Natural Sciences
Banana’s Large Plant Body Size an Advantage to Disease Control – Mak Scientists
Unlike for plants, in animals especially humans, body mass index (BMI, which is a person’s weight divided by the square of height) is a measure of physical health and pre-disposure to conditions like obesity. BMI does not make sense in plant health because of differences between plant and animal physiological systems.
However, large body size in plants may have some advantages. Apart from controlling a larger proportion of available resources and space within crowded vegetation, what other advantage does a large plant body size offer to an individual plant?
The banana’s plant body architecture
From the botanical point-of-view, the banana plant is a gigantic herb. A plant that is a herb or “herbaceous” is unable to undergo “secondary growth” and cannot form wood during its vegetative development.
The banana plant springs from an underground “true stem”, also called the “corm” or “rhizome”, to form a false stem, also called a “pseudostem” of 2-7 m height. The pseudostem is composed of the basal portions of leaf sheaths and is crowned with a rosette of 10 to 20 oblong to elliptic leaves that sometimes attain a length of 2-4 m and a breadth of 70 cm.
In mature banana plants, true stem emerges at the top of the pseudostem and bends downward to become a bunch of 10 to 300 individual fruits, or fingers, grouped in clusters, or hands, of 3 to 22. The edible part of the bunch is the female. In contrast, the inedible distal part, including the purple-colored cone-shaped end (locally known in some Ugandan dialects as “omukanaana” or “empumumpu”) constitutes the male part of the bunch.
How is the giant banana size an advantage in disease control?
A new study, titled “Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum Bacterial Infection Induces Organ-Specific Callose and Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Banana” and led by a team of scientists at the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, USA, shows how the giant banana body size can be used to control banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease.
According to Prof. Arthur Tugume, the lead scientist of this study and expert in plant pathology, when plants get infected, they respond instantly by implementing different strategies that limit the multiplication and/or mobility of the disease agents (pathogens). “For example, plants rapidly produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ions, and hydroxyl ions. These ROS act as rapid messengers in the plant tissues to activate additional responses spreading over the entire plant body. This helps the plant’s distant tissues or organs to be aware and prepare advance defenses against the intruding pathogens”.
Prof. Dinesh-Kumar the project’s research collaborator based at the University of California-Davis, USA and expert in plant biology explains that “disease is a form of stress in plants and plants cannot perform well their biological functions when they are sick since they have to spend a lot of energy fighting against the disease. This is why disease control is important to enable plants grow well and yield high.”
The research indicates that ROS set in motion additional processes to ensure limited impact of disease and pathogens on the plant. For example, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a ROS, has direct bactericidal, fungicidal or other anti-effects on the pathogens. Also, following H2O2 production, a unique plant carbohydrate, named “callose” starts to accumulate in large quantities within plant cells as a means of fortifying plant tissues. Callose differs from the other usual plant carbohydrates such as starch or cellulose because of the way its structures are formed.
Increased production of callose acts as a roadblock to any pathogen e.g., bacteria by limiting bacterial movement that would otherwise allow ease of attack on other tissues or cells at distant locations in the plant. “Although these plant defense responses are rapid, plant organs that are distant from the site of pathogen attack can be instrumental and block progression of bacteria or other pathogens by depositing callose in advance at strategic points” Prof. Tugume explains.
However, Prof. Tugume notes that callose participates also in many other normal developmental processes of plants, and for that reason, there is always some “housekeeping” callose in the plant tissues even without pathogenic infection. “This means that one must be able to accurately and quantitatively distinguish between ‘stress-induced’ and normal ‘housekeeping’ callose”, he adds.
How was the study done?
In this study, the researchers used young (2.5-months old) banana plantlets that had been generated from tissue culture at Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute. They then infected the plantlets with a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). This bacterium is the causative agent of banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), the most destructive disease of bananas in East and Central Africa (ECA).
The banana leaves, pseudostems, corms and roots were analyzed for callose and compared with the control plants that had been inoculated with water instead of bacteria. H2O2 production was monitored by “DAB staining”, and by “spectrophotometry” while the analysis of callose was done by two methods: staining and visualization of callose using florescence microscopy, and using “Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay” methods.
What did the researchers discover and how can it be used in BXW disease control?
