Agriculture & Environment
Prof. John H. Muyonga Delivers Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Theme: Circular Bio-economy: Applications to the Agri-food Sector
In his Lecture, Prof. John H. Muyonga highlighted the nutritional value of waste from agri-food products and explained the measures that can be taken to minimize wastage
The Inaugural Lecture
A lot of what is thrown away as waste from agri-food products contains nutrients that are crucial for the body’s immunity. This was revealed by Prof. John H. Muyonga during his Professorial Inaugural Lecture held on 23 June 2023 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University. Organized under the theme: Circular Bio-economy: Applications to the Agri-food Sector, the lecture was graced by the University Top Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and attended by academics and administrators from the 10 Colleges of Makerere, as well as the family of Prof. Muyonga. Prof. Muyonga.
The health benefits of waste from agri-food products
In his presentation, Prof. John H. Muyonga, a Professor of Food Science at the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University revealed that waste of plant origin contains nutrients and a wide diversity of non-nutrient compounds (phytochemicals), that are associated with health benefits. “The non-starch polysaccharides from fruits, vegetables and whole cereals help prevent cancer, hypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypochloresterol. Carotenoids found in coloured fruits and vegetables equally prevent hypertensive, cancer, obesity, and support vision. The phytosterols in cereals and legume cereals bran serve as antioxidants and help in the prevention of colon cancer and hypochloresterol effect, hypertensive, pytic acid, and kidney stone formation,” Prof. Muyonga explained, further highlighting valuable components of waste from selected food crops. Citrus peels and seeds contain Pectin, essences, ethanol, D-limonene, limonoids and flavonoids. Mango peels and kernels contain fibre, vitamins, carotenoids and polyphenols, kernal fat and pectin. Passion fruit seeds and rind contain pectin and linoleic acid. Banana peels have phenolics, beta-carotenoids, anthocyanins, fiber, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, flavonoids and potassium, whereas Avocado seeds and peels contain carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibres, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Prof. Muyonga also highlighted a number of valuable components in waste from animal-based foods emphasizing the need to minimize wastage. According to Prof. Muyonga, increased adoption of circular bio-economy principles can help minimise wastage. Circular bio-economy entails reuse of as much bio-waste as possible, resulting in multiple value added products from a given volume of harvested biomass. Circular bio-economy can be used to explore the use of waste streams as raw materials for products such as new food products, feed, fuel, industrial ingredients, bio-plastics, biopharmaceuticals, bio-cosmetics, enzymes, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, materials for tissue repair, plasma substitutes, microbes and adsorbents. Circular bio-economy decreases dependency on natural resources by encouraging sustainable goods that generate food, feed, materials and energy using biological resources.
Minimising wastage of agri-food products
During his 26 years at Makerere University, Prof. Muyonga has been key in developing research capacity on previously under researched foods including grain amaranth, jackfruit, pumpkins, Solanum anguivi (katukuma), and Nile perch, among others. Working with a number of partners, he has conducted research and come up with various technologies to minimize wastage in agri-food products. Given the Nutraceutical properties of jackfruit pulp, he has conducted research and developed protocols for drying jackfruit pulp using the Refractance Window Drying technology. He has conducted studies on pumpkin and produced shelf stable flours from seed and pulp of pumpkins. Flour from the seeds is high in phytochemicals and it is recommended for weight control. Together with his research team, they have processed sweetpotato products into shelf-stable value added products. He has also conducted research on jackfruit pectin. The work entailed extracting pectin from jackfruit and assessing its properties. He also worked on the production and utilisation of passion fruit powder. Other key activities included; Tamarind seed analysis and utilisation- Tamarind seed powder was found to be suitable for use as ingredient to enhance nutraceutical properties of juices and cookies; Nile Perch collagen and gelatin studies – Collagen has a unique amino acid profile that gives it peculiar properties, including the ability to form gels when dissolved in water; Nile Perch oil extraction and Characterisation- Fish oils are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and protection against cardiovascular diseases, breast, colon and prostate cancer, inflammation, depression, pain and psychosis. He also worked on characterisation of cassava leaf, processing and utilisation. Cassava leaves were found to be high in proteins, carbohydrates, beta-carotene, polyphenols and ascorbic acid.
