Dr John Mary Kiberu has been appointed Acting Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University effective 1^st July 2026.

Dr Kiberu takes over from Dr Arthur Batte who has led the Department since 1^st April 2022.

Official Handover Ceremony

The official handover ceremony, held on 10^th July 2026, was presided over by the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who paid tribute to the outgoing Head for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Department. Prof. Ssevviiri acknowledged Dr Batte’s invaluable contribution, sacrifices, and efforts in guiding the Department and strengthening its academic and institutional mandate during his tenure. He welcomed the incoming Head and expressed confidence in his ability to provide strategic leadership and build on the foundation established, while advancing the Department’s vision and goals.

Dr Batte’s Achievements During His Tenure

In his handover report, Dr Batte reflected on the Department’s progress over the past four years, highlighting the achievements that strengthened academic programmes, research, industry collaboration, infrastructure, and administrative systems.

Among the key accomplishments was the acquisition of modern teaching and research equipment through strategic partnerships with leading industry stakeholders. SNF contributed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment designed to simulate surfactant production processes for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), significantly strengthening the Department’s capacity for hands-on training and applied research. TotalEnergies provided advanced computer workstations equipped with industry-standard geological and reservoir simulation software, enabling students and researchers to access cutting-edge tools for learning, innovation, and professional development. In addition, the Department expects to receive a well-control model from Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB), which will further strengthen practical training in petroleum production processes.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships

The Department also expanded its engagement with industry by formalizing partnerships with TotalEnergies, COSL, DISKOS, and the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals. These collaborations have created valuable opportunities for student internships, collaborative research, curriculum enhancement, and equipment support. Negotiations are ongoing to conclude Memoranda of Understanding with ZPEB, Dietsmann, and the Bio-Ecosystems Conservation and Development Agency, partnerships expected to further strengthen the Department’s teaching and research agenda.

Curriculum Modernization and Administrative Improvements

A major milestone during Dr Batte’s tenure was securing a USD 200,000 grant to review and modernize the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate geology curricula. The ongoing project aims to align academic programmes with emerging technologies, industry needs, and international best practices.

On the administrative front, Dr Batte reported significant improvements in governance and academic management. The Department successfully maintained up-to-date records of meetings with no backlog of unapproved minutes, ensured the timely submission of students’ examination results, and cleared pending postgraduate proposal presentations, enabling graduate students to progress without unnecessary delays.

Dr Batte’s Message to the Incoming Head

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Batte congratulated Dr. Kiberu on his appointment and wished him success in his new role. He expressed confidence that the Department was well positioned for continued growth, with strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team ready to support the new leadership. “I am confident that under your leadership, the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies will continue to excel and make significant contributions to Makerere University and the broader scientific community.”

He appreciated the University and College leadership, members of staff, students, and all stakeholders for the support, cooperation, and commitment they extended to him throughout his tenure as Head of Department. Dr. Batte acknowledged that the achievements realized during his leadership were a collective effort, made possible through the dedication of staff, the guidance of university leadership, and the continued collaboration of industry and institutional partners.  

Dr Kiberu’s Vision for the Department

In his remarks, Dr Kiberu expressed gratitude to the University Management, the CoNAS leadership, and the School of Physical Sciences for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department.

“It is a great honour and privilege to serve as Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Leadership in academia is not simply about administration; it is about stewardship. It is about nurturing people, advancing knowledge, safeguarding institutional values, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of students, researchers, and society. I pledge to serve with integrity and humility, and to lead with commitment to the continued growth and success of our Department.”

Dr Kiberu paid tribute to his predecessor for his dedicated service and acknowledged the strong foundation laid during the past four years.

“Every leader inherits both achievements and challenges,” Dr Kiberu noted. “I look forward to building upon that foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth.”

He outlined a vision centred on strengthening academic programmes, advancing research and innovation, expanding partnerships with industry and international institutions, improving the student experience, embracing digital transformation, and promoting transparency, accountability, teamwork, and collegiality.

He observed that geoscience is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, the growing demand for critical minerals, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and advanced geophysical technologies.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that our teaching, research, and innovation remain relevant to national priorities while meeting international standards,” he said.

Dr Kiberu pledged to provide consultative, transparent, and inclusive leadership, emphasizing that the Department’s continued success would depend on collective effort.

“I pledge to lead through consultation, fairness, integrity, openness, and service,” he said. “Together, we can build an even stronger Department that attracts talented students, outstanding researchers, meaningful partnerships, and international recognition.”

Brief about Dr John Mary Kiberu

Dr. John Mary Kiberu is a distinguished geophysicist, petroleum geoscientist, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, mentorship, and institutional development at Makerere University. He holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Geophysics from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and a BSc in Geology and Chemistry from Makerere University. He has served in the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies in various capacities, contributing significantly to the advancement of geoscience education, research, curriculum development, and international collaborations.

