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Empowering ABS Professionals: Makerere University’s Triumph in Hosting a Successful Stakeholders’ Consultation & Sensitization Workshop on the Nagoya Protocol
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 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, 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.
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 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).
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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