Lugujjo (2nd L), Commissioner, Physical Education and Sports, MoES-Ms. Hajara Ddembe (R) and Director of Research, NARO-Dr. Barbara Mugwanya Zawedde (L) with participants (standing) at the BioSU inception meeting held at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University on 5th May 2023.
The Society aims to promote professional relevance and teamwork in fostering biology education and scholarship in Uganda
Prof. Arthur K.Tugume, Dean School of Biosciences, Makerere University addressing participants at the BioSU inception meeting.
Makerere University has mobilized resources to conduct research into the poor performance in Biology at UCE and UACE. This was revealed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Umar Kakumba during the inception meeting of the Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU) held on 5th May 2023 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF2) at Makerere. BioSU will, among other things, contribute to the promotion of Biology as a subject among learners, right from primary school, with an aim of achieving increased enrolment and improvement in academic grades at O’ and A’ levels, and ultimately at the tertiary levels of education in Uganda.
Some of the participants at the BioSU inception meeting.
Addressing participants, Prof. Kakumba appreciated the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) for leading efforts to improve performance in Biology, a core discipline in the life sciences. “Five Colleges at Makerere namely CoNAS, the College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) largely rely of biology as an essential subject. The entire science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem in Uganda is more than 60% biological in “fabric”. The formation of the BioSU is timely and will largely address the challenge of poor performance in the subject.” Prof. Kakumba appreciated the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Consortium (UBBC) for supporting the formation of BioSU, and rallied other stakeholders to take interest in the Society. “This is a national formation that will build foundations for the future of biologists in this country,” he noted.
Ms. Hajara Ddembe, the Commissioner, Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports moderated the meeting.
In his remarks, the Principal, CoNAS appreciated the School of Biosciences for taking lead in addressing the challenge of poor performance in Biology. He equally appreciated the University leadership for supporting the initiative. “When Biology is negatively affected at UCE, then enrolment at UACE gets affected, and this poses major challenges for the colleges at Makerere and the institutions related to medical, agricultural, veterinary and other forms of training where biological knowledge is essential. The move to address the challenge is timely, and working with BioSU, I’m hopeful that performance will greatly improve.”
The panelists – Prof. Tugume; Dr. Barbara Mugwanya Zawedde, Director of Research at NARO; Mr. Peter Watiti, a primary school teacher; Dr. Andrew Kiggundu, a geneticist and biotechnologist; Mr. Nixon Opoya, a secondary school teacher and examiner at UCE and UACE; and Dr Godwin Anywar from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, CoNAS.
Trend of poor performance in Biology
An analysis conducted by the School of Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University indicates that since the late 1970s, academic performance in Biology at UACE has never been at its best and recently deteriorated to worrying levels. “In the UACE sitting of 2018 whose results were released in February 2019, UNEB statistics show that a total of 13,061 candidates sat for Biology countrywide, and of these only 1 candidate scored an “A”. That year, only up to 38% of the candidates scored at least an “E” leaving almost 80% failed (score O or F). In the next year’s sitting of 2019, only 44 candidates countrywide scored “A” in Biology. This trend was found quite repeated several times before 2018 and has not improved to-date. According to Prof. Arthur K. Tugume, Dean, School of Biosciences at Makerere University, Biology is an essential subject because it accounts for 70-100% of the academic and research work at CoNAS, CHS, CoVAB and CAES at Makerere. “The poor performance at UACE affects the totality of life-sciences academic and research ecosystem at Makerere University, and several essential sectors, and MDAs of Uganda whose mandates are hinged on Biology,” he noted.
Prof. Umar Kakumba, DVCAA, Makerere University graced the BioSU inception meeting.
Addressing the challenge
To address the challenge of poor performance in Biology, Makerere University through the School of Biosciences, supported by the BioSU will conduct a detailed and carefully planned analysis of; i) qualifications, competence, and availability of Biology teachers and technicians at A’ Level; (ii) the scope: breadth and depth of Biology curriculum at A’ Level; (iii) how topics are segregated or not segregated in different UNEB past papers of Biology at A’ Level in comparison to other A’ Level subjects; (iv) the state of laboratory and field infrastructure for teaching Biology at A’ Level; and (v) attitudes of learners/students towards Biology at A’ Level. The results will inform steps to be taken.
The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta addressing participants.