Future plans
In future, Prof. Muyonga intends to work on the characterization of by-products from more agri-food materials produced in Uganda. He also hopes to work on the application of novel and sustainable technologies in agri-food waste valorisation to improve extraction efficiency, efficacy and limit environmental impact; and to evaluate new applications of components of agri-food waste – e.g. in bio-based packaging and bio-preservation. Prof. Muyonga also plans to undertake policy and techno-economic analysis of valorisation options.
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
According to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, an inaugural lecture is an occasion of significance in an academic staff member’s career at the university. It provides professors with the opportunity to share their achievements in research, innovation, engagement and teaching activities before an audience of members of the University community and the general public.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Prof. Muyonga for making all necessary preparations to deliver his Professorial Inaugural Lecture. “This is the way to go as we continue to boost our scholarship, image and reputation. The Professorial Inaugural Lecture should act as an inspiration to all of us as scholars to not only learn but also continuously disseminate our work. I want to implore other colleagues at the rank of Professor in the University to emulate Prof. Muyonga and also deliver their Professorial Inaugural Lectures.” The Vice Chancellor commended CAES for spearheading the initiative leading to Prof. Muyonga’s presentation and applauded the Professorial Inaugural Lectures Organising Committee (PILOC) led by Prof. David Bakibinga for a job well done in preparing for this event. Highlighting the significance of Prof. Muyonga’s lecture focus, “Circular bioeconomy: Applications to the agri-food sector”, the Vice Chancellor noted that it was quite novel and contemporary, testifying that Makerere University possesses the competencies and capacities to substantially address the national and global development challenges. “Our science, creation of new knowledge and innovations in this field will be crucial for national stability cognizant of Uganda’s rapid population growth and high levels of youth unemployment. As a premier university, we should harness the emerging opportunities including artificial intelligence which appears to be a game changer to find practical solutions to complex societal challenges at multiple scales,” he explained.
Remarks by the DVCAA
In his remarks, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, also host of the Professorial Inaugural Lectures, Prof. Umar Kakumba said Prof. Muyonga’s research works had demonstrated Makerere’s commitment and contribution to the realization of the national and global development agendas. “As academics, we have a duty to think and address the needs of the growing population, projected to reach 60 million in 2030 and 102 million in 2060. The research done by Prof. Muyonga contributes to the realization of the SDGs2,3,9,12 aimed at reducing hunger; ensuring good health and wellbeing, generating employment and income through innovation; and reversing the current consumption trends as well as promoting a more sustainable future.”
Prof. Muyonga’s biography
Prof. Muyonga holds a PhD in Food Science from the University of Pretoria, M.Sc. Food Science from Cornell University and a B.Sc. Food Science and Technology from Makerere University. He became full Professor of Food Science of Makerere University in 2010, and has served as Faculty at Makerere University since 1997. Prof. Muyonga was Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology from 2006 to 2011, during which period the Department transformed to the now School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering and served as the pioneer Dean of the School. He has published over 80 peer reviewed journal articles, mainly in areas of nutraceutical and physico-chemical properties of traditional Ugandan foods, improvement of traditional food handling and processing methods, extrusion technology, novel drying techniques and agri-food waste valorisation. Prof. Muyonga serves as Associate Editor of two (2) international journals and his work has been cited in over 3,900 articles.
Prof. Muyonga has played critical roles in the development of capacity for food science and nutrition research and research translation in Uganda. He has led more than twenty (20) research and consultancy projects and raised over 20 million US$ for research, technology translation and institutional development. He has been key in developing research capacity on previously under researched foods including grain amaranth, jack fruit, pumpkins, Solanum anguivi (katukuma), and Nile perch, among others. As a university administrator, Prof. Muyonga coordinated the implementation of several institutional development initiatives, including a NORAD funded institutional development project for Makerere University’s Department of Food Science and Technology and the setting up of a Technology and Business Incubation Centre at Makerere University.
