Natural Sciences
CoNAS Moves to Popularise the Bachelor of Science Programme, Improve Performance in the Subject of Biology
Overview
Basic biological research offered by the School of Biosciences at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), more so at the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) requires continuous recruitment of trainees to ensure its sustainability at Makerere University. Over the years, there has been a decline in the number of students admitted to offer biological courses at the School of Biosciences due to poor performance, but also the negative perception about the courses. These courses are often termed as “FLAT” during career guidance at high school, an indication that even the career teachers do not have a clear understanding of the Bachelor of Science degree programme. The perception that the programme is flat with no job prospects makes it unpopular, yet basic sciences are a pivot for several other applied sciences that significantly contribute to the wellbeing of humans and the economy of the country. For example, studies in basic Zoology, Botany, Chemistry and Biochemistry are a basis for effective understanding of applied courses such as plant breeding, vector control, wildlife management, plant pollination, environmental conservation, veterinary science, and human health management, among others. The decline in uptake of these programmes is a big challenge as it is likely to affect the learning of applied sciences.
The reduced recruitment of students into basic sciences has long term implications of missing on key scientists to support research in various scientific fields, yet the graduates of Bachelor of Science degree have numerous opportunities to undertake research and academic work in several national and international research institutions, academic institutions, and the private sector. The use of the term “FLAT” by career masters reflects the lack of clear understanding of the vast opportunities that this course exposes the candidates to, both in public and private sectors.
Plans to popularise the Bachelor of Science programme
To increase uptake, CoNAS has embarked on a programme to popularize the courses offered at the School of Biosciences among high school science teachers and learners by deciphering the myths associated with the Bachelor of Science degree. Broadly, the action aims at arousing the interest and improve academic performance among high school students in biology, and ultimately increase the students applying for the courses offered at the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences. Specifically, the programme aims to popularize research by early career researchers in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences in selected schools with A-level biology students, as well as biology and career teachers. The Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences will engage selected schools to share progressive research, experiences and lessons learnt to cultivate/arouse interest among the biological students in high schools. During the engagement sessions, the team will discuss possibilities to improve performance in biology and inform the next course of action.
The programme is coordinated by Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, a Lecturer in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences and a postdoc fellow for CECAP. It is part of the activities supported under his project on “Popularizing early career research for increased visibility of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences”.
CoNAS engagement with Secondary School Biology teachers
On 26th July 2023, the CoNAS through the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences held a seminar for Secondary School teachers from selected schools around the country. The one-day seminar was funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, through the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University. It was intended to bridge the gap between the School of Biosciences, Makerere University and high school biology teachers in Uganda. It was also aimed at sensitising the teachers about the programmes at CoNAS, the importance of the Bachelor of Science programme and the opportunities it presents. The Seminar held at ZEFS was graced by the Commissioner in charge of Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Mr. Paul Mwambu; the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, and senior academics from the School of Biosciences, Makerere University.
During the engagement, academics from the School of Biosciences sensitized the teachers on the programmes in their departments, highlighting the different course units, research activities, career prospects and opportunities, and emphasizing the importance of the BSc programme.
The Dean, School of Biosciences, also Patron of the Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU) delivered a presentation on the past, present and future dynamics of biology, stressing its relevance in driving the world systems in the next century. He also briefed participants on the BioSU and its intended purpose to improve performance in the subject of biology that has been declining over the years. A research conducted in the performance of Biology at the UACE sitting of 2018 whose results were released in February 2019, indicated that a total of 13,061 candidates sat for Biology countrywide, and of these only 1 candidate scored an “A”. That year, only up to 38% of the candidates scored at least an “E” leaving almost 80% failed (score O or F). In the next year’s sitting of 2019, only 44 candidates countrywide scored “A” in Biology. This trend was found quite repeated several times before 2018 and has not improved to-date post COVID-19. To solve this problem, Makerere University through the School of Biosciences at CoNAS in partnership with the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) under the supervision of the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs has embarked on a programme to identify the root causes of poor performance, by undertaking a detailed and carefully planned analysis of the qualifications, competence, and availability of Biology teachers and technicians at A’ level; the scope- breadth and depth of Biology curriculum at A’ level; how topics are segregated or not segregated in different UNEB past papers of Biology at A’ level in comparison to other A’ level subjects; the state of laboratory and field infrastructure for teaching Biology at A’ level; and attitudes of learners/students towards Biology at A’ level.
During his presentation, Prof. Tugume appealed to government to support and promote skilling programmes, noting that there are many people who have not had an opportunity to acquire University education but are doing wonders because of the skills attained from vocational training.