This study revealed that the underground corm tissues assemble the stiffest resistance against BXW by depositing the highest concentrations of callose, while the pseudostem produced the highest quantities of H2O2. This is interesting for three (3) main reasons:
- Firstly, Xcm bacteria often enter through the leaves in regular plantation husbandry; hence, the corm being distant from leaves gives it an anatomical advantage in promoting the ability of lateral plants to escape Xcm infection.
- Secondly, the corm is an organ of perennation supporting vegetative and perennial continuity of the crop across seasons; hence it is charged in ensuring a disease-free next generation by severely constraining “mother-child transmission” of Xcm bacteria.
- Thirdly, the control of BXW now becomes easy when farmers are observant to the first aerial disease symptoms because Xcm is strongly constrained by bottlenecks in the pseudostem and corm.
Therefore, at the onset of aerial symptoms, diseased peudostems should immediately be removed by aseptically cutting them off at the corm without interfering with symptomless lateral shoots, which allows continuous food production and disease control to go on simultaneously. This is facilitated by the large size of the banana plant because at the onset of leaf symptoms (2.5 to 5 meters away from the corm), the bacteria have not yet arrived at the base of the pseudostem where the diseased plant can be cut off from the corm. This gives chance to a farmer to eliminate the infected pseudostems early (in 1 to 7 days) since the appearance of leaf symptoms.
This research was part of the PhD studies for Mr. Abubakar S. Mustafa at Makerere University and University of California, Davis. According to Mr. Mustafa, these discoveries make the management of BXW in banana plantations easy as long as the farmers are observant and act fast by removing diseased plants aseptically.
This study has been published by the American Phytopathological Society (APS) in an open access journal, “PhytoFrontiers”, and is freely accessible on https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/full/10.1094/PHYTOFR-11-21-0073-R.
This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda. The project had partners including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Alliance for Bioversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).
For more details, contact;
Prof. Arthur Tugume
Lead Scientist
College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
Makerere University
Email: arthur.tugume@mak.ac.ug
Tel: +256772514841
Mr. Abubakar S. Mustafa
Co-Author and PhD student on the study
Email: mustafa.abubakar.sadik@gmail.com
Tel: +256702813233
Hasifa Kabejja
Principal Communication Officer
College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
Makerere University
Email: pr.cns@mak.ac.ug
Tel: +256774904211
Natural Sciences
Makerere VC Calls Increased Investment in Graduate Training & Research for Socio-economic Transformation
Africa’s Research Gap and Need for Investment in Graduate Training
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for increased investment in graduate training, research, and innovation, emphasizing that Africa’s socio-economic transformation depends on the continent’s ability to train and retain homegrown scientists and researchers capable of driving sustainable development.
Speaking during the University Senior Management engagement with staff at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) on 19th June 2026, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Africa’s limited contribution to global knowledge production, noting that the continent accounts for only about 3% of the world’s research publications.
He cited a 2020 World Bank recommendation that Africa needs to produce one million PhDs by 2030 if it is to accelerate transformation and compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.
“Africa cannot achieve sustainable development without significantly increasing its capacity for research, innovation, and graduate training,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Lessons from South Korea’s Development Model
Drawing comparisons with countries that have successfully leveraged higher education to drive development, the Vice Chancellor pointed to South Korea’s remarkable transformation over the past six decades. He noted that in the 1960s, Uganda was economically ahead of South Korea and even extended financial support to the Asian nation. Today, however, South Korea has emerged as a global economic powerhouse largely because of sustained investments in higher education, research, and innovation.
According to Prof. Nawangwe, South Korea currently produces approximately 12,900 PhDs annually, while South Africa, one of Africa’s leading research nations, produces about 2,000 PhDs each year.
Makerere University’s Role in Closing the Research Gap
The Vice Chancellor challenged Makerere University, particularly the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), to play a greater role in addressing Africa’s research deficit. He described CoNAS as one of the best-resourced colleges at the university and urged it to expand postgraduate training and research output.
Despite acknowledging that much work remains to be done, Prof. Nawangwe said Makerere had made significant strides in building research capacity. He revealed that the university currently manages a research portfolio worth approximately USD 400 million, a figure he said exceeds the national budgets of several African countries, including Burundi, Eritrea, and Comoros.
