Natural Sciences
Make Mathematics speak to the public & link it to economic growth, Minister Musenero appeals to Mathematicians
By Ritah Namisango
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovations, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero called upon mathematicians to ensure that mathematics speaks to the public in a language they could understand and use for economic development. This was during the opening of the four-day joint African-Nordic Mathematics conference that was held at Makerere University under the theme, “Celebrating 20 Years with ISP/EAUMP/SIDA, 10 Years with CIMO/HEI-ICI and Commencing the NORHED II-Funded Mathematics for Sustainable Development Project from 1st to 4th August, 2023.
The Conference brings on board over 150 mathematicians from 15 countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Namibia, Ethiopia, Botswana, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Germany, USA and Uganda the host.
The conference is aimed at stimulating regional and international collaboration in training, research and outreach; honouring Professor Leif Abrahamsson for his great contribution to the development of mathematics in the East African region and beyond; celebrating the new Mathematics initiative MATH4SD in the region under NORHED-II as well as providing a forum for interaction among mathematicians from Africa and beyond with a view of sharing experiences in mathematical training, research and outreach activities.
Officially opening the Conference, Hon. Monica Musenero, an alumna of Makerere University informed the mathematicians that linking mathematics with science, technology and innovation is a key driver to economic development. So, when people are isolated and separated from such an important subject, leaving it in an academic corner, we miss 50% of the development. She appealed to the mathematics researchers to break down their findings to make them relevant to the entire public. She advocated for mathematics publications that can be read, understood and appreciated by the public for economic growth.
“If we are to have our economy grow, then we are going to come back to the corner of science and start to interpret what it means. We really need to functionalize the definition of mathematics. In simple terms, science is knowledge. I can speak that to a kindergarten pupil and they understand it. I am sure that people here have very specialized knowledge, but it has to be translated into technology and simply using mathematics to develop tools. I am sure there are very many tools that have been developed. However, for the public, we find it difficult to see those tools. So, we need to understand them such that they can speak and make sense to us,” Hon. Musenero said.
The Minister said that the academia struggle to find funds partly because some of the people who would provide those funds are not able to translate the mathematics language. She stated that if they could focus on translating the mathematics to make it visible, then obtaining funds would be quite easy. She thus urged the researchers to use their findings to create knowledge and develop tools to find solutions to people’s problems, where they live, work and spend their day to day lives.
“I would like to bring this from our side by saying that, please let mathematics speak to us. Make the PhDs speak to us. In science we do research and generate knowledge, but the knowledge must be transformed into tools. For instance, we used calculators in schools, but we never realized the mathematics in those calculators. That is a task that we have to walk this journey to translate the science into enterprises, such that we can bring about our socio-economic transformation.” She remarked.
Speaking about transforming Uganda’s economy, Hon. Musenero said that the country is focused on the socio-economic transformation. She stated that Science is no longer just a sector, but an approach to economic development. She highlighted that in order to take science as an approach, we can only do that if we are able to bridge the gap between knowledge and understanding. She emphasized that research is the only avenue for production of high caliber human resources as well as the best input into a country’s human capital. “When the nation is engaged in research, it rapidly increases its human capital and following closely would be the development of the nation and the transition from a commodity based economy to a science led economy.”
On behalf of the Government of Uganda, the Hon. Musenero acknowledged the Nordic governments for the generous support towards the advancement of research and innovations in mathematics in Uganda. She also committed to working with key players to ensure that the investments would be effectively translated to ably formulate well informed policies that will lead to sustainable development as well as development of tools and innovations.
To the mathematics researchers and graduates supported under the NORAD program, the Minister invited them to a dialogue so that they discuss strategies that will benefit the country. “I invite the Masters and PhD graduates, especially those from Uganda for a dialogue to see how to develop our country together and retain you in the country. We badly need you now, but many have in the past exited the country because they have not been seeing where else to go. We also need to find a way on how those who already left the country can come back home to work together.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the Nordic governments of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark for supporting Makerere University and other regional universities in the areas of human resources capacity building, research, library sciences and information technology and infrastructure development.
“The Nordic support has greatly played a relevant role in helping Makerere University to deliver our core functions which are teaching, research and innovations and partnerships. Makerere University has benefited significantly from the very strong relationship and support from the Nordic countries. In particular, I must say that Sida and NORAD have helped us to come out of those difficult years and they have helped us to train more than 600 PhDs over the last 20 years. We are indeed very grateful,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon staff, individuals and universities from Africa that had received the NORAD and Sida support to use it for capacity development and multiply the benefits of that capacity. He said that if that support is put to good use, it will help Africa to get out of the prevailing circle of poverty.
