Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Launches Solar-powered Cooker
Makerere University has launched a Solar-powered Cooker developed by researchers from the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with Intellsys (U) Ltd. The MakSol Cooker was officially unveiled and launched on 14th June 2023 by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, represented by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent-Industry Value Chains Development at the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat (STI)-Office of the President.
Development of the MakSol Cooker
The cooker is an output of a research project titled, “Development, Production Scale-up and Commercialization of an Electric Solar Cooker (MakSol Cooker) to reduce the Cooking Carbon Foot-Print in Households”. The project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat-Office of the President. The project was led by Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize, a Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at Makerere University. Other project members included, Mrs. Ayaa Filadh Wondomal, Mr. Paul Soddo, Mr. Kenneth Junko, Ms. Zebia Catherine Nankya, and Ms. Cholet Nyangoma.
What the innovation seeks to address
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the use of clean and polluting fuels for cooking published in 2022, one third of the global population or 2.4 billion people worldwide still remain without access to clean cooking fuel. The use of inefficient, polluting fuels and technologies is a health risk and a major contributor to diseases and deaths, particularly for women and children in low-and-middle-income countries. It makes cooking with polluting fuels one of the largest environmental contributors to ill health. Breathing the smoke produced from cooking with polluting fuels can lead to heart diseases, stroke, cancers, chronic lung diseases and pneumonia. Millions of people continue to die prematurely every year from household air pollution, which is produced by cooking with inefficient stoves and devices paired with wood, coal, charcoal, dung, crop waste and kerosene. Without rapid action to scale up clean cooking, the world will fall short of its goal to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. In Uganda, 95% of households rely on charcoal, wood, or other forms of biomass for their household cooking needs while 5% rely on alternatives like electricity or gas (UBOS, 2017).
A survey conducted by the research team indicates that health and financial implications of cooking on charcoal and/or firewood have pushed citizens to work harder to shift towards presumably less toxic and presumably less costly cooking fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This indeed saves the daily purchases often associated with charcoal, but is however an expensive system to upgrade to and presents its own very lethal hazards in cases of accidents. Cooking with electricity exerts the least pollution to both mankind and the environment especially when the electricity is generated from clean renewable energy resources. However, since almost, 80% of Uganda’s households lack access to electricity, conventional electric cooking technologies have not had and will not have a countrywide adoption by 2040.
The newly developed MakSol Cooker will greatly increase access to modern zero-emission cooking for off-grid communities. With a battery life of 5 years and 20 years for the solar panels, the cooker comes with seven unique benefits; zero emissions, zero recurring cooking costs, clean cooking, minimal fire outbreak, easy to clean, minimal heat loss to the surrounding and a cool kitchen. MakSol Cooker is powered by direct current from a battery charged by solar modules and currently costs UGX4,300,000.
Remarks by the Minister
In her speech delivered by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent-Industry Value Chains Development, Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr Monica Musenero Masanza congratulated the research team upon the milestone. “The solar cooker represents a breakthrough in clean cooking technology, harnessing the abundant sunlight in our region to provide a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional cooking methods. It eliminates the need for wood charcoal, thereby drastically reducing the harmful emissions of particulate matter and promoting a cleaner environment for all,” she noted. She said the cooker was not merely a technological innovation, but a symbol of progress, resilience, and sustainability, embodying the power of science, technology, and innovation in transforming society for the better. “It is a product of tireless research, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of the talented minds and experts who have worked relentlessly to bring this innovation to life.”
The Minister called on the public to embrace the technology in a bid to create positive impact on public health, and mitigate the environmental consequences of traditional cooking practices. “The solar cooker will not only improve air quality but also alleviate the burden of deforestation and reduce the reliance on unsustainable energy sources. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the researchers, scientists, and innovators who have made this remarkable achievement possible. Their dedication, passion, and ingenuity have paved the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for our nation.”
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe equally commended the research team, noting that the innovation would largely tame environmental degradation arising from the increasing population and the search for cheaper sources of energy. Uganda’s population currently stands at 48 million and is expected to increase to 60 million by 2030, and 104 million by 2060. The Vice Chancellor tasked the innovators to come up with different models of the MakSol Cooker to make it affordable for an average Ugandan.
Prof. Nawangwe was specifically impressed by the multidisciplinary nature of the research team and involvement of students in the project. “It is important that we continuously engage students in these projects because they are the future of this country and will remain innovative for a long time.” Emphasizing the role of Makerere in Uganda’s development, the Vice Chancellor appealed to the Government to reverse the decision to reduce funding towards research and innovation in the next financial year. “The future of our country lies in research and innovation. Many development ideas will be crippled if funding is reduced. It should instead be doubled to increase the number of innovations.” The Vice Chancellor urged the research team to patent their product. He pledged more support towards the project, saying the University had put in place a Fund under the Research and Innovations Hub to scale up such innovations. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the unwavering support towards research and innovation at Makerere. Through MakRIF, the Government of Uganda has so far extended support to 750 research projects at Makerere University worth UGX90 billion. Similarly, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza for her commitment and support towards research and innovation at the University.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Brian Isabirye applauded Makerere for always being at the top in research and innovation, and pledged to solicit for funding to scale up innovations at the University.
