Natural Sciences
Mak Researchers in Drive to Improve Waste Management in Uganda
****Through a project titled, “Adding value to agro/bio-waste through integrating technologies to enhance sustainable agro-process waste management in Uganda”, the researcher led by Dr Joseph Kyambadde from the Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, have proposed a number of technologies that can be used to avert the challenge of poor waste management in the country.
Background
Majority of industries in the country such as dairies, abattoirs, breweries, distilleries, and tanneries are engaged in agro-processing. Such industrial processing often leads to the discharge of large quantities of organic-rich wastewater, disease-causing micro-organisms, and greenhouse gas emissions, if poorly treated or managed. While the regulatory body, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) requires that all industries should efficiently treat their effluent to meet discharge standards, waste treatment technology market surveys that were carried out in the major industrial cities of Kampala, Jinja, Masaka and Mbarara in 2018 showed that most agro-process industries do not treat their wastewater. Furthermore, very few have in there effluent treatment management, resource recovery processes such as bio-digesters for recovering biogas and nutrient-rich bio-slurry. The industries that attempt to treat their effluent mainly use conventional systems, such as settling tanks and lagoons that do not efficiently remove all waste components. Additionally, industries require energy for their operations, but many use non-renewable sources, such as wood fuel, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, the agro-process industries pollute the environment, contaminate drinking water sources, and pathogens from their wastes contribute to cases of diarrheal diseases. The agro-processing sector urgently needs technology solutions that would meet national environment regulatory requirements at affordable costs, but also incorporate resource recovery and reuse to protect the environment and also enhance their profit margins. However, many industries lack cost-effective technologies to convert their wastes into biogas or other useful by-products such as slurry for use as manure/bio-fertilizers. The industries also lack expertise to design and operate appropriate waste treatment technologies.
Addressing the challenge of poor waste management
Agro/bio wastes are organic-rich, hence can be biodegraded using appropriately designed integrated technologies. These methods offer the options for meeting national discharge standards, reuse of treated effluent, and recovery of useful by-products. A study conducted by researchers from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University in collaboration with partners in the waste management sector proposes a number of technologies that can be deployed to effectively address the challenge of waste in the country. These include; anaerobic-aerobic digesters, sludge drying beds, constructed wetlands, and duckweed growing units.
Through their project titled “Adding value to agro/bio-waste through integrating technologies to enhance sustainable agro-process waste management in Uganda”, the researchers led by Dr Joseph Kyambadde from the Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science at Makerere made several recommendations towards waste management in the country. The researchers called for integration of aspects of the technology, encompassing wastes-to-energy courses/topics in the curricula of programmes like biochemistry, industrial chemistry, and environmental sciences at universities. This would enable training of scientists who would in turn foster adoption and promotion of the developed technologies in different industries. They also emphasized the need to promote investment in technologies that can be used to convert waste into useful by-products like biogas, bio-fertilizers and protein-additives, and to raise awareness about the importance of waste treatment technologies amongst private-public actors, managers/business owners of agro-processing industries, as well as government line ministries/agencies, and development partners.
Supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the overall objective of the project was to contribute to climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability, and agricultural development through integrated waste management systems. Under the project, the research team developed nutrient-rich fertilizer and animal feeds, and supported the production of biogas and electricity. Other members on the project included; Dr. Robinson Odong (Co-Principal Investigator), Dr. Gertrude Muwanga (Economist), Eng. Charles Ddungu (Civil Works), Eng. Edward Kalule (Electricals), Mr. Bright Twesigye (Research Assistant), Mr. Sendi (Field Assistant), Mr. Kuman (Field Assistant), and CATDA (Project Host).
Research dissemination seminar
On 23rd January 2024, the project team held a seminar at Ridar Hotel, Mukono District to present their research findings/outputs to key stakeholders in the waste management sector such as industry, academia, and policy makers, and also receive feedback. At the meeting, the project PI, Dr. Joseph Kyambadde decried the high level of poor waste disposal in the country. Highlighting the support extended to City Abattoir Traders Development Association (CATDA), Dr Kyambadde said many industries were directly disposing effluent into water sources, posing a number health, environmental and economic risks. “Investing in waste treatment technologies would avert the risks, but also support the recovery of useful byproducts such as nutrient-rich slurry or biogas.” As one of the achievements registered, the project supported the construction of a wastewater treatment plant at Kampala City Abattoir. According Mr. David Mutebi, the PRO of Kampala City Abattoirs Hides and Skin Traders’ SACCO, before Makerere supported the construction of the plant, effluent used to be discharged in Nakivubo Channel, posing several health and environmental risks. Dr Kyambadde appreciated the Government for supporting the project which is envisaged to minimize poor waste disposal throughout the country.
