Agriculture & Environment
CAES Management Deliberates Strategies for Repositioning the Graduate Research Agenda
Published
2 years agoon

****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.


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Agriculture & Environment
RUFORUM Set to Hold 21st AGM
Published
14 hours agoon
October 17, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is set to hold the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), from 1st to 5th December 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. Themed “Positioning Africa’s Universities and the Higher Education Sector to effectively impact development processes on the continent”, the AGM will bring together over 500 participants including university leaders, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, young innovators, students and researchers from across Africa and around the world.
Hosted in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN); the AGM will serve as a platform for strategic dialogue and collective action to strengthen the role of African universities in delivering sustainable development outcomes.
This year’s AGM will focus on the following sub themes:
- Sub-theme 1. Strategic partnerships for growth: Building bridges for the future
- Sub-theme 2. Science for development: Generating contemporary and relevant solutions at scale
- Sub-theme 3. Capacity sharing to train the next generation of leaders in agri-food systems transformation
- Sub theme 4. RUFORUM Governance Meetings
Speaking ahead of the event, Prof. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, stated,
“Our universities are central to Africa’s development. By focusing on collaboration, science, and skills, this AGM will help shape the future of higher education in Africa to be more responsive, inclusive, and impactful. We are honored to work with the Government of Botswana in advancing this vision.”
Useful Links
AGM Website: https://agm.ruforum.org/
AGM Press Release: https://news.ruforum.org/botswana-to-host-the-21st-ruforum-annual-general-meeting/
Coverage from RUFORUM: https://news.ruforum.org/science-positioned-as-a-catalyst-for-africas-growth-at-ruforums-21st-annual-general-meeting-launch/
Agriculture & Environment
MakCAES Celebrates Third Cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship
Published
4 days agoon
October 14, 2025
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University on 3rd October 2025 proudly celebrated the successful completion of training of the third cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship.
The event, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering at CAES, was graced by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, who presented certificates to the 30 successful trainees.

About the Fellowship
Implemented by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in partnership with the Aquaya Institute, and generously supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the fellowship equips students with vital skills in water quality testing, research, and project management. The programme supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Good Health (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDP III), the fellowship emphasizes research impact and community livelihood improvement by training water sector professionals critical for enhancing water quality at local and national levels.

Training Highlights for the Third Cohort
The 2025 cohort, trained in Mukono District, included 30 students drawn from five programmes: B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering, B.Sc. Bioprocessing Engineering, B.Sc. Civil Engineering, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Water and Irrigation Engineering, and M.Sc. Agricultural Engineering.

The curriculum, developed jointly with the Aquaya Institute, covered six comprehensive modules:
- Fundamentals of Drinking Water Quality
- Water Quality Management and Treatment Technologies
- Field Data Collection and Sampling Procedures
- Standard Laboratory Practices
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Technical Report Writing
During their training, fellows surveyed over 700 water points across Mukono District, applying their skills in real-world settings to improve local water quality.

Achievements registered thus far
Highlighting the achievements registered, Prof. Isa Kabenge, Head, Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES said the programme had successfully trained 90 students, underscoring its impactful contribution to capacity building in the field. He acknowledged the vital support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Aquaya Institute, whose partnership has been central to the success of the programme.

Remarks by the University Officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali congratulated the fellows on their transformative learning experience, noting the high employability of graduates as a testament to the programme’s relevance and impact. “The students have gained invaluable knowledge and skills in water quality testing, research methodologies, and project management. They have had the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, contributing to improved access to safe water for communities.”

She affirmed the University’s commitment to expanding the fellowship, including efforts to standardize the training modules and to establish an accredited water quality laboratory.
In her remarks, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, praised the trainers for their dedication to advancing the College’s mandate. “Our work must have real-world impact. Research should be directed toward solving the challenges faced by our communities. No one can thrive without access to safe, clean water,” she emphasized. “I commend the trainees for committing their time to this important programme, and I urge you to become champions for safe water in your communities. This knowledge is meant to be shared.”

She appreciated the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Aquaya Institute, and the Mukono District Local Government for their invaluable support.
Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the project as one of the school’s flagship initiatives, emphasizing its transformative impact on student learning. She noted that beyond reinforcing theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom, the project has been instrumental in equipping students with hands-on, practical skills essential for real-world application. Dr. Kigozi appreciated the funders and trainers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and support in making the initiative a success.

