Natural Sciences
Mak Presents ‘BEST INNOVATION’ at the Appropriate Technologies Expo 2023
By Harriet Adong
Makerere University faculty, students and administrative staff diversely engaged at the Appropriate Technologies Expo. One of the over 850 multidisciplinary projects funded by the Government of the Republic of Uganda through Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) https://rif.mak.ac.ug/ emerged ‘BEST INNOVATION’ (out of 46 showcased innovative solutions) at the Expo. This was Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment – Appropriate Technology Centre (ATC) 2023 Expo organized in partnership with Makerere University and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It was the second Expo held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds; Thursday February 2nd through Saturday February 4th, 2023 guided by the Theme: “Showcasing Appropriate Technologies that can be adopted to improve health, hygiene, social wellbeing, agriculture and environmental conservation”. Seven projects funded by the Government of the Republic of Uganda through Mak-RIF participated in this Expo.
The Winner and Best Innovation at the Expo is Makerere University’s project titled: Valorization of Waste Chicken Feathers for Water Purification: Designing and Constructing Low-Cost Keratin Based Nanofilters as Adsorbents of Heavy Metals and Nanosized Contaminants (MAK-RIF/CH/02/21). This project is being incubated at Makerere University College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the leadership of Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, the Principal Investigator.
“This is very exciting news, it is evident that innovations start small, just think without the box, explore and leverage readily available resources and put these into use to propose solutions to address community challenges. Thank you so much Government of Uganda for the funding. Thank your Makerere University management for the enabling environment and thank you team at Mak-RIF for the opportunities for us to showcase our solutions. We pledge our best”, said Dr. Nabatanzi. She added that the efforts at hand currently are geared towards scaling the project for wider reach and in saying this she called upon potential partners, donors including the government of Uganda to embrace further supporting such innovative solutions to scale. Other team members include; Mr. Stanley Ofwono, Project Technician and Ms. Irene Achede, Project Administrator. Like other supported project teams, this team is engaging external stakeholders; Mr. Samson Okwir from Ugachick Poultry Breeders Ltd supports project implementation. In addition, mentorship of students is key at a higher learning institution like Makerere University and for this reason Mr. Thomas Wanyama and Tropher Ssali; Bachelor of Science Biotechnology students at CoNAS are team members of this project and they greatly supported at the Expo.
This project developed a keratin-based nanofilter using waste chicken feathers. This is a new technology and one of its kind in Uganda and Africa at large. The project aimed at efficiency and sustainability while promoting a circular economy. The developed filter is able to clean and purify water through removal of micro-organisms, heavy metals and other nano contaminants. The filtered water is safe and ready for use and even drinking. This project purposes to control environmental pollution through recycling of waste chicken feathers as it contributes to improved health, food safety, food security and environmental safety. This project majorly contributes towards SDGs 3, 6, 9, 13.
The second-best Innovation was the Trenching Machine that eases excavation of trenches during laying of water pipes and the third was an application used in the operation and maintenance of a water supply system both by teams from Busitema University. Congratulations!
Other Mak-RIF projects showcased at the Expo include the following;
- Green synthesis of graphene from Agro waste for energy storage devices – Dr. Nobert Mukasa – College of Engineering Design Art and Technology (CEDAT).
- Towards a Food Secure Uganda Under a Changing Climate – Dr. Isaac Mugume, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
- Environ e-Watch App for increased community surveillance in environmental monitoring catchment degradation and restoration – Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
- Functionalized XEROGEL – Carbon Water Filters – Dr. Ibrahim Karume, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).
- E-Participatory Innovation Platforms for Improved Access to Forestry Extension Services – Associate Prof. Justine Namaalwa, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
- Green Low-Cost Touchless Handwashing Technology (TW-20 Kit) For Public Shared Spaces, Dr. Dr. Joshua Wanyama,College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Details about the launch of these kits are shared on https://rif.mak.ac.ug/mak-unveils-a-touchless-handwashing-kit-for-public-shared-spaces-in-response-to-covid-19-pandemic/
Upon receipt of this exciting news, Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi, the Mak-RIF Chairperson Mak-said “Wow, Congratulations to all exhibitors at the just concluded ATC 2023 Expo and specifically to Makerere University’s Dr. Nabatanzi and your project team. I am happy that the adjudicators at the Expo identified this project and recognized it as the ‘BEST INNOVATION’. Indeed, we have many more potentially transformative projects being supported under the Mak-RIF initiative with funding from the Government of the republic of Uganda”. “We are forever grateful to the Government of Uganda for supporting research and innovations at Makerere University. This fund has continued to have spillover effects to other institutions of learning and organizations with whom our researchers and innovators have continued to work” Prof. Masagazi added.
