The Awards ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa (5th R) with the NutriFish Project team led by Dr. Jackson Efitre (3rd Left) at the Award ceremony on 30th June 2023.
The NutriFish Project under the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University was announced winner of the Fisheries Innovations Award 2023 at the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Awards (SFA) ceremony held on 30th June 2023 at Fairway Hotel, Kampala.
Organized by the Sustainable Fisheries Initiative (SFI), the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Awards (SFA) seek to celebrate East Africans (individuals, projects, institutions, and organizations) who devote their time, expertise and passion to a sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sector. Across 15 categories, this annual event celebrates and acknowledges regional champions working in fisheries as well as nature protection, climate action and care for communities while supporting food security and nutrition, sustainable economies, sustainable societies, sustainable environment, gender equity and equality. The SFA Awards look at major categories which include; Best Fisher of the Year, Best Landing Site of the Year, Innovations Award, Blue Heroes Award, Life time Achievers award, Young Fisheries Entrepreneur Award, Sustainable Fisheries Community Award, Green Cities of the future Award, and Women Achievers award.
The Fisheries Innovations Award 2023 won by NutriFish.
The SFA awards seek to take forward the recommendations from the celebrations of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 that arose from the International Conference on Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (ICAFA) held in September 2022 in Jinja.
The award criteria consisted of three stages: 1) nominations by independent parties; 2) voting for the nominees by the fisheries fraternity which took one month ending on June 20th 2023; and 3) Rigorous evaluation of contributions of the nominees by a committee consisting of Sustainable Fisheries Initiative, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and its agencies.
About the NutriFish Project
Limited access to micronutrient-rich foods and animal protein is a key factor behind nutritional deficiencies in Uganda. It is recommended individuals consume around 25 kg of fish per year; yet, in Uganda, currently only half this amount is consumed – and intake is anticipated to further decline as the population grows.
Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through their joint programme, Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund (CultiAF), NutriFish aims to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups that cannot afford expensive commercial fish but are in critical need of high quality nutritious diets. The Project is coordinated by Dr Jackson Efitre, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University.
The Certificate of Recognition presented to NutriFish.
Through the Project, researchers from Makerere University together with their partners from the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) – National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), NUTREAL Limited and McGill University, Canada in 2019 set out to increase the availability, accessibility and consumption of Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) for sustainable food and nutrition security and better livelihoods of vulnerable groups in Uganda. The project has over the years registered significant achievements.
NutriFish Project Achievements
Innovations
Formulation of fish-enriched foods for vulnerable consumer groups using small silver fish (called ‘Mukene’) and fish by-products.
Reduction of post-harvest losses by using cost-effective solar tent driers and fish containers with drainage.
Training ‘champions’ to spread awareness about good handling and processing practices and nutritional value of small fish.
Development of an app – electronic Catch Assessment Survey (eCAS) – to provide real-time monitoring of fish catches with smartphones.
Key results
Five high-value nutritious products (baby food, sauce, maize meal, snacks, and seasoning) were developed by NutriFish using Mukene. Containing high levels of key micronutrients (calcium, zinc, iron), Mukene has been used to increase available fish-enriched products to the nutritionally vulnerable and improve diet diversity. A 50g portion of the baby food flour provides more than one-third of a child’s daily protein, iron, zinc, and folic acid requirements.
Evaluated by 300 street vendors and 60 retailers in Kampala, the sauce garnered positive feedback for being quick to cook, which helps low-income families save time and energy resources. A Mukene recipe book, containing 16 recipes rich in protein, calcium, zinc, and iron, was also developed and endorsed by the Minister of State for Fisheries.
Fishers have been helped to access loans to purchase boats and fish containers which improve hygiene and quality by improving drainage and reducing compaction of fish. Two enterprise fishing groups with over 70 boats have been established and are working together – an approach which ensures more consistent supply and standards, and results in over 3.7 tons of fish caught each month.
By September 2022, 8,960 records of catch data had been collected and transmitted through the eCAS system by trained local enumerators. Over 200 stakeholders are using the application, including the Directorate of Fisheries Resources and the Fisheries Protection Unit, which uses the data to help prevent overfishing.
Solar tent driers – greenhouse-like structures that reduce the risk of contamination – provide clean and efficient storage and drying, especially during the wet season, were also introduced. As well as reduced drudgery for women, the increased fish quality has doubled their incomes, from US$1 to US$2/kg, and tripled the shelf-life of dried small fish to almost five months. The driers have also attracted the attention of policymakers, with the Sectoral Committee of Parliament on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries specifically recommending their use in April 2022 for improving fish processing.
To encourage consumption of Mukene products, NutriFish developed a radio-based awareness campaign. More than 12 million listeners were reached by 29 different ‘spot’ messages in local languages and four 15-minute in-studio conversations – a significant step in tackling long-standing social beliefs that Mukene is a food only eaten by poor families or animals.
The project also conducted awareness training with 326 people (200 women) to reduce gender inequalities. As a result, domestic violence dropped by 30%, the number of women in the fish value chain increased, more couples began to make joint household decisions, and more men carried out household tasks, increasing from 15% to 20%.
*****15 students from different departments at CoNAS are showcasing their projects.
Over 300 Ugandan innovators, among them students from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and other science-based colleges at Makerere University are participating in the 2025 National Science Week exhibition, currently underway at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
Launched in 2021, the National Science Week is an annual event organized by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President. The exhibition serves as a strategic platform for showcasing Uganda’s advancements in science, technology, and innovation, both at the national level and on the global stage.
