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Empowering ABS Professionals: Makerere University’s Triumph in Hosting a Successful Stakeholders’ Consultation & Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol

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By Laban Lwasa

In a resounding success, Makerere University hosted the Stakeholders’ Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development on December 12, 2023. The event, held at the esteemed Telepresence Center in Makerere University, Kampala, drew participants from diverse backgrounds, converging to deliberate on vital aspects of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and the evolution of academic programs.

Guided by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Esther Katuura, the workshop marked a pivotal moment in advancing knowledge on ABS issues in Uganda. Building on the success of previous initiatives, this event aimed to foster collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, bringing together a diverse group of participants ranging from academics to industry experts.

The day commenced with insightful presentations, setting the stage for rich discussions on critical topics such as the Nagoya Protocol, the role of higher institutions in ABS mechanisms, national regulatory frameworks, and the intersection of Indigenous People and Local Communities with genetic resources. Dr. Katuura reiterated the project’s overarching goal: to conserve Uganda’s genetic resources and traditional knowledge, ensuring equitable and sustainable access to the benefits derived from their utilization.

The Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Juma Kasozi (with microphone) and the Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Cyprian Misinde (seated) at the workshop. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Juma Kasozi (with microphone) and the Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Cyprian Misinde (seated) at the workshop.

The Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi, welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of the workshop in shaping Makerere’s ABS narrative. A keynote presentation by the Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD), Dr. Cyprian Misinde, set the stage, delving into the intricacies of the Curriculum Development Process.

The Dean of the School of Biosciences, CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean of the School of Biosciences, CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume.
Presenter from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Achuu Peter. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Presenter from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Achuu Peter.

The Dean of the School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume, outlined the workshop’s objectives, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the broader ABS project’s success. The spotlight then turned to the Presenter from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Achuu Peter, providing insights into the current status of the Nagoya Protocol and ABS in Uganda.

Canon Goddy Muhumuza Muhanguzi from the Intellectual Property Management Office. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Canon Goddy Muhumuza Muhanguzi from the Intellectual Property Management Office.
The Makerere University Innovation Centre, Ag. Manager, Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Makerere University Innovation Centre, Ag. Manager, Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde.
Presenter from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), Mr. Innocent Akampurira. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Presenter from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), Mr. Innocent Akampurira.

A refreshing tea break and a group photo interlude set the scene for UNCST’s presentation by Mr. Innocent Akampurira on the Nagoya Protocol and ethical considerations in research. The Makerere University Innovation Centre, Ag. Manager, Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, and Canon Goddy Muhumuza Muhanguzi from the Intellectual Property Management Office delved into Intellectual Property Registration of Traditional Knowledge and Commercialization, shedding light on the complex yet vital facet of ABS.

The Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, CoNAS, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku. Stakeholders' Consultation and Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol and Curriculum Development held on December 12, 2023. Telepresence Center, Level 2, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, CoNAS, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku.

The mid-morning sessions brought forth a comprehensive understanding of the role of universities in ABS, paving the way for a pivotal presentation on the new curriculum. Led by the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Dr. JamiluSsenku, this segment introduced the BSc in Applied and Economic Botany, aligning academic pursuits with the evolving landscape of ABS.

A significant outcome of the workshop was the identification of key stakeholders for consultation on the new curriculum for the Bachelor of Economic Botany. This strategic step ensures that educational programs align with current ABS principles and practices, equipping students to navigate the complexities of genetic resource access and benefit-sharing.

As the workshop concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to championing the cause of ABS in Uganda. Dr. Katuura expressed her gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the importance of their contributions in shaping the project’s direction. Makerere University‘s ongoing leadership in ABS education and advocacy is evident in the success of this workshop, setting a promising tone for future endeavors.

The Stakeholders’ Workshop stands as a testament to Makerere University‘s unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact on the conservation and sustainable use of Uganda’s genetic resources. The journey continues, with Makerere University at the forefront of ABS education and advocacy, empowering professionals and shaping a more sustainable future.

Laban Lwasa is the Senior Administrative Assistant, Makerere University, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

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Mature Age Scheme Exam Results for 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released full results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations for the Academic Year 2025/2026 held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended by the Pre-Entry & Mature Age Committee to the University’s Admissions Board for Consideration.

The Aptitude Exam  Results for 2025/2026 Academic Year released in February 2025 can be found here.

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Call for Application: 2025 SNRM session 4 Summer School

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Participants in focused group discussions. Leiden-Delft-Erasmus East Africa Research Network (LEARN) in collaboration with the Urban Action Lab at Makerere University a workshop to deliberate strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change in urban centres in the East African Region, Theme: “Resilient Urban Futures: Adapting Livelihoods to Climate Change”, 4th-5th September 2024, School of Public Health Auditorium, Kampala Uganda.