Under his leadership, the Department of Food Science and Technology and the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering initiated four (4) new degree programmes, registered great improvement in research infrastructure, greatly increased graduate students’ enrolment and graduation rates, markedly increased output of peer reviewed research articles and supported commercialisation of dozens of new food products. He has served on several boards, advisory and technical committees, and is currently Chair of the Management Committee of the National Agricultural Research Laboratories, as well as board member of Volunteer Efforts Development Concerns. Prof. Muyonga is a Fellow of the Uganda Academy of Sciences and professional member of the Institute of Food Technologists (USA). He was the 2009 TWAS young scientist, is an alumnus of the Global Young Academy, UN University and TWAS affiliate programme. He was previously member of the scientific advisory committee of the Bill and Melinda Gates funded Banana Biotechnology Programme and served as Technical Evaluator for the World Bank African Centres of Excellence for Central and Western Africa and for the European Commission research programmes. Prof. Muyonga is also a Rotarian and has served in several roles in his club (Rotary Club of Kampala North). He is a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF+3) and is actively engaged in numerous Rotary projects supporting the underserved.
Agriculture & Environment
Master’s Scholars Engage Lwengo and Rakai Communities to Inform Research Conceptualisation
By Myres Ndyabawe
Makerere University Master’s Scholars under the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, undertook a reconnaissance visit to Lwengo and Rakai districts in preparation of their academic research engagements.
The visit was intended to ensure that the research is informed by local realities, priorities, and perspectives, thereby enabling the scholars to undertake work that is responsive to and aligned with the needs of the communities it seeks to serve.
Accompanied by members of the ACC Program Delivery Team, Scholars engaged district technical staff, farmer cooperative representatives, and community members before visiting selected farmers across the two districts.
These interactions provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the climate change-related challenges affecting local livelihoods and communities, thereby helping to inform the design and implementation of their research activities.
Lwengo District Agricultural Officer, Peter Bamwesigye welcomed the Africa Climate Collaborative staff and the Scholars in the district, pledging support for all initiatives that will be implemented in the district under the Africa Climate Collaborative.
“We want such good news and welcome such interventions that transform our communities. As a district, we believe the research conducted by the students will bring innovations that will improve the lives of the people we serve.” Bamwesigye said.
Community Challenges Requiring Research and Innovation
Richard Ayesiga, the manager of Kyazanga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, which brings together 1,088 farmers, noted that prolonged dry spells and limited knowledge on climate resilience have reduced farmer productivity in the area, urging students to provide solutions to farmers through their research.
In Rakai District, the Senior Agricultural Officer, Ivan Bwow, led the team on a field visit to Lake Kijjanebalola. He explained that the proliferation of invasive water weeds has disrupted fishing activities and restricted access to the lake by other users, adversely affecting livelihoods, food security, and household incomes in surrounding communities.
He further observed that some parts of Rakai District are affected by saline water, which limits the viability of irrigation. This challenge has contributed to increased encroachment on swamps and wetlands as communities search for alternative sources of water and productive land, placing additional pressure on fragile ecosystems.
The other challenges that were noted across the two districts include;
- Poor waste management
- Plastic pollution
- Crop pests and diseases
- Mis-use of artificial fertilizer that has affected soil health.
Research and Innovation to Inform Climate Solutions
Research is a core requirement for the attainment of a Master’s degree at Makerere University. The Scholars, who receive comprehensive scholarships under the ACC to pursue Master’s degrees in various disciplines, are expected to undertake research in Lwengo and Rakai districts during their second year of study.
During the engagement, participants raised concerns about the common practice of researchers collecting data from communities without returning to share the findings and recommendations.
Responding to these concerns on behalf of ACC, Mr. Antonny Tugaineyo, Principal Coordinator of the Climate Resilience Support Centre (CRSC), reassured stakeholders that the Program is committed to ensuring that research findings are disseminated to local communities and relevant stakeholders.
He noted that the evidence generated will be used to inform policy development, strengthen decision-making, and support innovative solutions to climate-related challenges affecting Lwengo and Rakai districts.
“The fourth pillar of the Africa Climate Collaborative is Networks, Policy and Learning. Our work does not end with conducting research. We are committed to engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the knowledge generated benefits the communities that contribute to and participate in the research process,” Mr. Tugaineyo said.
Agriculture & Environment
Policy Brief: Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in Uganda’s Refugee and Host Communities
Uganda’s refugee-hosting and vulnerable communities in Kyangwali (Kikuube district, part of former greater Hoima district) and Kasese district face severe risks from climate change, population pressure, and resource dependence, undermining livelihoods, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes. The Makerere-Cambridge project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) engaged communities through participatory research to identify adaptive practices, infrastructure gaps, and actionable strategies to address these issues.
