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17 Postdoctoral Research Teams Mentored as SECA Project Winds up

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SECA is an acronym for the Supporting Early-Career Academics Programme at Makerere University (2019-2022). SECA is the fifth “phase” of the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)’s support to Makerere, and follows in the steps of similar successful initiatives that date back to 1946 when the Corporation’s relations with Uganda started. On Thursday 12th January 2023, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and SECA Chairman Project Implementation Committee (PIC), Prof. Umar Kakumba was joined by the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Edward Bbaale as well as Academic Registrar and SECA Project Coordinator, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi to preside over the programme’s final dissemination workshop.

Held in the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, the workshop accorded the opportunity to research teams to present and discuss their findings. SECA supported seventeen (17) Early-Career academics at Makerere University, eight (8) of whom were female and nine (9) male, to undertake postdoctoral research fellowships in their respective fields of specialty. Additionally, SECA supported professional skills enhancement courses, as well as tuition and research costs for seventeen (17) Masters students (7 female, 10 male) attached to the research teams.

Furthermore, SECA provided funds to fellows for writing and publication, supported mentorship and research team building, provided travel grants to international conferences, and supported fellows to disseminate their findings to academia, policy makers and the general public. To facilitate improvements in the university research environment, SECA provided access to a grant worth US$6,000 to each of the fellows’ host departments. Some of the activities undertaken using the grants included; conducting academic writing and dissemination workshops, holding symposia for PhD students and academic staff, development of academic programmes, renovating research infrastructure and acquiring equipment.

Front Row: Prof. Umar Kakumba (C), flanked by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) and Prof. Edward Mwavu (R) listen to proceedings during the SECA Final Dissemination Workshop.
Front Row: Prof. Umar Kakumba (C), flanked by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) and Prof. Edward Mwavu (R) listen to proceedings during the SECA Final Dissemination Workshop.

Delivering his remarks, Prof. Umar Kakumba congratulated both Prof. Buyinza and Prof. Bbaale upon their new appointments as Academic Registrar and Director DRGT respectively, and thanked them for contributing to SECA’s success. In the same breath, he recognized and introduced members of the PIC namely; Prof. Jesca Nakavuma, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, Prof. Julius Kikooma and Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha and thanked them for the rigorous work done in reviewing applications by fellows.

“I wish to congratulate you the fellows. As part of the monitoring team for SECA, we visited what you were involved in and I must say that Makerere has great potential. We received close to 102 proposals, and selecting seventeen (17) was a huge task because every proposition was bankable and attuned to the relevance of our country” Prof. Kakumba remarked.

The DVCAA noted that all projects undertaken by fellows had the potential to co-create knowledge with the communities and respective sectors beyond SECA funding. He therefore called upon them to continue providing research leadership in their departments and communities. On this note, he appreciated the fellows for each mentoring a graduate student.

Prof. Kakumba equally acknowledged CCNY for the generous support accorded to Makerere and continually entrusting the University with various opportunities to enhance the research capacities of her staff. In this regard, he thanked the Mentors, Heads of Department and the PIC for ensuring that the fellows continued to perform well and compile their progressive reports on time. This feat, he acknowledged, has led to Makerere University securing a successor grant in line with SECA.

Addressing the fellows and audience, Prof. Bbaale paid tribute to his predecessor, Prof. Buyinza for his visionary leadership of DRGT that gave rise to initiatives such as SECA. “It is gratifying and heartwarming to have events of this nature that are in line with the research-led agenda of the University.

The Deputy Director DRGT and the Workshop Moderator, Prof. Julius Kikooma contributes to the discussion.
The Deputy Director DRGT and the Workshop Moderator, Prof. Julius Kikooma contributes to the discussion.

“Postdoctoral research is high quality research, which can go a long way in informing policy for societal transformation. We greatly value each of the projects you have undertaken and we are confident that they have the potential to contribute to the national development agenda. Therefore, we must bring on board targeted dissemination beyond this general dissemination” said Prof. Bbaale.

