The Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition at CAES, Dr Ivan Mukisa Muzira and Dr Hedwig Acham briefing participants about the training programme.
The primary objective of this training initiative is to promote knowledge exchange and learning about innovative systems, methods, tools, and best practices in nutrition surveillance.
The training
The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University has held a four-day training for its staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN). The training held from 26th-29th February 2024 has been conducted at the School premises at the University.
The Dean SFTNB, Dr Julia Kigozi delivering her remarks on the training programme.
The training initiative emerged from the collaborative efforts of the “Learning Network on Nutrition Surveillance.” The implementation of this initiative is led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This network, fostering connections between policymakers, research institutions, and universities, spans across the countries of Djibouti, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda.
The primary objective of this initiative is to promote knowledge exchange and learning about innovative systems, methods, tools, and best practices in nutrition surveillance. The initiative fosters knowledge exchange on innovative systems, methods, tools, and practices in nutrition surveillance, with a special emphasis on the East, Central, and Southern Africa region, and the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) for Food Security and Nutrition stands as a crucial element within this network.
Dr Julia Kigozi addressing participants on the importance of the programme.
FAO’s contribution
One of the key contributors to this training initiative is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), leveraging its two decades of experience. FAO has meticulously designed face-to-face training sessions for professionals in food security and nutrition. Furthermore, they have developed a comprehensive curriculum for graduate and post-graduate students focusing on the IPC for Acute Malnutrition scale (AMN).
This AMN course is crafted to equip graduates with the essential skills for IPC, but also serve as a pathway for IPC certification, enhancing their professional credentials as they embark on their careers. Notably, a similar curriculum addressing acute food insecurity has been successfully implemented at the University of Pretoria, and has worked successfully.
Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator during the training.
As a significant stride towards expanding the reach of this valuable curriculum, FAO has played a pivotal role in training the academic staff at Makerere University (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition) on both the structure and content of the AMN course curriculum. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate the eventual incorporation of this curriculum into the institution’s offerings.
Facilitating this training was Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator. Dr Armstrong brings a wealth of experience to the table, overseeing the academic liaison portfolio and ensuring that IPC remains informed of developments in food security and nutrition research globally. His commitment is evident through co-developing IPC training materials and contributing as a member of the Technical Development Team.
Some of the staff and students that participated in the training.
Over the past 25 years, Dr Armstrong has contributed significantly to food security policy across Asia, Africa, and Europe, working with esteemed organizations such as FAO, WFP, and others. His enduring research interest in food security policy in the Global South reflects his dedication to making a positive impact in this field.
Appreciation
“As educators, we recognize the paramount importance of preparing our students for the evolving workforce, and FAO’s initiative is a testament of our commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning, aligning perfectly with our objectives. We express our sincere appreciation for this collaborative effort and are confident that together, we shall rise to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders both within and outside Uganda,” remarked Dr Hedwig Acham, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Technology & Nutrition, Makerere University.
More photos from the event.
Dr Jannie Armstrong training participants on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN).Dr Ivan Mukisa Muzira and another member of staff at the training.Dr Hedwig Acham (Front L), Dr Robert Fungo (at the back) and another member of staff at the training.Dr Agnes Nabubuya, a Lecturer in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition during the training.Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator conducted the training.Dr Hedwig Acham and Dr Robert Fungo at the training.
It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.
Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.
Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.
I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.
Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.
ELIGIBILITY
For Master’s Applicants
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.
For PhD Applicants
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.
Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/