Natural Sciences
74th Graduation: Prof. Leif Abrahamsson Honoured for His Contribution to the Development of Mathematics in E.A
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. 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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
Agriculture & Environment
Ugandan Local Government Officials Trained on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, and Climate Resilience
Entebbe, Uganda – September 19, 2025
More than 20 local government officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Entebbe Municipality, and the districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi have concluded a two-day intensive training on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, Evaluation, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Held at Central Inn Hotel in Entebbe from September 18–19, the workshop was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere University Centre and funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). The objective was to build local capacity in environmental governance and integrate natural capital and climate risks into local development planning.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. Nick Kilimani- all from Makerere University.
Natural Resources Must Be Valued and Protected
Opening the workshop, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre and Principal Investigator of the project, described the training as timely, given Uganda’s growing environmental and climate challenges.
“Uganda is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate variability—on agriculture, health, water resources, and the economy,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “This training empowers our environmental officers to use economic evidence to defend natural resources against competing land uses.”
He emphasized the need to monetize ecosystem services like wetlands, forests, and biodiversity to inform land-use decisions.
“A forest cleared for sugarcane may appear to create jobs, but when you account for its carbon sequestration, rainfall formation, and tourism potential, its long-term value far outweighs the short-term economic gains.”
Prof. Bbaale also urged that natural capital be included in Uganda’s national accounting systems to achieve sustainable and equitable development.
He thanked local government leadership for releasing their staff for the training and praised the collaboration between academia and government.
“You are not just trainees — you are future champions of environmental stewardship in your districts,” he told the participants.
Environmental Degradation Threatens Public Health
Representing the Chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka underscored the public health consequences of environmental degradation, linking it to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
“We have just seen a 14-year-old girl in Lwengo contract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever due to increased human-wildlife contact — a direct result of environmental encroachment,” Dr. Kitaka warned.
She connected rising flash floods, deforestation, and urban sprawl to poor environmental management and called for cross-sectoral awareness of environmental risks.
“This training is not just for environmentalists. Planners, economists, and health professionals must also be equipped with this knowledge,” she said.
Dr. Kitaka applauded the EfD-Mak team for using local experts, not foreign consultants, in delivering the training.
“We must train Ugandans to solve Uganda’s problems. That’s the spirit of Mak-RIF.”
She also revealed that the Government of Uganda has funded over 1,300 research projects through Mak-RIF over the last five years and called for continued investment in locally driven innovation.
“Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Science must be funded to help Ugandans solve Ugandan problems.”
Experts Present Practical Tools for Sustainable Planning
Localized Climate Action Is Urgent
Dr. Aisha Nanyiti urged participants to design district-specific climate policies, differentiating between mitigation (addressing the causes) and adaptation (responding to the impacts).
“Climate action begins at the local level. Districts must create context-appropriate bylaws and planning strategies to reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate shocks.”
She emphasized that Uganda’s local governments are key to meeting national targets under NDP IV and Vision 2040, and that climate change must be addressed in all sectors — from health to urban planning.
Environmental Evaluation is a Safeguard
Dr. Sseruyange warned that development projects are at risk of failure if environmental assessments are not properly conducted.
“Roads, schools, and hospitals may be destroyed by floods or landslides if we ignore the environment. Planning must consider both the impact on nature and the reverse impact from degraded ecosystems.”
He called on local environmental officers to assert their roles in safeguarding both the environment and infrastructure investment.
“Neglecting environmental oversight may undo everything we build.”
What is Not Valued is Easily Destroyed
Dr. Peter Babyenda introduced participants to valuation tools like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Travel Cost Method, which help quantify the economic value of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.
“These tools inform cost–benefit analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation. If we don’t value our natural assets, we risk losing them permanently.”
He stressed that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also an economic, social, and political matter. He encouraged integration of valuation results into budgeting and planning under frameworks like the National Environment Act (2019).
Local Officials Call for Continued Engagement
Ibrahim Muwanguzi, Environmental Officer from Wakiso District, praised the training as a vital step toward mainstreaming environmental valuation into local and national development processes.
“Most government officials focus solely on economic returns, ignoring the critical but intangible value of natural resources,” he said.
He cited a recent case during Mpigi Expressway construction where a culturally significant tree sparked debate over its monetary value — from UGX 100,000 to UGX 100 million — due to lack of valuation standards.
“If services like flood control were quantified in shillings, it would help justify preservation of wetlands and forests,” he noted.
Muwanguzi also emphasized the need for environmental economists in government roles, urging stronger collaboration between academia and policy.
