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Mak Climate Conference Calls for Africanizing Global Resilience Discourses

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 The International Climate Change Conference held at Makerere University has sparked significant discussions on the need to tailor global climate resilience and adaptation strategies to fit the African context.

The conference, themed, ” Grounding Climate Change in East Africa,” brought together Over 100 participants from eight universities in East Africa  and the diaspora encompassing natural scientists, social scientists, humanities, medical, law  and art scholars as well as  Government ministries and agencies, the private sector and civil society organistaions to debate and propose solutions for the pressing climate issues facing East Africa.

Funded by University of Cambridge in the US, the two day conference (25th -26th July 2024) was convened  by Makerere University’s Department of Environmental Managemnet  in conjunction with University of Cambridge  spearheaded by Prof. Justine Namaalwa ,  Dr. Patrick Byakaga and Adam Branch.

The conference underscored the urgent need to reframe global climate strategies to better suit African realities. Integrating local knowledge, mainstreaming climate issues across disciplines, enhancing collaboration between academia and practitioners, and valuing cultural perspectives provide a comprehensive roadmap for effective climate action in East Africa. The participants call for immediate and sustained efforts to implement these resolutions to address the climate crisis effectively.

Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa giving the opening remarks

While officially opening the conference at Makerere University CEDAT Conference room, the Deputy Vice Chancellor  in charge of  Academic Affairs, represented by Dr. Robert Wamala, emphasized the collaborative effort between Makerere University and  the University of Cambridge as a significant milestone in addressing global climate challenges.

Dr. Wamala noted that Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change due to its limited adaptive capacities. “The continent faces increasing climate extremes like droughts and floods, exacerbating poverty and destroying livelihoods,” he said. He highlighted the dire predictions for East Africa, mentioning significant impacts on agriculture, health, infrastructure, and businesses.

One of the members reacting to the presentation

“Climate change is recognized as a constraint limiting East Africa’s efforts to attain many critical sustainable development goals,” Wamala added, stressing the urgency for sustainable solutions amid rising conflicts and insecurity in drought-prone areas.

The conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and explore innovative solutions to climate change. Dr. Wamala encouraged active participation from attendees, stating, “We all shall be able to shape the conversations on climate change based on our unique experiences, insights, and knowledge.”

He highlighted three key themes for the conference: Africanizing global discourses of resilience and adaptation, Deepening climate justice from East African perspectives, and Grounding climate actions by addressing constraints and building momentum. “These themes encapsulate the manifest nature of climate change and the need for knowledge when exploring opportunities for effectively addressing the challenge,” he explained.

Dr. Robert Wamala delivering his opening remarks

Dr. Wamala concluded by expressing gratitude to the Department of Environmental Management and international partners, reaffirming Makerere University‘s commitment to addressing global challenges. “Together, let us interrogate the complexities of climate change and trigger discussions on tangible actions that will shape a sustainable future,” Dr. Wamala urged.

Co-Convener Highlights the Power of Collaboration in Addressing Climate Change

Representing the Principal of the College of Agricultural  and Environmental Sciences, Co-Convener Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, who is also Chair of the Department of Environmental Management, emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in tackling climate change. Namaalwa underscored that the conference represents a culmination of the college’s mandate to advance research and education in agricultural and environmental sciences.

Prof. Namaalwa praised the collaborative spirit of the conference, noting, “This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision to address the pressing issue of climate change in our region.” She highlighted the diverse range of participants, including academics, government officials, and private sector representatives, all coming together with the common goal of enhancing understanding and shaping effective climate actions tailored to East Africa.

Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa (2nd Left) in a group photo with some of the panelists

She expressed her gratitude towards the leadership of Makerere University and the Centre of African Studies at the University of Cambridge for their significant contributions. “Our appreciation goes to our esteemed partners at the Centre of African Studies, University of Cambridge. Your invaluable partnership and mutual respect have been instrumental in making this conference a reality,” Prof. Namaalwa stated.