Held under the theme“Made in Uganda: Innovation to Market”, the 2025 edition (running from 15th-20th June) aims to highlight the country’s growing capacity to transform home-grown scientific ideas and research into viable, market-ready products and technologies.
Team Leader Bill Garvin with team members Kalanguka Patience Pearl and Nuwagaba Victor showcase their project – converting invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biofuels through hydrothermal liquefaction.
Key highlights from the official launch of the National Science Week
During the official launch held on 13th May 2025, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, outlined several milestones Uganda has achieved over the past year, including:
The commencement of clinical trials for locally developed therapeutics, marking a significant step in Uganda’s biopharmaceutical sector.
Notable growth in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, including the deployment of over 5,000 electric motorcycles and 27 electric buses across the country.
Establishment of critical green infrastructure, including 140 battery swapping stations and more than 30 direct current (DC) fast chargers nationwide.
According to the Minister, these developments demonstrate Uganda’s advancing capabilities in green technology and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Minister also highlighted additional achievements by the STI Secretariat, including the revitalization of Sukulu Phosphates, the launch of both the Deep Tech and Climate Tech summits, and the operationalization of vaccine production lines for both human and animal health. Dr. Musenero expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support, emphasizing its strategic vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation as a transformative vehicle to position Uganda as a continental leader in deep tech innovation.
Team Leader Mwebaze Bruce, with team members Atim Martha and Sebastian Jordan, showcase their Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Gel Research Project, an innovative solution aimed at enhancing public health in communities with limited access to conventional treatments.
The 2025 National Science Week Activities
The National Science Week is designed to be an interactive experience for all attendees. According to Ms. Cathy Muhumuza from the STI, the exhibition will feature various activities including the official opening by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, expected to take place on Thursday, 19th June 2025. Other activities will include policy dialogues, the Academia Day dedicated to young innovators, and the Investor Day providing a platform for innovators to connect with potential investors.
Additionally, the event will host a “Made in Uganda Supermarket,” allowing visitors to purchase products directly from exhibitors.
Students showcasing their product aimed at detecting harmful aflatoxins in food.The team led by Ayebare Sam is developing a reliable fuel gauge detector to improve vehicle fuel management and efficiency.
CoNAS Students’ projects
Among the many innovators featured at the exhibition are several talented student teams from CoNAS, presenting a diverse array of projects across scientific disciplines, including biotechnology and green energy. Guided by their lecturers and coordinated by Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, the students are showcasing the following projects:
Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Gel Research Project Team Leader: Mwebaze Bruce Team Members: Atim Martha, Sebastian Jordan This project explores the development of a topical gel with both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, aimed at improving public health outcomes in communities with limited access to conventional treatments.
Minoxidil Production for Hair Regrowth Team Leader: Keinembabazi Melissa Team Members: Hashima Nanyiri, Nkamusiima Andrew Focused on producing affordable, locally made Minoxidil, this project aims to provide a cost-effective solution for treating hair loss.
Infrared Biosensor for Aflatoxin Detection Team Leader: Rubeihayo Randolp Team Members: Namuleme Martha, Wabitereza Teddy This innovation utilizes spectrophotometry to develop an infrared biosensor capable of detecting harmful aflatoxins in food, contributing to food safety and public health.
Biofuel Production from Water Hyacinth Team Leader: Bill Garvin Team Members: Kalanguka Patience Pearl, Nuwagaba Victor The project converts invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biofuels using hydrothermal liquefaction, offering an environmentally friendly alternative energy source.
Automobile Fuel Gauge Detector Team Leader: Ayebare Sam Team Members: Achieng Rosemary, Nakirinda Winnie This project involves the development of a reliable fuel gauge detector to improve vehicle fuel management and efficiency.
Students of CEDAT participating in the exhibition.Students from the College of Health Sciences participating in the exhibition.Other exhibitors at Kololo.
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 9 constituent colleges of Makerere University, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and education in Uganda.
Comprising two schools and seven departments, CoNAS offers cutting-edge research and academic programs across diverse fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biological sciences.
The College is committed to nurturing innovative thinkers and leaders who can tackle the complex challenges of today’s world through scientific exploration and discovery. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, CoNAS plays a central role in shaping Uganda’s scientific and technological future. It fosters a culture of critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The College’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative research initiatives continue to inspire and develop world-class professionals who make significant contributions to both national and global progress.
This edition of the report highlights the activities and achievements of 2024, aligned with the University’s strategic focus on Innovative Teaching and Learning, Research, Innovations and Technology Transfer, and Strategic Engagement and Partnerships.
Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.
According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.
While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.
In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.
Dr Kubiriza addressing participants.
Objectives of the Terminal Seminar
The seminar aims to:
Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would equip students with practical skills and emotional resilience for today’s dynamic job market.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students are expected to:
Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career.
2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights
On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
Mr. John Walugembe addresses participants.
The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.
A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Acting Director of the Makerere University Innovation Pod, addressed students on leveraging the digital landscape to boost their careers.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.
Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.
In his remarks, Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable.
In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.
Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.
Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland, also an alumnus of CoNAS sharing his experiences.
Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.
Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”
Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session.
Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.
Dr. Joel Isanga moderates the session.
In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.
The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.
The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event.Some of the Final Year students at the seminar.Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers.