year’s PhD Research Grant call.
  • The GMC recognizes that the amounts indicated for this award may not be sufficient to cover all the necessary costs for a student’s project. In such cases, the award should be considered as a contribution and the students should mobilize additional funding to bridge the resource gaps.
  • The number of awards indicated are only estimated and the GMC retains the discretion to determine the amount and number of awards based on the actual funding that MakRIF funders will make available and the number of quality proposals submitted. 

Scope and Technical Description of the Research and Innovation Grant

The GMC conducted a comprehensive stakeholder consultation to identify priority thematic areas of interest for national development. The GMC triangulated this information with that from the National Development Plan III, the Makerere University Strategic Plan and Research Agenda to develop an instructive MakRIF research agenda that responds to national development priorities. The RIF Round 4, Track 2 (PhD Research Grants) will therefore specifically target research and innovation projects that align with priority thematic issues in the MakRIF instructive Research Agenda under 14 thematic areas as follows:

Theme 1: Transforming the Agricultural sector to drive development

Theme 2: Achieving Sustainable health as a means to sustainable development

Theme 3: Re-imagining Education to unlock capacity for economic development

Theme 4: Water, sanitation and the environment: A pre-requisite to sustainable development

Theme 5: Harnessing the social sector, culture and arts to drive development

Theme 6. Harnessing Tourism, wildlife and heritage for development

Theme 7: Sustainable Planning, finance and monitoring as catalysts for growth

Theme 8: Leveraging public service and local administration for efficient service delivery

Theme 9: Defence and security: Achieving sustainable peace and stability

Theme 10: Strengthening law, governance, human rights and international cooperation as prerequisites for development

Theme 11: Harnessing Information and Communication Technology to drive development

Theme 12: Works, manufacturing, science and technology as tools to accelerate development

Theme 13: Solutions to catalyse business and enterprise

Theme 14: Energy and Minerals as drivers of rapid economic development

Click here to view details of each theme.

The Mak-RIF PhD Research Grants will cover all technical disciplines in Makerere University as long as the research questions align with the instructive research agenda themes above. Particular attention will be paid to ideas that have clear potential for scalability to drive development.

Note: This grant covers the coasts of research. It does not cover payment of tuition or living stipends for the PhD students. 

Eligibility

The PhD research grants will only be open to PhD students who have been approved for full registration at Makerere University. Students who have already received full scholarships under other award programs are not eligible to apply for these grants as this will constitute double funding. In line with this, PhD students who are members of academic faculty of Makerere University are not eligible since they are covered by the Staff Development Program. This funding is only open to Makerere University students. PhD students registered in other universities are not eligible for this funding. Further specifications on the awards are as follows:

  1. Applicants must be at a stage where they have been approved for full registration as PhD students at Makerere University. Being at the stage of full registration means that they have developed a full research proposal that has been approved by the respective Higher Degrees Research Committee in their academic unit, and that they have been have been recommended for full registration OR are fully registered by Makerere University. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of one of the following: Minutes of the Higher Degrees Research Committee in their Academic college, showing approval of their research proposal, OR a full registration certificate.
  2. Because the research funds are provided for one year funding cycles, PhD students with provisional registration will not be eligible for funding under this award since the time required for them to complete full proposal development and to start data collection is unlikely to fit within the financial year. 
  3. These grants are limited to PhD students who do not have prior funding for their studies or whose funding is inadequate to cover their research. Applicants in the latter category must make full disclosure of their other funding sources and what they cover.
  4. Applicants should provide a letter of support from any one of the following: 1) The Head of their Department, or 2) The Dean of their School, or 3) the Principal of their College (Only one of these is sufficient).
  5. Applicants should provide a letter of support from one of their Supervisors within Makerere University. The letter should clearly indicate that they do not have other funding that fully covers their research/training activities, or where such funding is available, they should indicate what aspects of the student’s study program it covers and the funding gap. The supporting Supervisor will be designated as a co-Investigator on the research project.

GRANT GUIDELINES

MakRIF PhD Research Grant applicants will submit a competitive project proposal for the available funding. The proposal ought to specify the objectives for the full research project. It should also indicate which of the full research objectives will be specifically met by the available funding for this financial year. 

Students intending to apply for multi-year funding in the subsequent years will be required to indicate so. In such cases, the students should indicate which study objectives would be covered by the extension funding.

The research problem: The proposal should clearly articulate the knowledge gap that the researcher targets to address, and why it is important to address this knowledge gap. The research problem should be aligned to at least one theme in the MakRIF research agenda. 

