Natural Sciences
Makerere University Council Members Visit CoNAS
The University Council is on a mission to establish whether the mandate of each of the 10 constituent Colleges of Makerere is linked to the vision, mission and Strategic Plan of the University.
Mak Council engagement with CoNAS leadership
Makerere University Council members led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Lorna Magara on 28th February 2023 visited the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) to get acquainted with its operations and establish whether the College’s mandate is linked to the vision, mission and Strategic Plan of the University. The current Strategic Plan (2020-2030) aims to transform Makerere into a research-led University, responding to national, regional and global development challenges, as well as contributing to global knowledge generation.
During the meeting between the College leaders and Council members, the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta shared a brief on operations in each unit highlighting key challenges affecting performance with regard to teaching and learning, as well as research and innovation. Presenting the status of facilities at the College, the Principal called for support to refurbish all teaching laboratories. He also called for the recruitment of more technicians to support practical training. The Principal emphasized the need to support incorporation of ICT in teaching and learning. “This would require expanding and equipping the computer laboratories with modern technology.” Other issues discussed at the meeting included staff recruitment and promotions, management of the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) in Kibaale, funding for college activities, general College infrastructure, teaching load and its impact on research, security, and general welfare of staff.
The University Council members stressed the importance of technicians in strengthening practical training. They pledged to support the College on the issue of recruiting more technicians to match the growing number of students.
Other Council members who attended the meeting at CoNAS included the Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, Vice Chairperson; Mr. Edwin Karugire, Mr. George Bamugemereire, Mr. Bruce B. Kabaasa and Dr. Sengozi E.D.
About CoNAS
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 10 constituent Colleges of Makerere University with over 2000 students and 153 members of staff spread across 2 schools and seven departments namely: School of Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geology and Petroleum Studies) and School Biosciences (Departments of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology; Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences; and Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences). The College is the cradle of basic sciences at Makerere University providing a foundation for all applied sciences offered at the University. It offers programmes at undergraduate and graduate level. CoNAS services other Colleges including the College of Health Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity. Staff at the College also teach students from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and the School of Statistics and Applied Economics.
Natural Sciences
Mak Paves Path to Biodiversity Leadership: Inaugural ABS Project Workshop Strengthening Uganda’s Nagoya Protocol Capacity
By Laban Lwasa
In a groundbreaking event that unfolded at Makerere University‘s Telepresence Center on November 7, 2023, the Inception Workshop for the ABS Project took center stage, hosted by the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Prof. Tumps Ireeta, Principal of CoNAS, set the tone with a warm welcome, highlighting Uganda’s rich biodiversity and the pivotal role of the Nagoya Protocol in ensuring the legal utilization of genetic resources. The collaboration between NEMA and Makerere University, supported by the GEF, aims to equip professionals with ABS knowledge and position Makerere at the forefront of Nagoya Protocol compliance.
Prof. Arthur Kajungu Tugume, Dean of the School of Biosciences, emphasized the project’s significance in institutional capacity strengthening for the Nagoya Protocol’s implementation in Uganda, showcasing the School of Biosciences as a hub for genetic resource research and training. The pilot project, in collaboration with NEMA, GEF, and UNEP, aims to expand countrywide and potentially across the African continent. It seeks to empower a skilled workforce informed on ABS issues, contributing to economic development and poverty eradication as aligned with SDG 1.
Mr. Achuu Peter, Project Manager from NEMA, highlighted Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity and the need to explore the benefits of genetic resources for medicines, food, and more. He emphasized the importance of the Nagoya Protocol in mitigating biodiversity loss and highlighted challenges faced by Uganda in terms of weak institutional capacity, inadequate policies, and lack of coordination for ABS. The project focuses on strengthening ABS frameworks, capacity building, community-level management, and raising awareness to ensure equitable benefits from genetic resource utilization.
Mr. Daniel Abowe, UNCST ABS Project Officer, shed light on the complex landscape of national ABS laws in Uganda, resulting in legal complexity and high transaction costs for users. He also detailed the Uganda research approval process, emphasizing UNCST’s role in ABS implementation, which includes issuing access permits and ensuring benefit-sharing agreements. The multifaceted project aims to align Uganda with the Nagoya Protocol’s goals and foster collaboration between higher institutions and local communities for the management of genetic resources.
Dr. Katuura Esther, the Project Principal Investigator at Makerere University, highlighted the institution’s pivotal role in training and research. Makerere University aspires to be a thought leader, committed to providing transformative teaching, learning, research, and services that cater to dynamic national and global needs. The institution’s strategic goals encompass leadership in high-quality programs, knowledge dissemination, research, scholarship promotion, and corporate social responsibility. Dr. Esther also addressed the challenges and opportunities in preserving indigenous knowledge, emphasizing the role of digital technologies and collaboration between research institutions and local communities.
The programs designated for updating at Makerere University are a comprehensive effort to align with the Nagoya Protocol. Notable among these programs are BSc Applied and Economic Botany, BSc in Conservation Biology, Bachelor of Biotechnology, Masters in Botany, Masters in Genetics, Masters in Plant Pathology and Crop Science, and Masters in Economic Botany. This holistic approach aims to contribute to the conservation and equitable utilization of genetic resources.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance at Makerere University, emphasized the importance of incorporating international and global standards into the academic curriculum. He underscored the crucial role of projects like ABS in enhancing the capacity of professionals and equipping them to become part of a globally competitive workforce. This workshop marked a significant stride in Uganda’s journey towards sustainable biodiversity management and conservation, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond its borders, leaving a lasting impact on the world stage.
Laban Lwasa is the Senior Administrative Assistant, Makerere University, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)
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