Agriculture & Environment
Stakeholders to work with Academia to strengthen Education & Research in Biodiversity Conservation
On 16th November 2023, national and international stakeholders participated in the kick off workshop hosted at Makerere University to further consolidate various schools of thought aimed at producing a holistic and relevant graduate student equipped with practical skills, research and problem solving abilities aligned to Sustainable Development Goals.
The blended kick off workshop, which brought on board the academia, researchers, private sector, civil society, business community and graduate students set the pace for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnership Project titled: Strengthening Education and Research Capacity for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Use.”
Expected to benefit over 350 graduate students and 20 members of staff, the SDG Partnership project that will be implemented by Makerere University (Mak) through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW), and Central University of Technology (CUT) is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Welcoming the stakeholders to the kick off workshop, the research project team represented by Prof. John Tabuti from Makerere University and Ms Nele Vahrenhorst from Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences highlighted that the project seeks to contribute to the following SDGs:
- Poverty Eradication (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality Education (SDG 4), Economic Growth (SDG 8), promoting sustainable consumption and production through developing business opportunities in natural resources use (SDG 12), Climate action through better management technologies and protection on natural resources and ecosystems reducing carbon emissions (SDG 13), as well as protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managed forests, combat desertification and halt reverse land degradation and halt bio diversity loss (SDG 15).
Prof. Tabuti stated that the mode of delivery will prioritise the student using an approach referred to as ‘Student-centred learning.”
The main objective of the project is to enhance SDG research and teaching through a strong North-South-South partnership between HSRW, Mak, and CUT, so as to prepare graduate students for the societal challenges ahead, and the requirements of the job market. The SDG project partnership will ensure that university graduates are highly equipped with the necessary competencies to develop appropriate resource management responses, and implement optimum biodiversity conservation strategies as well as dealing with dynamic and complex business problems. The project will address the issue of environmental degradation hence poverty reduction, food insecurity, natural resource depletion, and climate change.
The project will focus on mainly Uganda, being the most bio-diverse country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 70% of its population relying on agriculture and use of natural resources. In addition, the loss of substantial parts of the natural habitat used in infrastructure development and extension is a major issue of concern. The research project states the urgent need to encourage the youths and students to foster their passion for SDGs premised on the rapid population growth in Uganda, with 50% of the population being under 16 years old.
Officially opening the kick off workshop for the SDG partnership project, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Associate Prof. Robert Wamala from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training commended the physical and online participants for accepting to engage in this highly interactive workshop. He further underscored the need to conduct research aligned to the SDGs, national development goals, and global challenges.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that biodiversity, despite sustaining the planet, faces unprecedented challenges including: Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource use. He highlighted education and research as the most formidable tools in addressing these challenges. He noted the role played by Makerere University through its 5-year Strategic Plan that aligns with the National Development Plan III (2020/21-2024/25), by contributing to our transformation into a “research-led” institution with a multi-faceted research agenda and enhanced engagement with industry players.
Associate Professor Robert Wamala concluded by informing the audience that DAAD has been instrumental in his career growth, having sponsored both his Masters’ and PhD studies. Currently serving as Deputy Director (Research Innovations and Partnerships) at Makerere University, he applauded DAAD for supporting research and capacity building programmes at Makerere University.
According to the Acting Head, Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, Associate Professor Vincent Muwanika, the project will support practical training of students on problem identification, and staff in identifying and publishing local cases that are key in enhancing growth, not only at Makerere University but also in the private sector.
Associate Prof. Muwanika observed that the project’s alignment with SDG 15 will be guided by and greatly benefit from partnerships. He noted that partnerships are key in enabling us share and cross fertilize academic ideas and experiences, a feat that has kept Makerere University among top-tier research institutions.
Highlighting the importance of policies in churning out relevant products, Associate Prof. Muwanika commended the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for spearheading and overseeing policies and programmes that recognize, incentivize, and promote partnerships with industry, people and institutions outside Makerere University.
