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.
At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.
Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence
Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.
Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors
Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.
At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.
“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”
Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.
Achievements and Professional Experience
Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.
His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.
Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.
Future Plans
Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.
From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.
The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.
The NutriFishPlus Project team successfully conducted a one-day capacity-building training for its research assistants, centered on the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and the household survey tool. Held on 13th January 2026 at Ridar Hotel Seeta in Mukono District, the training aimed to improve data collection, analysis, and learning processes to support evidence-based project implementation and impact assessment.
It was officially opened by Dr. Jackson Efitre, the Principal Investigator, who introduced the research assistants to the overall goal of the NutriFishPlus Project and the guiding principles of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Scaling Approach. In his remarks, Dr Efitre emphasized the importance of high-quality data in tracking progress, informing adaptive management, and scaling impact.
The project team during the workshop.
NutriFishPlus builds on the significant achievements of the ground-breaking NutriFish Project (2019–2023), which was funded by IDRC and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase II (CultiAF2). Officially launched on 28th October 2025, the two-year and eight-month project seeks to scale proven innovations while deepening nutrition, livelihood, and gender outcomes within small pelagic fisheries.
The project aims to:
Scale up the adoption of improved and sustainable fish processing technologies, including solar tent driers and raised racks, to reach new fishing communities across Uganda.
Enhance market access and strengthen supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish-based products.
Empower women and other vulnerable groups while strengthening community resilience through diversified income-generating activities.
Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula guided the team through the NutriFishPlus MEL framework.
Expected Outcomes:
NutriFishPlus is expected to deliver multiple socioeconomic and environmental benefits, including:
Improved incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing communities, particularly women and youth.
Enhanced health and nutrition outcomes through the development of diversified, market-embedded fish products.
Establishment of sustainable and replicable fish processing and marketing models across Uganda and the wider East African region.
Increased participation of women and youth in decision-making and benefit-sharing within the Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) value chain.
Improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory and scalable approaches.
Some of the Research Assistants – Nakato Josephine, Drabo Janet, and Abaca Denish during the training workshop.
Project Implementation and Partnerships
The project is implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, in partnership with Nutreal Ltd and Kati Farms Ltd under a public-private partnership. Project activities will be carried out at five landing sites across Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert.
Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso oriented the team on the household survey tool.
The project team comprises:
Dr. Jackson Efitre (Principal Investigator)
Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe (Co-PI from Nutreal Ltd)
Ms. Lovin Kobusingye (Co-PI from Kati Farms Ltd)
Dr. Robinson Odong (Project Officer, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University)
Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula (M&E Expert)
Ms. Nelly Badaru (Gender Specialist)
Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso (IT Expert)
Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi (Kati Farms Ltd)
Ms. Hasifa Kabejja (Communication Officer)
Ms. Eve Akongo Ampa (Project Administrator)
Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso training the team on the use of the household survey tool.
Strengthening MEL and Data Quality
During the training workshop, Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula guided the team through the NutriFishPlus MEL framework, highlighting its objectives, indicators, results chain, and reporting requirements. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of high-quality data in facilitating project learning, adaptive management, and accountability to donors and beneficiaries.
A key highlight of the training was a hands-on orientation to the household survey tool, led by Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso. Participants were taken through the structure of the questionnaire, which covers household demographics, nutrition and dietary diversity, fish consumption, livelihoods, value addition, gender dynamics, and food security. Practical sessions enabled the research assistants to practice administering the tool, apply effective probing techniques, and address common field-level challenges.
The project team and research assistants during the training.
The training underscored critical ethical considerations in household data collection, including informed consent, confidentiality, and respectful engagement with respondents. Data quality assurance measures such as accurate data recording, use of digital data collection platforms, and daily review protocols were discussed to ensure consistency and reliability.
Ms. Nelly Badaru (R), Gender Specialist on the project with Bandaru Irene, Research Assistant during the training.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Efitre emphasized that well-trained research assistants are central to generating credible evidence that reflects the lived realities of beneficiary households. “This training is a vital investment in strengthening our MEL system and ensuring that the evidence we generate informs learning, accountability, and improved project outcomes,” he noted.