As part of the strategies for sustainable agro-process waste management in the country, participants advocated for a comprehensive policy, a waste management fund, and incentives for investment in waste management technologies. They also called for a comprehensive curriculum for waste management, and a market development plan for waste products.
In his remarks, the Deputy Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Juma Kasozi appreciated the Government of Uganda for the support extended to the project. “Poor waste disposal is one of Uganda’s biggest challenges. I commend the research team for venturing into research that directly addresses the country’s development problems.” He called for increased investment to support initiatives aimed at managing waste from industries and other places.
Makerere University Convocation has honored Mubiru Enock Joel with an award in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. Mubiru, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, scored a CGPA of 4.91, making him the best student in the sciences at Makerere University this year. The award, which included a plaque and a cheque of UGX1 million, was presented to him by the Chair of the Convocation on January 14, 2025, the second day of the 75th graduation ceremony.
Overall, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) presented 310 students for the award of degrees of Makerere University at the 75th graduation ceremony. Of these, 14 graduated with PhD (5 female 9 male), 36 MSc (10 female and 26 male) and 260 BSc (113 female and 147 male).
In the course of the 75th graduation ceremony that started on 13th January and will end on 17th January 2025, a total of 13,662 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University.
Of these, 143 will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. 16% of the students will be graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
Chancellor’s Address
In his address, Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga congratulated the graduands on their success and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the lecturers, administrators, parents, and guardians. He emphasized that the success of the university is a collective effort, appreciating the faculty and University Council for their critical roles in delivering quality education.
Dr. Kiyonga also extended his gratitude to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, and the NRM government for their invaluable financial support to Makerere University. The Government has so far allocated UGX30 billion to Makerere University through the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Looking to the future, Dr. Kiyonga encouraged the University to increase its outreach programmes, particularly in the agricultural sector. He proposed collaborations with medium- to large-scale farmers, where students could gain hands-on experience while also assisting farmers in local communities. He also advocated for stronger partnerships with the private sector to support the commercialization of innovations emerging from Makerere University.
Furthermore, the Chancellor highlighted the President’s directive to teach Political Economy to all university students. He stressed the importance of transforming Africa through the strategic utilization of its resources and emphasized the value of political economy knowledge in this process.
Vice Chancellor’s Address
In his remarks, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the teaching staff, administrators, parents, and guardians. He also welcomed the Chancellor, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, emphasizing that his vast experience would be an asset to the institution.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the College of Natural Sciences for providing foundational training for all the other science-based disciplines at the University. He also commended the College for its ground-breaking research and contribution to the development of mathematics in the region. “The College of Natural Sciences is unique because it handles all the foundation disciplines for all the other science-based disciplines. But apart from the basic sciences, the College provides training and conducts research in critical applied science disciplines, including geology and petroleum studies, industrial chemistry, and others. The College is central in the development of mathematics in the East and Central Africa region and it has also taken the initiative to investigate the problem of poor performance in biology by secondary school students,” the Vice Chancellor noted.
He encouraged the graduands to seize every opportunity and to consider starting their own enterprises, using the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies. “Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and consider entrepreneurship as a path to success,” he urged.
Message from the Minister of Education and Sports
On behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, congratulated the graduates and thanked the university for its commitment to excellence in education and research. She emphasized the transformative power of higher education and praised Makerere University for its contribution to the nation’s development.
She also expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians, acknowledging their critical role in the success of the students. “Your support has played an integral part in making this achievement possible,” she said.
Commencement lecture by Prof. Puleng LenkaBula
In her commencement lecture, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa, expressed gratitude for the support that Makerere University and Uganda provided in the fight against apartheid. She encouraged the graduands to use the knowledge acquired to address the continent’s challenges, particularly in the transformation of Africa and the empowerment of women. Prof. LenkaBula called for greater collaboration among African intellectuals to create a better future for the continent, particularly through research that directly benefits communities.
Research Excellence and Teacher Recognition
At the ceremony, Makerere University recognized outstanding researchers and educators from CoNAS. The Senior Researcher Award was presented to Assoc. Prof. Juma Kasozi (Department of Mathematics), Assoc. Prof. Charles Masembe (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), and Dr. Jamilu Ssenku (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology). The Mid-Career Researcher Award went to Dr. Julius Mulindwa (Department of Biochemistry), Dr. Patience Tugume (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology), and Dr. Patrick Ssebugere (Department of Chemistry), while Dr. Omara Timothy (Department of Chemistry), Dr. Mukiibi Ssewannyaga Ivan (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies), and Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology) were recognized as the best Early Career Researchers. In addition, Prof. Ann Akol (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar, and Dr. Kalega Peggy (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies) were honoured as the best teachers of the year from CoNAS.
Transcripts and Certificates
Graduates who participated in today’s ceremony can collect their transcripts from their respective colleges.
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