_{By Dr. Alice Nabatanzi}

At the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology (PMB) in the College of Natural Sciences, we are moving beyond the classroom to bring science to life. We are proud to showcase our innovative work with the Biotechnology Class of 2026. Our Product Development Centre has transitioned from theoretical research to practical, market-ready innovations. By applying advanced scientific principles, our students are developing tangible solutions that address everyday needs in nutrition, health, and industry.

Below are the latest products developed by our talented innovators:

• Nutrition & Food Technology: Vitamin A-rich bread, banana vinegar, food syrups, and fortified bio-snacks.
• Clinical Hygiene: Perfumes, Deodorants, Antibacterial gels, herbal toothpaste, shaving cream, and herbal mouthwash.
• Natural Wellness: Natural formulas for gut health, pain relief, cough lozenges, and nasal decongestants.
• Advanced Cosmeceuticals: Turmeric SunGuard patches, skin serums, toners, and anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Home & Industrial Solutions: Shoe deodorizing sprays, surface cleaners, and scented hygiene products.
• Agri-Tech: Natural bioindicator kits designed to monitor and improve soil health.

Through these initiatives, PMB continues to lead the way in re-engineering science for the benefit of our community and the world.

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Meet the Biotechnology Class of 2026. While everyone else is still stuck in textbooks writing about “how things might work,” we’re in the lab making sure they actually do. We’ve officially moved past the days of just talking about science and stepped into the era of real-world industry. From our Product Development Centre to the global market, we are setting a new standard for Biotechnology at CoNAS. We aren’t just graduating with degrees; we’re graduating with the future in our hands.

What’s Next: We’re Just Getting Started

This is only the beginning. We’re already working on the next wave of products, from eco-friendly bio-packaging and better probiotics to smart-crop tech that will change how we eat, heal, and live. We aren’t just waiting for the future to happen we’re in the lab building it right now.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer of Phytomedicine and Nutraceuticals at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University

*****Led by Dr. Patience Tugume from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University, a project titled “Bio-innovation of biogas, biofertilizer, and biopesticide through the utilization of bio-waste” is promoting the transformation of household food waste into biogas and other valuable bio-products. The project team disseminated the research findings to stakeholders in Mbarara City on 15^th April 2026.

About the Project

A one-year bio-innovation initiative focused on converting household food waste into biogas, biofertilizer, and biopesticides has yielded promising results in improving access to clean energy and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in peri-urban communities of Mbarara City.

The project, implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with Frevasema Ltd in Mbarara, was supported by UNESCO and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) – Canada through the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Launched in January 2024, it is led by Dr. Patience Tugume from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University.

The initiative has been implemented across five divisions of Mbarara City – Kakoba, Kamukuzi, Nyamitanga, Biharwe, and Nyakayojo – with additional field trials conducted in Masha Sub-county, Isingiro District.

Objectives of the project

The central aim of the project was to demonstrate how biodegradable household waste can be transformed into useful products, particularly biogas for cooking, as well as organic biofertilizers and biopesticides for improved crop production.

Key objectives of the project included: establishing a spin-off centre of bioreactors at the business partner institution (Frevasema Ltd) to demonstrate sustainable production of biogas, biopesticides and bio-fertilizers; training and equipping women and youth with hands-on skills in biogas production and usage; evaluation of yields from different bio wastes; and creation of linkages between academia, the private partner and rural communities in up-scaling production of biogas, biopesticides and bio-fertilizer from household/urban biodegradable wastes.

Key Activities and Dissemination of Project Findings

The project team conducted a survey to assess community perceptions and the factors influencing the adoption of biogas as an alternative cooking energy source in peri-urban areas of Mbarara City. In addition, biodigester tanks were constructed at FREVASEMA Ltd to support training and knowledge transfer activities.

Field experiments were undertaken in Masha Sub-county, Isingiro District to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide. Further experiments to assess biogas yield from different types of food waste were conducted at Makerere University.