Addressing the conference attendees, Namaalwa called for a multidisciplinary approach to climate change. “Climate change is a multifaceted issue that intersects with various fields, including environmental science, agriculture, economics, law, medicine, sociology, and public policy. By integrating insights from these diverse disciplines, we can develop comprehensive and effective actions tailored to our region’s specific needs.” she said.

She urged participants to focus on opportunities for innovation and progress. “The challenges posed by climate change are immense, but so are the opportunities for innovation. Let us emphasize the potential for positive change and work together to build resilient communities, protect our ecosystems, and foster sustainable development.”

In conclusion, Prof. Namaalwa expressed confidence that the conference would act as a catalyst for meaningful action and new partnerships. “I am confident that this conference will inspire new initiatives and collaborations aimed at addressing climate change effectively. Let us seize this opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge lasting collaborations for a better future.”

Calls for Unified Climate Research, Localized Solutions, and Redefining Global Models

The Head of African Studies at the University of Cambridge, Prof. Adam Branch outlined three main intellectual and institutional goals for the “Grounding Climate Change in East Africa” conference, emphasizing the need to address fragmentation in climate research, political transformations driven by climate discourse, and the influence of Western-dominated climate models.

Prof. Adam Branch speaking during the opening ceremony

Prof. Branch pointed out the fragmentation in climate change research driven by donor priorities. He explained that much of the current research is conducted under varied agendas and lacks coordination among different disciplines and institutions. “The conference aims to bring together researchers from various disciplines and universities to build common agendas, discuss shared challenges, and address the fragmentation caused by donor-driven priorities,” he said.

Branch addressed the political and social transformations triggered by climate change discussions. He noted that climate change is driving significant shifts in policies, institutional changes, and civil society agendas. “Given the broad impacts of climate change, it is crucial to create a platform where civil society, activists, academics, practitioners, and political leaders can reflect on these changes and collaborate on navigating the evolving political and social landscape,” Prof. Branch stated.

Mr. Aaron Werikhe (L) from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Mr. Jamil Kimono (R) from Ministry of Water and Environment presenting on what Uganda Government has done to mitigate climate change.

Prof. Branch also discussed the need to challenge the dominance of Western climate models and agendas. He highlighted concerns about the relevance of global climate policies and models to African contexts, emphasizing that these frameworks often overlook Africa’s environmental histories and adaptation practices. “To ensure that climate actions are relevant and effective, we must ground climate change discussions in African environmental histories and needs, driven by African researchers. This approach will help avoid perpetuating climate injustice and promote genuine environmental justice,” he asserted.

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of the conference in addressing these key issues, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that climate strategies are tailored to the unique needs and histories of African societies.

One of the panelist Dr. Florence Ebila receiving a certficate from Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali and Adam Branch

Conference Highlights Multidisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change

The conference, held over two days, explored three core themes: Africanizing global discourses of resilience and adaptation; Deepening climate justice with East African perspectives, and Grounding climate actions by addressing constraints and building momentum.

The conference attracted eight universities in East Africa and beyond including Gulu University, Makerere University, University of Cambridge, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, University of Dodoma, University of Dar es Salaam, Lira University, and Addis Ababa University. A total of 28 scholarly papers were presented, alongside three keynote speeches and six panel discussions.

During the opening, agenda setting and overview roundtable, Prof. Justine Namaalwa emphasized the critical role of research in shaping climate actions. Dr. Patrick Byakagaba discussed the importance of harnessing synergies between universities and civil society organizations for climate resilience and justice.

Byakagaba emphasized the multifaceted nature of climate justice, stating, “Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, and achieving climate justice means addressing these disparities. It involves not only fair distribution of costs and benefits but also correcting historical wrongs.” He explained that climate justice is deeply intertwined with both distributive justice—where wealthier nations shoulder more responsibility—and corrective justice, which seeks to address past inequities.