Remarks by the alumni and partners
On behalf of the alumni, Mr. Edgar Kugoza expressed gratitude to the funders and the trainers for the opportunity granted to them to improve their skills in water quality management. “We now become internationally accredited water quality professionals and ambassadors of safe water.”
Eng. Yvone Sanyu Lugali, WASH Sustainability Manager at Water for People and an alumnus of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the programme as a significant milestone in advancing the quality of water resources in the country. She praised the initiative for equipping local professionals with practical, world-class skills and shared information about ongoing and upcoming training and employment opportunities at her company.

Mr. Patrick Mufwoya, Managing Director Davis & Shirtliff Uganda highlighted the positive impact the programme has had on his company through the fellows they have hosted. He praised the fellows for their strong competence and professionalism, noting that their contributions reflect the quality and potential of the training programme. Mr. Mufwoya expressed confidence that initiatives like this could play a transformative role in shaping the future of the water sector nationwide.

In her remarks, Dr. Anna Murray, Deputy Director of Research at the Aquaya Institute appreciated the support provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in advancing efforts to ensure universal access to safe and clean water. She also praised the trainees for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration and teamwork in driving progress and achieving shared objectives.

The trainers included Prof. Isa Kabenge, Prof. Ahamada Zziwa, Dr Joshua Wanyama, and Dr Prossy Nakawuka, all members of staff in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at Makerere University.

Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices
Published
1 week agoon
October 10, 2025
Overview
Following stakeholder engagements in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality to introduce Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, it became evident that farmers in both regions face a range of challenges that significantly impact agricultural productivity. Among the most pressing issues are frequent floods, landslides, waterlogging, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which threaten food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

In response, the RUFS Project team has designed a series of targeted interventions aimed at addressing these climate-related challenges. Central to these efforts is the provision of specialized training to enhance farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental stressors. Through these trainings, smallholder farmers in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills in climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainability and resilience. Smart Agronomic Practices, as promoted in the training, focus on techniques that improve yield while conserving natural resources. This includes composting, pest control using natural extracts, crop rotation, intercropping, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource efficiency, the RUFS project aims to protect urban communities from the effects of climate change, price volatility, and food insecurity.

Training on smart agronomic practices in Mbale City
As part of this initiative, over 20 smallholder farmers in Mbale City recently received extensive training on Smart Agronomic Practices. The training, conducted from 6th to 7th October 2025 at Emilna Royal Mixed Farm in Industrial City Division, Mbale City, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen urban food systems by empowering farmers with sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective farming techniques tailored to the realities of a changing climate.

Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the RUFS project aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, particularly in informal and peri-urban communities where agriculture remains both a livelihood and a cornerstone for food security. Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Mbale and Kasese, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.

Training in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides
During the two-day training, farmers were introduced to practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials. Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, the training venue, and home of one of the project beneficiaries, Ms. Emily Namalwa, served as a practical learning hub where theory met practice. Led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project, and backed by the Mbale City technical team, the hands-on sessions demystified the process of creating environmentally friendly agricultural inputs such as compost and bio-pesticides.

Step by step, the enthusiastic farmers were trained to formulate effective organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials such as cow dung, animal and human urine, ash, onions, pawpaw leaves, pepper, tobacco, luwoko (Phytolacca dodecandra), and muluuku (Tephrosia vogelii). These natural alternatives provide a sustainable response to the rising cost and environmental impact of synthetic inputs. They not only enhance soil health and increase crop productivity, but also reduce chemical residues in food, promoting safer and more resilient farming practices.

While conducting the hands-on sessions, Mr. Mbowa emphasized that these solutions are not only effective but scalable. “These are techniques that require no expensive inputs. Farmers can adopt them right away using the resources they already have at their disposal,” he said.

As part of the training, Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Drawing from his experience, Mr. Whepukulu highlighted the significance of proper soil preparation, emphasizing soil health and nutrient management as foundational to successful seedling development. He also stressed the importance of selecting high-quality seeds suited to local conditions and demonstrated effective maintenance techniques such as regular watering, timely weeding, and shading to protect young seedlings from excessive sun or rain.