At the same meeting, Dr Kubiriza presented the research activities at the College, specifically in the Department of ZEFS, whereas Mr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner in charge of Crop Inspection and Certification at MAAIF narrated how his study of the Bachelor of Science programme had exposed him enormous employment opportunities.
During the engagement, the secondary school teachers shared the challenges they experience and brainstormed on strategies that can be used to demystify the negativity about the Bachelor of Science programme. They also shared ideas on how to improve performance in subject of biology, emphasizing the need to review the syllabus and to retool the teachers. “The syllabus is so wide and this could be one of the lead causes of poor performance in the subject,” Prof. Tugume noted.
In his remarks, the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston T. Ireeta emphasized the importance of career guidance and sharing of resources to improve performance. He pledged the College support towards secondary school career guidance programmes and retooling of teachers.
Agriculture & Environment
Ugandan Local Government Officials Trained on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, and Climate Resilience
Entebbe, Uganda – September 19, 2025
More than 20 local government officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Entebbe Municipality, and the districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi have concluded a two-day intensive training on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, Evaluation, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Held at Central Inn Hotel in Entebbe from September 18–19, the workshop was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere University Centre and funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). The objective was to build local capacity in environmental governance and integrate natural capital and climate risks into local development planning.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. Nick Kilimani- all from Makerere University.
Natural Resources Must Be Valued and Protected
Opening the workshop, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre and Principal Investigator of the project, described the training as timely, given Uganda’s growing environmental and climate challenges.
“Uganda is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate variability—on agriculture, health, water resources, and the economy,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “This training empowers our environmental officers to use economic evidence to defend natural resources against competing land uses.”
He emphasized the need to monetize ecosystem services like wetlands, forests, and biodiversity to inform land-use decisions.
“A forest cleared for sugarcane may appear to create jobs, but when you account for its carbon sequestration, rainfall formation, and tourism potential, its long-term value far outweighs the short-term economic gains.”
Prof. Bbaale also urged that natural capital be included in Uganda’s national accounting systems to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
He thanked local government leadership for releasing their staff for the training and praised the collaboration between academia and government.
“You are not just trainees — you are future champions of environmental stewardship in your districts,” he told the participants.
Environmental Degradation Threatens Public Health
Representing the Chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka underscored the public health consequences of environmental degradation, linking it to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
“We have just seen a 14-year-old girl in Lwengo contract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever due to increased human-wildlife contact — a direct result of environmental encroachment,” Dr. Kitaka warned.
She connected rising flash floods, deforestation, and urban sprawl to poor environmental management and called for cross-sectoral awareness of environmental risks.
“This training is not just for environmentalists. Planners, economists, and health professionals must also be equipped with this knowledge,” she said.
Dr. Kitaka applauded the EfD-Mak team for using local experts, not foreign consultants, in delivering the training.
“We must train Ugandans to solve Uganda’s problems. That’s the spirit of Mak-RIF.”
She also revealed that the Government of Uganda has funded over 1,300 research projects through Mak-RIF over the last five years and called for continued investment in locally driven innovation.
“Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Science must be funded to help Ugandans solve Ugandan problems.”
Experts Present Practical Tools for Sustainable Planning
Localized Climate Action Is Urgent
Dr. Aisha Nanyiti urged participants to design district-specific climate policies, differentiating between mitigation (addressing the causes) and adaptation (responding to the impacts).
“Climate action begins at the local level. Districts must create context-appropriate bylaws and planning strategies to reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate shocks.”
She emphasized that Uganda’s local governments are key to meeting national targets under NDP IV and Vision 2040, and that climate change must be addressed in all sectors — from health to urban planning.
Environmental Evaluation is a Safeguard
Dr. Sseruyange warned that development projects are at risk of failure if environmental assessments are not properly conducted.
“Roads, schools, and hospitals may be destroyed by floods or landslides if we ignore the environment. Planning must consider both the impact on nature and the reverse impact from degraded ecosystems.”
He called on local environmental officers to assert their roles in safeguarding both the environment and infrastructure investment.
“Neglecting environmental oversight may undo everything we build.”
What is Not Valued is Easily Destroyed
Dr. Peter Babyenda introduced participants to valuation tools like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Travel Cost Method, which help quantify the economic value of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.
“These tools inform cost–benefit analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation. If we don’t value our natural assets, we risk losing them permanently.”
He stressed that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also an economic, social, and political matter. He encouraged integration of valuation results into budgeting and planning under frameworks like the National Environment Act (2019).