The proposed solution: PhD Researchers should present the proposed solution in form of the research focus for the current phase of the funding. They should clearly articulate the objectives of the planned research. Researchers should also describe the critical content of the solution (i.e., the ‘research methodology’). Researchers should defend the relevance of the proposed solution to addressing key development outcomes in the respective sector and its alignment to one or more thematic areas specified in this call. Researchers should also demonstrate that at least one objective of their research project is implementable within one (1) year and will result in tangible results within one year of execution. 

Research projects that require multi-year implementation will only be considered if they can show actionable intermediate results or objectives attainable within 1 implementation year, since funding will be on a yearly basis. Apart from a summary of the proposed approach, researchers will provide a more detailed description of their technical approach (research methodology) to enable a robust assessment of the rigor of the proposed methodology. 

Outputs, outcomes and impact: Researchers should articulate the overall scientific outputs, outcomes and anticipated impact of the PhD research project. They should state the primary (Direct) and secondary (Indirect) beneficiaries of the planned research project. They should state the anticipated outputs (the outputs of the activities of the entire project as well as the specific milestones to be attained with the one-year funding) and the outcomes (both the outcomes of the entire project and those for the current funding phase). Researchers should also state the anticipated impact of the the project (Note: Impact might not be achievable in one or even a few years in which case the current phase only contributes to it). Since this funding is specific to the current financial year, projects must demonstrate clearly the deliverables they expect within one year, matching the level of investment made and attainable in the 1-year timeframe. Multi-year projects should show clearly what will be achieved in the current year of funding as well as what would be achieved overall when the full PhD research is completed in the subsequent years.

Translation and dissemination for impact: Since this fund is aimed at supporting government and its partners to improve service delivery and to accelerate development, researchers should show a clear plan for disseminating their findings to audiences critical for policy and program change so as to achieve impact at scale. This will include a clear description of the knowledge translation and dissemination plan to stakeholders in the relevant sectors including the knowledge products anticipated to arise from the study (e.g., publications, policy briefs, knowledge briefs, etc.). Innovation-based projects should articulate a scaling strategy, including linkage to scaling partners within the industry (for commercially viable enterprises), or within the relevant public sectors (for innovations targeted to the public) or within relevant implementing agencies (for social enterprises). Innovations targeting commercial interest should demonstrate the anticipated commercial potential, anticipated demand, anticipated patents/copy-rights/industrial design claims/trademarks if applicable and the path to commercialization. Innovations targeting social impact (social innovations) should elucidate the path to wide scale community uptake. 

Ethical implications: The implications of the research to human subjects, animal subjects and the environment should be articulated where necessary including how key ethical or environmental concerns arising from the study will be addressed. It is anticipated that at the time of full registration, projects requiring ethical approval will have already obtained that approval from their respective ethics committees.

Budget: Researchers will prepare a summary budget for the one-year phase of their project as well as a detailed budget. Budgets should be submitted in the official currency (Uganda Shillings).  Because these are university funds, academic units (Departments, Schools and Colleges) will not charge institutional overheads to any of the research funds. Budgets should not spread beyond one Financial Year. Even if the projects to be funded under this mechanism are multi-year, researchers should provide a budget for only one Financial Year. The budgets will include the following sections:

  • 1.0 Personnel costs
  • 2.0 Travel
  • 3.0 Supplies and services
  • 4.0 Equipment
  • 5.0 Program activity costs
  • 6.0 Dissemination

Under Personnel costs, applicants should not budget for ‘Salaries’ for staff who are paid a salary by Makerere University or another Government of Uganda institution (whether on permanent or contract terms) as this would constitute double payment from government funds. However, such researchers can budget for ‘activity-based’ time input or ‘level-of-effort-based’ costs for their additional time input into the project in form of allowances. The latter should be justified by specifying the extra-time demands from the project for each individual involved. 

Researchers can budget for salaries for critical project staff that are not paid by Makerere or the Government of Uganda e.g., Project Coordinators, Administrative Assistants, Research Officers etc. Regular Personnel costs excluding field research assistants should not exceed 33% of the budget. Field research assistants (or Data collectors) if needed should not be included under ‘Personnel costs’ but should instead be included under ‘Program Activity Costs’. All salaries and all repetitive allowances will be subject to mandatory statutory deductions at source, to pay the relevant taxes. Because these funds are earmarked to support actual research, PhD students cannot budget for a monthly stipend under this award.

In addition to the summary budget, research teams will be required to attach a detailed budget (As an MS Excel attachment) that breaks down all expenditure line items, inclusive of a budget justification that explains the rationale behind the different budget items. The total budget in the budget summary should exactly match that in the detailed breakdown. You should budget within the category that your project was funded in RIF-1. Budgeting in another category will lead to disqualification. The total budget should not exceed the highest amount indicated for the respective funding category in which your project lies. Exceeding the indicated category maximum can result in disqualification.

