Research
Hon. Dr. Muyingo Officially Launches Graduate Forum, Research Management System
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo on Thursday 25th April 2024 officially launched the inaugural Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue as well as the Research Information Management System (RIMS). Organised under the theme “Regional Integration and Development”, the two-day event being held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility will witness over 70 paper presentations by PhD fellows, Research and Publication opportunities by the Makerere University Press as well as presentations on Mental Health and Wellness.
“I am here because I am coming back home and you are talking a language I love and enjoy. I am also here to confirm Government’s commitment to support Makerere’s efforts to become a research-led University,” reassured Hon. Dr. Muyingo as he commenced his remarks.
Addressing the event theme, Hon. Dr. Muyingo underscored the importance of regional integration as a cornerstone of Uganda’s aspirations for a brighter future, noting that it is through cohesive efforts and shared endeavours that the region can overcome numerous challenges and unlock its full potential for growth and development.
He pointed out that higher education and research play a pivotal role in driving regional integration and development, and called upon scholars and researchers to play their respective roles. “Your pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence holds the promise of transformative change, serving as a catalyst for innovation, progress, and inclusive growth.”
Hon. Dr. Muyingo expressed the Government of Uganda’s appreciation of the strides made by Makerere University in as far as conducting research that informs national development priorities. He therefore applauded the two-day Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue and launch of RIMS not only as milestones in graduate training but also platforms that will make the institution’s research more visible to government, funding agencies, research partners and other stakeholders.
He nevertheless reiterated the need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as Makerere “to play a more practical role in engaging the policy space and contribute to nurturing a policy environment receptive to evidence-based solutions.”
Delivering the first keynote of the two-day event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressly thanked Hon. Dr. Muyingo for presiding over a second event at Makerere in less than a week. On 19th April 2024, he represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni, at the launch of the Digitalisation of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project.
In the same measure, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Government of Uganda substantially tackling the chronic shortage of funds for research by instituting the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). “With the money that Government is giving us, we have changed the research landscape of Makerere tremendously.
“Additionally, we have with the help of UNDP established a state-of-the-art Innovation Pod. We have put in place an office specializing in Intellectual Property and they are doing a great job; they have already registered several copyrights and applied for several patents” he added.
The Vice Chancellor nevertheless regretted the timing of ongoing budget cuts which are likely to affect funding for research. Noting that we are in the era of the knowledge economy where those in the know get ahead of those who are not, he reiterated that it is Nations such as China that have prioritised knowledge production through funding of Higher Education and research that are making leaps economically.
“If Africa is going to industrialise, we must produce more PhDs because no amount of foreign direct investment is going to industrialise Africa. Africa will be industrialised by the small and medium enterprises, which will come mostly out of research by PhD and Masters students, and a few undergraduate students – the Kiira Motors came from undergraduate students” explained Prof. Nawangwe.
Citing the presentations made during the opening ceremony by Mr. Erick Jacob Okek on Immunological and parasitological impact of co-deployment of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and bed nets for malarial mosquito vector control in Uganda and Ms. Adella Grace Migisha on Environmental influences on electricity reliability in Uganda’s grid system, Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that PhD students are addressing pertinent issues and ought to be supported by the Government.
“Let us put our heads together and see how best to unlock the potential of Makerere University. There is so much potential here that we are not utilising as a country, and we need to unlock it to the letter” summed up the Vice Chancellor.
In line with contributing to unlocking Makerere’s potential, the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Edward Bbaale said that the Annual Forum provides a platform to showcase the potential of graduate research as a driver for socioeconomic transformation. “Additionally, it serves to enhance the capacity of graduate students to engage effectively in policy dialogues and debates.”
Prof. Bbaale reiterated DRGT’s commitment to augmenting the skills of graduate scholars in policy engagement and communication as part of their doctoral research and education toolkit, owing to the impact these graduates have. “There is now evidence that return on investment in Higher Education is higher than the return on investment in lower education and hence Government is encouraged to support graduate training through scholarships and loan schemes.”
Citing the Makerere University Policy on Establishment of Research Institutes and Institutions, Prof. Bbaale said that DRGT is encouraging the growth of research groups into dynamic hubs such as research units, centres, institutes and centres of excellence. Furthermore, and in respect of packaging and marketing of research output as enshrined in the Makerere University Strategic Plan, he added that the multidisciplinary Makerere Innovation Pod is poised to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration among students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
On the need for scholars and researchers to publish works in books and journals, Prof. Bbaale put forth the Makerere University Press as an avenue for disseminating new knowledge across the various disciplines. “I would like to implore all faculty and students to use the press as a publishing house and promote our works.”