According to Prof. Mugagga, the trainings that will be conducted over the next 18 months are a response to the urgent need for cities to reimagine their food systems amid rapid urbanization. “Urban agriculture is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge that makes their practices not only productive but also sustainable and adaptive to climate stress,” Prof. Mugagga stated.

Farmers’ views on the Training
- Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, expressed appreciation for the training. Her farm, located within Mbale City, produces a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), eggplants, matooke (plantains), and passion fruit, alongside poultry farming.
- Reflecting on the impact of the training, Ms. Namalwa said: “This has been eye-opening. I have learned that many of the resources we need to feed and protect our crops are readily available in our surroundings. What we once considered as waste can actually be transformed into valuable inputs for farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability.”
- She further narrated how the RUFS training reshaped her perspective on land use for farming: “Before this, I focused solely on cultivating coffee on a one-acre piece of land located far from my home. I never imagined that I could turn the small 100 by 100 plot around my house into a productive farm. Thanks to the training on urban agriculture, I now understand how to make the most of even limited space for food production.”
- Citing the benefits, Ms. Namalwa expressed gratitude for the continued support RUFS extends to smallholder farmers. “RUFS has given us the knowledge and tools to make urban farming not just possible, but profitable. I am truly grateful for their efforts in empowering farmers like me in Mbale City.”
- According to Mr. Mudoma Cassim, Chairman of the Nabuyonga Horticulture Farmers’ Association in Industrial City Division, Busamaga, Mbale, the training provided by the RUFS project was both timely and impactful. “For a long time, our farmers have heavily depended on inorganic fertilizers purchased from commercial outlets. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are not only expensive but also contribute to the degradation of soil health over time, leading to reduced productivity in the long run. The training we received on the production and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides has opened our eyes to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By learning how to produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally, we can significantly reduce the cost of inputs while improving soil fertility and overall yields.”
- “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the RUFS project team and their funders for this valuable initiative. It is my earnest appeal that such trainings continue, not only on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides but also on other important aspects of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, I humbly request that the project considers supporting farmer groups like ours with irrigation equipment, such as spray pumps. This would greatly enhance our capacity to maintain consistent production even during dry spells, ensuring food security and stable incomes for our members.”
- Mr. Ssenkoto Julius, a dedicated farmer from Industrial City, Masaba in Mbale District, is equally grateful for the support provided by the RUFS Project. He specifically commended the hands-on training he received on producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials, a skill he believes is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. “I primarily grow tomatoes, but I also cultivate sukuma wiki (collard greens),” he stated. “The knowledge imparted during the training was incredibly valuable. I have already begun applying the organic methods on my farm, and I am keen to observe the difference in performance between these natural products and the conventional ones purchased from agro-shops.” Mr. Ssenkoto also appealed to the RUFS Project to consider extending similar training opportunities in animal husbandry. “Many of us are mixed farmers,” he explained. “Equipping us with skills in livestock management would greatly enhance our productivity and improve our livelihoods.”
- Ms. Nekesa Josephine, a horticulture farmer from Northern City in Nkoma, Mbale District, appreciated the RUFS Project team for the training, highlighting its potential to transform farming practices in the region. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The training has opened my eyes to more sustainable and cost-effective methods of farming. I have already started experimenting with the production of organic fertilizer using cow dung, a practice I had not considered seriously before. If it proves successful, it will greatly reduce our dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers bought from agro-vet shops, which many of us struggle to afford. This kind of knowledge is not only practical but empowering, especially for smallholder farmers like myself. I sincerely hope that these trainings can be scaled up and extended to cover livestock management. Training in animal husbandry would go a long way in helping us improve both crop and animal productivity, ultimately boosting our incomes and food security.

During the training programme, participants were tasked to document the current status of their farms and agricultural activities. Coordinated by Mr. Peter Kasaija, a member of the RUFS Project, the exercise was intended to support monitoring and assessment of the impact of the RUFS Project initiatives.

The team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.

More photos from the training








Pictorial on the training:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17NeSVJvLn6wJjtzodL25XtN5arnXXNdz?usp=sharing
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