The Vice Chancellor underscored the value of mathematics. He categorically stated that mathematics is the mother of all sciences, and without it, we could not get anywhere. According to Prof. Nawangwe, the work of mathematicians is the foundation of everything that we want to do in science and developing our countries.
During the opening ceremony, Makerere University recognized Professor Leif Abrahamsson for his valuable and selfless contribution towards the development of mathematics in the East African region and Uganda in particular.
“Today, we are honoring you Professor Leif Abrahamsson for the work you have done. As part of establishing everlasting memories of you in the East African region, Makerere University will establish the Leif Abrahamsson Chair for supporting mathematics in the Region.”
The Vice Chancellor noted that to solicit for funds to support the region in Mathematics, there is need to use the name ‘Leif Abrahamsson’ to permanently get support for Mathematics. He revealed to the participants that through this Chair, the University would target to raise at least USD 500,000 per year to support Mathematics in the East African region.
Prof. Bengt-Ove Turreson, the Director-International Science Program (ISP) said that ISP at Uppsala University-Sweden works to strengthen the scientific knowledge, research capacity and postgraduate education in the basic sciences that include mathematics, physics and chemistry in countries where such capacity is non-existing or weak.
As they celebrated 20 years of existence of the Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme (EAUMP), Prof. Bengt-Ove Turreson recalled that in the early stages things quite difficult, but became better in 2002 when EAUMP was established. The network which started with three (3) countries namely Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, was later extended to Rwanda and Zambia, and it has played an important role in building human capacity. In the recent years, ISP started supporting PhD programs in the region. They started with supporting four (4) research groups.
“What we are doing in terms of global research is very unique. There is no other country that does this kind of work. All the countries are proud of the work we have been doing. We started working in 1961. We provide long-term funding, coordination and mentoring to research groups and regional scientific networks at universities and research institutes in low and lower-middle income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Our main funding comes from the Swedish Government through the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida),” said the Director.
Prof. Turreson remarked that in addition to seminars such as the ongoing mathematics conference at Makerere University, EAUMP would establish summer schools to bring on board young mathematicians from the different parts of the world to enhance the new modern mathematics.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) disclosed that mathematics is proven to be indispensable to human development and economic growth since the time of the industrial revolution.
“The third revolution brought about by the advance in communication and information technology finds its origin from applied mathematics and physics to a larger extent. We are now in the fourth industrial revolution which has been brought largely by data and artificial intelligence, which too find their roots from different parts of mathematics such as probability and statistics. The initiatives that involve AI or data science are driven by mathematics. Therefore, for the region to catch up with technological advances, it should prioritize mathematics, education and research,” said Prof Rai, Deputy Executive Secretary-IUCEA who represented the Executive Secretary- Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona.
Prof. Idris Rai assured participants that the interactions, engagements and networking of researchers will bring out more collaborative research activities to the region in addition to expanding knowledge in research and mathematics.
Counting the gains, Prof. Stephen Luketero, the overall coordinator of the Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme (EAUMP) that was established in 2002, to alleviate the dismal state of Mathematics in Eastern Africa noted that with support and funding from Sida and NORHED, the region has been enriched with numerous developments in terms of knowledge. He stated that a substantial number of PhDs has been produced across the region in excess of 50 PhDs and countless number of masters. He also noticed that as a result, the number of females enrolling for PhDs in Mathematics was tremendously increasing.
“We have been able to have quite a big number of students in pursuit of the doctorates and post doctorates over a time. The research groups have been formed and out of such research collaborations, it is quite easy for the teams to come together and participate in writing research grants that can enhance research within the region. There was a wing that was created to cater for the advancement of knowledge and progression of female students and this has also run very well. Quite a number of graduates we are producing have been able to bridge the gap between male and female mathematicians.” Prof. Luketero said.
Speaking about Sida, ISP, NORAD support, CIMO and the achievements and future of EAUMP/NORHED, Prof. John Magero Mango the EAUMP Internetwork Coordinator said that with support under the NORDIC program, they have trained 11 PhDs in mathematics of which 5 are from Makerere University and 6 from University of Dar es Salaam. In addition, he stated that over 100 Masters have been supported with over 100 publications.