Developed by the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) with funding from Mak-RIF, the Research Information Management System (RIMS) was unveiled at the Forum as digital solution to track the graduate student journey, report every stage of progress, centrally manage research produced by students, and streamline the graduation process. Addressing the Forum, the Academic Registrar and Principal Investigator RIMS, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the system is going to Makerere enhance its visibility as a research-led university.
“The architecture of RIMS has seven modules that include: Masters and PhD research; Postdoctoral research; Dissemination, Conferences and Seminars; Research Innovations; Inventory of Senior Researchers; International Collaborations; and e-Supervision” shared Prof. Buyinza.
He added that the system will not only enhance student tracking but also e-Supervision and thesis management through a simple easy-to-use dashboard. “It is a moment of joy that we are transiting from the manual system to an online digital platform. This will enhance efficiency, and completion rates will be assured.”
Providing a background to RIMS, the Director DICTS, Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi noted that the ongoing development and launch of various Information Systems at Makerere University is as a result of a strategic shift by the leadership from outsourcing to solving challenges related to business processes digitalisation through in-house development.
RIMS was developed by a team made up of Mr. Juma Katongole, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza and Mr. Denis Wamala. The latter who presented on behalf of his colleagues demonstrated how the e-Supervision module can be used to track a scholar’s progress right from the conceptual stage right to the dissertation and defence. He added that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) will pilot the RIMS rollout.
The President PhD Fellows at Makerere University (Pf@Mak), Ms. Clare Cheromoi in her opening remarks said that the lineup of paper presentations would at the end of the two-day Forum clearly demonstrate to the public that PhDs remain highly relevant to addressing the challenges in the country. She observed that Makerere has created the supportive environment through avenues such as the Annual Forum for PhD fellows to collectively address national development priorities.
She thanked the University Management and Annual Forum organisers led by the Chairperson Prof. Julius Kikooma for their support in making the event a success. In particular, the President Pf@Mak thanked the Vice Chancellor for maintaining an open-door policy that has enabled Student Leaders to share their ideas. In appreciation the Pf@Mak Leadership presented a book How to Lead Smart People: Leadership for Professionals to Prof. Nawangwe.
The Forum was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango, while the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) kept guests entertained.
Book of Abstracts
Presentations from the Opening Ceremony
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 5th Biennial Conference is underway at Makerere University, and Day 2 has kicked off with a keynote address from Prof. Vukosi Marivate. The keynote speaker and ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria delivered his address under the theme “Research, Innovation & Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation: The Power of the Grassroots”.
Prof. Marivate reminded the audience that Africa’s AI journey is growing from the ground up, powered not by huge institutions but by determined communities and university-based innovators who refuse to wait for permission to build. He spoke passionately about initiatives like Masakhane and the Deep Learning Indaba, which have transformed African language research and expanded technical capacity across the continent. Rather than chasing prestige journals alone, he emphasized work that actually serves African people: building language models, releasing open-source tools, nurturing talent and keeping researchers rooted on the continent. In his words, the future of African AI will be shaped by local builders who choose their own path, invest in research, and create technology guided by real community needs, not external validation.
The keynote address was followed by a round discussion moderated by Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and speakers emphasized that Africa’s AI future will be built through deep, intentional collaboration. The discussion was centered on a theme: Collaboration of Networks (Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa). They noted that the question is no longer whether AI will reshape society; it already is. The real task now is ensuring Africa shapes AI in a way that advances prosperity, equity and shared opportunity. Panelists highlighted that isolated excellence will not deliver transformation. Instead, the continent needs networks that pool expertise, resources and vision across universities, sectors and borders.
Prof. Sharon Fonn of the CARTA Consortium stressed the value of co-created knowledge systems and shared investment in research platforms. She showcased CARTA’s AI-driven research visibility tool, which is already helping African scholars connect findings to policy and practice. Prof. Anthony Egeru of RUFORUM grounded the conversation in agriculture, reminding delegates that AI must reach the acre, not just the algorithm. He emphasized practical innovation that improves smallholder farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, especially through youth-led agritech ventures. From PASGR, Mr. Jim Kaketch underscored that social scientists must not be an afterthought in AI governance, urging frameworks that safeguard ethics, accountability and citizen inclusion.
Dr. Rachid Serraj from Mohammed VI Polytechnic highlighted the power of industry-university partnerships and hands-on innovation models that prepare young Africans to build, not just consume, AI tools. Prof. Akinyemi added that African universities must rethink promotion and reward systems to recognize innovation, impact and cross-disciplinary work. The panel’s shared message was simple but powerful: Africa has talent, vision and momentum. What is needed now is aligned investment, harmonized policies and a commitment to build AI ecosystems that reflect African priorities and enable African creators to lead from the front.