Ms. Nelly Badaru listening in to the presentations.
The participants expressed gratitude for the interactive and practical nature of the training, noting that the sessions significantly enhanced their confidence and readiness for fieldwork. The training concluded with a question-and-answer session and a brief assessment to confirm participants’ understanding of the MEL framework and household survey tool.
The Project team members – Dr Robnison Odong, Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, and Eve Akongo Ampa during the training.
Pre-testing of the household survey tool
Following the training, the project team conducted a pre-test of the household survey tool at Kasenyi Landing Site in Entebbe on 19th January 2026, ahead of the baseline survey. The baseline data collection will be carried out across five landing sites: Katosi (Mukono District), Kikondo (Buikwe District), Bangaladesh and Kayago (Amolatar District), and Dei (Pakwach District), spanning Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert.
Dr Oruru Bosco has been appointed Acting Head of the Department of Physics at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University effective 1st January 2026. Dr Oruru takes on from Dr Okello Denis who has served in the same position since January 2022. He becomes the 10th Head of Department since its establishment. His predecessors include Prof. David Thomson, Prof. John Odeke Ilukor, Prof. Eldad J.K. Banda, Prof. Ezra K.S. Mugambe, Prof. Yusto Kaahwa, Prof. Ezra M. Twesigomwe, Prof. Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, and Dr. Denis Okello.
Dr. Oruru holds a PhD in Physics from the University of the Free State, South Africa, an MSc in Physics from the University of the Free State, a BSc in Astrophysics and Space Science from the University of Cape Town, a BSc in Education (Physics and Mathematics) from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and a Diploma in Secondary Education (Physics and Chemistry) from the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo.
Dr Oruru addressing staff at the handover ceremony.
He has served the Department in various capacities as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Graduate Supervisors Trainer, and Secretary of the Departmental Research and Teaching Programmes Committee. Dr. Oruru has supervised and examined several PhD, MSc, and BSc students at Makerere and other institutions, including Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the South African Institute of Physics, and the University of the Free State. His research interests include accretion onto magnetized compact objects (e.g., X-ray binaries and cataclysmic variables), exotic phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts, supernovae explosions, and active galactic nuclei, African cultural astronomy, and radiation physics.
Dr Oruru with staff that attended the handover ceremony.
At the handover ceremony held today, 6th January 2026, Dr. Denis Okello congratulated Dr. Oruru on his appointment and expressed gratitude to the College and University administration for the support accorded to him during his tenure. He also thanked the department staff for their cooperation and commitment. “The support I received enabled me to serve successfully and build upon the achievements of my predecessors. I leave the Department in a much improved state, with well-established infrastructure, including a lecture theatre, classrooms, teaching, research, and ICT laboratories, as well as a departmental library stocked with textbooks relevant to our programmes.”
The Dean delivering his remarks during the handover ceremony.
During his tenure, Dr. Okello oversaw the review of the Bachelor of Science programmes (BSCI and BSCX) to align with the competence-based curriculum. The Department also acquired 55 computers through government funding, in addition to three iPads donated through the College. Renovations were carried out on the interior and exterior of the Department. Staffing improved, with 17 teaching staff currently in place out of the approved 27 positions. Recruitment efforts continue to fill the vacant positions.
Dr Oruru with the Dean and staff from the School and the Department of Physics after the handover ceremony.
Dr Okello appealed to staff to continue working together to further strengthen the department, and pledged support to the new head.
In his remarks, Dr Oruru thanked the staff and university management for entrusting him with the leadership of the Department. ““I am delighted to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who understand their responsibilities and remain focused on our shared goals. I step into this position not merely as a leader, but as a representative of an exceptional team. With the guidance and support of my predecessors, I am confident that we will continue to uphold and build upon the department’s tradition of excellence.
Dr Okello handing over the office keys to Dr Oruru.
The Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Dr Michael Owor commended both outgoing and incoming Heads for their commitment to the growth and success of the Department.
The renovated exterior of the Department of Physics.The renovated interior of the Department of Physics.
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