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:
Green transition by ensuring food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, climate change and sustainable energy
Innovation and technology
Building capacities for science
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application package should include:
One-page application letter
A motivation statement not exceeding 600 words
Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages) with at least two academic referees
A copy of the candidate`s national identity card
Copies of relevant academic documents (Photocopies), with certified copies of the BSc transcript and certificate by the academic registrar.
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.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
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Select option 3-Admission
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The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
WARNING:
Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.