The keynote address and roundtable discussion were followed by the the Fourth Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Adama Ibrahim, Vice-Chair of the Science for Africa Foundation, and a Special Panel of the O.R. Tambo Research Chairs Initiative chaired by Makerere University‘s Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende. The session tackled themes such as: Application of AI in Research and Innovation in African Universities; Building AI Capacity and Talents in African Higher Education Institutions; Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa; Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation; and AI and Creative Economies.
View Session
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has officially opened the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, held on October 29, 2025. Hosted by Makerere University, the three-day conference has drawn together distinguished guests including Vice Chancellors and their deputies from universities under the ARUA, alongside leading scholars and practitioners in Science, Technology and Innovation. The gathering comes at a momentous time as ARUA celebrates its 10th anniversary—an occasion that underscores the alliance’s growing impact on advancing research and collaboration across the continent. Over the course of the conference, participants will deliberate on how research, innovation and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and drive sustainable transformation.
Addressing Africa’s Scientific Renaissance
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, opened the conference with a compelling call for Africa to seize its moment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She reflected on the continent’s history of disruption—from the slave trade to colonization—that interrupted the continuity of African innovation, noting how earlier generations independently developed technologies, smelted iron, and applied natural therapeutics without formal laboratories. Hon. Musenero urged African scientists, researchers, and universities to reclaim this legacy by transforming knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world challenges, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
She emphasized that the role of science must extend beyond academic publications and ivory towers, stressing the need for inventions, industrialization, and commercialization of research outcomes. Highlighting Uganda’s progress, she pointed to innovations in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, as well as initiatives to harness AI and digital technology to benefit local economies. She challenged researchers to align their work with national priorities, protect intellectual property, and translate knowledge into tools, industries, and enterprises that uplift communities. Hon. Musenero concluded by urging African scientists to embrace challenges as opportunities, enter the “Evil Forest” of innovation with courage and resilience, and ensure that Africa no longer remains a passive observer in global technological advancement but a leader shaping its own development trajectory.
Dr. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council on her part described the gathering as a convergence of visionaries, dream builders, and custodians of Africa’s future. She emphasized that the theme of the conference, Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation, called for a shift from consuming knowledge to creating and exporting it, positioning Africa at the center of global development.
Dr. Magara highlighted Makerere University’s initiatives, including the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), the AI and Data Science Research Center, and the Innovation Pod, as examples of how African universities can drive societal transformation when innovation is pursued with vision and intentionality. She also underlined the importance of collaboration through ARUA, noting that technology must serve humanity and be guided by African values of ethics, community, dignity, and shared prosperity. Pointing to Africa’s young population as a key engine of creativity and growth, Dr. Magara called on leaders and researchers to build ecosystems that empower scholars, inspire innovations that uplift communities, and forge partnerships to accelerate the continent’s progress.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed delegates to the Conference, expressed gratitude for Makerere’s role as a pioneer member of the alliance and paid tribute to the visionaries who laid its foundation. Speaking from the historic Main Hall—where Africa’s early independence leaders once debated the continent’s future—Professor Nawangwe reflected on how today’s struggles have shifted from political emancipation to scientific, technological, and economic liberation. He emphasized the urgent need to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including population growth, health, governance, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Highlighting Uganda’s commitment to science, he cited the government’s support to Mak-RIF and the appointment of a scientist-led Ministry for Science, Technology, and Innovation as milestones of progress. He added that under the stewardship of strong leaders such as Dr. Lorna Magara and Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Makerere has received over $8 million annually in research funding, fostering groundbreaking innovations by students, faculty, and community innovators. Professor Nawangwe called for sustained collaboration, increased investment, and shared resolve to harness Africa’s knowledge and innovation for true emancipation.
A call to prepare early and act decisively for AI
The Secretary General of ARUA, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, delivered an insightful overview of the 5th Biennial International Conference, highlighting the urgency for Africa to leverage AI and research to transform its social, economic, and political landscape. He observed that while the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health crises, and governance gaps, artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress towards Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Gyapong emphasized the potential of AI to enhance research efficiency, drive innovation, and address pressing issues in agriculture, health, education, and governance. He also underscored the need for Africa to develop data infrastructure, ethical frameworks, and equitable access to AI tools. Outlining the conference program, he noted that discussions would center on building AI capacity in higher education, strengthening university–industry collaboration, and advancing responsible AI ecosystems. Concluding with an African proverb, he reminded participants that “you cannot fatten a goat on the market day,” urging institutions to prepare early and act decisively for Africa’s transformation.