He explained that targeted dissemination is the gateway to different institutions of Government that are either users or potential users of policy recommendations and different projects that need to be scaled up across the country. Beyond SECA, Prof. Bbaale urged the fellows to form a cluster of researchers as a platform for continued collaboration and a multidisciplinary entity to compete for research grants.

“The world over, postdoctoral research is an engine that must propel the university into a research-led direction… As DRGT, we are soon going to propose a policy on postdoctoral degrees that will pave the way for different units to admit many more postdoctoral fellows” added Prof. Bbaale.

Makerere’s strategic thinking in terms of research is informed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Vision 2040, African Charter 2063 and the Institutional Research Framework, which implies that we are running a coherent research agenda” said Prof. Buyinza as he commenced his remarks.

Dr. Kavuma Namirembe Susan from the Department of Policy and Development Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) presents her findings on the evaluation of Spatial Connectivity and Firm Productivity.
Dr. Kavuma Namirembe Susan from the Department of Policy and Development Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) presents her findings on the evaluation of Spatial Connectivity and Firm Productivity.

The Academic Registrar added that the realization of these aspirations is dependent on grooming a crop of critical thinkers who can contribute to the knowledge economy. He therefore expressed his gratitude at being able to participate in a number of phases of CCCNY’s support to Makerere, aimed at achieving this objective.

“I have been privileged to participate in the Next Generation of African Academics I, Next Generation of African Academics II, Nurturing Emerging Research Leaders through Post-Doctoral Training (NERLP) and Supporting Early-Career Academics (SECA), which we are closing today, and the successor consolidating the Supporting Early-Career Academics (SECA) programme” he explained.

Turning to SECA, Prof. Buyinza noted that the project was designed to expand Makerere’s community of research leaders and doctoral supervisors through four (4) specific objectives. These included;

  1. To consolidate the capacity of fellows to conduct quality research with appropriate mentorship at Makerere,
  2. To strengthen the enabling environment to encourage the retention of fellows at Makerere,
  3. To strengthen research management and research leadership capacity at Makerere, and
  4. To increase the capacity for scientific communication of research outputs into publicly accessible writing.

“We believe that we have built an integrated, institutionalized, research mentorship culture at this University because of our model of delivery of this project. It is a three-tier model consisting of the Senior who is the Mentor, the PI (Principal Investigator) who is the Early-Career fellow and the Masters student” said Prof. Buyinza.

Dr. Andrew Tamale from the Department of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) presents his findings on Management of Bacterial Diseases in Fish Hatcheries.
Dr. Andrew Tamale from the Department of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) presents his findings on Management of Bacterial Diseases in Fish Hatcheries.

He added that this architecture enabled the SECA team to build synergies between the different levels of research development and in so doing, ensure sustainability by institutionalizing mentorship. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged the fellows to continue posting their successes on the SECA portal and holding the lunchtime seminars in their departments.

“I want to believe that your skills have been enhanced, your vision to research has been touched beyond publishing an article to looking at the wider spectra of events that form you as a regional research leader. We want you to form a regional network so that together you can write research grants, supervise graduate students and influence the research agenda in the different countries” concluded Prof. Buyinza.

Details of the fellows and their research projects may be viewed in the table below.