Formation of the Biology Society of Uganda
The Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU) is founded on Uganda’s aspirations for a strong bio-economy to spur national development under National Development Program III (NDPIII). Cognizant of the importance of Biology applications that account for over 60% of Uganda’s science, technology and innovations (STI) ecosystem, it is envisaged that bringing together biology professionals will augment and consolidate their contribution to national development.
Specifically, the objectives of the Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU) are to:
Establish a functional and dynamic platform that will promote communication among biologists engaged in knowledge generation, testing, teaching and the end users at all levels.
Promote biological research and its application in the teaching and/or solving challenges of national development at all levels.
Host and publish a biannual Biology Newsletter (or any other publication deemed essential) on biology aspects of interest in Uganda.
Promote the writing of biological science articles, books, papers, and magazines.
Provide guidance on matters of national importance that demand expert knowledge in Biology or its applications.
Create a community of people interested in biology, gather and exchange ideas, learn more about biology and sustain interest in the subject.
To advance the quality of biology in academia, industry, education and research.
Increase awareness of the importance of biology in national development.
Foster a lively and early interest in biology in order to improve learning outcomes from primary to university level and beyond.
Prof. Kakumba with Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, former Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University and currently Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF).
The BioSU inception meeting
The inception meeting brought together Biology professionals who deliberated on a number of issues in line with the formation of the BioSU, and the continued failure of the subject of Biology. The meeting featured a panel discussion in which a number of factors undermining performance in Biology were highlighted and possible solutions proposed. Panelists including Prof. Arthur Tugume, Dean School of Biosciences, CoNAS; Dr. Barbara Mugwanya Zawedde, Director of Research at NARO; Mr. Peter Watiti, a primary school teacher; Dr. Andrew Kiggundu, a geneticist and biotechnologist; Mr. Nixon Opoya, a secondary school teacher and examiner at UCE and UACE; and Dr Godwin Anywar from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at CoNAS emphasized the need to improve competence of teachers by conducting refresher trainings. Other issues arising from the discussion included the need to improve practical training, interest learners in the subject at an early staff and conduct career guidance.
An Interim Committee coordinated under the School of Biosciences, CoNAS, Makerere University has been put in place to foresee the formation of the BioSU. Members include; Prof. Arthur Tugume – Interim Chair, Dr Godwin Anywar – Interim Secretary, Dr. Mary Buttibwa, Dr. Agnes Nandutu Masawi, Dr. Shahasi Athman, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku, Dr. Joel Isanga, Dr. Samuel Ojelel, Mr. Nixon Opoya, Dr. Eric Sande, Dr. John Joseph Kisakye, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Dr. Godfrey Kubiriza.
Godwin Anywar, cohort 6, Makerere University, was appointed a Member of the editorial board of BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies on June 18, 2024. The appointment is on a rolling basis, renewable after every two years.
He also attended the Science Diplomacy Course in Trieste, Italy, from June 17 to 21, 2024, under the auspices of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington, DC, USA, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy.
The fisheries sub-sector in Uganda is crucial, supporting over 5 million livelihoods and providing essential protein for up to 17 million people, with an average consumption of 10 kg per capita. Uganda’s population is projected to double in the next 27 years, prompting the National Development Plan III to aim for a significant increase in fish production, with aquaculture expected to contribute 1 million MT by 2030. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022 emphasizes adherence to National Environmental Management principles to achieve sustainable production systems.
However, as aquaculture grows, the sector faces environmental challenges due to increased intensive production and on-farm waste, including nutrients from feed, uneaten feed, poor quality feeds, pseudofeces, escaped farmed fish, and residual chemicals. These pollutants pose risks such as habitat quality deterioration, biodiversity loss, eutrophication of waterways, and the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
The Principal, CoNAS, Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta officially opened the workshop.
Mitigating the effects of environmental pollution from aquaculture
Through a Project titled: Mitigating the Effects of Environmental Pollution from aquaculture on freshwater resources in Lake Victoria Basin (MEEP), researchers from Makerere University in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) set out to assess the effects of aquaculture facilities and practices on Lake Victoria, its catchment rivers and wetlands. The team led by Dr Ronald Semyalo from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) at Makerere University subsequently examined the effectiveness of innovative technologies, such as integrated wetland-bivalve systems, in mitigating these impacts. They also reviewed the application of national environment and aquaculture regulations in controlling environmental pollution. The study surveyed fish farms in three districts of Buikwe, Jinja, and Mukono within the Victoria Water Management Zone. Other project team members were: Dr Jerome Lugumira from NEMA, Dr Robinson Odong and Mr. Drake Ssempijja from ZEFS, Makerere University, and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer at Makerere. The Project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).