He further noted that Makerere is implementing 35 United Kingdom-funded projects and more than 40 ongoing European Union-supported initiatives, underscoring the institution’s growing international research profile.
“Makerere is one of the most collaborative universities in the world, partnering with universities and agencies across the globe,” he said.
Call for Commercialization of Innovations
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Uganda’s future development will largely depend on the university’s ability to generate knowledge and innovative solutions. He called for the commercialization of research projects to ensure that innovations made at the institution contribute directly to national development.
“The socio-economic development of Uganda depends on what we do at Makerere. Our research must move beyond laboratories and classrooms to create industries, businesses, and solutions that improve people’s lives,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to equip staff and students with computers and digital tools at all levels of education, arguing that technology access is essential for producing the scientists and innovators required to drive industrialization.
As part of Makerere’s long-term strategy, Prof. Nawangwe advocated for the establishment and strengthening of specialized centres of excellence in key areas, including space sciences, sports development, mathematics, science and technology, plant sciences, and petroleum and gas studies.
He said these centres would not only advance research and innovation but also stimulate the growth of discipline-specific academic journals, enhancing Africa’s contribution to global scholarship.
To further expand the university’s impact, Prof. Nawangwe called for increased student enrolment, particularly in science-related disciplines. He revealed that the University Management is engaged in discussions with government aimed at securing additional funding for research.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Senior Management and staff to discuss graduate enrolment, research productivity, supervision, mentorship, infrastructure, and strategic interventions needed to enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of postgraduate education at Makerere University.
CoNAS Presentation: Research Output and Graduate Training
Briefing the Senior Management team about the status of research and graduate training at CoNAS, the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, highlighted the College’s strategic role in advancing scientific knowledge, nurturing talent, and generating solutions to national and global development challenges.
As one of the University’s leading research hubs, CoNAS hosts over 1,300 students and about 153 academic, technical, and administrative staff across eight departments under the Schools of Biosciences and Physical Sciences. The College contributes significantly to teaching and research across several colleges and academic units at Makerere University, with more than 150 publications annually and research activities in several scientific fields. “These efforts have contributed to policy development, technological innovation, environmental conservation, public health, energy planning, and agricultural sustainability,” Prof. Ireeta noted.
To further enhance graduate training and research excellence, Prof. Ireeta called for increased funding for graduate students and research, establishment of more specialized laboratories, operationalization of the Research Information Management System (RIMS) to track student progress, revitalization of the Graduate Fellowship Programme, and expanded scholarship opportunities for outstanding students.
He also appealed for stronger industry partnerships, increased recruitment of technical staff, greater support for the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) in Kibale, incentives for research publications, and a review of the Teaching Assistant position to retain talented graduates within the University system.
Prof. Ireeta emphasized that investing in graduate education and research will strengthen Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Presenting the graduate statistics at CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi, emphasized the importance of sustained investment in graduate training as a key strategy for maintaining and increasing enrolment.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for various university units to present their services and interventions aimed at enhancing graduate training, research productivity, and academic excellence.
Strengthening Graduate Training Systems and Policy Reform
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Edward Bbaale, called on the College to deepen its collaboration with industry partners in order to better align academic programmes with real-world needs. He further emphasized the importance of expanding research centres to strengthen innovation and knowledge generation within the institution. In addition, he encouraged continued implementation of competence-based curricula, noting that such approaches are essential for equipping students with practical skills and adaptability required to meet the changing demands of the job market.
Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training at Makerere University, emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity to improve graduate training in both quality and numbers. He informed staff of the ongoing policy reforms aimed at improving graduate training. He called on academic staff to participate in a survey on doctoral supervision to inform future reforms. He also announced plans to introduce a PhD programme in Artificial Intelligence, intended to align graduate training with emerging technological trends and national development priorities. Additionally, he urged all academic staff to register on the Research Information Management System (RIMS), which is designed to improve research coordination, track academic outputs, and strengthen institutional oversight.
Support Systems for Research and Academic Writing
Prof. Fredrick Muyodi encouraged staff and students to leverage the services of the Makerere University Writing Centre. The Centre supports postgraduate students, early-career researchers, senior academics, and other categories of staff within the University to improve their writing skills. It particularly offers training programmes in manuscript writing, development of competitive grant proposals, responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic writing, and preparation of policy briefs, and minutes. The services are designed to improve research quality, publication output, and success in attracting research funding.