“The NORAD fund at Makerere University from 2021 to 2026 is supporting five (5) PhDs. We evaluated our progress and as we review the curriculum which we formed under Sida, we are also concentrating on the outreach programs for Data Computation skills via mathematics. Those are key innovations that are worth recognizing at this moment under the support of our NORDIC friends. Under CIMO, we have greatly benefitted in extending our knowledge to the local industries.” Prof. Mango said.
The Principal, College of Natural Sciences at Makerere University, Prof. Winston T. Ireeta mentioned that organizing such a conference that brings on board 15 countries was a great achievement for the College, the Mathematics Department and Makerere University at large.
He said, “This gives us credibility and great visibility as Makerere University. We also have some goals we have set up to achieve some of which are through collaborations and interacting with others. Let us work on achieving them. Collaborations and networking are very important.”
He applauded the Local Organizing Committee chaired by Dr. Godwin Kakuba and the professors who have greatly helped during examinations and PhD defenses. He also thanked the funders of the mathematics projects, ISP and Nordic governments for the support they have rendered in the promotion of mathematics.
Taking stock of the collaborations with major universities in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Finland, Norway and many other universities in the region, Dr. Godwin Kakuba, the Head of the Department of Mathematics at Makerere University said hosting the conference provided a platform to celebrate the collaborations that had enabled the department to grow to such strength.
“As the head of department, I am very proud of these achievements and very optimistic about the future with profound joy. When we look back to so many years ago, about 20 years, the number of PhDs was minimum, but now, having a PhD has become normal. The department of mathematics is therefore ready to take that direction towards transforming Makerere University into a research-led institution,” he remarked.
Dr. Kakuba added that they will always measure their strengths annually basing on the number of publications made, the number of graduate students trained, number of research workshops and conferences organized and hosted as well as the goals achieved each year.
During the four day conference, research papers and poster presentations focused on the following areas: Algebra, Graph Theory, Real and Complex Analysis, Topology and Geometry, Dynamical Systems, Experimental Pure Mathematics, Biomathematics, Data Science, Biostatistics, ODES and PDES, Financial/Insurance Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Fluid Dynamics, Operations Research, Stochastics, Applied Probability and Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics Education, Optimization, Bioinformatics, Clifford and Hypercomplex analysis as well as Combinatorics.
A nationwide study led by Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi has revealed multiple factors contributing to poor performance in Biology in Uganda’s national examinations, with the Northern and Eastern regions being the most affected. The study highlights significant gaps in practical learning, digital access, and teaching methods, underscoring an urgent need for educational reforms.
Factors that prompted the study
Launched in 2023, the study was undertaken in response to growing concerns over the long-term decline in Biology performance in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations.
An earlier analysis conducted by the School of Biosciences at the College of Natural Sciences (CONAS), Makerere University, revealed that since the late 1970s, performance in Biology at the UACE level had consistently fallen below expectations. Over time, the situation worsened, as reflected in the annual examination results released by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
In 2018, for example, only one student out of 13,061 candidates scored an “A” in Biology, while just 38% scored at least an “E”. Although 2019 saw a slight increase, overall results remained far below national standards, a trend that persisted into the post-COVID-19 era.
Poor performance in Biology has serious implications, as the subject underpins 70–100% of academic and research work across the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Health Sciences (CHS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Weak results affect student progression and threaten Uganda’s life sciences ecosystem, impacting key sectors and government ministries.
In response, Makerere University, through the School of Biosciences at CoNAS in collaboration with the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), launched a study to investigate and address the problem. Funded by the University’s Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), the study examined teacher qualifications, curriculum depth, laboratory infrastructure, and student attitudes towards the subject.
Dissemination of the Study Findings
The project team presented their findings to stakeholders at a workshop held on 19th March 2026 at Makerere University. The event was attended by the Commissioner for Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mrs. Juliet Atuhairwe Muzoora, alongside senior leaders from Makerere University.
Factors undermining performance in Biology
Guided by the socio-ecological model, the project team interviewed 5,000 participants, including teachers, students, parents, school administrators, and curriculum experts, across 100 districts nationwide. Key challenges identified include:
- Inadequate practical learning – Many schools lack functional laboratories, leaving students unable to connect concepts to real-life applications.
- Limited digital access – Poor internet connectivity and lack of digital learning tools hinder modern science education.
- Ineffective teaching methods – Overreliance on lectures weakens conceptual understanding.