No.NameUnitProject Title
1.Dr. Dhabangi AggreyChild Health and Development Centre (CHDC), CHS.Hemolytic Disease of the New-born in Uganda: Burden and Clinical Characteristics
2.Dr. Edopu Nabuyungo RitahDepartment of Fine Art, MTSIFA, CEDAT.Community Product Design Education for Improved Market Access.
3.Dr. Kabagenyi AllenDepartment of Population Studies, CoBAMS.Adolescent Motherhood, pre and postnatal New-born care practices, perceptions and barriers in Eastern Uganda (AMNEP).
4.Dr. Kambugu RobertDepartment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, CAESModeling of long-term development scenarios for plantation forestry and forest industries in Uganda.
5.Dr. Kavuma Namirembe SusanDepartment of Policy and Development Economics, CoBAMSEmpirical Evaluation of Spatial Connectivity, Urban structure, Density and Firm Productivity: Evidence from Kampala.
6.Dr. Kindi Immanuel FredrickSchool of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS.Gender, Oil and Migration in the Albertine Graben Region, Uganda.
7.Dr. Mayanja Nanziri MaureenDepartment of Bio-security, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health, CoVAB.Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Plant Technology Information Pathways and Prospective for Sustained Usage among Transhumant Pastrolists in Karamoja.
8.Dr. Muhanguzi DenisDepartment of Bio-molecular and Bio-Laboratory Sciences, CoVABTargeting hotspot villages to accelerate the eradication of Acute Sleeping Sickness (ASS) from Uganda.
9.Dr. Mwesigye Rutabatiina AbrahamDepartment of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, CAES.Epidemiological survey of populations exposed to heavy metals and trace elements from Mining activites in Uganda. A case study of Kilembe copper mine catchment.
10.Dr. Mwikirize CosmasDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, CEDAT.Efficacy of Deep Learning-aided Platform for Diagnosis of Breast Cancer using Ultrasound Images in the Ugandan Population.
11.Dr. Najjemba Harriet P.Institute of Open Distance and E-learning, CEES.Using Emerging Technologies to Capture and Disseminate Indigenous Agricultural Practices for Improved Food Production in Uganda: A case of Luweero District (INDIGRIC).
12.Dr. Nambi RebeccaDepartment of Humanities and Language Education, CEES.Supporting refugee access and participation in higher education: A case of Makerere University.
13.Dr. Nasirumbi B. LosiraSchool of Agricultural Sciences, CAES.Intra-household gender dynamics and uptake of agricultural technologies for sustainable livelihoods in Uganda.
14.Dr. Semujju BrianDepartment of Journalism and Communication, CHUSS.Evaluating Digital Literacy to Create a Policy for Digital Media use at Makerere University.
15.Dr. Ssekuubwa EnockDepartment of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, CAES.Enhancing the use of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration for mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity and improving livelihoods in Uganda’s Cattle Corridor (FMNR).
16.Dr. Tamale AndrewDepartment of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources, CoVAB.Operationalization of Phages for Management of Bacterial Diseases in Fish Hatcheries
17.Dr. Zawedde AminahMinistry of ICT and National Guidance. Formerly CoCIS.QATE: A Public Participatory Approach for Quality Assessment of e-Government Services to Enable Sustainable Development.
SECA Project Postdoctoral Research Teams (2019-2022)

Mark Wamai

Agriculture & Environment

NbS4Tea Project Team Makes Great Progress, Deploys Drones for Data Collection

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Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot, training the project team in drone operations. At Makerere, the project is coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima, third right. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.

****Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NbS4Tea is a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and tea productivity in Uganda.

Launch of drones for data collection

The Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project has registered a significant milestone with the successful deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection.

On 19th June 2025, the project team officially launched the drones at the Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, the project’s main research hub. The launch event included hands-on training sessions by Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot. Mr. Mutungi provided detailed instruction on drone operation, safety procedures, and data acquisition techniques specifically tailored to the project’s goals. The training was attended the core NbS4Tea researchers as well as students supported by the project.

Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot briefs the research team on the critical role of drones in data collection. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Mr. Timothy Mutungi, a certified Remote Sensing Drone Pilot briefs the research team on the critical role of drones in data collection.

By utilizing drone technology, the team will be able to capture high-resolution imagery and gather critical environmental data across vast tea-growing areas. This will enable more precise assessments of biodiversity, soil health, water use, and overall ecosystem services. The valuable insights generated will guide the development of sustainable, nature-based agricultural practices with the potential for widespread adoption throughout the tea industry.

About the NbS4Tea Project

NbS4Tea is a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and tea productivity in Uganda. Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and led by Dr Emmanuel Arthur from Aarhus University, the project is being implemented through a consortium of Ugandan and Danish institutions namely: Makerere University, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, Uganda Tea Association, Aarhus University, Denmark, and Kick-start International.

The project team members attending a training session at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. From Right to left: Dr. Prossy Nakawuka, Dr. Alex Nimusiima - Team Leader, Makerere University, Dr. Twaha Ali Basamba, and Dr. Grace Nakabonge. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team members attending a training session at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. From Right to left: Dr. Prossy Nakawuka, Dr. Alex Nimusiima – Team Leader, Makerere University, Dr. Twaha Ali Basamba, and Dr. Grace Nakabonge.