On behalf of the Principal of CAES, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences appreciated Makerere University Management for creating a conducive environment for research and innovation. He applauded the research team for the innovation, and thanked the Government of Uganda for its commitment towards improving research and innovation at the University. The representative of MakRIF, Dr. Michael Owor, Dean, School of Physical Sciences at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University congratulated the research team and pledged more support towards the initiative.
Refurbished gate to boost the institute’s aesthetics, security, accessibility, and sustainability
Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has completed the refurbishment of the main gate at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The renovation was carried out by students from both CAES and the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), under the supervision of their academic mentors.
According to the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the revamped gate now truly reflects the spirit of Makerere University and will significantly enhance the institute’s visual appeal, security, accessibility, and sustainability. The refurbished gate was officially commissioned by the Vice Chancellor, represented by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, alongside CAES staff, students, and partners.
About MUARIK
Established in 1953, MUARIK serves as a hub for numerous research projects and facilities within CAES. It houses centres such as the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MakCSID), the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), the Centre of Excellence in Waste Management, and the Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD).
Additionally, MUARIK hosts KOICA-funded projects, including a modern layers production unit and a climate-controlled greenhouse for vegetable production. These units operate independently but collectively contribute to MUARIK’s dynamic research environment.
MUARIK also houses research units for the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) such as the Biotechnology and Tissue Culture Laboratories, experimental fields, Horticulture and Livestock Units, and the black soldier fly project. It accommodates training and research facilities for the Schools of Food Technology, Nutrition, Bioengineering, and the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences. It also hosts hostels for both local and international students who stay at the Institute to gain practical experience in production and research under typical farming conditions.
Enterprises and Research at MUARIK
Enterprises at MUARIK include approximately 100 acres of pastures, a dairy farm, feed mill, silage production, poultry unit, piggery unit, banana and coffee plantations, maize and soybean crops, horticulture, goat farming, and the recently revived rabbit unit featuring four breeds: New Zealand White, Chinchilla, California White, and Flemish Giant.
Current research initiatives focus on edible insects and worms as alternative livestock feeds, agroforestry, horticulture, and value addition in food processing. MUARIK maintains a strong partnership with the Uganda Flowers Exporters Association (UFEA), collaborating on the commercial testing of new flower species to diversify Uganda’s flower exports beyond traditional rose bouquets. Collaborative efforts also include identifying native natural enemies to control Chrysanthemum pests, working with UFEA, Wageningen University, breeders, and the National Agricultural Research Organization.
As part of Uganda’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS), MUARIK prioritizes research in biotechnology, tissue culture, plant breeding, improved farming methods, agro-processing, value addition, and marketing.
Tour to Assess the Capacity and Condition of Facilities at MUARIK
As part of the commissioning ceremony, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, led visitors on a comprehensive tour of the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The purpose of the tour was to provide first-hand insight into the institute’s current infrastructure, operational capacity, and ongoing challenges.
During the visit, Prof. Nabanoga highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the institute. While the tour showcased MUARIK’s potential as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, it also brought to light a number of critical issues affecting its functionality. Chief among these is the persistent challenge of land encroachment, which continues to threaten the integrity and sustainability of the institute’s operations.
In her remarks, Prof. Nabanoga commended Dr. Cyrus Ongom, the outgoing Director of MUARIK, for his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the institution’s land. She acknowledged his resolute efforts in the face of persistent threats and numerous challenges, emphasizing the vital role he played in preserving MUARIK’s integrity. “This year, we aim to further reposition MUARIK as a leading centre for agricultural innovation and production in the region,”said Prof. Nabanoga. “Our focus will be on strengthening research, fostering partnerships with stakeholders, and enhancing the capacity of our infrastructure to support sustainable and impactful agricultural practices.”
The Principal expressed gratitude to all who have supported the transformation journey of CAES. “As we celebrate our achievements today, we take this moment to recognize and honour everyone who has been part of our transformation journey,” the Principal said. “We are especially grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for his unwavering support, which has been instrumental in driving the College forward.”
Delivering his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the CAES for its remarkable achievements in training and research.
“From my assessment, CAES has consistently excelled across its core mandates – training, research, production, and community outreach. The College has played a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector through innovative research, high-quality academic programmes, and meaningful community engagement. These efforts have made a significant contribution to Uganda’s national development goals and the transformation of its agricultural landscape. Given its demonstrated success and strategic relevance, CAES is highly deserving of enhanced investment and funding to further expand its impact,” he stated.
CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony
The CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of dedicated teaching, administrative, and support staff. During this special event, several members of staff were acknowledged and honoured for their exceptional performance, commitment, and contributions to the College’s success.
Commenting on the significance of the awards, Prof. Buyinza praised the initiative, emphasizing that such recognition serves as a powerful motivator. He highlighted how acknowledging excellence not only boosts morale but also inspires continued dedication and fosters a culture of high performance.
Click on the link below to access the list of staff recognized for exceptional performance.
More pictures from the event
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/1nNsX8Cohq7whbC9zkd3j4DpBRa7kygDP/view
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