Speaking on grants management, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head of the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the proper and timely close-out of research grants upon completion. She observed that while many projects successfully deliver on their grant-funded activities, the formal close-out stage is frequently overlooked, despite being a key requirement for accountability, compliance, and strengthening the integrity of research management systems.
Prof. Tamusuza stressed that effective grant closure is not merely procedural, but an essential part of the research lifecycle that safeguards institutional credibility and enhances prospects for future funding. She further highlighted GAMSU’s comprehensive support role across the entire grant continuum, including the identification of funding opportunities, interpretation of donor requirements, facilitation of competitive proposal development, guidance during submission, and oversight of the pre-award process through a dedicated grants management system designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and coordination.
She urged Project Principal Investigators to prioritize the timely submission of quarterly progress reports, noting that consistent reporting is central to strengthening accountability frameworks, improving project monitoring, and ensuring that research activities remain aligned with the approved objectives and deliverables.
From the Makerere University Press (MakPress), Dr. William Tayebwa commended CoNAS for its contribution to book publishing and urged staff to increase the number of book projects and scholarly journals originating from the College. He emphasized the importance of developing more home-grown journals to enhance the visibility of local research. Dr. Tayebwa further pledged support in securing International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN), obtaining Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), and guiding journals through indexing pathways to increase their global reach and credibility.
Publishing, Quality Assurance, and Innovation Commercialization
In his remarks, the Chief Quality Assurance Officer, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, highlighted Makerere University’s continued academic progress, noting that it is currently ranked 904th globally and placed among the top 4.3% of universities worldwide-a reflection of the institution’s growing global standing.
He commended CoNAS researchers for their strong output in high-impact journals and urged staff to consistently upload all publications into the university’s quality assurance system to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of research achievements.
Dr. Misinde further emphasized the need to fully align academic programmes with the competence-based curriculum framework, with greater emphasis on practical skills development and industry engagement, to ensure graduates are well-prepared to meet evolving labour market demands.
The Acting Assistant Manager at the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, encouraged researchers to utilize the centre to refine, develop, and commercialize their innovations. She noted that the centre serves as a vital platform for transforming research outputs into market-ready products and services, bridging the gap between academia and industry while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community.
Pictorial of the meeting: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NPUwpHONFFi-BbA3R1af1Ja6qnLDqKk2?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
Makerere Department of Mathematics, Industry Partners Explore Strategies to Strengthen Collaboration in Addressing Societal Challenges
The Department of Mathematics at Makerere University recently hosted a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the contribution of mathematics to sustainable development, with a particular focus on strengthening academia-industry collaboration and advancing regional integration.
Held at the Senate Building, the workshop brought together academics, researchers, and industry practitioners from Uganda and across the East African region to discuss how mathematics can be more effectively applied to address pressing societal challenges.
The workshop formed part of the activities of the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics (CoRE-MATH) initiative, implemented in collaboration with the NORHED II project, Mathematics for Sustainable Development (Math4SDG). The programme seeks to establish sustainable structures and platforms for Academia-Industry-Society collaboration in applications-oriented mathematics and data science through Mathematics in Industry Contact Workshops (MICW) and Mathematics in Industry Study Groups (MISG).
Addressing the Academia–Industry Gap
Despite significant growth in mathematical research across East Africa in recent years, its impact on industry and broader societal development remains limited. This gap is largely driven by weak knowledge transfer mechanisms and a lack of structured collaboration between academia and industry.
The workshop was designed as a “contact forum” to foster direct engagement between researchers and industry representatives, with the aim of identifying practical challenges that can be addressed through mathematical modelling, data science, and computational techniques.
Specific Objectives
- Foster academia-industry collaboration
- Promote applied and industrial mathematics in society
- Support research and innovation
- Strengthen regional and interdisciplinary networks
Coordination and Leadership
The CoRE-MATH (Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics) is co-led by Prof. John Mango Magero (Makerere University) and Prof. Bengt Ove Turesson (International Science Programme / Uppsala University, Sweden). They Coordinate the cluster’s activities across African and European partner universities.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Mango Magero and Dr. Alex Behakanira, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and member of the academic network contributing to capacity building and collaborative research activities in the CoRE-MATH initiative.