The primary objective of the project is to sustainably close the tea yield gap in Uganda by developing research-driven, nature-based solutions that enhance the climate resilience of tea production systems. This involves identifying climate-resilient tea varieties, integrating tea prunings and banana by-products, utilizing nitrogen-fixing agroforestry trees, and improving irrigation management. The approach emphasizes socio-economic feasibility, capacity building in research, and a market-oriented, multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure both environmental and economic sustainability.

At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES. Other Project members are; Dr Grace Nakabonge from the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; Dr Prossy Nakawuka from the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering; Dr Twaha Ali Basamba from the Department of Agricultural Production; and Dr Alice Turinawe from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics.

The project team during a training in drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team during a training in drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.

Specific objectives

  1. Identify and quantify climate change impacts on tea yield and quality based on historical and newly obtained data and novel data mining methods.
  2. Screen, select and recommend tea varieties adapted to abiotic (drought and heat) and biotic stresses (diseases and pests).
  3. Develop new knowledge on the potential of local waste biomass (tea prunings, banana pseudostems and peels) as soil amendments- mulch, compost, biochar, to recycle nutrients, improve soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration and alleviate drought.
  4. Reveal NbS through agroforestry combined with organic mulch, irrigation and resilient tea varieties that increase biodiversity and tea yield.
  5. Innovate new methods to enhance tea production under climate change through rainwater harvest and climate-smart irrigation infrastructure.
  6. Empower vulnerable groups (women, youth, and people with disabilities) in tea production and processing to ensure multi-actor involvement and socio-economic benefit outreach of the proposed NbS in tea cultivation and production.
  7. Identify export market strategies for NbS tea products, aligned with consumer preferences.
Some of the PhD and Masters students supported by the project. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Some of the PhD and Masters students supported by the project.

Progress thus far

Launched in January 2024, the project, organized in five work packages, has registered significant progress. Each of the work packages listed below supports one PhD student and one Masters’ student. The PhD students are: i) Mr. Adiga Hassan from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES conducting research under work package 1; ii) Ms. Sarah Namayengo from the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism conducting research under work package 2; Ms. Vivian Namutebi from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management undertaking research on work package 3; Mr. Keneth Chelimo from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering conducting his research under work package 4; and Ms. Moreen Asasira from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics focusing on work package 5. The Masters students are: i) Ms. Evelyn Katasi from the Department of Environmental Management at CAES (work package 1), Mr. Vereriano Turyahebwa from Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism (work package 2); Mr. Ben Okurut from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management (work package 3); Mr. Augustine Okot from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (work package 4); and Mr. Augustine Kigozi from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (work package 5)

The project team receiving training on drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team receiving training on drone operations at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Work packages and achievements registered

Work Package 1: Climate change impacts on tea yield and quality – Headed by Dr. Alex Nimusiima

This work package centres on the analysis of historical and projected climate conditions in the study area. It examines how current climate patterns influence tea production, as well as the potential effects of future climate change on tea yield and quality.

Progress

i) A household survey assessing the socio-economic status of tea farmers and the effects of climate variability on their livelihoods has been completed.
ii) The collected data has been cleaned, and the Masters student supported under this work package is currently writing her thesis based on the survey findings.
iii) A historical climate analysis of the study area has been conducted by the PhD student, who is now preparing a manuscript.

One of the drones to be used by the project team flying over the research area during the training session. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
One of the drones to be used by the project team flying over the research area during the training session.

Work Package 2: Screening & selecting tea genotypes for resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses – Headed by Assoc. Prof. Grace Nakabonge

This work package focuses on evaluating existing tea genotypes for their resistance to pests and diseases, using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging as a diagnostic tool.

Progress

i) A screen house has been constructed to serve as the experimental site.

ii) Germplasm from two tea varieties is currently being cultivated in the screen house in preparation for the upcoming experiments.

iii) A drone has been acquired to assist in data collection for this work package.