His expertise spans applied geophysics, petroleum geoscience, seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, hydrogeophysics, and tectonic studies. Dr. Kiberu has led and participated in several nationally and internationally funded research and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening geoscience training and research at Makerere University and beyond. Through his extensive supervision of postgraduate research, publication record, and engagement with global academic partners, he has played a key role in advancing petroleum geoscience and earth science research in Uganda. His appointment to lead the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies reflects his longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the continued growth of the department.

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*****The initiative is being implemented under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).

Skills Shortage in Uganda’s Mining Sector

Despite Uganda possessing an estimated US$6.8 billion worth of undeveloped mineral resources, the country’s mining industry continues to grapple with a critical shortage of skilled professionals, forcing many companies to recruit foreign expertise while leaving locally trained graduates struggling to secure employment.

The mismatch between industry demands and existing geology training has emerged as one of the biggest obstacles to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s mineral wealth. Employer surveys indicate that 78 percent of the mining companies face difficulties recruiting geologists trained locally, compelling many firms to rely on foreign professionals. At the same time, only 20 percent of geology graduates from Makerere University obtain sector-related employment within two years of graduation, pointing to significant gaps between university training and labour market needs.

Gaps in Training  

The challenge extends beyond university graduates. Uganda’s mining industry is largely driven by artisanal and small-scale miners, who account for a significant proportion of the country’s gold production. However, many operators lack essential knowledge and practical skills in basic geology, mining and mineral processing, occupational health and safety, environmental management, and business development. Poor compliance with health, safety and environmental standards continues to affect productivity, sustainability and the overall growth of the sector.

The shortage of institutions offering specialized training in mineral prospecting, metallurgy, analytical chemistry and environmental studies has further constrained the development of a competent local workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing mining industry.

Curriculum Reform Initiative at Makerere University

It is against this backdrop that Makerere University, through its Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, has launched a comprehensive project to reform geology education and strengthen Uganda’s human resource capacity for the mineral sector.

The project, titled “Strengthening Uganda’s Mineral Sector through Labour-Market Aligned Curricula Reforms: A Comprehensive Review of BSc/MSc/PhD Geology Curricula and Development of Industry-Aligned Short Courses at Makerere University (Mak-SDMU),” seeks to modernize geology training by aligning academic programmes with labour market demands, emerging technologies, national development priorities and international best practices.

It is being implemented under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).

Inception Workshop  

The initiative officially commenced with a three-day inception workshop held from 29^th June to 1^st July 2026 at Nyumbani Hotel in Kampala, where the project team developed a comprehensive implementation work plan. Over the next eight months, Makerere University will also engage qualified Geoscience Consultants to provide technical guidance throughout the curriculum review and development process.

Addressing the project team, the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta emphasized the need to align all curricula with the principles of competence-based training.

Focus on Labour-market Aligned Training

According to the Project Coordinator, Dr Denis Mutebi, the reform will involve a comprehensive assessment of the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD programmes in Geology. “Working closely with mining companies, regulatory institutions, and artisanal mining associations, we will map workforce competencies, identify emerging industry skill requirements, analyze existing skills gaps, and benchmark our curricula against international standards.”

Shift Toward Practical-based Learning

One of the major reforms proposed is the restructuring of the programmes to emphasize practical learning. The revised curricula will consist of 30 percent theory, 50 percent practical training, and 20 percent fieldwork, while the PhD programme will be transformed into a taught-research model to better prepare graduates for industry and advanced research.

Industry-focused Short Courses

Beyond degree programmes, the Department will develop a series of industry-responsive short courses aimed at upgrading the skills of professionals already working across Uganda’s mineral value chain. The courses are expected to benefit between 150 and 200 environmental officers, artisanal and small-scale miners, mineral processors and other practitioners.

The proposed short courses will cover Fundamentals of Mineral Processing, Mineral Ore Size Reduction and Classification, Ore Beneficiation Techniques, Mineral Value Addition Techniques, Mineral Policy, Governance and Economics, and Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Practices in Mining and Processing.

Laboratory Upgrades and Capacity Building

Funding under the project will also support the upgrading of geology laboratories at Makerere University to enhance practical training, research and innovation.

In addition to reviewing curricula against global standards and conducting industry surveys, the project will embed critical competencies that are currently underrepresented, including mineral development, value addition, environmental stewardship and health and safety management. The project team believes the reforms could provide a model for curriculum transformation in other resource-rich African countries.