- Gender disparities – Lower confidence and limited participation of female students in practical work.
- Negative community perceptions – Low motivation resulting from societal attitudes toward Biology.
Recommendations for Improvement
Despite a notable improvement in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, the project team recommends a series of strategic interventions:
- Expansion of practical learning through fieldwork and project-based activities, with government support to fund hands-on initiatives.
- Investing in digital infrastructure, prioritizing internet access and online resources for underserved schools.
- Upgrading laboratories with modern equipment and increasing technical support to create conducive learning environments.
- Strengthening teacher development through continuous professional development programs promoting inquiry-based teaching.
- Aligning curriculum and assessments by fostering collaboration between the NCDC and UNEB to ensure coherence between instruction and exams.
- Enhancing student engagement through mentorship programs, academic clubs, and career guidance initiatives.
- Promoting gender equity in science education through targeted interventions.
The project team emphasizes that these interventions are essential for developing a generation of Biology students well-equipped to meet the demands of higher education and scientific careers. They advocate for coordinated action among government agencies, schools, and communities to reverse current trends and strengthen science education nationwide.
To further support efforts to improve performance in Biology, the team is seeking additional funding to pilot interventions in the most affected regions, particularly Northern and Eastern Uganda, and to establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and ensure lasting impact.
Remarks by the Commissioner for Secondary Education
Addressing participants at the dissemination workshop, the Commissioner for Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mrs. Juliet Atuhairwe Muzoora, commended the research team for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve performance in Biology. She called for the expansion of the initiative to cover other science disciplines.
Mrs. Muzoora expressed concern over the increasing monetization of academic activities, particularly seminars, warning that such practices threaten the core objectives of the programme. She further cautioned against the circulation of inappropriate and substandard pamphlets, noting that these undermine the quality of education.
She appealed to Makerere University to expand its school outreach programmes to reach all regions of the country, including the underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
Emphasizing the importance of the study, Mrs. Muzoora committed to arrange a meeting for the team to present their findings to the Ministry’s Senior Management team. “The findings of the study will inform policy adjustments that will enable us to improve performance in the sciences,” she noted.
Re-aligning A’ Level Subject Combinations and Leveraging Local Resources for Experiential Learning
In his presentation, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge Finance and Administration (DVCFA) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), emphasized the importance of targeted interventions in improving student performance, particularly in Biology and other science disciplines. Drawing attention to the medical field, he stressed the urgent need to review and realign Advanced Level subject combinations to correspond with the evolving requirements of various professional disciplines.
Drawing on insights from secondary school teachers at the CoNAS Science exhibition held from 5th–7th March 2026, Prof. Ireeta expressed concern over the limited adoption of experiential learning. He implored school administrators to leverage locally available materials to enhance hands-on learning. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support toward academic and research programmes at the University.
Re-aligning the Competence-based Curriculum
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University, highlighted the need to clearly define and systematically map out the modes of instruction under the Competence-based Curriculum. He emphasized that clarity in instructional approaches is essential for ensuring consistency, effectiveness, and measurable learning outcomes across institutions. He appreciated the MakRIF for the financial and technical support extended to the project, noting that such partnerships are instrumental in driving educational innovation and reform.
Remarks from the Chair, MakRIF
The Chairperson of the MakRIF, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, underscored the significance and far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting that the project scored 92% in the vetting process. He informed participants that the MakRIF remains committed to supporting ideas and initiatives that have a tangible and measurable effect on student learning outcomes.
“The focus on enhancing the teaching and learning of Biology is both timely and essential. Strengthening Biology education not only equips students with critical scientific knowledge but also lays a solid foundation for the country’s broader educational and developmental objectives. By prioritizing initiatives that nurture scientific understanding, the MakRIF seeks to contribute meaningfully to shaping a generation of learners capable of driving innovation, research, and sustainable development.”
Remarks by the representative from UNEB
In response to concerns regarding the gaps in curriculum development and assessment processes, Dr. Jimmy Okello reassured participants that the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) works closely with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to uphold quality across all stages of curriculum design and assessment.
He, however, acknowledged the need to further align curriculum with assessment frameworks for better learning outcomes. Dr. Okello stressed the importance of continuous professional development and retooling to enable teachers to respond effectively to evolving educational demands. He highlighted the challenge of sustaining quality education amid rising student enrolment, emphasizing the need for deliberate measures to ensure standards are maintained.