PhD Researchers can also budget for Tuition.

Workplan: Researchers will provide a list of key milestones for the project clearly demonstrating the deliverables expected at each point during the extension phase of the project. These milestones will be used as the basis for tracking implementation of activities towards project goals and outputs. Given the one-year time-frame for the awards, it will be important that researchers commit to a clear time-bound set of deliverables all achievable within one year for the main deliverable targeted during the current period of funding. Failure to articulate a one (1) year plan will imply inability to utilize the grant funds within one (1) year

GRANT PROCESS

Submission of applications: Submission of the applications will be online at http://rif.mak.ac.ug/portal All submissions must be online and must be made within the stipulated period. To access the application form, the PhD Research Fund applicant will be required to create a MakRIF account. In your account, select the appropriate funding opportunity and fill out the application form. 

Rules governing applications: All applications should be written in English. All applications should be submitted via the online portal mentioned above. Complete applications must be submitted not later than 11.59pm East African Time on the closing date. No submissions after closure of applications will be accepted. Any attempt at solicitation of acceptance beyond this date will not be entertained. The Grants Committee bears no responsibility for submissions that are not completed in time and incomplete submissions will not be considered. If none of the submitted applications meets the requirements to receive a grant, the call may be reopened at the sole discretion of the Grants Management Committee. An individual researcher should not submit more than ONE application.

Participants agree to assume any and all risks, and to waive claims against Makerere University and the Grants Management Committee for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, arising from their participation in this grant implementation.

Evaluation and selection of projects: Applications will be reviewed by the GMC. Submission of an application does not mean the project must be funded. The GMC will evaluate five main aspects of the project:

  1. The alignment of the proposed research to national priorities as stipulated in the MakRIF research agenda
  2. Clear articulation of the knowledge gap and how the planned research will contribute to building new knowledge
  3. Quality of the proposal in terms of the relevance and innovativeness of the proposed solution, the planned activities and the articulation of a sound methodology
  4. Clear stipulation of outputs and outcomes and feasibility of tangible achievements within one year of funding
  5. Potential impact and transformativeness of the proposed research idea
  6. Submission of a realistic budget

Notification of successful applicants: Successful applicants will be informed by email to their designated point of contact.

Grant timeline:

MilestoneDate
Issuance of RFA Thur 29th Sept 2022 (Closed to PhD students only)
Closing date for applicationsSunday 23rd Oct 2022
SelectionMonday 24th October 2022 to Friday 18th November 2022
Award notificationFriday 18th November 2022
InductionTuesday 22nd November 2022

To submit application, please create an account on https://rif.mak.ac.ug/portal and login to start the application process.

Mak Editor

Health

VectorCam Project; Makerere, Johns Hopkins, and MoH to Scale Up AI-Powered Malaria Surveillance across Uganda

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A multidisciplinary team from Makerere University School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins University during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health on 7th August 2025 to engage officials on the VectorCam Project-an innovative project focused on transforming how Uganda monitors malaria-carrying mosquitoes using a smartphone-based, AI-powered application that relies on computer vision to quickly identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and feeding status whether a mosquito has fed recently or not, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Joseph Odoi

In a significant step toward revolutionizing mosquito surveillance in Uganda, Dr. Peter Waiswa, Associate Professor of Health Policy Planning and Management at the School of Public Health, Makerere University has revealed that a new AI-driven mosquito surveillance project is set to be rolled out to strengthen vector monitoring efforts across 22 districts in Uganda.

He disclosed this while briefing a multidisciplinary team during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health on 7th August 2025 to engage with officials on the VectorCam Project.

The VectorCam Project is a partnership between the Makerere University School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and the Ministry of Health, with funding from the Gates Foundation. The project seeks to revolutionize mosquito surveillance by shifting from manual, human-led identification to a digital, AI-driven mobile application using computer vision

What is VectorCam?

VectorCam is an innovative project focused on transforming how Uganda monitors malaria-carrying mosquitoes. At its core is a smartphone-based, AI-powered application that uses computer vision to quickly identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and feeding status whether a mosquito has fed recently or not. Traditionally, such analysis requires the expertise of entomologists and takes considerable time.

According to Prof Waiswa, VectorCam will advance ento. surveillance.

‘’We have worked with Johns Hopkins University and the Minister of Health to develop an AI-powered mobile application which can be used to identify mosquitoes. This apps tells you the type of mosquito, the sex of the mosquito, and whether the mosquito has a full abdomen or half abdomen or is empty. That is, if it fed last night or not.