To further onboard the stakeholders, the project team leads namely Prof. John Tabuti and Ms Nele Vahrenhorst specified that the main activities of the project would include: improving the teaching material on courses that assemble natural resources for use, socio-ecological issues, data analysis, genetics, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism. The project will focus on capacity building of teaching and research staff on various methods, develop case studies on sustainable natural resources use, develop networks with non-academic actors, enhance student mobility to strengthen international perspectives, as well as promote inter-country inter-disciplinary learning exchange, incorporate higher education management, internationalization, digitalization as well as monitoring and evaluation.
Prof. Tabuti advocated for a strong stakeholder engagement for content development, research undertakings and case studies. “We have brought you on board because you are key people in the field. You are going to play an instrumental role in the development of case studies. Stakeholders will work with the academic staff to develop the content and teach our students,” said Prof. Tabuti.
In a highly interactive session involving a plenary and group sessions, the stakeholders contributed to the discussion on their needs and expectations regarding the graduate competencies and skills in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resources.
Matters arising from the stakeholder workshop:
- With regard to the kind of graduates’ employers would wish to have, participants presented a number of qualities including: good communication skills, practical orientation, humility, openness to diversity, readiness to learn and unlearn, ability to adopt to work ethics, problem solving skills, articulateness, confidence with ability to collaborate, design thinking mindset, and innovativeness.
- In response to a question on how the partnership with stakeholders to support teaching and research shall be made possible, the participants presented proposals including: Identification of case studies linking to the lecture to be delivered, identification of key stakeholders, stakeholder engagement, identification of valid course content, design access and agreement on methodological approach to be used during the teaching and learning process, compilation of issues to be addressed before they are presented, design of a working document that can guide who does what, coming up with a team to develop a framework for developing the curricular.
- Responses to a question on how partners can collaborate in development of case studies included: contribution of knowledge to case study development, establishment of linkages with the community, identification of research gaps, sharing of available resources in public domain, documentation of intellectual property rights, collaboration in teaching and training of students, provision of internship opportunities, giving notifications for advance preparation.
During the presentations, stakeholders indicated the readiness to partner with Makerere University to contribute to the development of case studies and content production for lectures and community outreach.
Closing the kick off workshop, Prof. Tabuti conveyed his gratitude to Makerere University management for supporting the project. He acknowledged Ms Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University for moderating the workshop. He thanked Dr. Dorothy Nampanziira, Ms Ritah Namisango, Ms Aziidah Namatovu and Dr. Godfrey Mayende for the excellent coordination of activities leading to the successful hosting of the workshop. He also thanked the physical and online participants for actively contributing to the stakeholders’ workshop.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Moves to Revitalize Food Technology & Business Incubation Centre to Drive Innovation & Entrepreneurship
By Ssembogga Derrick
Makerere University marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 10th July 2025, with the launch of the revitalization programme for the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). This initiative is poised to position the FTBIC as a national hub for food innovation, student enterprise development, and agro-industrial transformation.
Hosted under the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) at the College of the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the revitalization of the FTBIC is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry. “We aim to achieve this by supporting food-based start-ups, enhancing graduate entrepreneurship, and promoting the commercialization of research,” Dr Julia Kigozi, Dean, SFTNB explained. The project receives critical funding from the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), which consistently supports innovation and research-based development at the university.
Unveiling a New Strategic Vision
The event, held under the theme “Revitalizing FTBIC to Unlock Innovation and Entrepreneurship Potential among Makerere University Graduates”, marked the official launch of the Centre’s revitalization programme to key stakeholders. It featured the presentation of FTBIC’s new strategic vision and direction, highlighting the commitment of the institution and its partners to fostering graduate entrepreneurship and innovation in food systems. The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Centre’s crucial role in supporting industry, research, and national development.
Participation of stakeholders
The launch attracted a vibrant and diverse audience of over 50 participants. Among the attendees were student representatives; partners from other incubation centers both within and outside Makerere University, including MIIC, UNIPOD, and DGI; as well as representatives from national innovation stakeholders such as Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and StartHub Africa.
