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74th Graduation: Prof. Leif Abrahamsson Honoured for His Contribution to the Development of Mathematics in E.A

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Makerere University has awarded Prof. Leif Abrahamsson a Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition and appreciation of his contribution to the development of Mathematics in East Africa, and particularly in Uganda. The award was presented to Prof. Leif Abrahamsson by the Acting Chancellor, also Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on the first day of the 74th graduation ceremony, Monday, 29th January 2024.

Prof. Abrahamsson receiving his award from the Acting Chancellor, also Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Abrahamsson receiving his award from the Acting Chancellor, also Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, formerly Programme Director at the International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala-Sweden, and Coordinator of the Bilateral Programme of Sida at Makerere University, has immensely contributed to the development of teaching mathematics, and research capacities in Ugandan universities and globally through quality and mass PhD training and postdocs and research publications. It all started in 2001 when Prof. Abrahamsson convened a meeting of key African Mathematicians from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Ghana, and Kenya in Arusha-Tanzania to discuss the poor state of mathematics in the region then. His initiative under the Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme (EAUMP) later built a solid background for Sida support to Mathematics in the region, which has seen the training of over 30 PhD students, over 20 Master students, and over 15 Postdocs in Mathematics and its Applications in Uganda since 2002.

The Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) presenting souvenirs to Prof. Abrahamsson. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) presenting souvenirs to Prof. Abrahamsson.

Presenting Prof. Abrahamsson for the award, Prof. John Mango Magero, Coordinator of Sida Project- 316 Capacity Building in Mathematics and Its Applications informed the congregation that over 100 publications in Mathematics at Makerere University are direct outcomes of Prof. Abrahamsson’s EAUMP and Sida initiatives. “Makerere University and Uganda as a whole are a big beneficiary of Prof. Abrahamsson’s work which rhymes with the country’s Development Plan of developing sciences.”

Prof. Abrahamsson has extended similar contributions to Mathematics in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and some countries in South East Asia (i.e Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar).

Prof. Abrahamsson conveys his appreciation for the award. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Abrahamsson conveys his appreciation for the award.

CoNAS graduation

Overall, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has presented 331 students for the award of degrees of Makerere University. Of these, 12 have graduated with PhDs (1 female and 11 male), 35 with Masters (12 female and 23 male), and 284 with BSc (79 female and 205 male).

The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta presenting PhD graduands. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta presenting PhD graduands.

During the course of the 74th graduation ceremony, a total of 12,913 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 132 students will graduate with PhDs, 1,585 with Masters degrees, 11,016 with Bachelor’s degrees, 156 with postgraduate diplomas, and 24 with undergraduate diplomas. 53% of the graduands are female and 47% are male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 are female and 86 are male. In the category of students graduating with Master’s degrees, 699 are female and 886 are male.

The only female PhD graduate at CoNAS Ms. Nagayi Kalule Jane Yawe receiving her award. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The only female PhD graduate at CoNAS Ms. Nagayi Kalule Jane Yawe receiving her award.

Remarks by the Vice Chancellor

In his remarks, the Acting Chancellor, also Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the Government of Uganda, parents, guardians, sponsors, and development partners for the enormous financial and moral support provided to the graduands.

Some of the PhD graduates with the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the PhD graduates with the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume.

Status of research and innovations at Makerere

Commenting on the status of research and innovations at Makerere, the Vice Chancellor noted that as a result of the various partnerships forged over time, the University’s research output in terms of innovations and publications had tremendously increased.

A PhD graduate celebrating with his relatives after receiving the award. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A PhD graduate celebrating with his relatives after receiving the award.

Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award

Through his inaugural Makerere University Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards, in recognition of outstanding performers in research and publication, the Vice Chancellor presented plaques and certificates of recognition to the best five researchers from each of the 10 colleges. Based on the highest number of publications between the year 2017 and 2023 according to the Scopus database, Prof. Moses Robert Kamya and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze from the College of Health Sciences emerged the best overall male and female researchers. Prof. Moses Robert Kamya has 271 publications and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze has 153 publications in the aforementioned period.

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.

The five members of staff at CoNAS recognized for their research excellence included; Prof. Charles Masembe form the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences; Prof. Godwin Kakuba and Prof. John Mango Magero from the Department of Mathematics; Dr Godwin Anywar from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology; as well as Prof. Robert Byamukama and Dr Patrick Sebugere from the Department of Chemistry. 

Speaking about the awards, the Vice Chancellor urged members of staff to continue conducting research on national development priorities as well as matters of global interest. “I also implore you to continue publishing your work in high-impact journals so as contribute to our drive to become a research-led university. Needless to say, the research should lead to patents, copyrights and trademarks, and tangible innovations in the form of products, policy briefs, manuals and others.”

