Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Elly N. Sabiiti Delivers Valedictory Lecture to CAES Community, Recounts His 43-year Experience at Mak
Theme of the Lecture: “My Inspirational Academic Track Service at Makerere University: A Case for CAES”
After 43 years of dedicated service to Makerere University, Prof. Elly N. Sabiiti, a prolific researcher and internationally recognized scholar, currently working at Busitema University–Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, retired from university service in 2021. On 2nd September 2022, Prof. Sabiiti, in company of his wife Joy Sabiiti delivered a valedictory lecture to staff at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. The lecture organized by the Office of the Principal, CAES and held in the Conference Hall at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering focused on his experiences, achievements, challenges, and strategies that enabled CAES to evolve from a Faculty to one of the most celebrated Colleges at the University. He specifically spoke about his career development in terms of teaching, research, graduate supervision, leadership, resource mobilization, representation on professional bodies, and outreach services, before sharing his thoughts for CAES to grow to higher levels and excel in Agricultural and environmental Sciences.
Addressing members of staff, Prof. Sabiiti noted that he was happy to be delivering his Valedictory Lecture at the time Makerere University is celebrating 100 years of existence and excellence. He appreciated Makerere University Management for providing a conducive environment and facilities that enabled him to excel to become an international professor. He equally appreciated all development partners who supported his academic journey. Having joined Makerere University in 1973 as an undergraduate student, Prof. Sabiiti rose through the ranks to become a professor in 1998. During his time at Makerere, Prof. Sabiiti served in various capacities and made enormous contribution towards the development of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Makerere in general. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Production at CAES.
Academic contributions
At Makerere, Prof. Sabiiti had an illustrious career. He developed and taught several undergraduate and graduate courses namely; Undergraduate – Pasture Agronomy, Plant Genetic Resources and Utilization (developed), Seed Science and Technology (developed), Forest Fire Ecology, Agricultural Botany, Ecology and Crop Practical Skills. Graduate courses developed and taught by Prof. Sabiiti included Agronomy of Grasslands, Eco-physiology (developed), Seed Science and Technology (developed), and Plant Genetic Resources and Utilization. He played a key role in the transformation of the Agricultural Husbandry Forum to a Regional Forum based at Makerere University. He established collaboration at local and global levels with various institutions such as Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, ILCA, AFRINET, ICRAF, NARO, ASARECA and this improved visibility of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. Prof. Sabiiti supervised 33 graduate students, 26 MSc and 7 PhDs and had over 150 publications by the time he retired. He supervised and supported several members of staff to attain doctorates and to raise through the ranks to become senior lecturers and associate professors. These include, Dr Denis Mpairwe, an Assoc. Prof and former Head, Department of Agricultural Production; Dr Justine Kasozi Nambi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr C Katongole, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production, and Coordinator Centre for Waste Management; Dr Sylvester Katuromunda, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr Jeninah Karungi-Tumutegyereize, an Assoc. Prof. in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr A. Amoding, Department of Agricultural Production; Dr W Ekere, Department of Agricultural Production (Retired); Dr. A. R. Turinawe, Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics; Dr O. Walekhwa, Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (Deceased); Dr Okello, Senior Lecturer, CoVAB; Dr H. Kato, Associate Professor, Kyambogo University; and Dr S. Mugasi, ED, NAADS.
Curriculum Expansion
As Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Prof. Sabiiti was instrumental in the review and expansion of academic programmes at CAES. “There used to be one MSc in Agriculture with options but these would not be reflected on the degree certificate so we revised the old curriculum and proposed specialized MSc degrees of the various options, MSc Crop Science, MSc Soil Sciences, MSc Animal Science, and MSc Agricultural extension and this increased post graduate numbers. I led the development of a highly popular program –Masters in Agribusiness Management that combined science courses with agricultural economics to produce agribusiness entrepreneurs and make agriculture a rewarding business. We also revised the undergraduate degree programme from three: Bsc Agriculture, BSc Food Science and Technology and BSc Agricultural Engineering to over 10 programs,” he noted. “By the time I handed over to the next Dean, Prof. Matete Bekunda in 2003, the Faculty was leading in Academic programmes, significant financial research funds, several publications, and staff with PhD as well as MSc.”