Local Officials Call for Continued Engagement
Ibrahim Muwanguzi, Environmental Officer from Wakiso District, praised the training as a vital step toward mainstreaming environmental valuation into local and national development processes.
“Most government officials focus solely on economic returns, ignoring the critical but intangible value of natural resources,” he said.
He cited a recent case during Mpigi Expressway construction where a culturally significant tree sparked debate over its monetary value — from UGX 100,000 to UGX 100 million — due to lack of valuation standards.
“If services like flood control were quantified in shillings, it would help justify preservation of wetlands and forests,” he noted.
Muwanguzi also emphasized the need for environmental economists in government roles, urging stronger collaboration between academia and policy.
“We have graduates in natural resource economics. Let’s integrate them into our public service.”
Let This Not Be the Last
Tonny Mwidyeki, District Natural Resources Officer for Mpigi, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all trainees, emphasizing the long gap since the last such training.
“For many of us, it’s been years since we had a refresher like this. If we continue to have such sessions, we will serve our people and protect our environment better.”
He thanked the facilitators from Makerere University for the two-day sensitization and urged that such capacity-building workshops be held more regularly.
“From here, we go back not just informed, but ready to lead change.”
Time to Act is Now
Closing the training, Dr. Sseruyange, speaking on behalf of the EfD-Mak Director, reminded participants that environmental degradation has been decades in the making, and action must no longer be delayed.
“Development depends on the natural world. Let us act now — from our households to our districts — to reverse the damage and secure our future.”
He thanked the participants for their active engagement and promised continued collaboration between Makerere University, local governments, and national stakeholders to promote evidence-based environmental policy.
About EfD-Mak and Mak-RIF
The Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University is part of a global network of research institutions focused on environmental economics, coordinated by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF) is a Government of Uganda-funded program supporting local research to address national development challenges. Since inception, Mak-RIF has supported over 1,300 research projects across disciplines.
Newly admitted students to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been strongly encouraged to make academic excellence their top priority as they begin their university journey. During the official College orientation held on 6th August 2025, continuing students shared valuable insights aimed at helping the freshers adapt and thrive both academically and socially in the university environment.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Britah Kemigisha and Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, students of Conservation Biology and Petroleum Geosciences respectively, offered practical advice drawn from their experiences at CoNAS. The two students emphasized the importance of time management, consistent class attendance, and fostering healthy academic competition.
“Be ambitious and attend classes because attendance earns you some marks. Be competitive in a way that promotes excellence,” Mbabazi advised. He encouraged freshers to approach university life with purpose, noting that unlike in high school, university students must take personal responsibility for their learning outcomes. He recommended the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing their value in facilitating meaningful connections, expanding one’s professional network, discovering job opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and insights.
Ms. Kemigisha underscored the importance of building supportive peer networks. “Form groups and inspire each other with rewards based on academic excellence,” she advised, emphasizing that academic group work, peer mentorship, and study circles can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability. According to her, surrounding oneself with goal-oriented individuals creates a positive learning environment that fosters growth and resilience, especially when faced with academic challenges.
The orientation programme served as a platform to introduce First Year students to the academic programmes, services, and student life at CoNAS and the University in general. The session led by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi featured presentations by both College and University leaders, who sensitized the new students on key university policies, academic structures, and support services. School Deans and Heads of Departments in attendance briefed students on the specific programmes offered within their respective units. These included the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, represented by Dr Joel Isanga; the Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Arthur Batte; the Head, Department of Mathematics, Dr Ismail Mirumbe; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr Denis Okello; the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology represented by Dr Godwin Anywar, and a representative from the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Students were also sensitized on the registration and examination processes, ICT support services, library services, fees payment policies, the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy, counselling and guidance services, the emerging leaders programme, and general welfare at the University.
On behalf of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the College.He provided an insightful overview of the key academic units and programmes offered both within the College and across the University. In his address, Prof. Kasozi congratulated the students on securing admission into one of the most competitive, vibrant, and intellectually rigorous colleges within the University. He encouraged the students to take full ownership of their academic journey, emphasizing the importance of commitment, discipline, and focus from the very beginning. Highlighting the value of hard work and determination, he reminded them that the foundation they lay now will shape their future success.
In his address, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Centre at the University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental health. He urged students to prioritize their psychological well-being, noting that maintaining a healthy mind is fundamental for academic success and overall personal development. Mr. Nsubuga encouraged students to actively seek support and adopt positive coping mechanisms to navigate the pressures of academic life.
The lectures are expected to commence on Monday, 11th August 2024.
Essential ICT platforms to guide academic work
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