A section of participants attending

Byakagaba highlighted the growing involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) and governments in adopting climate justice perspectives. “while some Global South nations are enacting climate laws that incorporate human rights and intergenerational considerations, successes in climate litigation have been sparse.” This is often due to the technical challenge of proving causal links between human activities and localized climate impacts. He stressed that “robust evidence from technical experts, often based in universities, is essential to support these legal claims.”

Universities, once considered detached from real-world problems, are increasingly aligning their research with societal needs and community priorities. Dr. Byakagaba noted, “The collaboration between universities and CSOs is crucial. Universities have the research capabilities to provide actionable insights, while CSOs offer on-the-ground perspectives and practical experience.” This partnership is seen as a vital strategy for developing and implementing effective climate-resilient interventions.

Policy advocacy for climate justice relies heavily on rigorous, objective research. Dr. Byakagaba explained, “Countries with strong climate laws often have advisory committees that include technical experts from academia and civil society. These committees are vital for shaping and implementing effective climate strategies.” However, many regional and local governments in East Africa still face challenges in creating actionable climate plans.

Addressing barriers to effective university-CSO partnerships—such as power imbalances and differing timelines—requires significant reform. Dr. Byakagaba concluded, “Overcoming these challenges will necessitate a shift in mindset within both universities and CSOs. Strong collaborations between these institutions can drive meaningful climate action and address the pressing challenges of climate change.”

Additionally, Adam Branch and Dr. Florence Ebila presented on extending the climate change debate and engendering climate change action, respectively.The conference featured three keynote addresses. Mathew Bukhi Mabele from the University of Dodoma presented on “Green Extractivism and a Surging Commodity Frontier in African Carbon Forestry.” On the second day, Laury Ocen delivered a keynote on “Framing Climate Security within the Historical Lenses of Oral Texts,” while Aaron Werikhe and Kimono Jamil from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water and Environment discussed “Mainstreaming Climate Change in National and Local Government Budgets in Uganda: Opportunities and Challenges.”

Mauricio Ospina from universdad de los Andes receiving the certificate of attendance

Panel discussions covered a range of topics. Panel One, chaired by Prof. Namaalwa, included debates on climate change politics, data, and justice. Panel Two, led by Solomon Olum, focused on land, natural resources, and livelihoods, with discussions on gender dynamics, carbon hegemony, and conservation agriculture. Panel Three, chaired by Arthur Oworo, explored culture and climate change, with presentations on literature, disaster risk reduction, and indigenous knowledge.

Day Two Featured Panel Four, chaired by Laury Ocen, which examined environmental hazards and social vulnerability, including studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change in East Africa. Panel Five, led by Irene Anying, presented research on local climate knowledge and adaptation practices, while Panel Six, chaired by Adam Branch, addressed land, displacement, and ecology, featuring discussions on refugee self-reliance, land tenure, and sustainable development.

The conference successfully fostered a multidisciplinary dialogue on climate change, emphasizing the need for collaborative and context-specific solutions to address the challenges facing East Africa and beyond.

Communiqué: Key Takeaways and Resolutions from the Conference

The conference addressed several critical issues, providing clear resolutions for tackling climate change in East Africa. A major focus was the pivotal role of academia in shaping climate adaptation and resilience strategies for Africa.

Universities and research institutions were urged to lead by developing curricula and research agendas that incorporate African perspectives and solutions. This includes supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) with accessible information and fostering collaborative actions. There was a strong call to mainstream climate change across all academic disciplines, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches and ensuring that all fields, including the humanities, contribute to climate solutions.

The importance of evidence-based climate action was emphasized. It was highlighted that research should inform decision-making processes to ensure that interventions are grounded in solid evidence. This approach is crucial for implementing effective strategies to address climate change challenges.

The conference also underscored the need for research to be deliberate and intentional in influencing policy and practice. Researchers were encouraged not only to generate evidence but also to actively engage in refining and rebutting existing policies and practices. This focused effort aims to ensure that research findings contribute directly to improving climate policies and practices.