Some of the participants at the workshop at Colline Hotel Mukono.
During their engagement with different stakeholders in the fishing industry including the fish farmers from Jinja, Buikwe and Mukono, as well as experts from the Directorate of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Directorate of Aquaculture Development at MAAF, the research team established that only 138 out of 380 registered fish farms were active, with 45.6% of the farms in Jinja, 35.5% in Mukono; and 18.8% in Buikwe. Overall, over 60% of the farms were inactive posing serious environmental threats.
The PI, Dr Ronald Semyalo presenting the project findings to stakeholders.
Dissemination of the research findings
On 26th June 2024, the project team held a workshop at Colline Hotel Mukono to disseminate the research finding to stakeholders who included fish farmers from Buikwe, Jinja and Mukono, District Fisheries Officers, as well as representatives from NEMA and MAAIF. In the presentations, the team highlighted the environmental impacts of aquaculture practices and the possibility of innovatively using nature-based, environmentally friendly innovations as a mitigation measure. The presentations covered farm characteristics, water and feed management practices, water quality assessments and waste management methods. The participants engaged in discussion on the implications of the results and shared their experiences and challenges in managing aquaculture operations.
Dr Semyalo disseminating the research findings.Mr. Geoffrey Dheyongera, Principal Fisheries Officer at MAAIF delivered a presentation on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda.
Key findings as disseminated by the PI
Out of the 380 farms, 119 were assessed. Below are the key findings;
Environmental Impact Assessment: It was established that 81% of the farmers had not conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental audits. This, the researchers noted was one of the major causes of abandoned farms.
Farm Characteristics: The majority of farms used earthen ponds (66.9%) and were semi-intensive (63.6%), relying on manufactured feed and pond fertilization. Intensive farms (30.5%) exclusively used manufactured feeds, while extensive farms (4.2%) relied solely on pond fertilization.
Fish Species: Nile tilapia was the top choice (96.1%) for monoculture farms, while tilapia and catfish were preferred for polyculture systems (46.9%). Intensive farms predominantly farmed Nile tilapia.
Demographics: Most respondents were male (90.7%), with a median age of 35 years. The largest age group was 31 to 59 years (43.2%).
Fish diseases: The research revealed a number of diseases affecting aquaculture including: lesions/wounds on the belly and cysts on the scales, skin lesions and cysts on the belly, popping eyes and white substance on fins, open skin wounds, open wounds on the head, skin lesions – greyish, swollen eyes, whitish and black patches on the skin on the pelvic fin, wounds on the head.
Water Use: Fish farms primarily relied on spring water and lake water. Other sources, such as streams, wells, and rivers, were also utilized. In most cases, the water source was shared with the community. Only a small percentage of respondents acknowledged any known disease outbreaks on their farms. There was a strong association between the district in which the farm was located and the water source used. Majority of those using lake water were in Jinja District, while most of those using spring water were in Mukono District. Additionally, there was a significant association between the fish species cultured and the water source used.
Feed Management: A significant proportion of the farms heavily relied on factory-made feeds. These feeds were often used in combination with farm feed materials, such as maize bran, potato vines, yam leaves, and kitchen waste. A smaller number of farmers exclusively relied on farm-made feeds, while an even smaller percentage solely relied on pond fertilization. Manufactured feeds were used in various forms: powder and floating pellets, powder, crumble, and floating pellets, powder only, floating pellets only, and sinking pellets. The most prevalent method of feed delivery was feeding by response, while some farms also practiced feeding by ration.
Waste Management: The findings indicated a concerning lack of treatment for aquaculture effluent, with majority of respondents (69%) releasing it directly into natural streams or wetlands. This highlights the need for improved environmental management practices. Common waste sources included faecal matter and dead fish. Most farms incinerated or buried solid waste.
Water Quality: Measurements at the representative visited farms showed compliance with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms. The physicochemical parameters of the farms visited were in line with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms.