The Appropriate Technologies 2023 Expo was an opportunity for Ministry of Water andEnvironment inpartnership with Makerere University and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to showcase 47 innovative solutions directed towards positively impacting communities in which we live and serve. It was also at this Expo where the general public received various health services including HIV and Aids Counseling and Testing, Vaccination,testing for lifestyle diseases and Safe Male Circumcision etc. from Makerere University Hospital team. The Expo was attended by Members of Parliament, government officials including commissioners and assistant commissioners, private sector, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, the Media, Higher Education Institution faculty and students among others. Details about the Appropriate Technology Centre (ATC) are shared on https://atc.mwe.go.ug/
Engineer Christopher Tumusiime, Commissioner of the Water Utility Regulation Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment welcomed all participants to the Expo noting that the Expo was an opportunity to showcase water supply, sanitation and environmentally appropriate technologies to spur social economic development in Uganda. “We are using this Expo to show that science and technology can be used to adjust effects of climate change, improve access to safe water, improve data management among others”, Engineer Tumusiime added. He thanked Makerere University Hospital team for providing health services during the Expo. He also thanked Prof. William Bazeyo, the ATC Chairperson for mobilizing Expo participants noting that he was also grateful to the Expo partners for all the support which enabled it to happen.
Mr. Yakubu Al Hassan Kassim, WASH Officer at UNICEF commended all stakeholders for a job well done at the Expo. He noted that the theme was well thought out especially in this error of socio-economic development efforts. “Let us give all these technologies support to scale. UNICEF focusses on sustainability of these technologies because this is authentic for home grown solutions. We are proud to be part of this and please, whenever there is an opportunity, call on us” he added.
Prof. William Bazeyo, the Appropriate Technology Centre Chairperson called upon all stakeholders to support Uganda’s innovations to get into the different markets. He said “Our people in the communities deserve even more especially using some of the simple technologies for example purification of water”. Prof. Bazeyo thanked Hon. Aogon for sparing time to engage with each exhibitor while offering guidance. He requested Hon. Aogon to please take the message to the committee he is leading that what they are looking for is all at the ATC Expo. “One day, Uganda will be a source of what the region requires for example employment of the youth” he added. He also thanked Makerere University and UNICEF for the partnership noting that he is always proud to be part of Makerere University and would continue working with the teams to spur research and innovation.
Honorable Silas Aogon, Uganda’s Member of Parliament for Kumi Municipality, Kumi District and Chairperson Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) graced the expo as Chief Guest. He commended Ugandans who are researching and innovating including those embracing research and innovation. He called upon all to make technology and its aspiration viral. “Let new circles influence upcoming circles to grow technology” he noted. “We need appropriate technologies to save our natural bodies, control pollution, and reduce carbon emission” Hon. Aogon added. He also said that appropriate technologies need to trickle down to the last mile communities and thus the need to continue supporting the growth and development of technology. “On behalf of Government of Uganda, we pledge to continue supporting technology growth in Uganda and beyond. Let us all accord technology and innovation a priority so that we all benefit in one way or another” he said. He applauded the two Professors; Prof. William Bazeyo, the ATC Chairperson and Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza, Chairperson Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Unit and Head of Department Makerere University Department of Performing Arts and Film who joined in the Expo. He also appreciated the Makerere University Department of Performing Arts and Film for entertaining the Expo participants noting that when people sing properly then one is able to even work properly. He concluded by noting that by the time someone carries out research by him or herself, then that is a calling from God and may God continue to bless all researchers and innovators.
This Expo was also livestreamed online
Day 1 of the Expo – Follow the engagement on https://www.youtube.com/live/LI2z4hKCWvA?feature=share
Day 2 – https://www.youtube.com/live/qL8OcMJ0OvQ?feature=share
Day 3 – https://www.youtube.com/live/NjrK2s3FQak?feature=share
Harriet Adong is the Communications Officer, Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)
Contributor: Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Project Principal Investigator
Makerere University Convocation has honored Mubiru Enock Joel with an award in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. Mubiru, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, scored a CGPA of 4.91, making him the best student in the sciences at Makerere University this year. The award, which included a plaque and a cheque of UGX1 million, was presented to him by the Chair of the Convocation on January 14, 2025, the second day of the 75th graduation ceremony.