This one is a way to just shift mosquito surveillance from people to an app. The app does it in 20 seconds using computer vision. It does it faster and better than any entomologist. Every district just has one Entomologist. So the entomologist can go and focus on other things as part of his work because nowadays an app can do it.

The good thing with the app is we’ve already done a big trial funded by the Gates Foundation and we have evidence that it works. The app also posts data and makes it accessible through the DHIS to the districts but also at the national level’’ Prof. Waiswa explained.

‘’With support and funding from the Gates Foundation, we are going to be scaling up the Vector Cam Project to 22 districts. In 12 of these, we will conduct research to evaluate how the app actually performs at scale in routine life settings ‘’ Prof Waiswa stated about the next project step.

As part of the project engagement, Prof. Waiswa met with Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, who also serves as the Acting Program Manager for Malaria at the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) to brief him on the project genesis and its next objectives which will lead to data-driven decision making to tailor vector control interventions.

Also in attendance were also; Professor Soumyadipta Acharya a respected researcher in the field of ento. surveillance from Johns Hopkins University, United States, along with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Makerere University.

More About VectorCam Project

VectorCAM  is an innovative project focused on transforming how Uganda monitors malaria-carrying mosquitoes. At its core is a smartphone-based, AI-powered application that uses computer vision to quickly identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and feeding status.

Between November 2022 and April 2024, Makerere University, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and Uganda’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), successfully implemented the first phase of the VectorCam Project. Through this, the project piloted the VectorCAM an AI-driven mobile application that uses computer vision to identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and abdominal status providing rapid, cost-effective entomological surveillance in malaria-endemic regions.

Following the successful trial and validation of the technology, the project is now entering a new phase focused on scaling up.

VectorCam will be rolled out across 22 districts in Uganda, with operational research embedded in 12 of those districts to assess its performance.

Mak Editor

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Innovation

Mak-RIF Bi-Annual Bulletin Issue 4: Jan-Jun 2025

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H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Right) interacts with officials upon arrival at Makerere University on 8th April 2025. H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially flags off the Research and Innovations Week 2025, on 8th April 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Welcome to this comprehensive reflection on the remarkable milestones achieved by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) throughout the second half of the 2024/2025 financial year. This dynamic period was marked by various achievements, strategic collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge for national development. From capacity-building initiatives such as equipping PhD students with vital skills in crafting policy and issue briefs to supporting several project dissemination activities, Mak-RIF further demonstrated its dedication to fostering panoramic and impactful research.

The pinnacle of the period was the vibrant Research and Innovations Week, officiated by His Excellency, President Yoweri K. Museveni. During this landmark event, our researchers showcased the tangible impact of Government investment in research through Mak-RIF, and Makerere’s innovative strides and research excellence.

Beyond this event, the period saw meaningful benchmarking visits from the Ministry of Public Service and Lira University, deepening inter-institutional collaboration in research management and knowledge translation. We were also privileged to host Prof. Christine Suniti Bhat from Ohio University, exploring partnerships in mental health, psychosocial support, and capacity building.

In the second half of the financial year, Mak-RIF also launched its 6th round of grants award and inducted the RIF6 grantees, marking yet another chapter of impactful research ahead.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Uganda and the University Management for their support towards Mak-RIF. I further appreciate researchers, the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee and the Secretariat whose hard work and dedication continue to elevate Uganda’s research and innovation ecosystem. Together, we continue to position Makerere University as a beacon of research-led national development.

Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi
Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC)

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Research

Makerere Scientists Document Climate-Smart Innovation in Sentema, Applaud Farmer’s Odor-Control Breakthrough

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Some of the Cattle on the farm located in a residential area in Sentema. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

A team of scientists under the regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited Mr. Mugisha Jonan, an urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, whose adoption of innovative practices is redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings.

Mr. Mugisa, a farmer and environmentalist explains how he started his farm and took on the use of the innovation. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Mugisa, a farmer and environmentalist explains how he started his farm and took on the use of the innovation.

Through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, Mr. Mugisha has not only resolved the persistent issue of odor from his dairy farm, but is also unlocking more profitable outcomes by embracing climate-smart agricultural techniques. Central to his approach is the use of VTC Technology, a system designed to recover nutrients from diverse waste streams, including farm and market waste, and return them to their original sources. This transformative method was introduced to him by Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, a renowned scientist from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity at Makerere University.

The Scientists inspect the innovation where wastes are dumped and will eventually turn into manure. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Scientists inspect the innovation where wastes are dumped and will eventually turn into manure.