Expert Insights on the Role of Mathematics in Real-World Challenges
A key highlight of the workshop was a series of technical presentations demonstrating the wide-ranging relevance of mathematical sciences in addressing real-world challenges across health, urban development, energy, finance, agriculture, and environmental systems. The presentations reinforced the workshop’s overarching goal of strengthening academia-industry collaboration through applied research and innovation.
European technical expert, Prof. Matti Heilio, set the tone with a keynote address on the global evolution of industrial mathematics. He outlined how structured partnerships between universities and industry have historically driven innovation and economic transformation in advanced economies, and emphasized the importance of building similar ecosystems to support Uganda’s research and innovation agenda.
In her presentation, Dr. Rebecca Nsubuga, Visiting Professor at Hasselt University, Belgium, shared insights on the growing role of mathematical methods in medical research and clinical decision-making. Similarly, Dr. Irumba Richard, former Director of Physical Planning at Kampala Capital City Authority, demonstrated how mathematical modelling can inform sustainable urban planning in rapidly growing cities such as Kampala. His presentation highlighted the importance of data-driven planning tools in managing urban expansion and infrastructure pressures.
Focusing on aquaculture, Dr. Kubiriza Kawooya Godfrey, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University explained how investment and production decisions are fundamentally grounded in mathematical reasoning. He emphasized the need for robust modelling of biological and economic variables to enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making in the sector.
Dr. Dennis Ndanguza from the University of Rwanda presented mathematical models supporting the extraction of methane from Lake Kivu, illustrating how applied mathematics can contribute to sustainable energy development and improved resource management.
From the financial sector, Mr. Grace Semakula of Stanbic Bank Group highlighted the growing importance of mathematical sciences in enhancing financial decision-making, risk assessment, and long-term investment planning. From the healthcare sector, Dr. Iddi Ndyabawe presented on retinopathy of prematurity in Uganda, showing how quantitative approaches can improve early diagnosis, guide clinical interventions, and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes for vulnerable neonatal populations.
Towards Sustainable Collaboration
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to sustained engagement between universities and industry, aimed at ensuring that mathematical research contributes more directly to economic development and societal needs.
Participants recommended the establishment of structured follow-up activities, including future Mathematics in Industry Study Groups, where selected industrial challenges will be further explored through joint academic–industry research teams.
About the CoRE-MATH Initiative
The CoRE-MATH (Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics) Initiative is an Africa-Europe collaborative research programme established in 2024 under the partnership of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.
The initiative seeks to strengthen mathematics research, postgraduate education, and academic collaboration between African and European universities. Its core objectives include building research capacity in African institutions, enhancing the quality and volume of joint mathematical research, supporting doctoral training, and promoting the participation of women in mathematics. It also aims to apply mathematical knowledge to address social, economic, and developmental challenges across Africa.
The initiative brings together leading universities from both continents. African partner institutions include Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, the University of Rwanda, the University of Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa University, the University of Zambia, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions collaborate with European universities such as Uppsala University, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Oslo.
Through joint research projects, academic exchanges, workshops, conferences, and collaborative PhD programmes, CoRE-MATH fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens international research networks. In Uganda, Makerere University plays a central role in advancing mathematical sciences and developing highly skilled researchers for the region.
Pictorial of the workshop: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1if6y8bYPOt8vW6Tm6k50Wspg0XFibl02?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
Change of Guard: Prof. Michael Owor Hands Over Office of Dean, School of Physical Sciences to Prof. David Ssevviiri
Prof. Michael Owor has officially handed over the office of Dean, School of Physical Sciences to Prof. David Ssevviiri. Prof. Owor has served as Dean since 1st February 2022. Following his appointment by the University Council, Prof. Ssevviiri will serve as Dean for the next four years, effective 6th May 2026.
Handover Ceremony
Held on 28th May 2026 in the office of the Dean, the handover ceremony was overseen by Makerere University Chief of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. It was attended by the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Juma Kasozi; the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the representative of the Head of the Department of Physics, Dr. Nicholas Kwarikunda; the representative of the Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Denis Mutebi; the College Human Resource Officer, Ms. Kevin Nabiryo Mikwano; and the College and School Registrars.
