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Call for Applications: MSc. Research Fellowships

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ADOPTING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACHES IN GENETIC IMPROVEMENTS, NUTRITIONAL ENHANCEMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTION OF NILE TILAPIA IN UGANDA

BACKGROUND

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), center for Aquaculture Research and Development, Kajjansi in collaboration with Makerere University, was awarded a contract under the European Union-funded project to conduct research on: “Adopting multidisciplinary approaches in genetic improvements, nutritional enhancement and climate change adaptation for improved production of Nile tilapia in Uganda (ARISE-PP).” The overall objective of the project is to breed Nile tilapia for fast growth and temperature resilience; and ultimately formulate commercially competitive and environmentally safe fish feeds for sustainable production of Nile tilapia in Uganda. To achieve this broad aim, the project will: i) Study the effects of elevated water temperature on the growth, survival and physiology of Nile tilapia strains from Ugandan lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, and Edward; ii) Select and breed Nile tilapia strains from Ugandan lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Albert or Edward for both fast growth and tolerance to elevated temperature; iii) Develop cost effective and environmentally safe feeds for the fast growing temperature-resilient Nile tilapia strains; and iv) Popularize the fast growing Nile tilapia strain resilient to elevated water temperature and the allied feeding regime. The project aims at achieving: i) Fastgrowing and temperature-resistant Nile tilapia strain produced and popularized across Uganda’s agro-zones to aid aquaculture development; ii) Reduced cost of protein supplements to achieve regular production of quality fish feeds with high digestibility and low feed conversion ratio; iii) Reduced cost of fish feeds resulting from the use of low cost locally available/accessible protein supplements in feed formulation; hence, promoting fish farming in Uganda; iv) Increased availability of farmed fish at reduced retail prices by at least 20%, leading to more people consuming fish, thus, reducing malnutrition; and v) A network of aquaculture scientists built for long-term scientific research engagements towards transforming aquaculture in Uganda. The project will largely achieve her objective through activities executed to fulfill each objective, and preferably through six students (i.e., 02 PhDs and 04 MSc). Three students (i.e., 02 PhDs and 01 MSc) have already been recruited on the programme. The project is now sourcing for two more hardworking and self-motivated students who are already admitted to take on MSc degree in the field of fisheries and Aquaculture or related field.

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Applications are invited for two (2) MSc students who will work on the different components of the project, aligned to the AU-EU priorities for research and innovation focusing on:

  1. Green transition by ensuring food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, climate change and sustainable energy
  2. Innovation and technology
  3. Building capacities for science

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application package should include:

  1. One-page application letter
  2. A motivation statement not exceeding 600 words
  3. Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages) with at least two academic referees
  4. A copy of the candidate`s national identity card
  5. Copies of relevant academic documents (Photocopies), with certified copies of the BSc transcript and certificate by the academic registrar.
  6. Evidence of being an MSc. student at Makerere University

SUBMISSION DEADLINE Interested candidates should send in their applications (compiled in a single PDF file) to the Principal Investigator Dr. Margaret Aanyu (maggieaanyu@gmail.com), and with a copy to the project Graduate Coordinator Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza (godfrey.kubirizag@mak.ac.ug or kubirizag@gmail.com), by the 15th September 2023.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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