Based on the demonstration on the farm, the innovative practice will help in reshaping urban agriculture by enhancing sustainable food production while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges such as waste management and odor control. Mr. Mugisha’s work stands as a compelling example of how local science-driven solutions can empower urban farmers and contribute to greener, more resilient cities.

Prof. Asaete, Dr. Nampanzira, Dr. Herbet Mukiibi were conducted around the vegetable garden where the manure is applied. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Asaete, Dr. Nampanzira, Dr. Herbet Mukiibi were conducted around the vegetable garden where the manure is applied.

Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira Kalule led a team that included Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, the innovator who collaborated directly with Mr. Mugisha to implement the nutrient recycling innovation. Also part of the team was Prof. Josephine Esaete from the College of Education and External Studies, part of the members of the bigger project research team that includes Prof. Robert Stephen Tabuti and Prof. Vincent Muwanika, both from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University.

 “Mr. Mugisha’s work exemplifies the kind of innovation we aim to capture, document and validate as solutions that are proven to work, locally driven, environmentally sound, and socially inclusive,” said Dr. Nampanzira, following a tour of the project site nestled within a densely populated urban residential area.

Dr. Nampanzira said the reason for the visit to the farmer was because through the project, scientists were looking out for farmers doing unique things that actually give them good results which are not known to the scientists. She said the purpose was to validate such practices and have them promoted.

A vegetable garden with a high yield. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
A vegetable garden with a high yield.

The project, Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate-Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (CICSA-E&SA), continues to engage with farmers who have adopted some climate-smart agricultural practices by identifying and supporting solutions that work for farmers on the ground. Through hands-on engagement and collaboration, the initiative focuses on practical innovations that address real challenges, ensuring that climate-smart agriculture is not only sustainable, but also accessible and effective for local communities.

While describing the innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha, Dr. Herbert Mukiibi explained that the Nutrient Recycling Technology is designed to recover nutrients from various waste streams such as domestic, farm, hospital, schools or market waste and return them to their original source. If the nutrients came from the garden, the ultimate goal is to return them to the garden, Dr. Mukiibi noted. He said that most systems release nutrients through waste, which wastes are often mistreated because people don’t realize they are valuable resources. He said through such interventions, they were coming in to tap on these wastes and return them to the garden in a ready form that can be used by the crops for better yields without necessarily using inorganic forms of fertilizers.

Dr. Mukiibi emphasized that this technology not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also transforms public perception of waste, from a nuisance into a valuable resource thereby encouraging more responsible and productive environmental practices. He commended Mr. Mugisha, the farmer behind the initiative, for embracing the technology and personally financing its development. Thanks to Mr. Mugisha’s commitment, the project has advanced to the point where it is nearly ready to produce, package, and sell organic manure, marking a significant milestone in practical nutrient recycling.

“We want to document the various innovations that promote climate-smart agriculture while simultaneously addressing farmers’ real-world challenges,” said Prof. Asaete Josephine, who is part of the research team. “The innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha not only solved his initial problem, the unpleasant smell of dung that was causing concern in the neighborhood, but also evolved into a broader solution. What began as an effort to manage odor has also addressed nutrient deficiencies. That’s where the climate-smart aspect comes in, she noted.  Instead of spending resources on inorganic fertilizers, the farmer is now benefiting from nutrient recycling, which promotes faster plant growth while tackling the original issue of odor.”, she noted.

Mr. Mugisha explains the Innovation that has helped him resolve the challenge of waste and odor management on his farm. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Mugisha explains the Innovation that has helped him resolve the challenge of waste and odor management on his farm.

Mr. Mugisha informed the visiting team that he initially started the farm to meet his family’s nutritional needs. However, as the farm grew, he encountered significant challenges related to waste management, which led him to connect with Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, whose expertise helped guide him toward innovative solutions. He said he first adopted biogas technology yet, odor problem persisted, leading him to explored more sustainable options and eventually embraced the nutrient recycling innovation. He said transforming waste into organic manure enabled him resolve the environmental concerns but also enhanced the productivity of his vegetable gardens, and is moving towards packaging and sale of organic manure.

The team interacts with Mrs. Mugisha (R). In the background is the slab where the manure will be dried before further processing and packaging. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The team interacts with Mrs. Mugisha (R). In the background is the slab where the manure will be dried before further processing and packaging.

The CICSA-E&SA project is a multi-institutional collaboration led by Makerere University, in partnership with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), Maseno University (Kenya), and LUANAR and DARS (Malawi). The project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) and aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices across East and Southern Africa.

Harriet Musinguzi

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