Agriculture & Environment
CAES Management Deliberates Strategies for Repositioning the Graduate Research Agenda
****At the CAES Management Retreat held on 10th-12th January 2024, participants took stock of the current state and landscape of graduate research at the College, and discussed strategies for refocusing the research and innovation agenda to address the national development challenges.
Overview – CAES Pact for Transformational Change
In 2022, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) developed a Pact for Transformational Change with the aim of improving operations under the three core functions of Makerere University namely; teaching and learning, research and innovation, and knowledge transfer partnerships. Unveiled at the College General Assembly held on 9th August 2022, the main aim of the Pact is to transform CAES into a College with effective and efficient management systems, adequate supportive infrastructure, and highly motivated staff to productively engage with stakeholders to produce skilled, entrepreneurial, innovative and work-oriented graduates, able to innovatively respond to the challenges, needs and aspirations in the Agricultural and Environmental sectors.
Prioritized actions to achieve the desired transformation in teaching and learning included; improving the quality of teaching and promoting practical-based training, improving completion rates of graduate students, staff motivation to effectively perform their teaching mandate, revamping infrastructure for teaching and learning, and improving staff and students support services. The College also set out to strengthen the research and innovation arm through the creation of multi and interdisciplinary research teams, operationalization of the college research and grants office and the Research and Ethics Committee, promotion of partnerships with MDAs and the private sector, and improvement of supervision and examination of graduate research. Under knowledge transfer partnerships, the College planned to improve dissemination of research and innovations, strengthen college-industry partnerships; and to establish innovation and incubation centres. Through this, the College aspires to increase graduate enrolment by 30%, to improve graduate completion rates by 70%, and to contribute to the realization of the 2020-2030 Strategic Goal 1 which aims to transform Makerere into a research-led University.
CAES Management Retreat
In 2023, the CAES Management held a retreat to further discuss and plan how to operationalize the Pact. As a follow up, the College Management on 10th-12th January 2024, held a retreat to take stock of the current state and landscape of graduate research at CAES and to strategize on ways of repositioning and developing the CAES research agenda and priorities. Convened by the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga at Kalanoga Resort in Kampala, the retreat was graced by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe; the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) at Makerere University, Prof. Edward Bbaale; the Executive Secretary of RUFORM, Prof. Patrick Okori; programme coordinators at CAES; and representatives from partner organizations including the National Planning Authority (NPA), National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Highlights of issues discussed in line with the CAES Research Agenda
During the retreat, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga presented the College Pact for Transformational Change, highlighting priority areas and the aspirations. The Deputy Principal of CAES, also coordinator of academic programmes, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, shared an overview of research issues at the College, emphasizing the need to anchor research in a specific agenda, hinged on clear priorities to contribute to the national and global development agenda. “There is need to transition to programmatic research and to co-create a Research Agenda with actors in both the public and private sectors. Research should also be focussed in priority geographic areas, and implemented in a transdiciplinary manner,” he noted. As one of the measures to improve graduate completion rates, the Deputy Principal pointed to the need to adopt the cohort model of PhD training.
At the meeting, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean, School of Public Health presented the graduate research landscape at Makerere University, whereas Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director DRGT discussed opportunities for impactful research by students and staff. In his remarks, Prof Bbaale commended the CAES leadership for their proactive initiatives towards advancing the research-led and innovation-intensive agenda of Makerere University. “The CAES Graduate Review workshop aimed at aligning graduate research to tackle community and policy-based challenges is a commendable endeavour. Similarly, the launch and operationalization of the CAES-GRADCARE System aimed at improving efficiency of graduate management processes stands out as a remarkable achievement,” he noted. Other issues discussed at the retreat included the status of research in the three schools of CAES, research issues and needs in MDAs and organizations of relevancy to national development, the NDP IV and knowledge needs for Agenda 2030, transitioning from project to programmatic approach of graduate research, CAES research priorities, funding and financing CAES graduate research, infrastructure, tools and instruments for graduate research and processes, and structures and timelines for graduate research.
The meeting also featured a panel discussion during which representatives from partner institutions namely; NPA, NEMA NFA, NARO, RUFORUM and the Ministry of Water and Environment shared insights into the NDP IV and the research areas that the College can focus on to support the national development agenda. Key research areas pointed out included agro-industrialization, food systems, and natural resources. The discussants drew attention to the need to invest in soil and water resources, crop protection, agronomy, and mechanization. The Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori emphasized the need to rethink how Makerere can train for Africa, not only Uganda. “This can be achieved by strengthening the internationalization agenda around research and graduate training,” he advised.
Remarks by the VC
Addressing participants, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the CAES for the significant research output, and the different initiatives by the College leadership aimed a contributing to the strategic goal of transforming Makerere into a research-led University. Emphasizing the contribution of agriculture towards the development of nation states, the Vice Chancellor implored CAES and all stakeholders in the Agricultural sector to re-strategize and work towards making Agriculture the lead in the transformation of Uganda’s economy. “Korea was at the same level with Uganda in the 1960s but has used Agriculture to transform its economy, yet it has only 30% arable land. It now exports food to the whole world and is one of the biggest economies. We should borrow a leaf and use agriculture to transform our country.” The Vice Chancellor also emphasized the need to invest in the knowledge economy by training more PhDs. “Economic success is no longer determined by possession (e.g raw materials or physical prowess) but by the capacity to generate knowledge and the ability of the workforce to apply this knowledge successfully. We need to work on increasing the number of PhDs.”
The retreat featured a training on soft skills conducted by Mr. Eddie Ivan Kaweela, a corporate growth coach and Business Manager at Solutions Africa.
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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