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Makerere University Researchers at the Forefront of Tackling Climate Change

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3 years ago

November 4, 2022

Mak Editor

A montage of case studies produced by the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales (LCEERNW) based at Bangor University. Photo: LCEERNW

A new case study series highlights Makerere University projects tackling climate related issues through collaborative research in Africa

On November the 6^th, world leaders will meet in Egypt for the 27^th United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP27. In celebration of COP being held in Africa, the Low Carbon Energy an Environment Research Network Wales have compiled a set of case studies highlighting Africa – Wales climate focused research collaborations which include two case studies involving Makerere University.

Africa is a key player in the battle against climate change. The continent is home to 18% of the world’s tropical forests giving it a vital role in mitigating climate change. With rapidly growing populations seeking economic growth, African countries are also forced to think outside the box for ways to achieve development in climate friendly way leading to new innovations.

As well as mitigation, Africa is also an important place for climate adaption research. Despite having played only a small role in the causes of climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme points out that Africa is currently the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as many on the continent lack the resources to buffer themselves from the effects of climate change.

Researchers from Makerere University were involved in two of the projects highlighted. The first was a collaboration between Makerere University and Bangor University, Wales, that has taken the leftover materials from Maize production, known as stover, and converted it into products that replace single use plastics, such as fruit packaging.

Plastic, particularly single use plastic, can damage the environment in several ways, from the harmful plastic pollution to its contribution to climate change through the petrochemicals used in its production. The products that the project has developed offer huge environmental benefits whilst also creating additional employment in rural areas. The team are currently trialling tree seedling wraps in collaboration with the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise and the National Agricultural Research Organisation.

“The biodegradable seedling wraps will revolutionise the way we plant our trees by providing environmentally sound seedling potting material that is sustainable, reducing plastic load and reducing damage to the ecosystem,” says Ephraim Nuwamanya of the National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda.

The second project highlights the work of former Makerere University student Jalia Packwood who now works at Bangor University. In her role as the International Sustainability Collaborations Project Officer, Packwood developed collaborative projects to share knowledge between Bangor University, Makerere University, and private and public sector organisations in Uganda. The project established links between the two universities and was so wide-reaching that is drew the attention of the Ugandan High Commissioner.

“It’s about making links,” says Packwood. “The research is out there but I was able to act as an intermediary between the university and people on the ground 4,000 miles away.”

For both these projects, as with all of the case studies highlighted by the network, a collaborative approach to solving the global problems brought about by climate change was key.

“The partnership with the University of Bangor brought research into action,” said Florence Nakayiwa, former Director of the Planning and Development Department at Makerere University. “It has infused appreciation of collaboration as a way of life for staff and students at Makerere University – the ethos and values imparted at the time have continued to influence the sustainability program at Makerere University.”

Welsh universities are well known for their collaborative research with more than 50% of Wales’s research output having been produced by international collaborations. The case studies chosen highlight the importance of links between Africa and Wales in tackling climate related issues. For the full details and more great examples of climate focussed research from across Africa and Wales please head over to www.lceernw.ac.uk/wales-in-africa

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

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Mak Editor

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Makerere Convocation to Host a CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit 2025

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3 days ago

August 29, 2025

Mak Editor

Makerere University Convocation (MUC) CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, 8:00AM-12:00PM, Convocation Grounds. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Elvis Lubanga}

Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Convocation (MUC) is set to host the CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders and stakeholders.

The half-day summit will convene CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and explore investment opportunities that can unlock the potential of Uganda’s next generation of talent. Running under the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event reflects Makerere University’s ambition to position itself as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will officiate as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Peter Kimbowa, CEO of the CEO Summit Uganda, will deliver the keynote address. Their participation underscores the importance of the summit in strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government, and in advancing Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, will welcome the invited participants and highlighted the university’s determination to work collaboratively with partners to shape impactful solutions for Uganda and the region.

“We want to work with you to see how, together, we can move our country and continent forward. I invited all of you CEOs to Makerere so that we can brainstorm on what we can do to transform our nation and Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

According to Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Chief Convener of the summit and Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, this will be the first event of its kind. She noted that the summit seeks to foster mentorship, internships, and employment linkages as a means of bridging the gap between industry and academia, while positioning Convocation as a driver of socio-economic transformation.

A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Makerere University Convocation’s Massive Transformation Purpose, a bold framework that converts five critical takeaways into independent working teams with clear Terms of Reference, objectives, data-driven activities, and measurable outcomes. The plan institutionalizes vision, distributes ownership, and ensures sustainability through quarterly reporting, evidence-based impact, and global benchmarking. The five teams—From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower, Diaspora Dividend vs. Brain Drain, Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges, AI & Future of Learning, and From Convocation to Covenant—are designed to commercialize research, harness diaspora capital, institutionalize mentorship, drive digital transformation, and sustain alumni–faculty–student engagement through a covenant model. Collectively, they transform Convocation from a ceremonial event into a movement of accountability, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic impact for Uganda and Africa.

The summit has already attracted wide endorsement from leading companies and agencies, demonstrating its timeliness and relevance.

Mr. Eugene Too, General Manager at Haco Industries, affirmed the company’s support, stating:

“Haco Industries endorses the Makerere University CEOs Forum. We believe the Summit’s objectives align with our broader goals of creating impact in education, supporting internships, job placement, and mentorship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proud to be associated with the Summit at Makerere University Convocation.”

Eng. Shaft Mukwaya, Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission of Uganda, commended the Convocation’s role in promoting inclusivity:

“Makerere University Convocation has proven to be a steadfast ally in achieving our mission of pursuing an inclusive society in which no one is left behind. We are honoured to be associated with this summit.”

Roofings Uganda has equally expressed strong endorsement, noting that the event aligns closely with their corporate vision:

“At Roofings, we are privileged to endorse the Makerere University Convocation CEOs/Investors’ Summit and call upon all invited guests to be part of this noble cause. Makerere University is a valued partner in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, which aligns closely with our vision of being an accelerator for a sustainable Africa. As sponsors, we are honoured to be associated with this summit that brings together leaders, investors, and visionaries to shape inclusive growth and development.”

With its broad stakeholder support, clear strategic framework, and focus on outcomes, the Makerere University Convocation’s CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit is positioned as a landmark event. It will provide a unique platform for academia, industry, and government to converge in pursuit of sustainable growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, not only for Uganda but for the entire Sub-Saharan African region.