Agriculture & Environment
Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi takes over as New Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental & Geographical Sciences
The outgoing Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Dr. Fred Babweteera has officially handed over to the new Dean, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi. Dr. Babweteera, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at CAES has held the position for over four years starting January 2019. Dr. Twinomuhangi was appointed Dean, SFEGS for a four-year term starting 1st July 2023.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the SFEGS on 13th July 2023, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga commended the outgoing Dean for his outstanding contribution towards improving graduate training processes at the School. “When Dr. Babweteera took over as Dean, the School had several challenges with regard to graduate training. Dr. Babweteera has done a great job to improve graduate training processes. He has set the standards so high and the completion rates have greatly improved,” she noted, pledging total support to the new Dean to further improve operations at the School.
In his remarks, Dr. Babweteera congratulated the new Dean upon his appointment and pledged to support him. Presenting the handover report, he highlighted the achievements registered during his term of office, and some of the areas that require special attention.
The achievements registered include streamlining the graduate training processes, improving completion rates for graduate students, developing a research agenda with focus on creating research groups, review of most of the academic programmes, and ensuring integrity of examination processes at the School. Dr. Babweteera implored the new Dean to ‘keep up the pace’ on graduate training to ensure students complete in time, operationalize the research agenda, and work towards improving the infrastructure at the School. In line with the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan that seeks to transform Makerere into a research-led University, Dr. Babweteera called for support towards equipping the training laboratories, and recruitment of technicians.
Dr. Babweteera expressed gratitude to the University Management for according him the opportunity to serve as Dean, SFEGS. He appreciated all staff for the cordial working relationship. “In a special way, I wish to extend my appreciation to my predecessor, Prof. Mnason Tweheyo; the current Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga; the former Principal, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha; the Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze; my fellow Deans, and all Heads of Department as well as student leaders at SFEGS. I have experienced a lot of growth spiritually, and in character because of your mentorship,” he noted.
The incoming Dean, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi expressed gratitude to the staff of SFEGS and Makerere University Management for entrusting him with the leadership of the School. He appreciated the outgoing Dean for his outstanding service and pledged to build on his achievements to make the School greater. He committed to improve the quality of teaching and learning at both graduate and undergraduate levels, and to further strengthen research at the School.
Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi’s profile
Dr. Twinomuhangi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University. He is also the Coordinator of the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) a unit in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He holds a PhD in Geography from Makerere University obtained in 2010. He teaches Human Geography, Settlement Systems, Urban Geography, Natural Resources Management, Regional Development Planning, Spatial Decision Support Systems and Climate Change. His current research focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and urban environment management. Throughout his years of experience, Dr. Twinomuhangi has provided expertise in the fields of environment and natural resource management, climate change, urban planning and management, strategic planning and management, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and impact analysis. He has authored several publications and attracted several research grants.
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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