The students supported by the project undergo practical training at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The students supported by the project undergo practical training at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Work Package 3: Evaluation of NbS for climate resilience, higher yield and biodiversity- Headed by Assoc. Prof. Twaha Ali Basamba

This focuses on the characterization of mulch and biochar derived from tea prunings to improve soil health. It also aims to quantify the added value of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in enhancing tea productivity, promoting climate resilience, and supporting biodiversity.

Progress

  1. So far, Biochar has been produced from tea prunings and characterized.
  2. The Masters student supported under this work package is writing his thesis on the results of biochar characterization.
Ms. Sarah Namayengo, a PhD student supported by the project tests her skills after the training. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Ms. Sarah Namayengo, a PhD student supported by the project tests her skills after the training.

Work Package 4: Innovating smart and scalable irrigation technology for improved tea production- Headed by Dr. Prossie Nakawuka

This work package aims to develop and evaluate smart, scalable irrigation solutions to boost tea production. It focuses on assessing how irrigation impacts tea yield and quality, measuring water use efficiency, and analyzing the economic returns of irrigation practices. Additionally, it explores deficit irrigation and climate-resilient strategies to ensure sustainable tea farming in changing environmental conditions.

Progress

  1. The irrigation infrastructure is now in place and fully operational at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.
  2. The experimental plots for irrigation experiments are already in place with water pipes.
A close-up of the drone in flight. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
A close-up of the drone in flight.

Work package 5: Socio-economic assessment of tea-agroforestry and selected tea varieties – Headed by Dr. Alice Turinawe

This work package emphasizes co-creation within multi-stakeholder innovation networks to evaluate the economic feasibility and market access of tea agroforestry systems. It also focuses on promoting gender balance and understanding consumer valuation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) tea from Uganda.

Progress

To date, two co-creation workshops have been successfully conducted and the Masters student under this work package is currently analyzing the workshop results as part of their research.

The project team being trained on drone operation. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The project team being trained on drone operation.

Expected outputs and outcomes

  1. Increased tea production, productivity, and biodiversity through the adoption of NbS.
  2. Increased research and technical capacity of Makerere and R-ZARDI.
  3. Holistic stakeholder insight on economic feasibility, consumer acceptance and market access strategies, especially for vulnerable groups in the tea value chain.
  4. Increased job prospects for youth and women in tea production sub-sectors.
  5. Improved social status and increased incomes of tea farmers, traders, and exporters.
  6. Improved economic and environmental quality by recycling biomass waste into value-added products dedicated to soil enhancement.
  7. 4+ high-yielding tea genotypes adapted to drought and heat, diseases and pests.
  8. 15+ scientific articles, conference presentations.
  9. Five PhDs and Five MSc degrees.
  10. Market access assessment and empowerment.
Part of the Drip Irrigation System set up by the project team at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Part of the Drip Irrigation System set up by the project team at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre.

Details on the project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2024/01/new-caes-project-to-improve-tea-production-in-uganda/

More photos from the event

The screen house constructed to serve as the experimental site. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The screen house constructed to serve as the experimental site.

The Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
The Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District.

Fields of the tea crop. Nature-based Solutions for Tea (NbS4Tea) project at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala, Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deployment of drones to improve environmental and agricultural data collection at Rwebitaba Tea Research Centre in Kyenjojo District, Uganda, East Africa, 19th June 2025.
Fields of the tea crop.

Hasifa Kabejja

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Directorate of Graduate Training Rolls out Research Management Information Sytems (RIMS)

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By: Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training is rolling out the Research Management Information systems (RIMS) to efficiently and effectively monitor the academic progress of all graduate students.

“RIMS will be used to track efficiently every stage of activity of graduate studies from course works, research concept to thesis completion.” The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma said.

He added, “The RIMS team is here to share developments on the system that are designed to support the agenda of Makerere university. When graduate students enter a given chapter of their research works, their supervisors will automatically receive mail prompts to swiftly handle, give comments and guide the students on the way forward.”