Prevailing Regulatory System: A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted to supplement the findings from the survey. It aimed to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement in current policies and regulations governing aquaculture. It also evaluated the effectiveness of existing measures in addressing environmental pollution, waste management, and sustainable water use. This exercise provided a foundation for developing more robust and effective regulatory frameworks that support sustainable aquaculture practices, protect water resources, and enhance the overall environmental health of the Lake Victoria basin.
Stakeholders at the MEEP dissemination workshop.
Project output
***Innovative Integrated wetlands-bivalves system was developed to mitigate the impact of pollution emanating from aquaculture on the environment
Effluent from poor aquaculture practices may contain uneaten feed residues and associated components, such as suspended solids, nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus and organic materials. If discharged without any form of treatment, such effluent contributes to excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies, a phenomenon referred to as eutrophication. Eutrophic waters have diminished ecological value, for example are low in oxygen level and can lead to fish kills. Wetland plants, such as duckweeds can aid in cleansing of aquaculture effluent of excess pollutants, through various mechanisms. For example, the plant roots adsorb suspended solids, besides offering conducive attachment surfaces for beneficial microorganisms which perform various nutrient recycling roles. The plants also uptake excess nutrients, hence reducing their levels in water. Bivalves (Molluscs) are filter feeders, hence uptake and cleanse water of detrital or solid materials, hence augmenting the roles of the plants. The integration of wetlands-bivalves system offer synergistic roles in aquaculture effluent treatment. The plants and bivalves used in the treatment can in turn be removed and used for other beneficial purposes.
Dr Jerome Lugumira from NEMA delivered a presentation on the policies regulating the sector and the gaps.
Presentation on policy gaps
During the dissemination workshop, Dr Jerome Lugumira, the Natural Resources Manager, Soils and Land Use at NEMA sensitized participants on the National Environment Act, 2019 with special emphasis on policy regulations for the aquaculture sector. He emphasized the need to acquire an EIA certificate before engaging in aquaculture. Highlighting the gaps in policy, Dr Lugumira noted that Schedule 4 of the National Environment Act, 2019 does not sufficiently guide the Fisheries sector; while the Physical Planning Act, 2010 is biased towards physical development planning, and the Water Act, 1997 provides for a waste discharge permit but no consideration of the extent of wastes discharged from fish farms of varying size and intensity is provided.
Dr Lugumira sensitizing participants on the policies.
He further noted that the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000 do not guide on areas where aquaculture best fits, indicating that the application of the 25% wetland area beyond which one needs approval is vague.
Additionally, he explained that the National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020 refer to fish waste generally and not whether it means waste from fish or all waste from fish farms, such as off-cuts, unwanted materials, and that the National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Land) Regulations, 2020 consider effluent discharge and not that released in-situ and that disposed directly into water via cages and into soil via land-based systems.
Right-Left Dr Susan Luyiga, Dr Peter Akoll, and Ms. Ritah Namisango at the dissemination workshop.
Dr Lugumira called for the review of the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000, by requiring the mandated Lead Agency (WMD) to issue approvals for access to wetlands, and appending guidance on wetlands and lake areas where aquaculture is suitable. He suggested that submissions seeking approval from NEMA should have all required approvals from MAAIF, WMD and DLGs. “The assessment process should be supported by a technical officer skilled in fisheries sciences and not generalists,” he noted.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Alio Andrew briefed participants on proper aquaculture management practices and called on Ugandans to invest in the fisheries sector.
Overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda
Sharing an overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda, Mr. Geoffrey Dheyongera, Principal Fisheries Officer at MAAIF, noted that the global decline/stagnation in capture fisheries stocks had increased demand for fish, calling for a boost in fish production through stock enhancement in water bodies and promotion of aquaculture. “There is need for huge investment in aquaculture. The Aquaculture Policy targets 1 million MT from aquaculture through establishment of aquaparks with intensive management activities.”
One of the technologies developed by the project team to support the mitigation of the effects of aquaculture on the environment.
Key concerns raised by the farmers
During the focused group discussions, participants highlighted a number of factors undermining the growth of the aquaculture sector. These include;
Ignorance about the laws/policy guidelines
Low skills and lack of exposure in aquaculture management
Low numbers of technical staff to guide the farmers
Inexperienced technical staff
Cheating by fish seed producers
Expensive and poor quality feeds
Fluctuating prices of fish
Competition with capture fisheries/negative attitude towards farmed fish
Increased degradation of the environment which affects water quality
High interest rates on loans
Farmers fear for exorbitant taxes
Participants in group discussions on the factors undermining aquaculture.