In his address, the Chairperson of the ARUA Board, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, paid tribute to the visionary leaders who founded ARUA and commended its founding Secretary General, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, for his exceptional leadership in strengthening the alliance across the continent. Professor Mabizela emphasized the importance of collaboration among African universities and their global partners in addressing the complex challenges facing humanity—ranging from climate change and pandemics to inequality and technological disruption. He called for stronger, sustainable international research networks that enable knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional growth, allowing African universities to become central contributors to global progress. Expressing appreciation to Makerere University for hosting the conference, he applauded the organizers, keynote speakers, and participants for their dedication to advancing Africa’s research and innovation agenda. He concluded with optimism, affirming that through collaboration, shared purpose, and resilience, Africa’s future remains bright with promise and possibility.
In his virtual address, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, urged Africa to harness its vast potential as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. He reflected on the continent’s unique position to redefine its development path through courage, collaboration, and conviction. Acknowledging the challenges of climate change, health inequities, educational disparities, and economic inequality, he emphasized that Africa’s research institutions are already generating groundbreaking, context-driven innovations. Drawing inspiration from Robert Frost, Professor Marwala noted that Africa stands at a crossroads—and that the choices made today will shape its destiny. He called for bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation, affirming that with collective effort and optimism, “nothing can stop us now.”
During the conference, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astria Learning, a global education technology company dedicated to developing impactful, flexible, and accessible e-learning solutions. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Astria Learning’s CEO Dr. Jeff Bordes highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education and underscored the partnership’s role in shaping the future of learning in Africa. He shared that, recognizing AI’s potential to redefine teaching and research, Astria pivoted its focus from traditional software development to AI-driven educational technologies. Through this collaboration, Makerere University and Astria Learning will establish an AI e-Campus aimed at accelerating postgraduate education and supporting the African Union’s goal of producing one million PhDs by 2035. Dr. Bordes noted that AI tools such as automated grading systems, intelligent tutoring, and adaptive content creation will empower lecturers to manage larger cohorts efficiently without compromising quality. Expressing gratitude to Makerere University’s leadership, he affirmed Astria Learning’s commitment to transforming higher education and building global capacity through technology.
A Host’s heartfelt appreciation
Professor Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University and Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee expressed deep gratitude to the participants, partners, and sponsors whose collaboration made the event possible, and extended a special welcome to international guests visiting Uganda for the first time. Professor Wamala described the conference theme as both timely and forward-looking, noting that AI is reshaping how societies live, learn, and develop.
He emphasized that for Africa, this technological revolution presents not just an opportunity to catch up, but to lead — anchored in strong research, ethical practices, and a shared vision for sustainable development. Appreciating the dedication of his organizing team, he encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform for learning, co-creation, and collaboration across nations, reminding them that while artificial intelligence is powerful, “human intelligence, ethics, and purpose must lead the way.”
Natural Sciences
Mak-CoNAS Wins CAD 0.8 Million Grant to Scale-up Fish Processing Technologies & Empower Women in Uganda
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University has been awarded a highly competitive research grant worth CAD 0.8 million to implement the “NutriFishPLUS” project, which aims to scale up innovative fish processing technologies, improve market access, and empower women in Uganda’s fishing communities to boost incomes and livelihoods.
This project builds on the significant achievements of the previous ground-breaking NutriFish project (2019–2023), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase (CultiAF2). The achievements included: 1) establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth; 2) piloting solar tent dryers for processing silverfish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months; 3) developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal; 4) conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas. Despite these achievements, gaps still remain with regard to increasing production of high-quality Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) through adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks; enhancing capacity of men, women and the youth in processing, packaging, branding and marketing; improving access to capital and lucrative markets for fish and fish products; and empowering women, youth and other marginalized groups in the small fish value chain; and strengthening resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.
NutriFishPLUS will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, in collaboration with two private companies (Kati Farms and Nutreal) through a public-private partnership. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Jackson Efitre and his team will focus on scaling-up the use of improved, sustainable fish processing technologies such as the solar Tent dryers and raised racks to new communities across Uganda; enhancing market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish products; as well as deepening women’s empowerment and strengthening the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams. The project is expected to run for September 2025- March 2028. The expected outcomes include: enhanced incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth; improved health and nutrition for vulnerable groups through diversification of fish products that are embedded in the market with strong supply chain linkages; sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be scaled across Uganda and the East African region; improved women and youth participation in decision making and control of benefits in the SPF value chains; and improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory, scalable approaches.
“Winning this competitive grant is an incredible opportunity for the team to solidify the achievements of the first phase as the funding enables us to move beyond research to embed these nutritional and technological solutions into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Efitre. “I am privileged to lead this impactful work on behalf of Makerere University. Scaling up these tested, climate-responsive technologies as well as empowering the women and youth will secure better nutrition and more sustainable livelihoods across fishing communities in Uganda.”
The project is set to be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, 28th October 2025 by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration and Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.
Please see below for details on the project.
Details on the previous project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/03/nutrifish-project-registers-significant-achievements/
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