During the roll out training recently at the College of Health Sciences in Mulago, Prof. Kikooma said, “The Directorate of Graduate Training is working in collaboration with Directorate of Innovation, Research and Partnerships (DIRP) and the Directorate of Information Communication and Technology Support (DICTS) to ensure a smooth training to all the schools and colleges. Digitalising the graduate management process is anticipated to increase the number of graduate admissions and completion in the long run.”

“As the three directorates, we sat and reviewed the university graduate strategy and policies around it. We got reviewed policies and procedures approved by the University Senate last year. We no longer have provisional admission letter requirement for our PhD students. It is now full admission straight away and we follow a cohort system of admission for the PhD by research students.” He added.

Prof. Julius Kikooma

RIMS is a version of how the Directorate of Graduate Training aims to handle the process of systematic tracking of every point of progress in the entire academic journey of graduate students.

The Directorate of Graduate Training has so far conducted the RIMS training at three Colleges namely; College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) and College of Natural Sciences (CONAS).

The critical stakeholders on the RIMS value chain include Heads of Departments, College Principals and Deputy Principals, Directors, School Deans, Supervisors as well as Graduate coordinators. “All the above are key actors and must be able to use RIMS in the graduate process, capturing all profiles of students and supervisors and should be able to use it appropriately.” He emphasized.

He said that RIMS will bring all stakeholders on the same page and will be able to adequately troubleshoot any hinderance to progress when course works are done, to dissertation and thesis completion. Makerere university target is to increase its graduate students’ enrollment from 19% to at least 30% in the next five years.

Prof. Bruce James Kirenga, Principal College of Health Sciences welcomed RIMS training saying that this kind of E- learning and supervision tracking is the way to handle graduate studies as it seems to reduce the turn around time for student- supervisor responses.

“Every activity in the graduate students learning journey is monitored swiftly. Whatever the students upload on to the system, supervisors get message pop-ups on their mails, review the works immediately and attach comments for the students to appreciate and manage appropriately.” He said.

Prof. Bruce James Kirenga

Prof. Kirenga added that the audit trail created under RIMS will provide good progressive academic reports and improve the journey to Doctoral studies.

“Heads of Departments are able to see all students in the department, any pending system approvals, observe completion rates and total progressive over view of each student and that the total overview of department performance will be clearly seen under RIMS.” He added.

Dr. Robert Kalyesubula – the Chair. Dept of Physiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences said RIMS will improve the efficiency of supervisors while handling the graduate students.

“RIMS views all documents and proposals of students. We will be able to observe which supervisor takes long to respond, the number of days they have taken to respond and how long an issue has pended undone at a certain level.”

Mak Editor

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Mak and MSU Host Landmark Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa

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(L_R) Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, HOD LIR, Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, DEAN SBLS, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal CoVAB, Assoc. Prof. James Acai Okwee, Deputy Principal CoVAB, and the host, Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth, at the opening of the symposium on 5th June 2025, at Onomo Hotel in Kampala. Symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) 5th-6th June, 2025, Onomo Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A groundbreaking symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems concluded on June 6th, 2025, at Onomo Hotel in Kampala. Convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), the event drew participants from over ten countries, including researchers, development experts, regulators, and practitioners.

Under the theme “Advancing the Role of Insects in African Farming Systems for Feed, Food, and Food Security,” the two-day gathering aimed to share knowledge and experiences on integrating insects into food and feed systems to address food security challenges across the continent. The discussions revolved around four key sub-themes namely; Insects as animal feed to promote sustainable livestock production and livelihoods; Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect-based diets; Insects for improved soil health and crop production and Commercialization of insect farming, with a focus on regulation and standardization.

The symposium commenced with opening remarks delivered on behalf of Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, by his representative, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB. He welcomed participants and commended Dr. Deborah Amulen, Lecturer at CoVAB and chief convener, for organizing a well thought out event. He emphasized that the symposium would not only raise awareness of the role of insects in Uganda’s and Africa’s socio-economic development but also help place insects on the agenda for broader discussions and integration into food security strategies.  He said the event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the untapped potential of insect farming in transforming food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.