Researchers were urged to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through targeted research that provides actionable insights and solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate impacts. Additionally, there was a call for researchers to provide evidence-based results that support both national and international climate policy processes, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This will ensure that climate strategies are informed by the latest research findings.

Academia is expected to play a proactive role in supporting policy and strategy development. Researchers were urged to align their work with policy processes, offering valuable data and analysis to shape and refine climate strategies. This commitment is crucial for bridging the gap between research and practical climate action, ensuring that policies are effective and grounded in robust scientific evidence.

The conference also emphasized the urgent need to realign global climate strategies to better address African realities. By integrating local knowledge, mainstreaming climate issues across disciplines, enhancing collaboration between academia and practitioners, and valuing cultural perspectives, participants laid out a comprehensive roadmap for effective climate action in East Africa. Immediate and sustained efforts are required to implement these resolutions and address the climate crisis effectively.

Local knowledge and perspectives were highlighted, with the conference stressing that societies affected by climate change should not only be seen as victims but also as repositories of valuable indigenous knowledge. Challenging conventional notions of climate change and integrating local insights is essential for developing more effective and contextually relevant solutions.

Climate change was recognized as a cross-cutting issue impacting various sectors of society. The conference underscored the necessity of addressing climate change across political, economic, social, and scientific fields. Comprehensive engagement from all academic disciplines, including the humanities, is vital. Integrating diverse perspectives will ensure a holistic approach to tackling climate change and its multifaceted impacts.

Sustainable charcoal practices were identified as a critical area for environmental conservation and local livelihoods. The sub-region was highlighted as a key area for implementing such initiatives, emphasizing the need to mitigate deforestation and support community well-being.

Participants were encouraged to become proactive climate change activists, advocate for climate considerations in budget plans, and integrate these issues into everyday practices. Effective climate action requires collaboration between academia and CSOs to create and implement meaningful policies and initiatives.

Communication strategies were addressed, with a focus on using vernacular languages to effectively communicate climate change. This approach is crucial for bridging the gap between universal and local understandings, making climate information more accessible and relevant to diverse communities.

The conference stressed the need for a critical approach to data justice and climate modeling. There was a call for examining climate models and data with consideration of historical injustices, ensuring they inform policies and practices thoughtfully. Caution was advised to avoid perpetuating inequalities or misrepresenting local conditions.

Cultural perspectives and environmental justice were also highlighted. Cultural values and traditional knowledge play a crucial role in conserving natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability. The rich content of oral culture can offer valuable insights for developing effective climate change responses and resilience strategies.

Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer

Jane Anyango

Agriculture & Environment

Mak, CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform drive equitable & inclusive agricultural development through enhanced gender & agriculture curricula

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Coffee drying. Photo: Kimbugwe Fredrick. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

****In this blog, we share about efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

Overview

Gender equality is a key pillar to achieving sustainable development goals. However, in agrifood systems,  achieving these goals has been a challenge because of the complex social and gender relations that govern most communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although agriculture remains the backbone of many economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing livelihoods for a significant proportion of the population, gender inequalities are prevalent in this sector. For example, several gender-based constraints contribute to gender yield gaps. In addition, despite their immense contributions, women often face systemic barriers in agriculture as a result of social norms, which limit their access to and control over productive resources, decision-making processes, and agricultural extension services.

These disparities not only undermine gender equality but also constrain agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development. Addressing challenges such as these requires an understanding of the intersection between gender and agricultural development, which can inform policies and programming in the sector. One avenue to understanding and tackling these complex issues is through equipping professionals in agricultural-related fields with the necessary skills and knowledge through relevant curricula in institutions of higher learning. 