The team also developed an integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide by enhancing bioslurry, a by-product of biogas production, with plant extracts known for their pesticidal properties. The effectiveness of this product was tested on the growth performance of green pepper, cabbage, and eggplant.

In line with one of the project objectives, the team also conducted hands-on training in biogas production from food waste for 35 students and 6 staff members of MAMITA Technical and Business Institute.

Dissemination workshop

On 15^th April 2026, the project team led by Dr. Tugume held a dissemination workshop to share findings with stakeholders and discuss strategies for scaling up the outcomes.  

Findings from the research highlight the strong potential of biogas in contributing to sustainable energy solutions, improving livelihoods, and enhancing environmental conservation through proper food waste management.

Key research findings

1. The application of integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide presents a viable alternative to scarce, expensive, and environmentally harmful inorganic fertilizers for enhancing vegetable productivity.
2. The study revealed that approximately 90.7% of respondents depend on charcoal and firewood as their primary cooking fuel.
3. While 92.1% of respondents were aware that biogas is produced from animal and plant materials, only 7.9% recognized that food waste can also serve as a feedstock, indicating limited awareness of its full potential.
4. Banana and potato peels, as well as posho and potatoes leftovers, and green vegetable trimmings, were identified as the most commonly generated food wastes.
5. A majority of respondents strongly agreed that biogas is a cleaner and more sustainable energy alternative compared to firewood.
6. Key barriers to biogas adoption included inadequate technical knowledge, safety concerns regarding biogas systems, and the high costs of constructing and maintaining biodigesters.
7. The extremely low adoption rate of biogas technology (0.3%) indicates significant underutilization despite its potential to mitigate fuel shortages.
8. There is a prevailing perception that biogas is suitable for cooking and can effectively replace biomass fuels, given the availability of sufficient feedstock from household food waste, human waste, and animal manure.
9. Potato and posho residues were identified as the most suitable primary feedstocks for biogas production due to their high nitrogen content, volatile solids, and total organic carbon (TOC).
10. Effective collection and proper segregation of food waste are essential for ensuring a consistent and uncontaminated supply of feedstock for biogas production systems.
11. Further research is recommended on integrated biogas systems that combine anaerobic digestion with other renewable energy technologies, such as solar energy or bioelectrochemical systems, to improve overall energy recovery efficiency.
12. Vegetables treated with the integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide consistently exhibited superior performance across all growth parameters compared to those treated with inorganic fertilizers (including 5% cypermethrin pesticide) and untreated controls.

Stakeholder engagement and appreciation of the initiative

During the dissemination workshop, Dr. Patience Tugume, the Principal Investigator, expressed gratitude to UNESCO and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-Canada, through the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), for funding the project.  She appreciated the research team composed of Dr. Asiimwe Savina, Prof. Maud Kamatensi-Mugisha, Prof. Bazirake Byarugaba, Ms. Catherine Kiconco and Mr. Muhumuza Robert for their contribution. She equally appreciated all participants for contributing valuable information to the study.

Stakeholders commended the project for its relevance and community impact.  

Prof. Bunny Lejju Julius from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, appreciated the project team for developing an innovation that directly addresses community needs and aligns with the principles of the competency-based curriculum, particularly the translation of academic knowledge into practical application. He advised that sustainability of the initiative could be strengthened through a multiplier approach, where the trained learners cascade the knowledge to other community members. He further recommended the identification of institutional staff who can undergo training at the spin-off centre and subsequently serve as trainers within their respective communities.

The portable biodigester system was recognized as a simple, affordable, and practical technology with the potential to provide a cost-effective alternative to charcoal and electricity. Participants noted that while resistance to change remains a challenge, continuous awareness creation is essential to promote adoption and facilitate behavioral change.

Mbarara District Forest Officer, Ms. Ainembazi Joses, highlighted the importance of the biogas production project in environmental conservation. She noted that the initiative contributes to reducing deforestation by offering an alternative to firewood and charcoal, thereby supporting sustainable natural resource management.