Most notably, the event was honored by the presence of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The Vice Chancellor commended the revitalization efforts, acknowledging the Centre’s immense potential to incubate hundreds of food-based start-ups and create employment opportunities for thousands of graduates. “The Centre is now well-positioned to become a flagship platform for innovation, employment creation, and agro-industrial development in Uganda and beyond. Makerere University remains committed to supporting such initiatives that align with national priorities and global development goals.”
The event featured the unveiling of the operational framework for the revitalized Centre, highlighting its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical graduate training. Stakeholders in attendance expressed enthusiasm and pledged support for future collaboration, research, and product development initiatives aligned with national development priorities. The event also provided a platform to deepen partnerships with private sector actors and development organizations, reinforcing confidence in the Centre’s potential to serve as a national model for university-led incubation.
Agriculture & Environment
SophiA Project Upgrades Medical Infrastructure at Buvuma Health Centre IV, Trains Technicians for Maintenance Works
Overview of the Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project
Despite ongoing urbanization across Africa, the majority of the population still resides in rural and remote areas, where infrastructure development remains limited. These regions face significant challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, education, clean water, and reliable electricity, contributing to higher rates of illness and poverty compared to urban centres. According to reports, Sub-Saharan Africa has approximately 120,000 public health facilities (22,000 hospitals and 98,000 health posts), of which around 26% lack any electricity access, and only 28% have reliable power supply.
Access to good healthcare is critical for sustainable development. However, many rural medical centres operate under harsh conditions – using polluted water, lacking cooling for medicines, and facing poor sanitation – largely due to unreliable electricity and water supply. Although half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lacks electricity, the region has abundant renewable energy potential that can be effectively harnessed through off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
To address the above-mentioned challenges facing the African Continent, Makerere University in partnership with 13 organizations across Europe and Africa developed a project titled, “Sustainable Off-grid solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA)”. The five-year project that began on 1st October 2021 is funded by the European Union (Project: 101036836 – SophiA – H2020-LC-GD-2-3-2020). At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
Piloted in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, and Uganda, SophiA aims to provide sustainable off-grid energy solutions to rural and remote health facilities, fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access to energy and healthcare. Using various technologies, such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, electrical and thermal storage, water treatment and natural refrigerants with low global warming potential, SophiA has developed and manufactured locally innovative, modular, affordable and efficient solar powered systems for providing:
- Safe and clean drinking water, free of bacteria and viruses, and deionised water for medical purposes;
- Hot water and steam production for thermal requirements of the hospitals;
- Cooling of medicines and food at +5°C;
- Low temperature storage of blood plasma and vaccines at -30°C;
- Ultra-low temperature storage of sensitive medication (e.g. some Covid-19 or Ebola vaccines) at -70°C.
In addition, PV MedPort, a simple and 100% solar-powered solution has been developed and tested as a mobile health care station in small remote areas in 4 different geographical conditions in Africa. The SophiA system has been manufactured in Africa and will provide, for the first-time, innovative solutions based on climate-friendly natural refrigerants to cover cooling demand for three different temperature ranges (-70°C, -30°C and +5°C). The system has been tested and demonstrated at four rural hospitals in remote regions throughout the African continent covering the major geographical regions and different climatic conditions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.
SophiA Project initiatives in Uganda
In Uganda, all Health Centre IV hospitals with surgical theatres have been connected to the national grid except Buvuma Health Centre IV, which serves over 120,000 people scattered across 52 islands. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Health selected Buvuma Health Centre IV for the SophiA project to demonstrate sustainable off-grid solutions.
The SophiA System at Buvuma Health Centre IV provides the following services:
- Off-grid electricity supply
- Safe, clean drinking water for patients, staff, and the community
- Hot water and steam systems crucial for maternal care
- Solar-powered cooking and meal preparation
- Cooling systems for surgery and intensive care units
- Refrigeration for medicines at +5°C, blood plasma storage at -30°C, and ultra-low temperature storage (-70°C) for sensitive vaccines such as those for COVID-19 and Ebola
Training of Trainers Workshop
As the SophiA project approaches completion in September 2025, it is vital to establish a skilled pool of technicians capable of handling maintenance and minor repairs of the system components, including solar panels, water treatment units, generators, batteries, and cooking kits.