University curricula as a pathway to tackle gender in agriculture-related issues 

In a move to contribute to addressing the gap in gender-related knowledge and skills among agricultural professionals, the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) Phase 3 initiative – a collaboration between Makerere and the CGIAR GENDER Platform – fortified the existing gender and agriculture curricula at Makerere University that was last updated more than 10 years ago.  The course materials were revamped to align with changing needs and the latest knowledge and best practices in gender and agrifood systems. Graduates of these programs are to be equipped to handle the challenges in the world of work in gender and agriculture. The same initiative also supported the development of two innovative postgraduate programs in gender and agriculture at Makerere University– a Masters and a Post Graduate Diploma, due to be launched soon. These aim to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs.                                             

A section of CAES Masters graduates at the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 30th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of CAES Masters graduates at the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University.

A consultative approach to gender and agriculture curriculum development

Recognizing the need for collaborative curriculum design, Makerere University conducted physical and online stakeholder consultations in the last quarter of 2024.  The physical workshop held in Kampala, Uganda, was attended by a diverse group of experts in gender, agriculture, monitoring and evaluation, and university management, among others.  The online survey, targeting a diverse audience of experts in gender and agriculture globally, attracted over 70 respondents from 22 countries across five regions – Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. The experts (mainly in gender studies, rural development, and agricultural economics) were from academia, national agricultural institutes, CGIAR centers, NGOs, and international organizations. The purpose of the consultation was to gather respondents’ perceptions about the relevance of the post-graduate programs, key competencies students should have upon completion of the programs, priority topics, and any existing materials they believed would be beneficial to adapt or incorporate into this curriculum, among other things.

Stakeholders during the Physical consultation workshop in Kampala. Credit: Geoffrey Kasujja. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.
Stakeholders during the Physical consultation workshop in Kampala. Credit: Geoffrey Kasujja.

Priority topics suggested by stakeholders include: gender concepts and why gender matters in agriculture,  gender and climate change, inter-sectionality, gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation, women’s empowerment, gender transformative approaches,  gender-responsive research design, data collection, analysis and reporting, and gender and seed systems. These are some of the topics that have been integrated into the curricula. They are also part of the improved existing undergraduate and graduate programs shared as open-access materials to allow other teachers and teaching institutes across the globe to draw on these efforts for their own courses.

Revised materials hosted on the Makerere University e-learning portal. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.
Revised materials hosted on the Makerere University e-learning portal.

Longer-term postgraduate programs Vs short- term courses

The post-graduate programs draw inspiration from the GREAT program, which was instrumental in training over 360 agricultural researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia since 2015. Lessons from GREAT revealed the need for longer and more extensive academic offerings to develop professionals who can lead transformative change in the sector. In line with this, the majority of the consulted stakeholders (87 percent) rated the postgraduate programs as very important as opposed to short-term courses. They emphasized the need for longer-term educational initiatives to deepen theoretical understanding and practical application. This would help to create a pool of experts/ gender-responsive professionals capable of advocating for equity at every level of the agrifood system, filling the gaps in capacity that short-term training programs do not usually address.

Proposed structure and next steps

The programs will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from agriculture, gender studies, sociology, and rural development. Stakeholders also proposed that the programs leverage existing resources, such as CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform materials and evidence explainers, and FAO resources on gender and agriculture, while ensuring continuous evaluation and updates to remain relevant to evolving needs. Partner universities in Uganda that are developing similar programs include: Mountains of the Moon University in Western Uganda, University of the Sacred Heart Gulu, and Muni University in Northern Uganda.

With revamped training materials and these new academic programs on gender and agriculture, Makerere University contributes to higher education that can drive systemic change in agriculture. These programs will empower change-makers who will shape the future of agriculture into one that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Resources:

Report: Online Consultation on new programs in Gender and agriculture, October 2024

Report: Consultative Workshop on new programs in Gender and agriculture, September 2024.

Revised Gender and Agriculture Course materials: https://muele.mak.ac.ug/course/view.php?id=11805

By Elizabeth Asiimwe, Losira Nasirumbi Sanya, and Marlène Elias.