The need to enhance experiential learning and the mismatch between student enrolment and the learning infrastructure
Drawing on his experiences from visits to various schools, Prof. Arthur Tugume, Dean of the School of Biosciences, expressed concern over the rapidly increasing number of students enrolling in science disciplines. “This surge has significantly outpaced the available support infrastructure and human resources, ultimately compromising the quality of teaching and learning,” he noted. He highlighted the importance of formalizing seminars as a core component of the learning process and advocated for closer collaboration with research institutions to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experiences and real-world exposure. Additionally, he pointed out a critical mismatch between the current course content and the requirements of a competence-based curriculum, stressing the need for alignment.
In response to the presentations, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at CoNAS, Makerere University, called for a streamlined assessment process to ensure fairness for all students. He expressed concern over disproportionate grading practices, noting that allocating 40% of the total marks to a single question disadvantages students.
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Edward Kansiime (Co-PI) and member of staff in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education at CEES, Makerere University.
The Project Team
- Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi – PI (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete – Co-PI (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
- Assoc. Prof. Arthur Tugume (Dean, School of Biosciences, Makerere University)
- Dr. Godfrey Kubiriza (Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Dr. John Joseph Kisakye (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Assoc. Prof. Eric Sande (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Dr. Edward Kansiime – Co-PI, (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
- Dr. John Sentongo (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
- Dr. Levi Masereka (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
- Dr. Reymick Oketch (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
- Dr. Joel Isanga (Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Dr. Rosemary Nalwanga (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Ms. Caroline Nakafeero (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
- Mr. Ambrose (School of Public Health)
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University successfully held its first Annual Science Exhibition from Thursday, 5th March to Saturday, 7th March 2026, at the Science Quadrangle within the college premises. The three-day event, officially opened by the Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships (DRIP) at Makerere University, Prof. Robert Wamala, attracted students, researchers, educators, and members of the public eager to explore groundbreaking scientific research and innovative solutions emerging from the institution.
Held under the theme- Empowering Competent Learners for Innovation and Sustainable Development – the exhibition provided a platform for showcasing research breakthroughs and innovations developed within the college. The event allowed participants to interact with scientists, experience live demonstrations, and gain insight into how scientific discoveries are translated into solutions for real-world challenges.
Showcasing Research and Innovation
A key highlight of the exhibition was the presentation of cutting-edge research and innovations from the college’s eight departments: Department of Chemistry, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Department of Mathematics, Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, and the Department of Exercise and Sports Science.
Through interactive displays and presentations, researchers and students shared projects that demonstrate the practical application of science in addressing societal needs. Many of these innovations highlighted the role of scientific knowledge in supporting industry, improving public health, strengthening environmental conservation, and contributing to economic development.
Visitors engaged directly with researchers and innovators, learning about the scientific processes behind the projects and the potential impact of the work being carried out at the university. The exhibition also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the natural sciences, showing how combined expertise can generate new approaches to complex challenges.
Projects Showcased
In the fisheries and aquatic sciences field, the exhibition featured products and initiatives from the NutriFish and INNOECOFOOD projects, alongside research in algae cultivation aimed at advancing aquaculture and improving water purification. Aquaponics systems, ornamental fish projects, and initiatives focused on value addition within the fisheries sector were also presented.
Within the biological and life sciences, notable projects included research in medical entomology, applications of FTIR spectrometry, and innovations in plant tissue culture and mushroom cultivation technologies. The Makerere University Herbarium was also featured, along with studies demonstrating the use of plant extracts to inhibit the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi.
The agricultural biotechnology and environmental sustainability section highlighted the development of biofertilizers and biopesticides, as well as innovations in biogas production, organic tea cultivation, and the formulation of shampoos and hair-growth products derived from natural sources.
In the field of physical sciences and technological innovation, researchers presented solar water purification technologies, the development of an energy geoscience model, and interdisciplinary applications linking mathematics, data science, finance, and biology.
Traditional knowledge and community-centered innovations were also represented through projects in traditional medicine and cultural astronomy. Practical sustainability solutions were showcased as well, including the development of affordable solar cookers designed for use in educational institutions.
Inspiring Future Scientists through Career Guidance
Another key component of the exhibition was career guidance for secondary school students studying sciences. Nine secondary schools took part in the activity, including Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S (Jinja), Namilyango College, Namakwa S.S, Mbogo High School, Kawanda S.S, Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School, Mariam High School, Bukasa High School, and Samson Memorial High School.
