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Agriculture & Environment

30 Mak Students Trained in Water Quality Management

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The four-year programme (2022-2025) is supported by the Conrad Hilton Foundation and implemented by the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES, Makerere University

The PI, Prof. Isa Kabenge briefs participants about the project, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The PI, Prof. Isa Kabenge briefs participants about the project.

Makerere University Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) on 19th May 2023 held a ceremony to mark the completion of the 2022 Hilton Foundation Water Quality Testing Fellowship. The event held in the Conference Hall at the School of Food Science and Technology was graced by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Umar Kakumba who presented certificates to the first cohort of trainees.    

The trainees following the proceedings of the event, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The trainees following the proceedings of the event.

About the programme

The Water Quality Testing programme at Makerere University is implemented by the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering in partnership with Aquaya Institute with funding from the Conrad Hilton Foundation. The programme started in 2022 and expected to end in 2025 aims to increase the number of water quality professionals. In the pilot year of 2022, student fellows were recruited from five programmes namely; BSc. Agricultural Engineering (12), BSc. Bioprocessing Engineering (3), BSc. Water and Irrigation Engineering (7), BSc. Civil Engineering (5), and MSc. Agricultural Engineering (3). In total, 30 out of the 68 applicants were recruited to the programme following a rigorous selection exercise.

The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) and the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga tour the students' projects, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) and the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga tour the students’ projects.

The trainings

During the trainings, the fellows were introduced to various modules in water quality testing and management pre-developed by the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering and the Aquaya Institute. The first module introduced the students to water quality aspects in regard to drinking water. The second module focused on water quality management where different water treatment technologies, and processes undertaken to treat water at water treatment plants were studied. The third module covered field collection of water quality data, including site entry, water sampling, labelling, storage, and transportation. The fourth module dealt with general lab practices. The fifth module dealt with data analysis and interpretation, and the sixth module covered report writing.

Prof. Umar Kakumba addressing participants, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Umar Kakumba addressing participants.

Following the lectures, students and staff congregated at MUARIK for Lab training and pre-field data collection. Students and staff of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Aquaya staff then moved to Lira and Kabarole districts for fieldwork. In the two districts, water points in communities, healthcare centres and schools were sampled and tested on site for physio-chemical parameters including temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, residual chlorine and turbidity. Water samples were also collected and taken for E coli testing in the field lab stations set up in the two districts. Additionally, drinking water samples were taken from households in the two districts and tested for E coli. The programme was supported by technical and administrative officers from the district local governments of Lira and Kabarole and officers from the water quality departments of the Upper Nile and Albert Water Management Zones, under the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Prof. Umar Kakumba presents a certificate to one of the Male trainees, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Umar Kakumba presents a certificate to one of the Male trainees.

Remarks

In his remarks, the DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba applauded the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering headed by Prof. Isa Kabenge for the initiative. “Many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) speak to water quality. Training in water quality management is therefore crucial for attaining the development trajectory,” he noted.

Prof. Umar Kakumba presents a certificate to one of the Female trainees, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Umar Kakumba presents a certificate to one of the Female trainees.

He explained that the programme blends well in the strategic direction of Makerere University that emphasizes innovative teaching and community engagement. “The work done at Makerere should always be translated to match government development goals and to enhance the relevance of the University.” Prof. Kakumba appreciated the partners for sponsoring the programme and supporting the students during fieldwork. “The programme emphasized practical training and has greatly improved the confident of the students,” he said.

The Principal, CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga delivering her remarks, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Principal, CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga delivering her remarks.

Emphasizing the significance of the project, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga said the College was intentional on moving towards learner-centred training and creating impact. She said the project was timely and would greatly enhance training in the new programme of water quality engineering. She appreciated the Principal Investigator Prof. Isa Kabenge, and the sponsors of the programme. In similar regard, she appreciated Makerere University Management for creating a conducive environment for staff to explore their potential to innovate.

The students showcasing their projects, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The students showcasing their projects.

The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, district Local governments and other stakeholders in the water and environment sectors.

The Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Dr. Abel Atukwase addressing participants, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Dr. Abel Atukwase addressing participants.

Some of the Female trainees showcasing their projects, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the Female trainees showcasing their projects.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (Centre) is joined by staff and trainees to cut cake, SFTNB Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (Centre) is joined by staff and trainees to cut cake.

Video on the training activities:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kUnLAzAjcBtSj4gFqwfll4jEnmI4vPMh/view?usp=drivesdk

Hasifa Kabejja

Agriculture & Environment

CAES Annual Report 2024

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Cover page of the CAES Annual Report 2024. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga

It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.

Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.  

Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.

Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.

I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES

Follow the link below to access the full report;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: 30 Masters, 6 PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

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Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
  8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
  11. The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
  8. The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
  11. The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

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Apply now! 2025 Farmer field schools innovation award is now open for submissions!

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

  • Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14th to 17th of October 2025
  • Receive support and mentorship from global experts
  • Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

  • Producers and producer groups;
  • FFS facilitators or master trainers;
  • Project and programme teams;
  • Development organizations;
  • Social entrepreneurs;
  • Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

  1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

  1. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility
  1. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
  2. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15th of June 2025

Apply now  

Mak Editor

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