For more information, please contact:

Florence Birungi Kyazze, PhD
Senior Lecturer and GREAT Project P.I
Department of Extension and Innovation Studies
Email: fbirungikyazze@gmail.com

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Agriculture & Environment

PhD Scholarship Announcement (1 Position): Sustainable Energy Transitions in EA

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PhD Graduate Dr. Idd Ramathani is congratulated by staff from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) after being conferred upon his award on Day 5 of the 75th Graduation Ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic
Sciences and the School of Social Sciences & Makerere University Business School, in
collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), University of
Stavanger (Norway), University of Juba (South Sudan) and Technical University of Kenya
(Kenya) received a grant from NORAD under NORHED II projects to implement activities for
Project QZA-21/0159 – Programme 2021-2026 entitled “Capacity building for socially just
and sustainable energy transitions in East Africa”
. This project aims at building the capacity of the workforce within the East African region to implement a just and sustainable low-carbon energy agenda by imparting the relevant skills and knowledge through education, research and outreach. To this end, this project is now inviting suitable candidates among Makerere University Staff to submit applications for a PhD scholarship tenable at Makerere University for a period of 3 years.

About the project
The East African region has embraced the global drive to transition to low carbon economies and clean energy. However, a key challenge is the persistent lack of knowledge, capacity and skilled personnel to support the transition. The project focuses on building capacity and competence through education, research and outreach to ensure that the region has a workforce with the relevant skills set and knowledge required to implement and demand for a just and sustainable low-carbon energy transition agenda.

The PhD position at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences,
Makerere University will focus on the theme: Energy infrastructure, environmental impacts
and changing social practices
.

About the theme: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, both non-renewable and renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation can be land use intensive and impact conservation areas (Rehbein et al., 2020). For instance, in Uganda, petroleum resources are located on shore within the Albertine Graben – a global biodiversity hotspot (Plumptre et al., 2017). Renewable energy infrastructure projects such as hydropower dams and support infrastructure (power lines) have traversed protected areas including national parks. So far, limited attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to national, regional and global biodiversity. Hence, this project will address the environmental impacts of energy infrastructure and how social practices are affected by it.

Main tasks

  • The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Geography at Makerere University. The student must complete the PhD program consisting of mandatory and elective courses and a major research component.
  • Collect and analyse data.
  • Produce a PhD thesis, preferably based on 3-4 peer-reviewed articles published in key international journals.
  • Disseminate results at national and international conferences.
  • Be an active participant in the day-to-day project activities.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit applications by e-mail to Prof Frank Mugagga (frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com) and Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju (charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no), including:

  1. a brief statement of interest or cover letter describing your motivation to apply (max 1 page);
  2. a concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus;
  3. a curriculum vitae (CV) of max 4 pages;
  4. A copy of the master’s thesis.
  5. publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
  6. contact information (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for two persons who may act as referees.

Application deadline: Soft copies of the applications must be received by 21st February 2025 to the above indicated email addresses.

Eligibility requirements, qualifications and experience: The applicant should have completed a Master’s Degree in any of the following Disciplines; – Geography/Geographical Sciences, Land use and Regional Development, Disaster Risk Management or any other closely related subject. Applicants should have an excellent academic and educational record (Minimum: Upper Second for undergraduate and an average of B for the Masters) and strong analytical and writing skills (any peer-reviewed publications or previous research experience will be an advantage). Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the project’s publication targets and will be encouraged to publish in international, peer-reviewed ISI journals. The candidates should be able to work independently but also as part of the project team.

Age limits: Not more than 40 years (female applicants) and 35 (male applicants) at the time of
application.

PhD study conditions: The successful applicant is expected to register on the PhD-program at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Scholars from Makerere University, supported by colleagues from the Project Team.

The selection process: Applications will be evaluated by an independent evaluation committee. The Project Team will make the final selection of successful candidates based on recommendations from the evaluation committee.