Expected Impact

Ultimately, the initiative is expected to improve graduate employability, reduce the mining industry’s dependence on foreign professionals and strengthen the capacity of Uganda’s existing workforce. By producing highly skilled geoscientists and upgrading the competencies of current practitioners, the reforms are expected to contribute significantly to sustainable mineral-led industrialization and economic transformation.

Project Team

1. Dr. Denis Mutebi – Project Coordinator
2. Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta – Compliance Lead
3. Dr Arthur Batte – Data Analyst, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Lead
4. Dr. Ivan Ssewanyaga Mukiibi – Mining Industry Liaison and Skills Mapping Lead
5. Dr John Mary Kiberu – Accreditation, Programmes, and Logistics Lead
6. Dr Joan Nakajigo – Communication and Reporting Lead
7. Ms. Claire Birungi – Project Accountant

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Africa’s Research Gap and Need for Investment in Graduate Training

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for increased investment in graduate training, research, and innovation, emphasizing that Africa’s socio-economic transformation depends on the continent’s ability to train and retain homegrown scientists and researchers capable of driving sustainable development.

Speaking during the University Senior Management engagement with staff at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) on 19^th June 2026, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Africa’s limited contribution to global knowledge production, noting that the continent accounts for only about 3% of the world’s research publications.

He cited a 2020 World Bank recommendation that Africa needs to produce one million PhDs by 2030 if it is to accelerate transformation and compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.

“Africa cannot achieve sustainable development without significantly increasing its capacity for research, innovation, and graduate training,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

Lessons from South Korea’s Development Model

Drawing comparisons with countries that have successfully leveraged higher education to drive development, the Vice Chancellor pointed to South Korea’s remarkable transformation over the past six decades. He noted that in the 1960s, Uganda was economically ahead of South Korea and even extended financial support to the Asian nation. Today, however, South Korea has emerged as a global economic powerhouse largely because of sustained investments in higher education, research, and innovation.

According to Prof. Nawangwe, South Korea currently produces approximately 12,900 PhDs annually, while South Africa, one of Africa’s leading research nations, produces about 2,000 PhDs each year.

Makerere University’s Role in Closing the Research Gap

The Vice Chancellor challenged Makerere University, particularly the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), to play a greater role in addressing Africa’s research deficit. He described CoNAS as one of the best-resourced colleges at the university and urged it to expand postgraduate training and research output.

Despite acknowledging that much work remains to be done, Prof. Nawangwe said Makerere had made significant strides in building research capacity. He revealed that the university currently manages a research portfolio worth approximately USD 400 million, a figure he said exceeds the national budgets of several African countries, including Burundi, Eritrea, and Comoros.

He further noted that Makerere is implementing 35 United Kingdom-funded projects and more than 40 ongoing European Union-supported initiatives, underscoring the institution’s growing international research profile.

“Makerere is one of the most collaborative universities in the world, partnering with universities and agencies across the globe,” he said.

Call for Commercialization of Innovations

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Uganda’s future development will largely depend on the university’s ability to generate knowledge and innovative solutions. He called for the commercialization of research projects to ensure that innovations made at the institution contribute directly to national development.

“The socio-economic development of Uganda depends on what we do at Makerere. Our research must move beyond laboratories and classrooms to create industries, businesses, and solutions that improve people’s lives,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to equip staff and students with computers and digital tools at all levels of education, arguing that technology access is essential for producing the scientists and innovators required to drive industrialization.

As part of Makerere’s long-term strategy, Prof. Nawangwe advocated for the establishment and strengthening of specialized centres of excellence in key areas, including space sciences, sports development, mathematics, science and technology, plant sciences, and petroleum and gas studies.

He said these centres would not only advance research and innovation but also stimulate the growth of discipline-specific academic journals, enhancing Africa’s contribution to global scholarship.

To further expand the university’s impact, Prof. Nawangwe called for increased student enrolment, particularly in science-related disciplines. He revealed that the University Management is engaged in discussions with government aimed at securing additional funding for research.

The engagement provided an opportunity for Senior Management and staff to discuss graduate enrolment, research productivity, supervision, mentorship, infrastructure, and strategic interventions needed to enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of postgraduate education at Makerere University.

CoNAS Presentation: Research Output and Graduate Training

Briefing the Senior Management team about the status of research and graduate training at CoNAS, the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, highlighted the College’s strategic role in advancing scientific knowledge, nurturing talent, and generating solutions to national and global development challenges.

As one of the University’s leading research hubs, CoNAS hosts over 1,300 students and about 153 academic, technical, and administrative staff across eight departments under the Schools of Biosciences and Physical Sciences. The College contributes significantly to teaching and research across several colleges and academic units at Makerere University, with more than 150 publications annually and research activities in several scientific fields. “These efforts have contributed to policy development, technological innovation, environmental conservation, public health, energy planning, and agricultural sustainability,” Prof. Ireeta noted.