Some of the CoNAS MSc graduates. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the CoNAS MSc graduates.

Transforming Makerere into a research-led University

On the aspirations to transform Makerere into a research-led University as stipulated in the 2020/2030 Strategic Plan, the Vice Chancellor noted that with funding from the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the University was supporting PhD research ideas that generate knowledge that addresses national development priorities. “Additionally, through the same fund, we are supporting the commercialization of projects that have demonstrated the potential for scaling up. These commercialization efforts have been complemented by our partners including the UNDP who have supported the establishment of state-of-the-art Innovation Pod, the first of 13such pods to be established across Africa. The Pod will facilitate students to apply design thinking to solve societal problems and will offer collaborative working spaces to enable students create business ideas as well as host community and collaboration building events.”

CoNAS staff with Prof. Abrahamsson after receiving his award. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CoNAS staff with Prof. Abrahamsson after receiving his award.

Appreciation to Government

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued support to Makerere University. “It would not be possible for Makerere University to realise all these achievements had it not been for the unwavering support of our Visitor, our Minister, Parliament and the entire Government. I wish to convey our appreciation to H.E. the President and the entire Government for the continued support to Makerere University, especially the support to staff welfare and the Research and Innovation Fund. We once again pledge our commitment to serving our country with maximum dedication through training of highly skilled human resource, research for development and support to Government programmes including the Parish Development Model and measures aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He also appreciated all stakeholders who are providing scholarships to enable bright, but economically disadvantaged students to attain education at Makerere and to support research and innovation. These include: Makerere University Council through the Female Scholarship Foundation, the Madhvani Foundation, the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board, Sida of Sweden, the Embassy of China, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Government Ministries, State House, NORAD, Gerda Henkel Foundation, Mellon Foundation, USAID, NIH, Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation, Centre for Disease Control, ARUA, RUFORUM, IUCEA and many others.

Performing Arts and Film (PAF) students entertaining the guests during the ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Performing Arts and Film (PAF) students entertaining the guests during the ceremony.

Makerere University Transcripts and Certificates

The Vice Chancellor noted that the University had come up with measures aimed at making the issuance of academic transcripts and certificates very fast and convenient by shortening the clearance process. “With the support of the University Council and Senate, the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services, and the leadership at the Colleges, the academic transcripts for students graduating during the 74th graduation ceremony were printed before graduation. The academic transcripts are ready and they are due for issuance to graduands who have satisfied the academic and financial obligations. I therefore urge all our graduands to pick their transcripts from their respective colleges at the end of this graduation ceremony.” 

Advice to the students

The Vice Chancellor cautioned the graduands against indiscipline noting that success only comes with discipline and hard work. “With regard to our efforts to continue improving student discipline, I appreciate the First Lady and Hon. Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for coming up with a programme – the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) aimed at building a critical mass of the next generation of leaders through character building and formation.

Remarks by the Minister of Education and Sports

In her remarks presented by the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. J.C. Muyingo, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni congratulated the graduands upon the milestone, and faculty for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence. “The Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Education and Sports are prioritizing the youth because you are very central in the transformation of Uganda. I am glad that the students and youth I am addressing during this 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University have acquired the academic knowledge and skills, which set the pace for you to come up with ideas that can be turned into business ventures and entrepreneurship sites.”

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Hasifa Kabejja

Natural Sciences

CoNAS Annual Report 2024

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Cover page of the CoNAS Annual Report 2024. College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

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Preparing Graduates for Life after University: CoNAS Launches Terminal Seminar for Final Year Students

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Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, one of the key architects of the programme, briefs participants on the significance of the seminar. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Relevance of the seminar

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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Kubiriza addressing participants.

Objectives of the Terminal Seminar

The seminar aims to:

  1. Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
  2. Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
  3. Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
  4. Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
  5. 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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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:

  1. Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
  2. Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
  3. Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
  4. 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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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, 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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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 from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event.
Some of the Final Year students at the seminar. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the Final Year students at the seminar.
Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers. College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) through School of Biosciences launch of an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students, 23rd April 2025, Room 201/202, JICA Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Novel Chicken Feed with a Cocktail of Bacteriocins and Phytobiotics

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Phyto-Nutra, a healthy, safe, organic, nutritious, antibiotic-free chicken feed formulation for healthy humans by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), Kampala, East Africa.

By Dr. Alice Nabatanzi

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.

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. Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) with her Phyto-Nutra chicken feed formulation.
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.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) with her Phyto-Nutra chicken feed formulation.
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.

Phyto-Nutra, a healthy, safe, organic, nutritious, antibiotic-free chicken feed formulation for healthy humans by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), Kampala, East Africa.
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

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