Administrative roles
Administratively, Prof. Sabiiti held several leadership positions spanning a period of nine years, 1993-2003. He served as Head, Department of Crop Sciences, and Dean – Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (November 1994-2003). Recounting his experience, Prof. Sabiiti said it was during his period as Dean that the Faculty had unprecedented growth in terms of Infrastructural development – the evolution of two Faculties and a Research Institute, and academic programs (under /postgraduate programs). In 1998, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry split to two Faculties, Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation. With NORAD support, a building/home was constructed to house the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation. Kabanyolo University Farm also through a vigorous process was upgraded to Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyoro (MUARIK). “With good collaboration with NARO, the Faculty benefited from World Bank funding for five years and the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC) was constructed as well as a postgraduate building mainly for girls. Using some innovations, a football field was constructed at MUARIK. With this funding, several staff got further training for Masters and PhD and short courses thus building capacity,” he noted. With savings from overhead costs from research and donor-funded projects, the then faculty was able to purchase for the first time a Leyland bus which is still functional-over 24 years), a small Tata bus, a tractor, a car for the Deputy Dean and restored Fish ponds at MUARIK. The other major purchase was about 100acres of land at Namalyagonja bordering MUARIK land. This was to be used for income generation from crop production, especially growing maize. According to Prof. Sabiiti, the idea behind purchasing more land was to prepare for the future plan to have a College and eventually an Agricultural University.
Other important contributions to the University
Prof. Sabiiti represented the Faculty of Agriculture in Senate. He also Coordinated the SIDA program he had initiated in 1999 to build PhD capacity for staff, improve lab equipment and enhance collaboration with Swedish Universities which was about 2m US$ for 15 years, and the Dryland husbandry Project based in Kazo, about US$850,000. He also served on Boards such NAADS, NEMA UNEB, UISTF /committees–I@Mak, where he had been appointed in his professional capacity. “The SIDA funding is one of my celebrated contributions to the College where we trained in joint collaboration with the Swedish University of Agriculture and produced 9 PhD staff, several MSc staff and also supplemented two staff to finish their PhDs (Drs Katuromunda and Obaa). ”While in Senate, Prof. Sabiiti participated in the formation of the Collegiate system at Makerere University. He also defended the approval for the establishment of the Agrostudies program between CAES and Israel Institute funded by the Israeli Government which has become very popular at Makerere and at other Ugandan Universities. He served as Chair for Professorial Inaugural Lectures for 14 years. He initiated collaboration between the University of Western Sydney, Australia and Makerere University 1995 todate where one PhD from CAES was sponsored by that University and she graduated this year in May 2022. He spearheaded the establishment of the first Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Waste Management at MUARIK which was commissioned by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda in 2017. It has state-of-the-art equipment for bio-waste research. The Centre was also supported by Edmonton Centre of excellence in Waste management, Edmonton, Canada, Bank of Uganda, Makerere University top management and CAES.
Recognition Awards based on performance as an Academician and administrator
While in service, Prof. Sabiiti received several awards, locally and internationally in recognition of his excellent performance. These include;
- Makerere University Appreciation Award by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to Makerere University, specifically for the leadership and devotion as Chairperson for the Professorial Inaugural Lectures Organizing Committee 2007-2021.
- Was awarded the highest National award for Civilians as a Hero – Independence Golden Jubilee Medal by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda for his outstanding contribution in research, teaching, outreach, institutional building and administration and his loyalty to the Nation – 26th January 2017.
- Appointed by the Board of Directors of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) as the 1st President of ASARECA General Assembly, December 2011 because of his outstanding contributions in agricultural research and served for two years.
- Recognized by Makerere University in April 2015 for coordinating very successful research collaboration with SIDA financial support 2000-2015.
- Winner of the Presidential Excellence award for Science, technology Education Excellence 2008 for outstanding contribution in the understanding of ecological dynamics of rangeland /grasslands and institutional development.
- Winner of the Makerere University Vice Chancellor’s Innovations and Academic Excellence Award 2007/2008 for transforming the living conditions of Pastoral communities in Kazo rangelands.
- Received a Certificate of Recognition from Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara for his outstanding and dedicated services to the University as its pioneer Chairperson of Council 2003-2018.
- Received recognition (FELLOW) of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) for exemplary contribution to science and technology, 2004.
- Received Recognition Award from the Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University for having contributed significantly to the establishment of the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC) in 2001.