Overall, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) presented 310 students for the award of degrees of Makerere University at the 75th graduation ceremony. Of these, 14 graduated with PhD (5 female 9 male), 36 MSc (10 female and 26 male) and 260 BSc (113 female and 147 male).
In the course of the 75th graduation ceremony that started on 13th January and will end on 17th January 2025, a total of 13,662 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University.
Of these, 143 will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. 16% of the students will be graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
Chancellor’s Address
In his address, Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga congratulated the graduands on their success and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the lecturers, administrators, parents, and guardians. He emphasized that the success of the university is a collective effort, appreciating the faculty and University Council for their critical roles in delivering quality education.
Dr. Kiyonga also extended his gratitude to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, and the NRM government for their invaluable financial support to Makerere University. The Government has so far allocated UGX30 billion to Makerere University through the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Looking to the future, Dr. Kiyonga encouraged the University to increase its outreach programmes, particularly in the agricultural sector. He proposed collaborations with medium- to large-scale farmers, where students could gain hands-on experience while also assisting farmers in local communities. He also advocated for stronger partnerships with the private sector to support the commercialization of innovations emerging from Makerere University.
Furthermore, the Chancellor highlighted the President’s directive to teach Political Economy to all university students. He stressed the importance of transforming Africa through the strategic utilization of its resources and emphasized the value of political economy knowledge in this process.
Vice Chancellor’s Address
In his remarks, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the teaching staff, administrators, parents, and guardians. He also welcomed the Chancellor, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, emphasizing that his vast experience would be an asset to the institution.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the College of Natural Sciences for providing foundational training for all the other science-based disciplines at the University. He also commended the College for its ground-breaking research and contribution to the development of mathematics in the region. “The College of Natural Sciences is unique because it handles all the foundation disciplines for all the other science-based disciplines. But apart from the basic sciences, the College provides training and conducts research in critical applied science disciplines, including geology and petroleum studies, industrial chemistry, and others. The College is central in the development of mathematics in the East and Central Africa region and it has also taken the initiative to investigate the problem of poor performance in biology by secondary school students,” the Vice Chancellor noted.
He encouraged the graduands to seize every opportunity and to consider starting their own enterprises, using the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies. “Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and consider entrepreneurship as a path to success,” he urged.
Message from the Minister of Education and Sports
On behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, congratulated the graduates and thanked the university for its commitment to excellence in education and research. She emphasized the transformative power of higher education and praised Makerere University for its contribution to the nation’s development.
She also expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians, acknowledging their critical role in the success of the students. “Your support has played an integral part in making this achievement possible,” she said.
Commencement lecture by Prof. Puleng LenkaBula
In her commencement lecture, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa, expressed gratitude for the support that Makerere University and Uganda provided in the fight against apartheid. She encouraged the graduands to use the knowledge acquired to address the continent’s challenges, particularly in the transformation of Africa and the empowerment of women. Prof. LenkaBula called for greater collaboration among African intellectuals to create a better future for the continent, particularly through research that directly benefits communities.
Research Excellence and Teacher Recognition
At the ceremony, Makerere University recognized outstanding researchers and educators from CoNAS. The Senior Researcher Award was presented to Assoc. Prof. Juma Kasozi (Department of Mathematics), Assoc. Prof. Charles Masembe (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), and Dr. Jamilu Ssenku (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology). The Mid-Career Researcher Award went to Dr. Julius Mulindwa (Department of Biochemistry), Dr. Patience Tugume (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology), and Dr. Patrick Ssebugere (Department of Chemistry), while Dr. Omara Timothy (Department of Chemistry), Dr. Mukiibi Ssewannyaga Ivan (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies), and Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology) were recognized as the best Early Career Researchers. In addition, Prof. Ann Akol (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar, and Dr. Kalega Peggy (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies) were honoured as the best teachers of the year from CoNAS.
Transcripts and Certificates
Graduates who participated in today’s ceremony can collect their transcripts from their respective colleges.
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