Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza and Dr. Cyprian Misinde (Centre) with participants at the hands-on workshop on navigating funder platforms and the GAMSU database management system, 16th March 2023, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University.
The Head of Makerere University Grants and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), Professor Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, has pledged to continue working with her team to facilitate Makerere staff in the research grant acquisition process, as one of the strategies towards making Makerere a research-led university.
This was during a hands-on workshop on navigating funder platforms and the GAMSU database management system that took place on 16th March 2023 at Makerere University in the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, which brought together representatives from different colleges and units.
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza told participants that GAMSU will continue to enhance research at Makerere by facilitating the grants processes. She added that her team is coordinating with several stakeholders to help negotiate with potential funders and always provide the necessary support to Makerere applicants.
Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, the Head of GAMSU, officiating the opening of the GAMSU workshop.
She further clarified that the unit doesn’t give out research grants as many would think, but rather guides on how to get one.
“We don’t give grants, but we facilitate the acquisition processes and promote compliance,” Nannyonga said. She added that this is done to curb the difficulties faced by researchers while trying to process grants, especially in the area of writing, as well as accessing funder platforms. She also promised participants that GAMSU is working around the clock to grow the number of grants, by providing a support base at the secretariat.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate said that Makerere prioritizes research that responds to national development priorities, which in turn influences the institution’s rankings.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD), addressing participants at the GAMSU workshop.
Dr. Misinde said he takes pride in the fact that Makerere already has a name around the world, but for it to keep the brand, it has to improve in areas of teaching, research, citations, industry relations, income generation, and international outlook. He also added that the university should think about teaching research grant proposal writing to undergraduate students, because they too have the potential, as was the case in another public institution in the country, where an undergraduate student won a grant of close to a billion Ugandan shillings.
Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), called on researchers to form research groups at the departmental level, which will keep the university focused on its goal of becoming research-led. He equally urged all colleges to ensure that they have vibrant research offices, as a means of catalyzing the process of winning more grants.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), addresses participants at the GAMSU workshop.
Laban Lwasa, the Senior Administrative Assistant at GAMSU introduced participants to the funder platforms accessible to Makerere University faculty and staff. He identified; Proposal central, Welcome Trust, grants.gov, European Tender Platform, Je-s potential, and Grant Forward as some of the platforms currently available.
Laban Lwasa, the Senior Administrative Assistant at GAMSU, introducing funder platforms accessible to Makerere University staff.
Lwasa also urged researchers to declare grants won, which he said would enhance the management and support process for both the current or upcoming grants. He added that declaration of opportunities, whether at the proposal or implementation stage, empowers GAMSU provide them with the appropriate support.
Yunusu Musisi, from the Directorate of ICT Support (DICTS), assured researchers of the safety of their submitted data, in form of proposals, budgets, MoUs and more, because the system on which content is uploaded is very secure. Mr. Denis Wamala, also from DICTS, added that the systems are constantly updated to ensure that they are easy to use and always accessible. Participants applauded the GAMSU Secretariat for their commitment to researchers whenever called upon, which spirit they said should continue, if Makerere is to quickly advance towards becoming a research-led institution.
In a significant step toward revolutionizing mosquito surveillance in Uganda, Dr. Peter Waiswa, Associate Professor of Health Policy Planning and Management at the School of Public Health, Makerere University has revealed that a new AI-driven mosquito surveillance project is set to be rolled out to strengthen vector monitoring efforts across 22 districts in Uganda.
He disclosed this while briefing a multidisciplinary team during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health on 7th August 2025 to engage with officials on the VectorCam Project.
The VectorCam Project is a partnership between the Makerere University School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and the Ministry of Health, with funding from the Gates Foundation. The project seeks to revolutionize mosquito surveillance by shifting from manual, human-led identification to a digital, AI-driven mobile application using computer vision
What is VectorCam?
VectorCam is an innovative project focused on transforming how Uganda monitors malaria-carrying mosquitoes. At its core is a smartphone-based, AI-powered application that uses computer vision to quickly identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and feeding status whether a mosquito has fed recently or not. Traditionally, such analysis requires the expertise of entomologists and takes considerable time.
According to Prof Waiswa, VectorCam will advance ento. surveillance.