- Was awarded a golden plaque by the Faculty of Agriculture – Makerere University, in recognition of his outstanding leadership as Dean 1994 – 2003.
Regional Recognition
- Elected Vice President, African Academy of Sciences based in Nairobi 2019 todate.
- Recognized Fellow in 2007 of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) based in Nairobi, Kenya for his outstanding scientific contribution in agronomy and Ecology.
- Received recognition award for Distinguished Service as Chairman of the National Steering Committee and National Coordinator of the Dryland Husbandry Project, Uganda from 1995-2003 from the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), July 2004.
International Awards
- Won the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship for Senior African Scholars 2005/16 offered by USA Department of State and was implemented at the Ohio State University and became a Fulbright Scholar 2016 to-date.
- Elected a Fellow by the Governing Council of the Academy into The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) 2001.
- Received recognition award for extraordinary service to the Inter Academy Council as a Member of the Panel on Science and Technology Strategies for Improving Agricultura Productivity and food Security in Africa from the Board of Inter Academy Council, The Netherlands, 27th August 2004.
- Appointed a TWAS Research Professor in Dec 2006 for five years by the Academy of Sciences for the developing World (TWAS) Secretariat based in Trieste, Italy and was hosted by the National University of Rwanda.
Extra Curricula Activities
- Served on Busitema University Council from 2015-2021 and also Chaired Student Affairs and Disciplinary Committee and Appointments Board.
- Appointed twice by Makerere University as Orator and presented citation for H.E. Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni for recognition of his contribution to education, agriculture, fight against HIV/Aids and was awarded D Laws (H.causa) 2019, and for the Distinguished Authorship Award for writing a dictionary-Katondoozi in local language – presented to H.E. in 2020.
- Appointed member of the Board of Trustees of the Uganda Independence Scholarships Trust Fund March 1999 to date. This is a Presidential Appointment.
- Appointed Director on the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) board by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, 2002 to 2008.
- Appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports to serve as Chairman of the Curriculum Subcommittee for the Agricultural Colleges in 2000 that reviewed the curriculum and recommended a two-year Diploma instead of three years.
- Appointed by the Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara as the first Chairman to its Council, June 2003 to date.
- Served as Chairman of the Agribusiness Advisory Committee between the Faculty of Agriculture and the Private Sector in Uganda to monitor a new Masters degree program in Agribusiness Management (1999- 2003).
- Appointed by OSSREA as the National Co-coordinator, Dryland Husbandry Project funded by SIDA. The Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and MAAIF and NARO implemented the project from 1996 –2003.
- Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University to the MU/Government Committee of 14 that prepared a document on Human Capacity building for decentralization supported by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1999/2000. The project attracted about US$17M from the Rockefeller Foundation, World Bank and Government of Uganda. The implementation committee became I@Mak.com – Innovations at Makerere Committee.
- Appointed by Ministry of Education and Sports as member of the Joint Commission for setting up the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 1995-2002. The university has been established and is called Gulu University. He was also chairman of the Curriculum Committee that worked out the academic faculties and programs.
- Appointed member Taskforce for setting up Agricultural University in the North, by the Prime Minister of Uganda, 1994.
- Elected the first President of the newly formed Association of Uganda Professional Agriculturalists (ASUPA) 2002.
- Appointed board member of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) by the Minister of Education and Sports, 2002 to 2005 and was reappointed on the Board from 2006-2009.
- Member of the Management Committee of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) 1995-2003.
- Member of the National Forum on the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture 1996-2003.
- Member of the National Steering Committee for the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture1996-2003.
- Appointed by Ministry of Agriculture to be Member of the National Steering Committee to Combat Desertification in Uganda, 1997 to 2010.
- National Coordinator, Plant Genetic Resources Coordinating Committee, 1992 -1997.
Prof. Sabiiti’s advice to members of staff
- While in service, work for the good of the institution and the good of others and you will be rewarded. “As a Professor at Makerere, I had purpose to build human capital. As a Lecturer, you should always have purpose as to why you are teaching and supervising. I came to Makerere to teach and build others. Learn to sacrifice for the good of others.”
- Mentoring means being able to offer a helping hand to a fallen person or a person struggling with unseen challenges and you do it willingly without expecting rewards from that person. Your expectations from that person is to be a better person.