Our findings are that integrated interventions including community training hubs for capacity building, climate-resilient infrastructure, and participatory resource governance can strengthen resilience, protect livelihoods, prevent potential conflicts, and support sustainable development.
More information: https://chart-cr.org/.
Key Messages for Policy
- In Hoima District: Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells are significantly affecting agricultural productivity and water availability, thereby threatening food security among refugees and vulnerable host communities.
- In Kasese District: Frequent floods and landslides are causing widespread disruption to agriculture, damaging infrastructure, and compromising food security and WASH services, especially for refugees and vulnerable host populations.
- Strengthening climate resilience requires combining infrastructure investments, community training, participatory governance, and livelihood support to address interconnected risks in food security, water, and sanitation.
- Refugee and host communities already demonstrate adaptive practices such as soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming which can be scaled and reinforced through participatory learning platforms.
- Women and children bear the brunt of water collection and household labor; inclusive strategies and equitable decision-making in WASH, agriculture, and resource management enhance both resilience and social equity.
- Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated community hubs for knowledge exchange and capacity building, and participatory governance could strengthen adaptive capacity, secure livelihoods, prevent societal conflicts between communities and protect health, education, and sustainable development outcomes.
1. Background
Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations under a progressive policy framework that promotes inclusion and self-reliance. Within this context, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Hoima District accommodates approximately 155,000 residents, of whom 99.7% are refugees. Women and children constitute nearly 80% of the population, underscoring significant demographic vulnerabilities. Increasing population density, coupled with declining land availability per household, has intensified pressure on natural resources. This has contributed to environmental degradation and heightened exposure to recurrent droughts, thereby constraining agricultural productivity, worsening food insecurity, and increasing dependence on humanitarian assistance. The host communities suffer from the same environmental changes, and the fact that the refugee and host communities are managed separately add to suspiciousness between them that might lead to rising tensions and potential conflicts.
Similarly, Kasese District has an estimated 750,000 people who rely heavily on rain-fed subsistence agriculture, with over 85% of the population dependent on this livelihood system. The district is highly susceptible to climate-related hazards, including recurrent flooding, landslides, and droughts. These risks are particularly pronounced along River Nyamwamba and within the Kilembe mining areas, where environmental instability continues to undermine water and sanitation, infrastructure, disrupt livelihoods, and pose significant public health challenges. The convergence of climate variability, rapid population growth, and high dependence on natural resources creates a complex and reinforcing cycle of vulnerability affecting both refugee and host communities.
2. Methodology
The project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) through workshops was designed to generate evidence to these challenges and inform integrated policy and programming. The project focused on the interlinked dimensions of climate variability, food security, livelihoods, and water availability across diverse ecological contexts, including lowland refugee-hosting areas and mountainous, flood-prone regions. Implementation was undertaken through a collaborative partnership between Makerere University, the University of Cambridge, and the Cambridge-Africa Programme, with financial support from the Mastercard Foundation and Cambridge-Africa.
The CHART-CR Project adopted a participatory and inclusive research approach, engaging stakeholders comprising refugees, host community members, representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and local government officials. Stakeholder selection prioritized gender balance, age diversity, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Data collection employed included workshop discussions, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations. This approach enabled the systematic capture of community perspectives alongside expert insights, generating context-specific, actionable evidence to inform policy and interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience, food security, WASH systems, and sustainable livelihoods.
3. Climate Variability and Environmental Pressures Key Policy Issues
In Kyangwali, rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic, with delayed rainy seasons and prolonged dry spells disrupting traditional planting and harvest cycles and significantly reducing yields. Deforestation associated with refugee settlement expansion has reduced soil moisture retention, biodiversity, and microclimate regulation, further undermining agricultural productivity.
In Kasese, floods from River Nyamwamba and recurring droughts threaten homes, crops, and infrastructure, displacing households and reducing agricultural yields. Both districts experience environmental degradation that exacerbates vulnerability to climate shocks.