Expected start date: The planned starting date is 15th March 2025. After that, they are
expected to further develop their research proposals with guidance from the supervisors and to
follow Makerere University’s admission procedure to apply for admission to the PhD Programme in Geography. The PhD scholarship period starts when candidate is formally admitted to the PhD Programme.

PhD Duration and Scholarship: The PhD candidate will be expected to complete studies within 3 years. The successful candidates will have a competitive scholarship covering tuition, functional fees and research costs.

For specific inquiries about the scholarship, please contact Prof Frank Mugagga Email:
frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com; or Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju
(charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no).

This call is subject to equal opportunities for all and qualifying women and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Agriculture & Environment

562 Graduate from CAES, Best Researchers & Teachers Recognized

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Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) proudly presented 562 students for the award of degrees and diplomas at the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. Among the 562 graduates, 19 earned PhDs, 97 received Master’s degrees, 11 were awarded postgraduate diplomas, and 435 graduated with Bachelor’s degrees.

Makerere University faculty from CAES, CEDAT, and CHUSS marching to the Freedom Square for the graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Makerere University faculty from CAES, CEDAT, and CHUSS marching to the Freedom Square for the graduation ceremony.

CAES PhD Graduates

The PhD graduates from CAES included Dr Achola Esther, Dr Akecha Tobby, Dr Baguma Karubanga Julius, Dr Birungi Pauline, Dr Burungi Rosemirta, Dr Fentaw Abate Asmamaw, Dr Habtemariam Assefa, and Dr Idd Ramathani. Others were: Dr Mukama Massa Henry, Dr Mbaziira James, Dr Mugisa Immaculate, Dr Musoke Charles, Dr Nabasumba Sylvia, Dr Nalubwama Sylvia, Dr Nansereko Sophie, Dr Ochen Morris, Dr Odoi Juventine Boaz, Dr Sseremba Emmanuel Owen, and Dr Twase Ismail.

Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga addresses the congregation. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga addresses the congregation.

Makerere University Graduation Highlights

A total of 13,662 students received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University at the 75th graduation ceremony held on 13th-17 January 2025. Of these, 143 graduated with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees, and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53% of the graduates were female and 47% were male.  Notably, 44% of the PhD graduates were female underscoring the growing involvement of women in high-level academic research. 16% of the students graduated with post-graduate degrees and diplomas. A total of 491 students graduated with first class degrees.  

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaking during the Graduation. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaking during the Graduation.

CAES Graduation Ceremony

The CAES students, along with their peers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), graduated on the final day of the ceremony, Friday, 17th January 2025.

The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga presenting PhD graduates at the ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga presenting PhD graduates at the ceremony.

Chancellor’s Remarks

During the ceremony, Makerere University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, congratulated the graduates upon the achievement. He extended his gratitude to the faculty, administrators, parents, and guardians for their continuous support throughout the students’ academic journeys.

One of the graduates from CAES after receiving her PhD. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the graduates from CAES after receiving her PhD.

In his address, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the immense potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector, advocating for increased collaboration between the university, and medium- to large-scale farmers, as well as local communities to further improve the sector. “Such partnerships could provide students with hands-on experience while supporting the growth of Uganda’s agricultural economy,” he noted. He called for stronger collaborations with the private sector to commercialize innovations emerging from the University.

Dr Settumba Mukasa from the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES congratulates one of the PhD graduates. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Settumba Mukasa from the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES congratulates one of the PhD graduates.

In line with the President’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga underscored the importance of integrating Political Economy into the university curricula. He stressed that this knowledge is essential for the strategic utilization of Africa’s resources and the continent’s economic transformation.

Dr Nansereko Sophie celebrating her victory. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Nansereko Sophie celebrating her victory.

Vice Chancellor’s Remarks

In his address, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, equally congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the contribution of the teaching staff, administrators, the families, and guardians of the students. Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Dr. Kiyonga upon his appointment indicating that his wealth of experience would be invaluable to the university’s future development.