‘’We have worked with Johns Hopkins University and the Minister of Health to develop an AI-powered mobile application which can be used to identify mosquitoes. This apps tells you the type of mosquito, the sex of the mosquito, and whether the mosquito has a full abdomen or half abdomen or is empty. That is, if it fed last night or not.
This one is a way to just shift mosquito surveillance from people to an app. The app does it in 20 seconds using computer vision. It does it faster and better than any entomologist. Every district just has one Entomologist. So the entomologist can go and focus on other things as part of his work because nowadays an app can do it.
The good thing with the app is we’ve already done a big trial funded by the Gates Foundation and we have evidence that it works. The app also posts data and makes it accessible through the DHIS to the districts but also at the national level’’ Prof. Waiswa explained.
‘’With support and funding from the Gates Foundation, we are going to be scaling up the Vector Cam Project to 22 districts. In 12 of these, we will conduct research to evaluate how the app actually performs at scale in routine life settings ‘’ Prof Waiswa stated about the next project step.
As part of the project engagement, Prof. Waiswa met with Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda, who also serves as the Acting Program Manager for Malaria at the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) to brief him on the project genesis and its next objectives which will lead to data-driven decision making to tailor vector control interventions.
Also in attendance were also; Professor Soumyadipta Acharya a respected researcher in the field of ento. surveillance from Johns Hopkins University, United States, along with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Makerere University.
More About VectorCam Project
VectorCAM is an innovative project focused on transforming how Uganda monitors malaria-carrying mosquitoes. At its core is a smartphone-based, AI-powered application that uses computer vision to quickly identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and feeding status.
Between November 2022 and April 2024, Makerere University, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and Uganda’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), successfully implemented the first phase of the VectorCam Project. Through this, the project piloted the VectorCAM an AI-driven mobile application that uses computer vision to identify mosquitoes by species, sex, and abdominal status providing rapid, cost-effective entomological surveillance in malaria-endemic regions.
Following the successful trial and validation of the technology, the project is now entering a new phase focused on scaling up.
VectorCam will be rolled out across 22 districts in Uganda, with operational research embedded in 12 of those districts to assess its performance.
Welcome to this comprehensive reflection on the remarkable milestones achieved by the Makerere UniversityResearch and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) throughout the second half of the 2024/2025 financial year. This dynamic period was marked by various achievements, strategic collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge for national development. From capacity-building initiatives such as equipping PhD students with vital skills in crafting policy and issue briefs to supporting several project dissemination activities, Mak-RIF further demonstrated its dedication to fostering panoramic and impactful research.
The pinnacle of the period was the vibrant Research and Innovations Week, officiated by His Excellency, President Yoweri K. Museveni. During this landmark event, our researchers showcased the tangible impact of Government investment in research through Mak-RIF, and Makerere’s innovative strides and research excellence.
Beyond this event, the period saw meaningful benchmarking visits from the Ministry of Public Service and Lira University, deepening inter-institutional collaboration in research management and knowledge translation. We were also privileged to host Prof. Christine Suniti Bhat from Ohio University, exploring partnerships in mental health, psychosocial support, and capacity building.
In the second half of the financial year, Mak-RIF also launched its 6th round of grants award and inducted the RIF6 grantees, marking yet another chapter of impactful research ahead.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Uganda and the University Management for their support towards Mak-RIF. I further appreciate researchers, the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee and the Secretariat whose hard work and dedication continue to elevate Uganda’s research and innovation ecosystem. Together, we continue to position Makerere University as a beacon of research-led national development.
Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC)
A team of scientists under the regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited Mr. Mugisha Jonan, an urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, whose adoption of innovative practices is redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings.
Mr. Mugisa, a farmer and environmentalist explains how he started his farm and took on the use of the innovation.
Through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, Mr. Mugisha has not only resolved the persistent issue of odor from his dairy farm, but is also unlocking more profitable outcomes by embracing climate-smart agricultural techniques. Central to his approach is the use of VTC Technology, a system designed to recover nutrients from diverse waste streams, including farm and market waste, and return them to their original sources. This transformative method was introduced to him by Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, a renowned scientist from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity at Makerere University.
The Scientists inspect the innovation where wastes are dumped and will eventually turn into manure.
