Scholars from Africa and beyond on 4th-8th September 2023 met at Makerere University to deliberate on innovations, solutions and developments that facilitate the growth and expansion of Mathematics.
The Head, Department of Mathematics at Makerere University, Prof. Godwin Kakuba welcoming participants to the workshop.
Held under the auspices of Women in SAGE on the theme “SageMath: Free for all Mathematicians”, the meeting drew participants from Uganda, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta delivers his remarks.
Women in Sage is part of the long tradition of conferences on Mathematics with SageMath Software. Since 2007, more than 100 Sage Days have been organized around the world. During these days, participants discover the SageMath software, develop their programming skills and contribute to the development of the software.
The Deputy Principal of CoNAS Prof. Juma Kasozi tasked participants to embrace networking and knowledge sharing.
The Women in Sage days organised at Makerere University with support from the African Women in Mathematics Association (AWMA), and the Eastern Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences – Uganda Chapter (EANWoBAS-U)/ Uganda Women Mathematicians (UGAWOM) bring together African mathematicians to work as a team, share their motivation, and discover women that can be considered as role models. Other activities include launching new programming skills and research projects and collaborations between mathematicians from different African countries; creating mentoring networks for young women embarking on mathematical research; and teaching new programming skills to African women mathematicians.
The President of the Uganda Women Mathematicians, Prof. Betty Nanyonga Kivumbi briefed participants about the activities of their Association.
Addressing participants at the workshop, the Head, Department of Mathematics, Prof. Godwin Kakuba decried the small number of women in Mathematics, calling for more interventions to increase the number. He appreciated all development partners supporting the development of the subject of Mathematics. Similarly, the Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta called for interventions to interest more girls and women in Mathematics. He appreciated the organizers of the Sage workshops noting that they are a great avenue for increasing the number of women in Mathematics.
Prof. Elisha Lorenzo Garcia from Switzerland and an ardent supporter of the initiative called for more women participation in the development of Mathematics.
According to Dr Olivia Nabawanda, one of the conveners, the main objective of the workshop was to bring together women mathematicians to share experiences, get inspired by different role models, and to establish networks with the aim of promoting the subject of Mathematics.
Dr. Marie-Françoise Ouedraogo from the University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso speaking at the workshop. She emphasized the importance of educationg women and girls.
In her remarks, Prof. Elisha Lorenzo Garcia from Switzerland, and an ardent supporter of the Women in Sage initiative applauded the participants, noting that they had a significant role to play in the development of Mathematics.“Women have a lot to contribute to the Mathematics community as well as the socio-economic transformation of nation states.”
One of the Conveners, Dr. Olivia Nabawanda of Mbarara University of Science and Technology addresses participants addresses participants.
Highlighting the achievements of their Association, the President of Uganda Women Mathematicians, Prof. Betty Nanyonga Kivumbi, emphasised the need to promote and encourage more women to embrace Mathematics.
Participants following the proceedings of the workshop.
The workshop was among others supported by Makerere University, Busitema University, CIMPA, European Mathematics Society, Journal of Number Theory, International Mathematics Union, Number Theory Foundation (NTF), African Women Mathematics Association, International Mathematics Union, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Combinatorics Foundation. It was coordinated by Dr Alex Bamunoba from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University.
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 9 constituent colleges of Makerere University, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and education in Uganda.
Comprising two schools and seven departments, CoNAS offers cutting-edge research and academic programs across diverse fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biological sciences.
The College is committed to nurturing innovative thinkers and leaders who can tackle the complex challenges of today’s world through scientific exploration and discovery. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, CoNAS plays a central role in shaping Uganda’s scientific and technological future. It fosters a culture of critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The College’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative research initiatives continue to inspire and develop world-class professionals who make significant contributions to both national and global progress.
This edition of the report highlights the activities and achievements of 2024, aligned with the University’s strategic focus on Innovative Teaching and Learning, Research, Innovations and Technology Transfer, and Strategic Engagement and Partnerships.
Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.
According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.
While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.
In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.
Dr Kubiriza addressing participants.
Objectives of the Terminal Seminar
The seminar aims to:
Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would equip students with practical skills and emotional resilience for today’s dynamic job market.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students are expected to:
Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career.
2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights
On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
Mr. John Walugembe addresses participants.
The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.
A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Acting Director of the Makerere University Innovation Pod, addressed students on leveraging the digital landscape to boost their careers.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.
Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.
In his remarks, Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable.
In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.
Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.
Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland, also an alumnus of CoNAS sharing his experiences.
Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.
Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”
Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session.
Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.
Dr. Joel Isanga moderates the session.
In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.
The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.
The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event.Some of the Final Year students at the seminar.Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers.
Due to the frequent use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of poultry by Ugandan farmers, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. This has resulted in an outbreak of poultry and human diseases in addition to drug residues in chicken meat being consumed by the majority of Ugandans. Thus, “If you are eating chicken daily then you could be at a high risk.” These residues have spilled into the environment and also contaminated the food for the indigenous free-range chicken which people thought were safer to eat. Interestingly, some consumers think cooking chicken can reduce antibiotic residue levels, but it does not completely remove them. Boiling or frying chicken can cause antibiotic residues to migrate into the cooking liquid, but they don’t guarantee full degradation or elimination.
Drugged chicken.What is being consumed.
Looking at the situation at hand, I went back to our indigenous knowledge systems in a quest to formulate an organic poultry feed since natural solutions have proven safer, effective, and sustainable. But remember, to break the cycle or solve any problem, we have to start from the roots and this is by improving the diet for our poultry and ruling out the use of conventional antibiotics. Thus, I went ahead to investigate natural bacteriocins and phytobiotics which I integrated into a special feed for chicken. In addition to the feed is a probiotic solution for gut health.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and their packaging.
Special thanks to the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) for funding this research to prototypes.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and booster in their packaging.
Soon we will commence bulk processing and take the feed to the market but before that, we will scientifically validate the feed through efficiency testing in comparison with imported feeds and Uganda-produced feeds. Furthermore, we will produce different feeds to meet the needs of the different types of chicken (broilers, layers, dual-purpose). This will put our product in a better place on the market and also be able to convince our customers with concrete scientific evidence. In addition, we want to change the mindsets of the majority of Ugandans, especially poultry farmers, and let them understand that Organic poultry farming is the best as it results in quality meat, quality eggs, quality fertilizer, and more returns/ profits.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi.
In conclusion, we need to embrace our indigenous systems and remember that once we were healthier without cancer, strange disease conditions, and rampant fertility issues. This is majorly because we consumed clean food as opposed to now where our food is highly contaminated with drug residues.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University