Agriculture & Environment
CAES Announced Amongst the Best Innovators at the 29th Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University won a trophy for being among the best exhibitors in the academic institutions category at the 29th Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show held in Jinja from 4th-13th August 2023. The trophies were presented to the winning teams at the closing ceremony presided over by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga on 12th August 2023. The Best Exhibitor Award was won by Uganda Prisons Service.
The Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show is the largest of its kind in Uganda and is an annual event that has been held since 1990, attracting an annual average of 350 agricultural exhibitors from different parts of the country and beyond. The 10-day exhibition is organized by the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Held under the theme; “Fostering resilient agricultural value chains to drive agro-industrialization”, the 29th National Agricultural Show was officially opened by the Commissioner in charge of Crop Inspection and Certification at MAAIF, Mr. Paul Mwambu.
CAES projects and innovations over the years
Over the years, the CAES faculty and students have produced cutting-edge research and innovations in the sectors of agriculture, food technology and nutrition, forest management and environment, and natural resources management. Focus has mainly been on enhancing farmer-centered approaches, climate smart agricultural systems, value chain improvement for the achievement of food and nutritional security, livelihood improvement and overall rural development. Some of the outstanding projects and innovations include; the Makerere University Soil Test Kit that provides rapid soil assessment to inform soil requirements for improved soil management, crop yields and incomes for farmers; the disease, pest and climate stress tolerant cow peas, and sorghum under the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop improvement (MaRCCI); six high yielding varieties with short maturity periods Mak Soybeans – Maksoy IN, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N; Maksoy 5N, Maksoy 6N providing an affordable source of protein; and the bio-fertilizer formulations to unlock crop productivity for improved food security. Other innovations include; production and promotion of protocols for Banana Tissue Culture for quick multiplication and disease control to improve yields; value addition on Sweet Potato-Sorghum enterprises for improved livelihoods in Uganda; pig artificial insemination and elite genetics to improve farmers’ income; provision of alternative source of protein for poultry and fish feeds through rearing blue flies, maggots and earthworms to supplement silver fish; production of a livestock milk booster- produced from sugarcane industrial wastes to mitigate malnutrition, extreme hunger and poverty through improved milk production, nutrition and improved daily cash flow among farmers; promotion and utilization of the mobile fruit factory for juice extraction and value addition; development of a three wheeled multipurpose farmers’ tractor, MV Mulimi- able to thresh maize, pump water from a depth of 7m to a height of 33m, plough gardens, transport 20 adults and their goods over a reasonable distance, as well as charge a mobile phone; automated the Communal Hand Water Pumps to eliminate COVID-19 Transmission (Mak-Nayi); Green low-cost Touch-less Hand wash Technology (TW-20 Kit) for public shared spaces; Refractance Window Drying Technology (RWDT) for production of high quality bio-products adapted to common fruits, vegetables and herbs, for example mangoes, pineapple, jack fruit, carrots and moringa; an automated spray drier for egg powder production for use in bakery industries of Uganda; the KeBERA ICT based solution to detect inorganic contaminants as well as mycotoxins in food; the Sustainable Off-grid solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project to Aid Remote Health Facilities; and the FLYGene Project aimed at enabling the implementation of selective breeding of the Black Solder Fly (BSF) for improved livestock feed availability in Kenya and Uganda.
CAES participation in the 29th National Agricultural Show in Jinja
At the 29th National Agricultural Show held in Jinja, CAES staff and students showcased a number of innovations and projects. Dr Emmanuel Opolot from the Department of Agricultural Production showcased his projects on the Makerere University Soil Test Kit and soil moisture sensing for improved water use efficiencies and crop productivity among micro-scale irrigation systems in Uganda. Prof. Fred Kabi from the Department of Agricultural Production showcased his project on transforming municipal waste into industrial raw materials, whereas Dr Anthony Okiror presented his projects the Banana Tissue Culture Technology and sustaining sweet potato productivity by exploiting ‘reversion’ from virus infection. Other projects and innovations showcased included the high yielding varieties with short maturity periods Mak Soybeans – Maksoy IN, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N; Maksoy 5N, Maksoy 6N under the Mak Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID); the water quality management project under the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering; the Refractance Window Drying Technology (RWDT) under the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, and the Balimisa project aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and increasing farmers’ access to quality and reliable agricultural extension services through capacity building, innovations, networking and research. The CAES exhibition team was coordinated by Dr Stephen Lwasa from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics.
About the National Agricultural Show
The National Agricultural Show is the biggest platform for showcasing Agricultural innovations and exchange of knowledge and offers a lot of opportunities to the participants to learn of equipment and agricultural methods to apply on the farms. The Agricultural show attracts over 300,000 guests yearly, making it the most attended show. The ten-day exhibition, organized by the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) provides farmers, agro-industry players, service providers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector the opportunity to showcase their innovations and technologies as well as engage in business networking. The Show also brings together agricultural scientists, small and large scale commercial farmers and stakeholders and service providers from across the value chain.
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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