- Makerere gives you the best environment to grow academically if you want to grow. Learn to love the institution and you will excel in whatever you do.
- To the academic leaders, there is need to balance administration and academics. If you don’t, you will be lost when you leave administration.
Prof. Sabiiti’s thoughts on the future of CAES
Prof. Sabiiti implored staff to remain united with a common vision for the College. “Focus on growing CAES into a University of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Looking back, CAES has had steady developmental phases initially from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry to a College status and this has been possible through dedicated service of the various leaders and staff. This practice should be further deepened to turn CAES into a much bigger Institution with more Departments, Schools, Centers, Institutes that fit in the NDPIII and Uganda Vision of 2040. You have a very good Strategic Plan 2020-2030 which should now be regularly revised to focus on what you want to achieve. Use the capacity you have on ground to drive your Strategic Plan. You should all remain united with a common vision championed by your leaders if you want to attain higher levels of development.”
Appreciation
Prof. Sabiiti appreciated the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga for inviting him to deliver his valedictory lecture, and the Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazhidi Bamutaze for coordinating the program.
Recognition of retired staff
During the event, the Principal, CAES presented an award to Prof. Sabiiti in recognition of his distinguished service to Makerere University. The Principal, together with the Deputy Principal also presented appreciation awards to other retired members of staff in recognition of their service to Makerere. These included; Prof. Bareeba Felix, Prof. Tenywa Moses, Prof. Hyuha Theodora, Prof. Ssembajjwe Gombya, Prof. William Kyamuhangire, Prof. Nabasirye Margaret, Prof. Mutetikka David, Prof. Tenywa John Stephen, Dr Matsiko Francis, Dr Okiror John James, Dr Nagadya Harriet, Dr Christine Magala Nyago, Dr Michael Iwadra, Ms. Nanziri Sarah, Ms. Kawooya Teddy Mary, Mr. Eugene Manda, Mr. Tibakuzira Arnest, Mr. Emmanuel Nabyama, Ms. Toepista Namayanja, Everst Emuron, and Ms. Benny Kaitesi.
The Principal appreciated Prof. Elly Sabiiti and the other retirees for serving Makerere with utmost diligence. “It’s because of their sacrifices that CAES has grown and excelled in many aspects,” she noted.
The Valedictory Lecture was moderated by Dr Patrick Byakagaba, a member of staff at CAES.
Full presentation attached below.
Agriculture & Environment
Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference Rallies Young Learners to Champion Environmental Sustainability
Kampala, March 20, 2026 : More than 250 primary school pupils have been rallied to take an active role in environmental protection during the Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference hosted at Makerere University.
Organised by the Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda in partnership with the Green Vests Initiative, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the conference aimed to promote environmental awareness and responsible stewardship among learners.
The half-day event brought together Primary Five to Primary Seven pupils and their teachers for a series of educational sessions and interactive activities under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools.”
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to nurturing environmental responsibility from an early age, complementing EfD’s traditional focus on policy engagement and research. The programme included keynote remarks, environmental education sessions, and interactive activities designed to inspire pupils to take practical steps in protecting their environment.
Schools Key in the Fight Against Environmental Crisis
Schools must take a leading role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens if Uganda is to effectively address climate change and environmental degradation, a policy engagement specialist said.
Representing the College Principal and Director of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, Dr. Peter Babyenda described schools as critical platforms for promoting environmental stewardship and influencing long-term behavioural change.
He welcomed participants and encouraged young learners to envision themselves as future students and leaders at Makerere University. “In a few years, you will be here, and this will be your college,” he said.
Dr. Babyenda warned that Uganda remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with more than 40 percent of its land degraded and an estimated 100,000 to 122,000 hectares of forest lost annually. He noted that environmental degradation is already affecting key sectors including health, food security and education.
In Eastern Uganda, over 90 percent of children reportedly experience climate-related disruptions to learning, while urban centres such as Kampala face increasing flooding, disease outbreaks and extreme heat, which affect school attendance and concentration.
He attributed the crisis largely to human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, wetland encroachment and poor waste management. Citing recent floods in the capital, he said blocked drainage systems and irresponsible garbage disposal are worsening the situation.
“Most of the floods you are seeing are likely caused by us,” he said. “If we don’t protect our environment, the effects will find us—even in our classrooms.”