Some of the undergradute students from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the undergradute students from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony.

Highlighting the achievements registered in the past year, Prof. Nawangwe praised the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for its outstanding research output, which has immensely contributed to the development of Uganda’s agricultural sector. “The College continues to be one of our flag bearers in research. In 2024, the College continued to lead vital initiatives focused on driving sustainable change in Africa’s agricultural and environmental sectors, particularly addressing the challenges of climate change and the need for inclusive sustainable agri-food systems,” he noted. Key of the initiatives and projects undertaken by the College included:

  1. Makerere University-IOWA State University Community Transformative Initiatives: This project has positively impacted communities in Kamuli District, enhancing livelihoods through programs in agriculture, education, nutrition, and environmental conservation.
  2. Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica): A three-year academic mobility scheme co-funded by the EU, aimed at addressing agricultural sector challenges by enhancing human capacity in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  3. Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems, and Climate Change (AfPEC): Funded by DANIDA, this project promotes agroforestry practices to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change in the disaster-prone Mt. Elgon region.
  4. FoodLAND Project: Funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020, this initiative seeks to develop innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies to improve the nutrition performance of Africa’s local food systems.
  5. Centre for Tourism Development: In collaboration with the University of Oregon and Penn State University, CAES has embarked on developing a centre dedicated to addressing tourism challenges, including wildlife-community conflicts near game reserves.
CAES graduates celebrating their achievement. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CAES graduates celebrating their achievement.

Research excellence and Teacher Recognition

During the 75th graduation ceremony, Makerere University recognized the best researchers and teachers from each of the 10 Colleges. CAES produced the overall best teachers of the year at Makerere University namely: Dr Steven Lwasa (Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics), Dr Patrick Musinguzi (Department of Agricultural Production) and Dr Joshua Wanyama (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). The Senior Researcher Award was presented to Prof. Richard Edema (Department of Agricultural Production), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences), Assoc. Prof. Anthony Egeru (Department of Environmental Management), and Assoc. Prof. Isa Kabenge (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). The Mid-Career Researcher Award went to Dr Robert Mugabi (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition), Dr Dramadri Isaac (Department of Agricultural Production), Dr Joshua Wanyama (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), and Dr Ephraim Nuwamanya (Department of Agricultural Production). Dr Erion Bwambale (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), Dr Denis Nsubuga (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), and Dr Robert Asiimwe (Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics) were recognized as the best Early Career Researchers.  

75th Graduation CAES Pictorial

Dr Donald Kugonza and Dr Bernard Obaa from CAES at the graduation ceremony on 17th January 2025. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Donald Kugonza and Dr Bernard Obaa from CAES at the graduation ceremony on 17th January 2025.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal of CAES emerged as one of the Best Senior Researchers. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal of CAES emerged as one of the Best Senior Researchers.
Prof. Richard Edema was recognized as one of the Best Senior Researchers from CAES. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Richard Edema was recognized as one of the Best Senior Researchers from CAES.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza presenting an Award to one of the Best Mid-Career Researchers from CAES, Dr Robert Mugabi. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza presenting an Award to one of the Best Mid-Career Researchers from CAES, Dr Robert Mugabi.
Dr Dramadri Isaac received the Best Mid-Career Researchers' Award. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Dramadri Isaac received the Best Mid-Career Researchers’ Award.
Dr Joshua Wanyama received both the Best Mid-Career Researchers and Best Teachers' Awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Joshua Wanyama received both the Best Mid-Career Researchers and Best Teachers’ Awards.
Dr Nsubuga Denis was recognized as one of the Best Early Career Researchers from CAES. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Nsubuga Denis was recognized as one of the Best Early Career Researchers from CAES.
Dr Steven Lwasa and Dr Patrick Musinguzi received the Best Teacher Award. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. Convocation Luncheon, 17th January 2025, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Steven Lwasa and Dr Patrick Musinguzi received the Best Teacher Award.

Hasifa Kabejja

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