From June 23 to 27, 2025, Makerere University hosted a comprehensive Training of Trainers workshop. The training programme encompassed a diverse range of topics delivered by subject matter experts from institutions, including Makerere University (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering – CAES, and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology – CEDAT), Hochschule University of Applied Sciences, and Busitema University. Participants were carefully selected from diverse professional backgrounds, including recent engineering graduates from CAES and CEDAT, Makerere University, University technical staff, personnel from Kyambogo University, officials from Buvuma District Works and Health Departments, and electricians from Kampala City. The training sessions were conducted at Makerere University and Buvuma Health Centre IV Hospital.
Training Modules Included:
- Sustainable energy systems and their practical applications
- Energy generation and storage technologies
- Solar water heating: design, operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of solar water heaters, crop dryers, and concentrating solar heaters
- Solar PV technologies in Uganda: cell technology, system design, operations, maintenance, and hands-on practicals for standalone and grid-connected systems
- Public health implications of water quality
- Water treatment and quality management, including protocols, parameters, and case study on the MCDI treatment system
- Water quality testing methodologies
- Introduction to sustainable refrigeration and cooling technologies
- Environmental impact and safety considerations for refrigerants
- Refrigeration cycles and component overview
- Life cycle assessment of SophiA technologies
- Thermal energy storage within the SophiA system
- Steam as a productive energy source
The Training Sessions
Day One: Introduction to foundational concepts in solar energy technologies
The first day of the SophiA Train the Trainers Workshop focused on building foundational knowledge in sustainable and solar energy systems. Led by Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize and Dr. Francis Mujjuni, participants explored a range of technologies and applications critical to clean energy deployment.
Key topics included:
Sustainable Energy Systems: Introduction to renewable energy systems including bioenergy, hydro, wind, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage.
Solar Radiation & Geometry: Understanding solar constants, irradiance, and the impact of atmospheric conditions on solar performance.
Solar Thermal Technologies: Detailed look at solar water heating systems (FPCs and ETCs), maintenance, sizing, and solar dryers for agricultural and industrial use.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Working principles, types of PV cells, performance factors, and diagnostics. Practical testing techniques and metrics like Voc, Isc, MPP, and PR were discussed.
Simulation & Application: Olivia Nakiwanuka demonstrated a PVsyst-based simulation of a 2.55 kWp standalone system for a conference hall, showing a high solar fraction (97.88%) and low LCOE (USD 0.03/kWh).
The sessions emphasized practical skills, performance analysis, and real-world application, equipping participants to train others and support solar adoption, especially in rural and off-grid settings.
Day Two: Water Treatment Technologies
The second day focused on water treatment technologies relevant to low-resource healthcare settings. Facilitated by Sneha De and Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc from Hochschule Karlsruhe University, sessions covered technical, environmental, and operational challenges, with contributions from Dr. Joshua Wanyama on water quality management and Dr. Prossie Nakawuka on practical water testing.
Key challenges addressed included unreliable water supply and contamination in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for decentralized water treatment, especially in rural areas.
Sneha De reviewed biological and physical/chemical water treatment methods, highlighting technologies such as activated sludge, filtration, membrane bioreactors, and advanced disinfection techniques. The SophiA modular water treatment system, integrating ultrafiltration and membrane capacitive deionisation (MCDI), was introduced as a scalable solution for producing safe drinking and deionised water for medical use.
Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc trained participants on the MCDI technology, an energy-efficient method for salt and fluoride removal suitable for low-salinity water.
Dr. Joshua Wanyama discussed the water quality management protocols, outlining key physical, chemical, and biological water parameters and monitoring strategies, including modern IoT-based tools, to ensure water safety and public health.
The day concluded with a hands-on lab session by Dr. Prossie Nakawuka, where participants practiced water quality testing using turbidimeters, incubators, and filtration techniques.
Overall, Day Two combined theoretical insights, technology demonstrations, and practical skills, preparing participants to implement sustainable water treatment and quality management systems in healthcare environments.
Day Three: Refrigeration and Cold Storage
The third day of the SophiA workshop focused on sustainable refrigeration and cold storage technologies tailored for healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts discussed energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions vital for vaccine storage, medicines, and diagnostics, especially in off-grid and rural settings.