Babyenda emphasized that teachers, particularly at primary level, play a critical role in shaping environmentally responsible behaviour early in life. “You can play a great role in safeguarding the environment if you teach these young ones from the start. It is very easy to change behaviour from the beginning,” he said.
He noted that Uganda’s youthful population-about 44 percent below the age of 15, presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable change. With more than 18,000 primary schools and about 3,000 secondary schools, he said the education system remains the largest structured platform for influencing behaviour nationwide.
Babyenda called for practical interventions within schools, including tree planting, establishment of school gardens, waste recycling and composting, clean-up campaigns, energy conservation and the creation of “talking compounds” that reinforce environmental responsibility.
He also urged schools to strengthen environmental education through clubs and peer learning initiatives, and to revive greening policies such as school woodlots under the Green School Programme.
Highlighting the importance of forests, Babyenda pointed to the degradation of major reserves such as Mabira Forest, Bugoma Forest and Budongo Forest, warning that continued loss of tree cover threatens biodiversity, livelihoods and climate stability.
“We are saying trees, trees, trees because their benefits are immediate,” he said, noting their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating temperatures and maintaining ecological balance.
Encouraging personal and community responsibility, he challenged learners to influence change beyond the classroom. “You can even correct your parents—tell them that throwing rubbish out of a car window is not right,” he said.
He also proposed simple but symbolic actions to embed environmental values in everyday life. “Let us make it a habit—even on your birthday, plant a tree. That is how you celebrate life while protecting the future,” he added.
Babyenda stressed that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts from individuals, schools, communities and government institutions.
“Start small but think big. Let each school be a beacon, one tree, one club, one lesson at a time,” he said.
He pledged the centre’s readiness to partner with schools and stakeholders to advance environmental sustainability efforts across the country.
“The future lies in you, the young ones,” he said. “If we guide you well, you will become the leaders who protect our environment.”
Green Vest Initiative Champions Student-Led Environmental Action”
Green Vest Initiative Team Lead John Robert Tenywa said the gathering aimed to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who act beyond their personal interests to protect shared resources.
The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools,” emphasized the critical role of young people in driving environmental change. Tenywa noted that schools provide a strategic platform for shaping attitudes and behaviors that can influence communities and the country at large.
“We are focusing on raising a generation that lives beyond itself—one that is mindful of the environment and committed to making a difference,” he said.
Tenywa outlined the Initiative’s key activities, including cleaning public spaces, educating communities about environmental conservation, and promoting waste management practices that turn waste into valuable resources. He added that the organisation conducts monthly community outreach activities, combining clean-up campaigns with public sensitisation efforts.
For the current cycle, the Initiative has shifted its focus toward education, targeting students with information and discussions on environmental protection. Tenywa said this approach complements ongoing clean-up efforts by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation through awareness.
He also highlighted the Initiative’s faith-based foundation, noting that it integrates moral and spiritual values into its work while engaging communities.
The engagement marks a growing effort by civil society and public institutions to involve young people in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas where waste management and pollution remain pressing concerns.
Everyone Has a Legal Role in Safeguarding the Environment
Wilber Ikalai, NEMA Manager of Environment Education and Advocacy, urged students to understand that every individual has a legal and moral duty to maintain a clean and healthy environment. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it,” he said, quoting environmentalist Robert Swan. He reinforced that the National Environment Act mandates all Ugandans to prevent pollution and enhance environmental quality.
Ikalai highlighted that environmental stewardship goes beyond trees, water, and wildlife, noting that human behaviors are integral to the ecosystem. He gave examples of harmful practices in schools, including improper disposal of waste, overuse of water, overprinting of documents, and the unsafe handling of food packaging materials that release chemicals into the food chain. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are part of the pollutants affecting your environment,” he said.
The NEMA official also outlined the agency’s role in coordinating national environmental management, working with lead institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, local governments, and educational institutions. Through policy guidance, environmental impact assessments, and public education, NEMA seeks to promote sustainability and prevent environmental degradation.
Ikalai called on students to adopt green practices in schools, including proper waste management, water conservation, minimizing overprinting, and avoiding harmful materials in food handling. He encouraged learners to report unsustainable practices they observe and to actively contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility. “Students are the stewards of the environment for the coming generations,” he said, urging them to take personal responsibility for practices that impact both their immediate surroundings and the broader ecosystem.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
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