CONFERENCE THEME: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH ISP/EAUMP/SIDA, 10 YEARS WITH CIMO/HEI-ICI AND COMMENCING OF THE NORHED II FUNDED MATHEMATICS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS: 30TH JUNE 2023
INTRODUCTION
The Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme (EAUMP) courtesy of the International Science Programme (ISP), Sweden in collaboration with SIDA Mathematics projects, NORHED-II, CIMO/HEI-ICI Mathematics initiatives in the region and the Inter University Council for East Africa through EACMaR is organizing a joint conference to be held at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda from 01st to 04th August, 2023. Among other activities planned for the conference, Prof. Leif Abrahamsson will be honored for his outstanding contribution to the development of mathematics in the Region. We shall further celebrate the achievements in mathematics in the region in the period 2002-2023. The conference will feature paper and poster presentations.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
The Conference audience will be mathematicians from the Eastern Africa region and the rest of world. It is anticipated that the total number of conference participants will be over 150.
CONFERENCE AREAS
Research Paper and Poster presentations are expected in the following areas though not limited to;
Algebra
Applied Probability and Mathematical Statistics
Bioinformatics
Biomathematics
Biostatistics
Clifford and hypercomplex analysis
Combinatorics
Data Science
Dynamical Systems
Experimental Pure Mathematics
Financial/Insurance Mathematics
Fluid Dynamics
Graph Theory
Mathematics Education
Mathematics Olympiads
Number Theory
Numerical Analysis
ODES and PDES
Operations Research
Optimization
Real and Complex Analysis
Stochastics
Topology and Geometry
GOALS OF THE CONFERENCE
Stimulate regional and international collaboration in training, research and outreach.
To honor Prof Leif for his great contribution to the development of mathematics in the Eastern Africa region through Paper and Poster presentations of research findings by senior and junior academics in the region and beyond.
To celebrate the new mathematics initiative MATH4SD in the region under the NORHED-II
Provide a forum for interaction for African Mathematicians and others from outside Africa with a view of sharing experiences in mathematical training, research, and outreach activities.
Celebrate the achievements in mathematics in the region in the period 2002-2023
REGISTRATION FOR THE CONFERENCE
Participants are expected to pay a registration fee of US$200. The deadline for registration is 30th June 2023. Registration should be done online using the link – https://tinyurl.com/mseksnm3 and Payment of the Registration fee will be done on arrival or to the EAUMP account at Makerere on request. The registration fee will cater for all lunches, teas/coffee/water, conference dinner, a bag, a certificate, and stationery.
VENUE
The Conference will be held at Makerere University, Uganda, at Yusufu Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF2).
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel charges for accommodation in Kampala range from US$40 to US$ 300 per night. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is available for assistance. Food ranges from US$ 5.00 to US$ 25.00 a meal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR LOC;
Prof. John Mango, Department of Mathematics Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Email: mango.john@mak.ac.ug, jmango1966@gmail.com Cellphone: +256-772-649455
AND COPY YOUR EMAIL TO,
Prof. Kakuba Godwin, Head, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Email: godwin.a.kakuba@gmail.com, godwin.kakuba@mak.ac.ug Cellphone: +256-705-622288
Dr. Alex B. Tumwesigye EAUMP Coordinator, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Email: alex.tumwesigye@mak.ac.ug, atumwesi@gmail.com>, Cellphone: +256-782-244932
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Email: juma.kasozi@mak.ac.ug Cellphone: +256-782-308010
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, CoNAS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Ms. Dorothy Akoth, a Master’s student at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University has been named one of two winners of the 2023 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award. An expert jury selected Akoth, who was nominated by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology together with National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), for the instrumental role of her research in improving the knowledge of the distribution and imperilment status of 110 native fish species outside the iconic Haplochromine tribe of East African cichlids. The student was supervised by Prof. Fredrick Muyodi and Dr. Jackson Efitre from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at CoNAS, Makerere University, and Dr Vanny Natugonza of Busitema University.
Since its inception in 2010, the annual GBIF Graduate Researchers Award (previously the Young Researchers Award) has sought to promote and encourage innovation in biodiversity-related research using data shared through the GBIF network.
Godwin Anywar (cohort 6 graduate, Makerere University) was selected as a fellow of the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) based at the Future Africa Campus at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, on September 8, 2023.
Within the month, he:
Will be participating in the Uganda-Swiss Museum Cooperation Workshop from September 24 – October 4, 2023, in Kampala, Uganda, and will present on ‘Traditional Medicine in Transition.’
Presented a keynote paper on ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing during the PhD Journey’ at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 27th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) under the theme “Leveraging Governance, Human Capital and Technology for Sustainability in Kampala – Uganda on September 25 – 27, 2023.
Presented a paper on ‘The Cannabis/Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) Landscape in Africa: An Overview of its Cultivation and Legal Aspects’ at the 20th International Napreca Conference on Natural Network for East and Central Africa (NAPRECA) in Harare, Zimbabwe on September 20, 2023.
Attended the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Science Forum at the University of Nairobi on September 20, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of DAAD in East Africa.