Key highlights included the introduction of solar-powered and biomass-based refrigeration systems, thermal energy storage methods, and the use of natural refrigerants like propane, ammonia, and CO₂ as environmentally safer alternatives. Presentations emphasized the critical role of refrigeration in healthcare and the urgent need to replace harmful chemicals with sustainable technologies.
Sessions covered real-world applications such as the SophiA cooling containers in Burkina Faso, safety protocols for flammable refrigerants, and the environmental and economic benefits of solar refrigeration systems assessed through life cycle analysis.
The day ended with an interactive quiz and discussion, reinforcing learning and encouraging participants to apply sustainable cooling practices in their communities.
Day Four: World Refrigeration Day & Field Visit to Buvuma Island
The fourth day of the SophiA Train the Trainers workshop was dedicated to the celebration of the World Refrigeration Day and a field excursion to Buvuma Island, providing participants with a unique opportunity to witness the SophiA system in action. The day was coordinated by Dr. Sarah Bimbona and Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, who led the delegation to Buvuma Health Centre IV, the pilot site for the SophiA installation in Uganda.
The visit served as both a practical extension of the previous day’s technical sessions and a community engagement event. Participants were able to observe the installed SophiA system, which integrates solar-powered refrigeration, water treatment and steam generation technologies designed for off-grid healthcare settings. During the visit, Dr. Kiggundu provided a detailed briefing to local stakeholders, including representatives from the Buvuma District Local Government, delegates from the Buganda Kingdom, and members of the local community. He explained how the SophiA system will enhance healthcare delivery on the island through reliable cold storage for vaccines and medicines, access to clean drinking water, and steam generated for cooking and use in the maternity wards.
As part of the long-term sustainability plan for the SophiA system, the launch of SophiA Water was announced, an entrepreneurial initiative designed to generate revenue locally for the operation and maintenance of the system.
The field trip ended with a certificate awarding ceremony in appreciation of the participants’ dedication and active engagement throughout the training programme.
Agriculture & Environment
APRC Trains Graduate Students & Stakeholders in the Use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas
The Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s agricultural future through evidence-based policymaking. With a mission to ensure that agricultural policies are grounded in empirical research and data, APRC is actively investing in capacity-building initiatives that empower researchers, policymakers, and development actors.
In a significant stride toward building climate resilience in African agriculture, APRC recently organized a two-day intensive training workshop focused on the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) – a state-of-the-art, web-based decision-support platform that facilitates the integration of climate data into agricultural planning and policy.
The workshop, held on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June 2025 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, targeted two key groups: graduate students on the first day, and university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on the second. This structure ensured tailored learning experiences for both emerging and seasoned professionals, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation.
The African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) is designed to provide dynamic, data-rich visualizations that support informed decision-making in agriculture and food systems across the continent. Through interactive maps and analytical tools, users can explore projected climate impacts, evaluate risks, and identify localized, climate-smart adaptation strategies.
Throughout the sessions, participants received hands-on training in a broad range of AAAA functionalities, including:
- Leveraging the Atlas for research and policy communication: Enhancing the ability of scientists and policy actors to translate complex climate data into actionable insights;
- Assessing projected climate impacts and associated agricultural risks: Essential for forward-looking planning and risk mitigation;
- Identifying climate-smart investment options, with a particular focus on the livestock sector, which is especially vulnerable to climate shocks;
- Analysing gendered vulnerabilities: Examining how climate change disproportionately affects women in agricultural communities;
- Understanding the implications of heat stress on agricultural productivity: Supporting targeted interventions to protect producers and their livelihoods;
- Estimating the economic returns of adaptation strategies: Aiding in prioritizing investments and allocating limited resources effectively.
Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the APRC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the training in advancing Africa’s adaptation agenda. “As climate change continues to threaten food security and disrupt livelihoods across the continent, tools like the AAAA, and the skills to use them effectively are essential. They empower decision-makers to craft policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and rooted in science,” he noted.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Florence Rwiza, Lecturer in the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics at CAES.
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