Through guided tours, mentorship sessions, and interactive discussions, the students engaged with scientists and university lecturers who provided insights into academic pathways and career prospects in the sciences. The sessions were designed to inspire young learners and help them understand the relevance of science in everyday life and national development.
Science teachers at the event noted that such initiatives are essential in motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “By witnessing real-world applications of research and innovation, the students are able to see how scientific ideas can evolve into practical solutions that benefit society.”
Remarks by the Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere
In his remarks, Prof. Robert Wamala emphasized the critical role of scientific research and innovation in driving sustainable development and national transformation. He commended the College of Natural Sciences for creating a platform that not only showcases scientific achievements but also inspires the next generation of scientists.
“The inaugural science exhibition reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to promoting research, innovation, and academic excellence. By creating opportunities for collaboration between students, researchers, educators, and the wider community, the event strengthens the university’s role as a hub for scientific discovery and knowledge dissemination. I commend the leadership of CoNAS, the Organizing Committee, the researchers and students who have prepared the exhibits, and all partners who have supported the initiative. Your dedication to promoting scientific engagement and community outreach is highly appreciated.”
Remarks by the Principal of CoNAS
Addressing the participants, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, also Principal of CoNAS at Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, underscored the significance of the event in fostering scientific innovation and equipping students with the guidance needed to make well informed career decisions. “The idea to launch the Annual Science Exhibition was conceived in response to the growing demand from schools nationwide for structured career guidance opportunities for their students. Through this exhibition, we aim not only to ignite curiosity and creativity in young minds but also to provide them with practical insights and exposure that will empower them to make informed and confident choices about their future careers in science and related fields.”
Appreciation from the Organizing Committee
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at CoNAS, expressed gratitude to the College and University Management for supporting the initiative. He noted that the initiative would significantly complement ongoing efforts to dispel misconceptions surrounding the Bachelor of Science programme, enhance performance in Biology, and foster scientific discovery.
Dr. Kubiriza expressed optimism that the exhibition would become an annual event, offering a broader platform for scientists and students to showcase their work and inspire innovation across Uganda and beyond.
He expressed gratitude to Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, for his steadfast guidance, and to the members of the organizing committee for their dedication in making the event a success.
Participants praised the event for its educational value, interactive nature, and its contribution to building a stronger culture of scientific curiosity and innovation among young learners and researchers.
The event was moderated by Mr. David Kisitu, IT Officer at CoNAS, in liaison with the Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Chair of the Organizing Committee, and Dr Joel Isanga, Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
Natural Sciences
Makerere University Researchers Awarded UCIF Grant to Tackle Maize Contamination with Innovative Plant-Based Fungicide
In a significant stride towards ensuring food safety and agricultural resilience, a team of researchers from Makerere University has been awarded the prestigious Uganda Climate Innovation Fund (UCIF) to support the development of a groundbreaking solution to maize contamination.
Maize, a staple food for millions of Ugandans, has long been threatened by Aspergillus fungi, which produce aflatoxins, highly toxic compounds that pose serious risks to human health, livestock, and the nation’s agricultural productivity. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, the research team from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, is pioneering the development of a plant-based organic fungicide aimed at significantly reducing Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin contamination in maize.
The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Abubakar Sadik Mustafa (Principal Investigator), with major contributions from co-innovators Dr. Jamilu E. Ssenku, Dr. Patience Tugume, Mr. Frank Kalungi, and Mr. John Okello. The team officially received the UCIF award on 26 February 2026 at an event held at Kampala Serena Hotel.
“This recognition underscores the importance of locally-driven scientific innovation in safeguarding our food systems,” said Dr. Mustafa upon receiving the award. “Our goal is to deliver an environmentally friendly solution that not only protects maize but also contributes to public health and supports sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.”
The UCIF grant, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) under the Climate Smart Jobs initiative, is implemented by Palladium in collaboration with Stanbic Bank, Swissconnect, and CABI. The programme seeks to advance solutions that address the dual challenges of climate change and economic development by supporting innovations that foster sustainable agricultural practices, reduce environmental risks, and create climate-smart employment opportunities.
This breakthrough aligns closely with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting good health and well-being (SDG 3), zero hunger (SDG 2), and climate action (SDG 13). By developing a natural, plant-based fungicide, the Makerere University team hopes to offer a scalable solution that mitigates food contamination risks while promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices across Uganda.
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