The Local Council Chairperson of Mailo-Biharwe Division, Mr. Didas Katabazi, appreciated the project team for the innovative work and its potential benefits to the community. He pledged to use his office to advocate for increased government support to scale up the project.

The Resident City Commissioner of Mbarara City expressed concern over the rising levels of deforestation in the district and commended the Principal Investigator for spearheading the innovation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting science and innovation. He emphasized the importance of integrating environmental protection with agricultural productivity, explaining that food security remains a national priority. He further noted that the project demonstrates the concept of waste valorization, where organic waste is transformed into valuable products such as biofertilizers and biopesticides, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity. He pledged to engage the Office of the President to support wider dissemination of the project outcomes. Additionally, he encouraged the trained students to act as ambassadors of the project by sensitizing communities on the benefits of biogas as an alternative source of cooking energy.

Way forward

1. The government should invest in constructing bio digesters for households at subsidized prices or offer them financial assistance to cater for bio digester construction.
2. Awareness campaigns about the production and use of biogas and associated benefits should be intensified in communities to dispel the negative perceptions.
3. Provision of technical training in operating and maintenance of biogas installations should be conducted.
4. Sorting of wastes at household level should be emphasised to separate biodegradable from non biodegradable ones.
5. The integrated bio-fertilizer-bio-pesticide is an effective, sustainable strategy to increase vegetable productivity while improving soil health in nutrient-limited soils.
6. The project recommends adoption of bio-fertilizers (e.g., bio-slurry) which are affordable and can be made from kitchen and market waste to reduce dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers to improve crop growth while controlling pests safely in addition to being safe for humans and the environment.

Donation of portable biodigester systems

As part of the commitment to translate research into tangible benefits, the project awarded two women and MAMITA Technical and Business Institute with portable biodigester systems for installation and use in their households and institution respectively. These systems will serve as demonstration units within the community showcasing the practicality, affordability, and impact of clean energy solutions at the household level.

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Report compiled by Dr Patience Tugume, Principal Investigator & Senior Academic Staff in the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology at Makerere University

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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.

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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:

1. Inadequate practical learning – Many schools lack functional laboratories, leaving students unable to connect concepts to real-life applications.
2. Limited digital access – Poor internet connectivity and lack of digital learning tools hinder modern science education.
3. Ineffective teaching methods – Overreliance on lectures weakens conceptual understanding.
4. Gender disparities – Lower confidence and limited participation of female students in practical work.
5. 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:

1. Expansion of practical learning through fieldwork and project-based activities, with government support to fund hands-on initiatives.
2. Investing in digital infrastructure, prioritizing internet access and online resources for underserved schools.
3. Upgrading laboratories with modern equipment and increasing technical support to create conducive learning environments.
4. Strengthening teacher development through continuous professional development programs promoting inquiry-based teaching.
5. Aligning curriculum and assessments by fostering collaboration between the NCDC and UNEB to ensure coherence between instruction and exams.
6. Enhancing student engagement through mentorship programs, academic clubs, and career guidance initiatives.
7. 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.

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The Project Team

1. Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi – PI (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
2. Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete – Co-PI (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
3. Assoc. Prof. Arthur Tugume (Dean, School of Biosciences, Makerere University)
4. Dr. Godfrey Kubiriza (Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
5. Dr. John Joseph Kisakye (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
6. Assoc. Prof. Eric Sande (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
7. Dr. Edward Kansiime – Co-PI, (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
8. Dr. John Sentongo (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
9. Dr. Levi Masereka (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
10. Dr. Reymick Oketch (Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, CEES, Makerere University)
11. Dr. Joel Isanga (Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, CoNAS, Makerere University)
12. Dr. Rosemary Nalwanga (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
13. Ms. Caroline Nakafeero (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, Makerere University)
14. Mr. Ambrose (School of Public Health)

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