Context:
Natural resources in Africa are being depleted at an alarming rate due to several factors, including unsustainable human activities, climate change, and population growth. A primary condition of sustainable development is to ensure that the pressures do not exceed the environmental limits, and that demand for the resources does not exceed levels that can be sustainably provided by nature. Therefore, there is a pressing need for transformative, systems-thinking approaches and tools that can tackle the diverse challenges facing these systems. In Africa, this need is compounded by a lack of data and monitoring, which significantly hinders sustainable decision-making.

Investing in young scientists who are committed to take lead in sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources is very important. Capacity building of young scientists will enhance their knowledge and skill on sustainable natural resources and their involvement for implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in Africa. To this effect, SNRM summer schools have been implemented in three sessions in 2019, 2020, and 2022 with support from Volkswagen Foundation; to build a critical mass of skilled and competent young natural resource scientists in Africa through training, capacity building and mentorship. Session 4 (2025) will target competent young scientists (MSc and PhD students) in Africa and Germany to further develop their knowledge and skills in systems thinking, advanced data collection and analysis, and application of emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), internet of things (IoT), and embracing transdisciplinary approaches. In addition, we include an ideation workshop where students can work on real problems to come up with solutions for sustainable transformations in natural resource use.

Organizers: Leibniz Universität – Hannover (Germany), University of Antananarivo, University of Abomey Calavi (Benin), Makerere University (Uganda), University of Ghana (Ghana), University of Parakou (Benin), The Technical University of Kenya, with financial support from the Volkswagen Foundation (Germany).

Venue and dates: Nairobi, Kenya, 16-28 November 2025

Target: MSc and PhD students, early in the program of less than 35 years of age from any university/research institution in either sub-Saharan Africa or Germany with an interest in natural resources management.

Participants and Scholarships: The course is fully funded and open to 20 MSc and PhD students from Africa, and 5 from Germany. Funding will cover the costs of air ticket, accommodation, meals, visa, and transportation. However, participants will cover the cost of their travel health insurance.

Topics

SNRM Summer School Session 4: Transformative pathways in biodiversity management and conservation.
This summer school is designed to deliver four modules over a two-week period. The modules are designed to enable the students to acquire new ways of designing data collection protocols and analysis for transformative sustainable natural resources management.

Module 4.1: Data collection I
Skills in data collection for a transformative and sustainable management of natural resources (water, wildlife, forest, land, livestock, crops) monitoring and data collection techniques; remote monitoring tools, earth observation system data, e.g. satellite data sources, LIDAR, and UAV aerial images. Collect and analyse In-situ data on biotic and abiotic parameters, map and analyse data using R or Google Earth Engine, field data collection and retrieving data from online databases.

Module 4.2 Data management and processing
Introduction to tools and methods of managing large and diverse data sets of natural resources such as time series, spatial, directional, and multivariate data. Practicals will include data storage, organization and conversion into various formats using databases such as PostgreSQL and statistical programming software such as R and Python; scripts.

Module 4.3 Ecological monitoring, modelling and management
This module aims to teach participants how to anticipate and validate trends that can be observed in various ecosystems. Lectures include ecological monitoring and its design; population monitoring studies; metrics in population monitoring; methods for monitoring and assessing marine ecosystems; human ecology to socio-ecological systems; climate change impact of ecosystems; suitability assessments; overview of the principles underlying wildlife monitoring and prediction systems for climate change adaptation. Practicals will include field data collection (individual and group); ecological data analysis using R or PAST; modelling and experiencing the behaviour of complex systems using Vensim.

Module 4.4 Natural habitat restoration ideation lab
This module is designed to spur students’ innovation and creativity, and to help students comprehensively identify interdependencies across the 17 SDG goals. Participants will be trained on ideation processes for solutions and intervention for transformative natural resource management. They will work collaboratively in small groups on case studies and develop pathways of transformative sustainable natural resource management. Examples of projects include forest (mangrove) ecosystem and habitat restoration, improved technologies for agricultural production, nature-based solutions for improving water quality, and reversing land degradation.

Language: The course will be delivered in English. Participants are expected to be fluent in writing and speaking the English language.

How to apply

Applicants are kindly requested to fill in the application form available from https://snrmafrica.com/ and submit the following documents in English through the system.

  • a curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
  • a letter of motivation (maximum 1 page)
  • a confirmation of university enrolment
  • a reference letter from the academic supervisor
  • project summary of MSc/ PhD project (1 page including objectives, methodology
    and key findings or expected outcomes).

Important dates
Application deadline: 30th June 2025.
Announcement of accepted applicants: 15th August 2025.
Confirmation of attendance by selected participants: 12th Sept 2025.
Summer school held: 16 – 28 Nov 2025.

Further information is available from

The secretariat info@snrmafrica.com
Dr Lydia Olaka lydiaolaka@tukenya.ac.ke
Prof. Dr. Hartmut Stuetzel stuetzel@gem.uni-hannover.de

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