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Mak honours Prof. Leif Abrahamsson for his Contribution to the Development of Mathematics in E.A.

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Makerere University has honored Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, for his contribution to the development of Mathematics in the East African region.

This was during the opening ceremony of the four-day Joint African-Nordic conference in Mathematics, an event organized to share research findings and take stock of the Nordic support for Mathematics in the region in the past two decades. The conference taking place at Makerere University started on Tuesday, 1st August and will end on Friday 4th August, 2023.

Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza (Right) presents the award to Prof. Leif Abrahamsson (Left) during the opening ceremony of the joint conference. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza (Right) presents the award to Prof. Leif Abrahamsson (Left) during the opening ceremony of the joint conference.

Prof. Abrahamsson, from the Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University started the network of Eastern African Universities Mathematics Program (EAUMP) to improve the state of mathematics, through Masters and PhD training. After setting up the network, mathematics became one of the International Science Programme (ISP)’s core programs.

Because of Prof Abrahamson’s efforts, to date, ISP support to Mathematics in the region ranges from visible capacity built at PhD, Masters and Postdoc levels.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses participants at the Joint African-Nordic Conference in Mathematics. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses participants at the Joint African-Nordic Conference in Mathematics.

In his remarks, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, noted that Prof. Abrahamsson’s project to support Mathematics in the region has lived up to its expectations and even gone beyond what was projected, including providing support to research groups and women networks in basic sciences.

“As part of establishing the everlasting memories of Prof. Abrahamsson, Makerere University will establish the Leif Abrahamsson permanent chair for supporting Mathematics in the Eastern Africa Region. To solicit for funding to support the region in Mathematics you need to use the name ‘Leif Abrahamsson’ to permanently get support for Mathematics,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero follows proceedings at the conference. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero follows proceedings at the conference.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that the ‘Leif Abrahamsson’ Chair should target to raise at least $500,000 per year to support Mathematics in the region.

During the event, Science, Technology, and Innovations Minister,  Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, called upon Mathematicians to make mathematics speak to people. “Mathematics is the only subject that lies at the centre of any career choice, but most people do not understand it, that is why they treat it as just an academic subject and that affects development. If we are to have our economy grow, we have to appreciate mathematics,” Hon. Musenero said.

Prof. John Mango, Department of Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).  Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Prof. John Mango, Department of Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).

Speaking during the event, Prof. John Mango from the Department of Mathematics at Makerere University, thanked the Nordic taxpayers for supporting Makerere University.

Makerere University and the regional Universities have enjoyed and continue to benefit from the generosity of the Royal Governments of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark in the areas of human resources capacity building, research, library services, technology and infrastructural development,” he said.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS). Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).

Prof. Mango noted the twenty years support by Nordic countries has made mathematics reach a higher recognition in the region and more research groups have been created and this has led to joint research projects. Countries in the attendance of the Mathematics Conference include; Austria, Botswana, Denmark, Ethiopia, Hungary, Kenya, Namibia, Norway, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Germany, USA, Zambia and hosts Uganda.

Some of the participants follow proceedings during the opening ceremony of the Joint African-Nordic Conference in Mathematics. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the participants follow proceedings during the opening ceremony of the Joint African-Nordic Conference in Mathematics.

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Mak Paves Path to Biodiversity Leadership: Inaugural ABS Project Workshop Strengthening Uganda’s Nagoya Protocol Capacity

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The Principal CoNAS-Prof. Tumps Ireeta (7th L), Director, Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD)-Dr. Cyprian Misinde (6th L), Dean, School of Biosciences-Prof. Arthur Kajungu Tugume (6th R), Project PI at Makerere University-Dr. Katuura Esther (4th R) and other officials at the Inception Workshop for the ABS Project on 7th November 2023 in the Telepresence Centre. Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Laban Lwasa

In a groundbreaking event that unfolded at Makerere University‘s Telepresence Center on November 7, 2023, the Inception Workshop for the ABS Project took center stage, hosted by the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Prof. Tumps Ireeta, Principal of CoNAS, set the tone with a warm welcome, highlighting Uganda’s rich biodiversity and the pivotal role of the Nagoya Protocol in ensuring the legal utilization of genetic resources. The collaboration between NEMA and Makerere University, supported by the GEF, aims to equip professionals with ABS knowledge and position Makerere at the forefront of Nagoya Protocol compliance.

Prof. Arthur Kajungu Tugume, Dean of the School of Biosciences, CoNAS. ABS Project Inception Workshop, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Arthur Kajungu Tugume, Dean of the School of Biosciences, CoNAS.

Prof. Arthur Kajungu Tugume, Dean of the School of Biosciences, emphasized the project’s significance in institutional capacity strengthening for the Nagoya Protocol’s implementation in Uganda, showcasing the School of Biosciences as a hub for genetic resource research and training. The pilot project, in collaboration with NEMA, GEF, and UNEP, aims to expand countrywide and potentially across the African continent. It seeks to empower a skilled workforce informed on ABS issues, contributing to economic development and poverty eradication as aligned with SDG 1.