Food Security and Livelihood Constraints
Shrinking per capita land provision, declining seed quality, limited access to farm inputs, and weak storage infrastructure constrain crop diversification and household self-reliance in both districts. Post-harvest losses and limited market access reduce household income, heightening vulnerability. Refugee-host interactions, including land rental, knowledge exchange, and market engagement, enhance resilience but might also create perceptions of inequality due to differences in institutional support.
Water Access and availability Challenges
Communities face water scarcity and contamination from communal usage, poor sanitation, and agricultural runoff. Women and children bear the primary burden of water collection, often traveling long distances, which reduces labor productivity and school attendance. In Kasese district, low latrine coverage, open defecation, and inadequate waste management increase exposure to waterborne diseases. Floods and landslides on Kasese further compromise water quality and availability and thus increase health risks.
Adaptive Capacities
Despite these challenges, communities demonstrate strong local knowledge and adaptive practices, including informal water management, soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming techniques. Participatory approaches, joint training in climate-smart agriculture, and collaborative livelihood initiatives foster social cohesion and knowledge sharing between refugees and host communities. Existing leadership structures, community awareness, and partial infrastructure provide a foundation for scaling resilience interventions.
4. Conclusions and Policy Directions
Climate variability, population pressure, and resource dependence significantly undermine livelihoods, food security, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) outcomes in Kyangwali and Kasese. Communities possess valuable experiential knowledge, adaptive practices, and social cohesion; however, structural constraints including weak infrastructure, limited financing, low technical capacity, and fragmented coordination – limit the effectiveness of local strategies.
To strengthen resilience, integrated interventions are required that bridge humanitarian response and long-term development, institutionalize participatory and gender-sensitive approaches, build human, social, and institutional capital, and align local priorities with technical expertise and policy frameworks. Key policy measures include:
- Establish and strengthen integrated community resilience centers that serve as hubs for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and practical training in climate-smart agriculture, environmental conservation, food storage, water management, and market access. These centers should also promote inclusive learning, skills development, and cooperative enterprises that support both refugee and host communities in developing sustainable livelihoods.
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Upgrade WASH systems, construct protected wells, boreholes, piped water networks, and communal storage facilities, and restore riverbanks through tree planting and drainage maintenance to reduce soil erosion and contamination.
- Promote Community-Led Resource Governance: Support participatory water, sanitation, and agricultural management, including monitoring systems for adaptive learning, equitable resource allocation, and gender-sensitive decision-making.
These combined strategies will enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
5. Call to Action
The experiences and lessons learnt from Hoima (Kyangwali Refugee Settlement and adjacent host communities) and Kasese (refugee and host communities living around River Nyamwamba) under the CHART-CR project highlight the urgent need for integrated, locally informed, and coordinated resilience strategies. By aligning technical expertise, policy frameworks, and community knowledge, stakeholders can enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. Further details about the CHART-CR project, its research, and outcomes can be accessed at https://chart-cr.org/
About the Authors
 Dr. Gabriel Karubanga Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda |  Dr Irit Katz, Assoc. Prof. of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK |  Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Makerere University, Uganda |
Important Contacts
- Dr. Gabriel Karubanga, Lecturer, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256782929971; email: gabriel.karubanga@mak.ac.ug
- Dr Irit Katz, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge; email: ik300@cam.ac.uk
- Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256774171519; email: mafumofrank2020@gmail.com
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Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Isa Kabenge Officially Hands Over Leadership of DABE to Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Isa Kabenge has officially handed over leadership of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to Prof. Joshua Wanyama. Prof. Kabenge has served as Head of Department since 2021, providing four years of leadership marked by institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded academic output. Prof. Wanyama will serve as Head of Department for a four-year term, effective 6th May 2026.
The handover ceremony, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) on 4th June 2026, was attended by key university officials and members of staff from the department. These included the Director of Human Resources, Makerere University, represented by the CAES Principal Human Resource Officer, Mr. Julius Lebo; the Dean of SFTNB, Dr. Julia Kigozi; and the Head of Internal Audit, represented by the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi.
Remarks and Appreciation by the Dean
In her remarks, Dr. Julia Kigozi commended Prof. Kabenge for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership. She appreciated him for the cordial working relationship, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to institutional development. She particularly acknowledged his efforts in initiating and strengthening partnerships with both local and international partners, which have significantly enhanced the department’s academic and research profile.