Some of the facilitators (L_R) Prof. Jeffrey K. Tomberlin from Texas A&M University, Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, HoD LIR at CoVAB, Prof. Eric M. Benbow from Michigan, Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth, enjoy a photo moment with some of the conference participants. Symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) 5th-6th June, 2025, Onomo Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the facilitators (L_R) Prof. Jeffrey K. Tomberlin from Texas A&M University, Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, HoD LIR at CoVAB, Prof. Eric M. Benbow from Michigan, Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth, enjoy a photo moment with some of the conference participants.

Key facilitators at the symposium were esteemed experts from leading institutions worldwide, who shared their insights on insect-based food systems and sustainable agriculture. Among the distinguished speakers were Prof. Jeffrey K. Tomberlin from Texas A&M University, Prof. Eric M. Benbow from Michigan State University, Prof. Florence Dunkel from Montana State University, Dr. Denise Beesigamukama, a Postdoctoral Fellow, ICIPE Kenya and Dr. Deborah Amulen the host from Makerere University. These are exemplified in their contribution towards academic research and leadership, policy and industry impact and more importantly their expertise in insect science.

During the deliberations, the experts emphasized that insects offer a viable, sustainable, and nutrient-rich solution to Africa’s growing food demands. The event underscored ongoing research and commercialization efforts aimed at mainstreaming insect farming into the agricultural sector. As global interest in alternative protein sources continues to rise, the symposium marked a significant step toward harnessing the potential of insects to enhance food security in Africa.

MAAIF was present at the symposium to give policy guidance. Symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) 5th-6th June, 2025, Onomo Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MAAIF was present at the symposium to give policy guidance.

Experts underscored that Africa is home to over 470 recognized edible insect species, providing a rich source of proteins, fats, and essential micronutrients. Insects have historically been a staple in diets across Uganda, Southern Africa, and other regions, serving as a vital food source in times of drought, conflict, and food scarcity. One of the most discussed innovations at the event was the large-scale farming of Black Soldier Fly, which is being utilized to produce not only the larvae but also frass, a high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer to enhance soil health and boost agricultural yields.

Several scholars presented their research in the area of Insects, where together with the farmers, industry representatives, policy makers and practitioners contributed valuable perspectives on advancing the role of insects in food security, animal feed, and ecological sustainability in Africa. Their discussions underscored the importance of research, policy, and commercialization in expanding insect farming across the continent.

It was a moment of learning, growth and connection during the symposium. Symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) 5th-6th June, 2025, Onomo Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
It was a moment of learning, growth and connection during the symposium.

One of the keynote discussions highlighted Uganda’s rich tradition of consuming insects as part of its food culture, reinforcing their significance in nutrition and sustainability.  Participants shared insights on local insect consumption practices and their role in livelihoods, drawing from countries like Cameroon, Malawi and many others represented at the event. The forum also featured representatives from key institutions, including the National Council for Science and Technology and The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) which contributed perspectives on research, policy development, and commercialization of insects as sustainable food sources, the Ministry for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), emphasizing the Ugandan government’s support for insect farming initiatives.

The Kenya based scientific research institute, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) played a key role in the discourse and exhibited several innovations arising from research and their work in insects. Experts explored how insects can revolutionize animal feed production, providing an affordable, high-protein alternative to conventional sources.

With global attention shifting toward alternative and sustainable food sources, experts stressed the need for policy standardization and enhanced investment in insect-based food systems across Africa. During the event, MAAIF announced a $325 million investment through a six-year Smart Agriculture Transformation Project, aimed at expanding sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental impact, and increasing food security through alternative protein sources.

Participants were united in purpose, bringing insects to the fore of the debate on food security in Africa. Symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) 5th-6th June, 2025, Onomo Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants were united in purpose, bringing insects to the fore of the debate on food security in Africa.

The symposium reaffirmed Africa’s position at the forefront of insect farming research, with discussions centered on scaling production, improving regulation, and leveraging indigenous knowledge for food security solutions. Moving forward, participants emphasized the importance of quality control, standardization, and policy frameworks to ensure safety, scale production, and boost market competitiveness. With Uganda leading discussions on alternative protein sources, the symposium laid the foundation for future innovations in agriculture.

Harriet Musinguzi

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