Mr. Achuu Peter, Project Manager from NEMA. ABS Project Inception Workshop, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Achuu Peter, Project Manager from NEMA.

Mr. Achuu Peter, Project Manager from NEMA, highlighted Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity and the need to explore the benefits of genetic resources for medicines, food, and more. He emphasized the importance of the Nagoya Protocol in mitigating biodiversity loss and highlighted challenges faced by Uganda in terms of weak institutional capacity, inadequate policies, and lack of coordination for ABS. The project focuses on strengthening ABS frameworks, capacity building, community-level management, and raising awareness to ensure equitable benefits from genetic resource utilization.

Mr. Daniel Abowe, UNCST ABS Project Officer. ABS Project Inception Workshop, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Daniel Abowe, UNCST ABS Project Officer.

Mr. Daniel Abowe, UNCST ABS Project Officer, shed light on the complex landscape of national ABS laws in Uganda, resulting in legal complexity and high transaction costs for users. He also detailed the Uganda research approval process, emphasizing UNCST’s role in ABS implementation, which includes issuing access permits and ensuring benefit-sharing agreements. The multifaceted project aims to align Uganda with the Nagoya Protocol’s goals and foster collaboration between higher institutions and local communities for the management of genetic resources.

Dr. Katuura Esther, the Project Principal Investigator at Makerere University. ABS Project Inception Workshop, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Katuura Esther, the Project Principal Investigator at Makerere University.

Dr. Katuura Esther, the Project Principal Investigator at Makerere University, highlighted the institution’s pivotal role in training and research. Makerere University aspires to be a thought leader, committed to providing transformative teaching, learning, research, and services that cater to dynamic national and global needs. The institution’s strategic goals encompass leadership in high-quality programs, knowledge dissemination, research, scholarship promotion, and corporate social responsibility. Dr. Esther also addressed the challenges and opportunities in preserving indigenous knowledge, emphasizing the role of digital technologies and collaboration between research institutions and local communities.

The programs designated for updating at Makerere University are a comprehensive effort to align with the Nagoya Protocol. Notable among these programs are BSc Applied and Economic Botany, BSc in Conservation Biology, Bachelor of Biotechnology, Masters in Botany, Masters in Genetics, Masters in Plant Pathology and Crop Science, and Masters in Economic Botany. This holistic approach aims to contribute to the conservation and equitable utilization of genetic resources.

Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance at Makerere University. ABS Project Inception Workshop, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance at Makerere University.

Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance at Makerere University, emphasized the importance of incorporating international and global standards into the academic curriculum. He underscored the crucial role of projects like ABS in enhancing the capacity of professionals and equipping them to become part of a globally competitive workforce. This workshop marked a significant stride in Uganda’s journey towards sustainable biodiversity management and conservation, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond its borders, leaving a lasting impact on the world stage.

Laban Lwasa is the Senior Administrative Assistant, Makerere University, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)

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Ugandan student Dorothy Akoth wins 2023 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award

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Dorothy Akoth, Master's student at Makarere University and 2023 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award winner. Photo by Christine Elong / National Fisheries Resources Research Institute.

Ms. Dorothy Akoth, a Master’s student at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University has been named one of two winners of the 2023 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award. An expert jury selected Akoth, who was nominated by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology together with National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), for the instrumental role of her research in improving the knowledge of the distribution and imperilment status of 110 native fish species outside the iconic Haplochromine tribe of East African cichlids. The student was supervised by Prof. Fredrick Muyodi and Dr. Jackson Efitre
from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at CoNAS, Makerere University, and Dr Vanny Natugonza of Busitema University.

Since its inception in 2010, the annual GBIF Graduate Researchers Award (previously the Young Researchers Award) has sought to promote and encourage innovation in biodiversity-related research using data shared through the GBIF network.

Details at:
https://www.gbif.org/news/6qTuv5Xf1qa05arROvx7Y1/ugandan-student-dorothy-akoth-wins-2023-gbif-graduate-researchers-award

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CARTA Fellow Anywar Selected as Fellow of ASLP

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Dr. Godwin Anywar, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University. Photo: CARTA. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Godwin Anywar (cohort 6 graduate, Makerere University) was selected as a fellow of the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) based at the Future Africa Campus at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, on September 8, 2023. 

Within the month, he:

  • Will be participating in the Uganda-Swiss Museum Cooperation Workshop from September 24 – October 4, 2023, in Kampala, Uganda, and will present on ‘Traditional Medicine in Transition.’
  • Presented a keynote paper on ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing during the PhD Journey’ at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 27th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) under the theme “Leveraging Governance, Human Capital and Technology for Sustainability in Kampala – Uganda on September 25 – 27, 2023.
  • Presented a paper on ‘The Cannabis/Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) Landscape in Africa: An Overview of its Cultivation and Legal Aspects’ at the 20th International Napreca Conference on Natural Network for East and Central Africa (NAPRECA) in Harare, Zimbabwe on September 20, 2023.
  • Attended the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Science Forum at the University of Nairobi on September 20, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of DAAD in East Africa.

Source: CARTA Newsletter Issue 69

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