Dr. Kigozi congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would build on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Reflections from Prof. Kabenge
Prof. Kabenge expressed gratitude to the University Management, as well as the staff of DABE, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department over the past four years. He also acknowledged the support extended to him by the College and School leadership throughout his tenure.
“My time in office coincided with particularly challenging circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, I commend the resilience, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by staff, which enabled the department to continue progressing. This experience has affirmed that DABE has an exceptional team with immense potential that can be leveraged to elevate the department to even greater heights,” he said. “It has been an honour to serve as Head of Department. As I step down, I do so with full confidence in the direction the department is taking.”
Prof. Kabenge encouraged staff to continue strengthening the culture of collaboration that has become a hallmark of the department, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary engagement. “Many of the issues the department addresses, such as water security and climate-smart agriculture, are complex and require diverse expertise and collaborative approaches,” he noted.
Prof. Kabenge pledged to continue supporting the department, particularly in the areas of research and collaboration.
Achievements registered
The overarching goal of DABE is to remain a leading center of excellence in agro-production and food systems within the region and across East Africa. The Department currently hosts approximately 315 students and offers a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Water and Irrigation Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Bioprocessing Engineering, Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering, and a PhD in Agricultural Engineering.
Strengthened Research Profile
Prof. Kabenge leaves office at a time when the department has established a strong research profile, with academic staff producing more than 40 publications annually. Research within the department spans a wide range of thematic areas, including soil, water and irrigation engineering; bioprocess engineering; food processing, preservation and bio-based materials; nanotechnology and bioprocessing technologies for agriculture; artificial intelligence and engineering modelling; and power and machinery for sustainable agriculture. This growing research output has been complemented by an expanding network of collaborations that has strengthened the department’s capacity for innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical impact.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building
In addition, DABE has developed several practical training and research facilities, including a fabrication workshop at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), aquaculture ponds, irrigation demonstration and experimental systems, post-harvest handling facilities such as refractive window dryers and hybrid solar dryers, and a water science laboratory currently under development. Many of these facilities have been established through research projects funded by both local and international partners.
The Department also hosts the Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship, a capacity-building programme implemented in partnership with the Aquaya Institute. The fellowship trains students and early-career professionals in water quality monitoring, testing, and management through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and field-based research. It aims to strengthen Africa’s water workforce, improve access to reliable water quality data, and support safer drinking water systems. The programme is part of a five-year regional initiative (2021-2026) operating through universities in Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Welcoming the New Head
Prof. Kabenge congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and encouraged him to sustain and further strengthen the department’s local and international partnerships. He specifically encouraged the revival of visiting professorships and deeper engagement with the department’s expanding and well-connected alumni network.
Remarks by the University Officials and Incoming Head
The Director of Human Resources, represented by Mr. Julius Lebo, commended the outgoing head for his dedicated service and welcomed the incoming head, appreciating his willingness to take on the leadership role.
Similarly, the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi, praised Prof. Kabenge for his professionalism, strong administrative organization, and prudent management of departmental funds.
In his remarks, Prof. Joshua Wanyama expressed gratitude to University Management for his appointment, and to Prof. Kabenge, for his exemplary servant leadership and mentorship. He acknowledged the department’s steady growth under the outgoing head and thanked staff for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead them.
“I pledge my full commitment to serve. DABE is known for excellence and delivery, and I intend to uphold and strengthen that legacy. We shall continue working as a team to pursue excellence and further develop our department,” he said.
Brief about Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Joshua Wanyama is a Ugandan academic and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), a Master of Science in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University.
With over twenty years of experience in teaching, research, and academic mentorship, he specializes in irrigation engineering, water resources management, watershed systems, and climate-smart agriculture. His work focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural water systems and strengthening climate resilience in Uganda and the wider region.
He has supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributed to curriculum development, and served as an external examiner for a number of universities across Africa. He is a registered professional engineer and an active member of professional bodies including the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
In recognition of his academic excellence, he was named among the top-performing mid-career researchers and lecturers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards.
Pictorial of the handover ceremony:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjIS9_8mPM5HVr7UAFP7ik43kkpj-WOY?usp=sharing
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