“We have graduates in natural resource economics. Let’s integrate them into our public service.”
Let This Not Be the Last
Tonny Mwidyeki, District Natural Resources Officer for Mpigi, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all trainees, emphasizing the long gap since the last such training.
“For many of us, it’s been years since we had a refresher like this. If we continue to have such sessions, we will serve our people and protect our environment better.”
He thanked the facilitators from Makerere University for the two-day sensitization and urged that such capacity-building workshops be held more regularly.
“From here, we go back not just informed, but ready to lead change.”
Time to Act is Now
Closing the training, Dr. Sseruyange, speaking on behalf of the EfD-Mak Director, reminded participants that environmental degradation has been decades in the making, and action must no longer be delayed.
“Development depends on the natural world. Let us act now — from our households to our districts — to reverse the damage and secure our future.”
He thanked the participants for their active engagement and promised continued collaboration between Makerere University, local governments, and national stakeholders to promote evidence-based environmental policy.
About EfD-Mak and Mak-RIF
The Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University is part of a global network of research institutions focused on environmental economics, coordinated by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF) is a Government of Uganda-funded program supporting local research to address national development challenges. Since inception, Mak-RIF has supported over 1,300 research projects across disciplines.
Newly admitted students to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been strongly encouraged to make academic excellence their top priority as they begin their university journey. During the official College orientation held on 6th August 2025, continuing students shared valuable insights aimed at helping the freshers adapt and thrive both academically and socially in the university environment.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Britah Kemigisha and Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, students of Conservation Biology and Petroleum Geosciences respectively, offered practical advice drawn from their experiences at CoNAS. The two students emphasized the importance of time management, consistent class attendance, and fostering healthy academic competition.
“Be ambitious and attend classes because attendance earns you some marks. Be competitive in a way that promotes excellence,” Mbabazi advised. He encouraged freshers to approach university life with purpose, noting that unlike in high school, university students must take personal responsibility for their learning outcomes. He recommended the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing their value in facilitating meaningful connections, expanding one’s professional network, discovering job opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and insights.
Ms. Kemigisha underscored the importance of building supportive peer networks. “Form groups and inspire each other with rewards based on academic excellence,” she advised, emphasizing that academic group work, peer mentorship, and study circles can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability. According to her, surrounding oneself with goal-oriented individuals creates a positive learning environment that fosters growth and resilience, especially when faced with academic challenges.
The orientation programme served as a platform to introduce First Year students to the academic programmes, services, and student life at CoNAS and the University in general. The session led by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi featured presentations by both College and University leaders, who sensitized the new students on key university policies, academic structures, and support services. School Deans and Heads of Departments in attendance briefed students on the specific programmes offered within their respective units. These included the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, represented by Dr Joel Isanga; the Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Arthur Batte; the Head, Department of Mathematics, Dr Ismail Mirumbe; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr Denis Okello; the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology represented by Dr Godwin Anywar, and a representative from the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Students were also sensitized on the registration and examination processes, ICT support services, library services, fees payment policies, the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy, counselling and guidance services, the emerging leaders programme, and general welfare at the University.
On behalf of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the College.He provided an insightful overview of the key academic units and programmes offered both within the College and across the University. In his address, Prof. Kasozi congratulated the students on securing admission into one of the most competitive, vibrant, and intellectually rigorous colleges within the University. He encouraged the students to take full ownership of their academic journey, emphasizing the importance of commitment, discipline, and focus from the very beginning. Highlighting the value of hard work and determination, he reminded them that the foundation they lay now will shape their future success.
In his address, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Centre at the University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental health. He urged students to prioritize their psychological well-being, noting that maintaining a healthy mind is fundamental for academic success and overall personal development. Mr. Nsubuga encouraged students to actively seek support and adopt positive coping mechanisms to navigate the pressures of academic life.
The lectures are expected to commence on Monday, 11th August 2024.
Essential ICT platforms to guide academic work
- Student Portal – https://myportal.mak.ac.ug/
- Email activation – https://sso.mak.ac.ug/
- Webmail – https://webmail.mak.ac.ug/
- Online learning Platform – https://muele.mak.ac.ug/
- Library System – https://mulib.mak.ac.ug
- Knowledge base – https://answers.mak.ac.ug/
- Ticketing system – https://support.mak.ac.ug/
- Mak Policies – https://policies.mak.ac.ug
- DICTs Youtube Channel – @dictsmakerere
- MAK AIR & Eduroam – Use your mak email and its password
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