Proposals for improvement
Government should recruit technical staff to assist farmers
Thorough training of extension staff
Encourage value addition to farmed fish
Integrate climate smart interventions in aquaculture
Policies regulating the sector should be popularized
Undertake periodical review of the existing policies
Encourage multi-stakeholder involvement in the implementation of policies
Invest in research responsive to fish and aquaculture sector needs
Monitor quality of fish feeds to satisfy farmers’ needs and environmental safety
Private hatchery operators must be supported by the responsible sector agencies to ensure quality seed. Likewise, fish seed must come from certified hatcheries.
Inspection of farms should be strengthened
Train farmers on proper aquaculture management practices
Farmers should work in groups to reduce production costs, negotiate better prices for their products, access credit facilities and maximize profits
Group discussions on aquaculture.
Remarks by the Guest of Honour, Mukono District CAO, and the Principal, CoNAS
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, also Assistant Commissioner Aquaculture Management at MAAIF, Mr. Alio Andrew, guided the farmers on proper aquaculture practices, and encouraged Ugandans to invest in the fish sector. “The demand for fish has increased. Aquaculture remains a viable option,” he noted. He also raised the need to support private hatchery operators to produce quality seed, emphasizing that fish seed should only be bought from certified hatcheries. He highlighted the significance of biosecurity in aquaculture, and the need to collect appropriate data on the sector.
Group discussions on aquaculture.
The CAO Mukono District called for intensified training of farmers in aquaculture management practices. She advised the farmers to work in groups if they are to make reasonable profits.
The Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, acknowledged the involvement of the community in research, and appreciated the fish farmers for actively participating in the project activities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the continued support towards research at Makerere University. Besides other initiatives geared towards improving research at Makerere, the Government is supporting over 700 research projects at Makerere through the Research and Innovations Fund. He also appreciated MAAIF and NEMA for the technical guidance extended towards the project.
The Representative of the CAO Mukono District delivering her remarks.A participant presenting the views of his group on the factors undermining aquaculture.The Secretariat at the dissemination workshop. On the left is Ms. Catherine Nannyonga, the Project Administrator.
BioGold Project is a three-year collaborative project among five academic institutions including, Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Gulu University, University of Pretoria and University of Continuing Education, Krems, Austria funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation under the APPEAR Partnership. The project will combine principles of biosorption and chemical remediation to treat contaminated wastewater, tailings, rehabilitate contaminated soils so as to protect vulnerable ecosystems surrounding artisanal gold mining (ASGM) areas in Uganda. This study will design biochar composites from locally available biomass to enhance mercury removal from wastewater and tailings as well as rehabilitate mercury-contaminated soils making them fit for agriculture. The project envisages to train and build capacity of young researchers in Uganda. As such the project has been allocated an MSc. position under Component II, to support to full-time student to undertake studies in Austria. The successful MSc candidate is expected to undertake research on characterizing, optimizing biochar and modify the biochar to improve the sorption capacities.
The project consortium is now inviting qualified and interested persons to apply for nomination for the award of the scholarship. The project has strong preference for female candidates, therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
Not be older than 30 years (women not older than 35)
Demonstrate interest and capability to work in the priority themes
Present a concept note to provide understanding of the subject
Have a minimum of second- upper class bachelor’s degree in any of the following programmes: BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Environmental Science, & BSc in Environmental Engineering
Benefits
The successful applicants will receive a full scholarship (up to 24 months) which includes;
Return air ticket and visa costs to Austria
Monthly stipend of €1000 while in Austria to cater for personal welfare, accommodation and local movement
Research related expenses.
Application process
A complete application form
A one-page motivation letter
Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
A completed Master Scholarship Application Form for Embedded APPEAR Projects
Copies of Academic documents
Photocopy of the passport and/or ID
Recommendation letters from two academic referees.
All applications must be sent electronically to Dr. Mary Kaggwa (marykaggwa@kyu.ac.ug) and copied to Dr. Peter Akoll (peter.akoll@mak.ac.ug) and Dr. Denis Nono (d.nono@gu.ac.ug) not later than 5.00pm East African Time on 20th June 2024.
Members of staff with former students interested in biochar technology and its use in heavy metal removal are requested to share the advert with them.
Full Advert and Application form may be accessed below.
Note: Only successful applicants will be contacted.
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