Remarks from the College leadership
On behalf of the College leadership, Prof. Juma Kasozi commended Prof. Owor for his dedicated service and leadership throughout his tenure and congratulated Prof. Ssevviiri upon his appointment, wishing him success in his new role.
Achievements and remarks by the outgoing Dean
During his tenure, Prof. Owor chaired the School Academic Board and several key committees, including the Establishment and Appointments Committee, the Examination Malpractices Committee, and the Irregularities and Appeals Committee. He also presided over MSc viva voce examinations and PhD public defenses. Under his leadership, he ensured the timely submission of results, eliminated academic backlogs, and strengthened the coordination of graduate examinations, while also supporting the development and review of academic programmes. He has also served as the Patron of the CoNAS Students’ Guild.
In his remarks, Prof. Owor expressed gratitude to the University Council and Management for the opportunity accorded to him to serve as Dean. He also thanked the College leadership and staff for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the University.
“I want to thank the University Management through the Chief Human Resource Officer for appointing me as dean, School of Physical Sciences for the last four years. I pledge my total support to the incoming Dean of the School. I also pledge to continue offering my services to the University through my mother Department, Geology and Petroleum Studies.”
Remarks from the Directorate of Human Resources
Representing the Directorate of Human Resources (DHR), Ms. Kevin Nabiryo Mikwano commended Prof. Owor for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.
“You have steered the school through curriculum reforms, staff development, student growth, and your commitment to both staff and students has not gone unnoticed. The foundation you have laid will continue to support the school’s progress. Thank you for your partnership with the Directorate of Human Resources in ensuring staff welfare, recruitment, and performance processes were handled with integrity and care.”
She also congratulated Prof. Ssevviiri on his appointment, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision. She reaffirmed the Directorate’s readiness to support him in team building, talent management, and fostering a positive working environment for academic, administrative, and support staff. She further encouraged staff to maintain strong collaboration with the incoming Dean, emphasizing: “The success of the school depends on how well we work together. At the DHR, our commitment is to ensure that policies, processes, and people management practices support the school’s academic mission. May this handover mark the beginning of another strong chapter for the School of Physical Sciences.”
Guidance on the officially recognized Government handover procedure
The Chief of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet, commended both the outgoing and incoming Deans and emphasized adherence to the Government of Uganda handover and taking of office procedures. He noted that strict compliance with established guidelines is essential for accountability, transparency, institutional continuity, and smooth transition of responsibilities.
Remarks by the incoming Dean
In his remarks, Prof. David Ssevviiri thanked Prof. Owor for his service and appreciated the University Management for his appointment. He emphasized the importance of the School of Physical Sciences in advancing science and innovation. “We have a responsibility of nurturing our students into innovative problem solvers. The future of Science depends on how well we prepare our students. Building on the successes of my predecessors, and working collaboratively through our Departments, we can further contribute to solving real world challenges.
Profile of Prof. David Ssevviiri
Prof. David Ssevviiri is a Ugandan mathematician and academic leader serving as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Makerere University, College of Natural Sciences. He is widely recognized for his work in pure mathematics, particularly in algebra, module theory, ring theory, algebraic geometry, and local cohomology.
He holds a Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics and Chemistry from Makerere University, as well as a Master of Science in Mathematics from the same institution. He also obtained an additional MSc and a PhD in Mathematics from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (now Nelson Mandela University), South Africa. His doctoral research, A Contribution to the Theory of Prime Modules, focused on advanced module theory and algebra.
Prof. Ssevviiri joined Makerere University in 2011 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Associate Professor in 2022. He previously served as Head of the Department of Mathematics from 2015 to 2020, where he contributed to strengthening teaching, research collaboration, and postgraduate training.
His research interests include primeness and nilpotency in ring and module theory, torsion theory, radical theory, homological algebra, and the interaction between algebra and algebraic geometry. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in international journals, contributing significantly to advancements in abstract algebra.
Beyond teaching and research, he has contributed to mathematics development in East Africa through student supervision, external examining, and coordination of regional academic programs. He has also participated in initiatives aimed at promoting mathematics education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Pictorial of the ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pmWX5H46UHbFkTT-I4OIJwFbXIwuO6e1?usp=sharing
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