Based on the demonstration on the farm, the innovative practice will help in reshaping urban agriculture by enhancing sustainable food production while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges such as waste management and odor control. Mr. Mugisha’s work stands as a compelling example of how local science-driven solutions can empower urban farmers and contribute to greener, more resilient cities.
Prof. Asaete, Dr. Nampanzira, Dr. Herbet Mukiibi were conducted around the vegetable garden where the manure is applied.
Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira Kalule led a team that included Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, the innovator who collaborated directly with Mr. Mugisha to implement the nutrient recycling innovation. Also part of the team was Prof. Josephine Esaete from the College of Education and External Studies, part of the members of the bigger project research team that includes Prof. Robert Stephen Tabuti and Prof. Vincent Muwanika, both from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University.
“Mr. Mugisha’s work exemplifies the kind of innovation we aim to capture, document and validate as solutions that are proven to work, locally driven, environmentally sound, and socially inclusive,” said Dr. Nampanzira, following a tour of the project site nestled within a densely populated urban residential area.
Dr. Nampanzira said the reason for the visit to the farmer was because through the project, scientists were looking out for farmers doing unique things that actually give them good results which are not known to the scientists. She said the purpose was to validate such practices and have them promoted.
A vegetable garden with a high yield.
The project, Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate-Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (CICSA-E&SA), continues to engage with farmers who have adopted some climate-smart agricultural practices by identifying and supporting solutions that work for farmers on the ground. Through hands-on engagement and collaboration, the initiative focuses on practical innovations that address real challenges, ensuring that climate-smart agriculture is not only sustainable, but also accessible and effective for local communities.
While describing the innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha, Dr. Herbert Mukiibi explained that the Nutrient Recycling Technology is designed to recover nutrients from various waste streams such as domestic, farm, hospital, schools or market waste and return them to their original source. If the nutrients came from the garden, the ultimate goal is to return them to the garden, Dr. Mukiibi noted. He said that most systems release nutrients through waste, which wastes are often mistreated because people don’t realize they are valuable resources. He said through such interventions, they were coming in to tap on these wastes and return them to the garden in a ready form that can be used by the crops for better yields without necessarily using inorganic forms of fertilizers.
Dr. Mukiibi emphasized that this technology not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also transforms public perception of waste, from a nuisance into a valuable resource thereby encouraging more responsible and productive environmental practices. He commended Mr. Mugisha, the farmer behind the initiative, for embracing the technology and personally financing its development. Thanks to Mr. Mugisha’s commitment, the project has advanced to the point where it is nearly ready to produce, package, and sell organic manure, marking a significant milestone in practical nutrient recycling.
“We want to document the various innovations that promote climate-smart agriculture while simultaneously addressing farmers’ real-world challenges,” said Prof. Asaete Josephine, who is part of the research team. “The innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha not only solved his initial problem, the unpleasant smell of dung that was causing concern in the neighborhood, but also evolved into a broader solution. What began as an effort to manage odor has also addressed nutrient deficiencies. That’s where the climate-smart aspect comes in, she noted. Instead of spending resources on inorganic fertilizers, the farmer is now benefiting from nutrient recycling, which promotes faster plant growth while tackling the original issue of odor.”, she noted.
Mr. Mugisha explains the Innovation that has helped him resolve the challenge of waste and odor management on his farm.
Mr. Mugisha informed the visiting team that he initially started the farm to meet his family’s nutritional needs. However, as the farm grew, he encountered significant challenges related to waste management, which led him to connect with Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, whose expertise helped guide him toward innovative solutions. He said he first adopted biogas technology yet, odor problem persisted, leading him to explored more sustainable options and eventually embraced the nutrient recycling innovation. He said transforming waste into organic manure enabled him resolve the environmental concerns but also enhanced the productivity of his vegetable gardens, and is moving towards packaging and sale of organic manure.
The team interacts with Mrs. Mugisha (R). In the background is the slab where the manure will be dried before further processing and packaging.
The CICSA-E&SA project is a multi-institutional collaboration led by Makerere University, in partnership with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), Maseno University (Kenya), and LUANAR and DARS (Malawi). The project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) and aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices across East and Southern Africa.