To further enhance graduate training and research excellence, Prof. Ireeta called for increased funding for graduate students and research, establishment of more specialized laboratories, operationalization of the Research Information Management System (RIMS) to track student progress, revitalization of the Graduate Fellowship Programme, and expanded scholarship opportunities for outstanding students.

He also appealed for stronger industry partnerships, increased recruitment of technical staff, greater support for the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) in Kibale, incentives for research publications, and a review of the Teaching Assistant position to retain talented graduates within the University system.

Prof. Ireeta emphasized that investing in graduate education and research will strengthen Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Presenting the graduate statistics at CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi, emphasized the importance of sustained investment in graduate training as a key strategy for maintaining and increasing enrolment.  

The engagement also provided an opportunity for various university units to present their services and interventions aimed at enhancing graduate training, research productivity, and academic excellence.

Strengthening Graduate Training Systems and Policy Reform

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Edward Bbaale, called on the College to deepen its collaboration with industry partners in order to better align academic programmes with real-world needs. He further emphasized the importance of expanding research centres to strengthen innovation and knowledge generation within the institution. In addition, he encouraged continued implementation of competence-based curricula, noting that such approaches are essential for equipping students with practical skills and adaptability required to meet the changing demands of the job market.

Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training at Makerere University, emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity to improve graduate training in both quality and numbers. He informed staff of the ongoing policy reforms aimed at improving graduate training. He called on academic staff to participate in a survey on doctoral supervision to inform future reforms. He also announced plans to introduce a PhD programme in Artificial Intelligence, intended to align graduate training with emerging technological trends and national development priorities. Additionally, he urged all academic staff to register on the Research Information Management System (RIMS), which is designed to improve research coordination, track academic outputs, and strengthen institutional oversight.

Support Systems for Research and Academic Writing

Prof. Fredrick Muyodi encouraged staff and students to leverage the services of the Makerere University Writing Centre. The Centre supports postgraduate students, early-career researchers, senior academics, and other categories of staff within the University to improve their writing skills. It particularly offers training programmes in manuscript writing, development of competitive grant proposals, responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic writing, and preparation of policy briefs, and minutes. The services are designed to improve research quality, publication output, and success in attracting research funding.

Speaking on grants management, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head of the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the proper and timely close-out of research grants upon completion. She observed that while many projects successfully deliver on their grant-funded activities, the formal close-out stage is frequently overlooked, despite being a key requirement for accountability, compliance, and strengthening the integrity of research management systems.

Prof. Tamusuza stressed that effective grant closure is not merely procedural, but an essential part of the research lifecycle that safeguards institutional credibility and enhances prospects for future funding. She further highlighted GAMSU’s comprehensive support role across the entire grant continuum, including the identification of funding opportunities, interpretation of donor requirements, facilitation of competitive proposal development, guidance during submission, and oversight of the pre-award process through a dedicated grants management system designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and coordination.

She urged Project Principal Investigators to prioritize the timely submission of quarterly progress reports, noting that consistent reporting is central to strengthening accountability frameworks, improving project monitoring, and ensuring that research activities remain aligned with the approved objectives and deliverables.

From the Makerere University Press (MakPress), Dr. William Tayebwa commended CoNAS for its contribution to book publishing and urged staff to increase the number of book projects and scholarly journals originating from the College. He emphasized the importance of developing more home-grown journals to enhance the visibility of local research. Dr. Tayebwa further pledged support in securing International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN), obtaining Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), and guiding journals through indexing pathways to increase their global reach and credibility.

Publishing, Quality Assurance, and Innovation Commercialization

In his remarks, the Chief Quality Assurance Officer, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, highlighted Makerere University’s continued academic progress, noting that it is currently ranked 904^th globally and placed among the top 4.3% of universities worldwide-a reflection of the institution’s growing global standing.

He commended CoNAS researchers for their strong output in high-impact journals and urged staff to consistently upload all publications into the university’s quality assurance system to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of research achievements.

Dr. Misinde further emphasized the need to fully align academic programmes with the competence-based curriculum framework, with greater emphasis on practical skills development and industry engagement, to ensure graduates are well-prepared to meet evolving labour market demands.

The Acting Assistant Manager at the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, encouraged researchers to utilize the centre to refine, develop, and commercialize their innovations. She noted that the centre serves as a vital platform for transforming research outputs into market-ready products and services, bridging the gap between academia and industry while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community.

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Pictorial of the meeting: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NPUwpHONFFi-BbA3R1af1Ja6qnLDqKk2?usp=sharing

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