Natural Sciences
Mak Researchers develop Innovative Integrated Wetlands-bivalve system to Mitigate Effects of Pollution in Aquaculture farms in the Lake Victoria Basin
By Hasifa Kabejja & Dr. Robinson Odong
Overview
The fisheries sub-sector in Uganda is crucial, supporting over 5 million livelihoods and providing essential protein for up to 17 million people, with an average consumption of 10 kg per capita. Uganda’s population is projected to double in the next 27 years, prompting the National Development Plan III to aim for a significant increase in fish production, with aquaculture expected to contribute 1 million MT by 2030. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022 emphasizes adherence to National Environmental Management principles to achieve sustainable production systems.
However, as aquaculture grows, the sector faces environmental challenges due to increased intensive production and on-farm waste, including nutrients from feed, uneaten feed, poor quality feeds, pseudofeces, escaped farmed fish, and residual chemicals. These pollutants pose risks such as habitat quality deterioration, biodiversity loss, eutrophication of waterways, and the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Mitigating the effects of environmental pollution from aquaculture
Through a Project titled: Mitigating the Effects of Environmental Pollution from aquaculture on freshwater resources in Lake Victoria Basin (MEEP), researchers from Makerere University in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) set out to assess the effects of aquaculture facilities and practices on Lake Victoria, its catchment rivers and wetlands. The team led by Dr Ronald Semyalo from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) at Makerere University subsequently examined the effectiveness of innovative technologies, such as integrated wetland-bivalve systems, in mitigating these impacts. They also reviewed the application of national environment and aquaculture regulations in controlling environmental pollution. The study surveyed fish farms in three districts of Buikwe, Jinja, and Mukono within the Victoria Water Management Zone. Other project team members were: Dr Jerome Lugumira from NEMA, Dr Robinson Odong and Mr. Drake Ssempijja from ZEFS, Makerere University, and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer at Makerere. The Project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).
During their engagement with different stakeholders in the fishing industry including the fish farmers from Jinja, Buikwe and Mukono, as well as experts from the Directorate of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Directorate of Aquaculture Development at MAAF, the research team established that only 138 out of 380 registered fish farms were active, with 45.6% of the farms in Jinja, 35.5% in Mukono; and 18.8% in Buikwe. Overall, over 60% of the farms were inactive posing serious environmental threats.
Dissemination of the research findings
On 26th June 2024, the project team held a workshop at Colline Hotel Mukono to disseminate the research finding to stakeholders who included fish farmers from Buikwe, Jinja and Mukono, District Fisheries Officers, as well as representatives from NEMA and MAAIF. In the presentations, the team highlighted the environmental impacts of aquaculture practices and the possibility of innovatively using nature-based, environmentally friendly innovations as a mitigation measure. The presentations covered farm characteristics, water and feed management practices, water quality assessments and waste management methods. The participants engaged in discussion on the implications of the results and shared their experiences and challenges in managing aquaculture operations.
Key findings as disseminated by the PI
Out of the 380 farms, 119 were assessed. Below are the key findings;
- Environmental Impact Assessment: It was established that 81% of the farmers had not conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental audits. This, the researchers noted was one of the major causes of abandoned farms.
- Farm Characteristics: The majority of farms used earthen ponds (66.9%) and were semi-intensive (63.6%), relying on manufactured feed and pond fertilization. Intensive farms (30.5%) exclusively used manufactured feeds, while extensive farms (4.2%) relied solely on pond fertilization.
- Fish Species: Nile tilapia was the top choice (96.1%) for monoculture farms, while tilapia and catfish were preferred for polyculture systems (46.9%). Intensive farms predominantly farmed Nile tilapia.
- Demographics: Most respondents were male (90.7%), with a median age of 35 years. The largest age group was 31 to 59 years (43.2%).
- Fish diseases: The research revealed a number of diseases affecting aquaculture including: lesions/wounds on the belly and cysts on the scales, skin lesions and cysts on the belly, popping eyes and white substance on fins, open skin wounds, open wounds on the head, skin lesions – greyish, swollen eyes, whitish and black patches on the skin on the pelvic fin, wounds on the head.
- Water Use: Fish farms primarily relied on spring water and lake water. Other sources, such as streams, wells, and rivers, were also utilized. In most cases, the water source was shared with the community. Only a small percentage of respondents acknowledged any known disease outbreaks on their farms. There was a strong association between the district in which the farm was located and the water source used. Majority of those using lake water were in Jinja District, while most of those using spring water were in Mukono District. Additionally, there was a significant association between the fish species cultured and the water source used.
- Feed Management: A significant proportion of the farms heavily relied on factory-made feeds. These feeds were often used in combination with farm feed materials, such as maize bran, potato vines, yam leaves, and kitchen waste. A smaller number of farmers exclusively relied on farm-made feeds, while an even smaller percentage solely relied on pond fertilization. Manufactured feeds were used in various forms: powder and floating pellets, powder, crumble, and floating pellets, powder only, floating pellets only, and sinking pellets. The most prevalent method of feed delivery was feeding by response, while some farms also practiced feeding by ration.
- Waste Management: The findings indicated a concerning lack of treatment for aquaculture effluent, with majority of respondents (69%) releasing it directly into natural streams or wetlands. This highlights the need for improved environmental management practices. Common waste sources included faecal matter and dead fish. Most farms incinerated or buried solid waste.
- Water Quality: Measurements at the representative visited farms showed compliance with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms. The physicochemical parameters of the farms visited were in line with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms.
- Prevailing Regulatory System: A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted to supplement the findings from the survey. It aimed to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement in current policies and regulations governing aquaculture. It also evaluated the effectiveness of existing measures in addressing environmental pollution, waste management, and sustainable water use. This exercise provided a foundation for developing more robust and effective regulatory frameworks that support sustainable aquaculture practices, protect water resources, and enhance the overall environmental health of the Lake Victoria basin.
Project output
***Innovative Integrated wetlands-bivalves system was developed to mitigate the impact of pollution emanating from aquaculture on the environment
Effluent from poor aquaculture practices may contain uneaten feed residues and associated components, such as suspended solids, nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus and organic materials. If discharged without any form of treatment, such effluent contributes to excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies, a phenomenon referred to as eutrophication. Eutrophic waters have diminished ecological value, for example are low in oxygen level and can lead to fish kills. Wetland plants, such as duckweeds can aid in cleansing of aquaculture effluent of excess pollutants, through various mechanisms. For example, the plant roots adsorb suspended solids, besides offering conducive attachment surfaces for beneficial microorganisms which perform various nutrient recycling roles. The plants also uptake excess nutrients, hence reducing their levels in water. Bivalves (Molluscs) are filter feeders, hence uptake and cleanse water of detrital or solid materials, hence augmenting the roles of the plants. The integration of wetlands-bivalves system offer synergistic roles in aquaculture effluent treatment. The plants and bivalves used in the treatment can in turn be removed and used for other beneficial purposes.
Presentation on policy gaps
During the dissemination workshop, Dr Jerome Lugumira, the Natural Resources Manager, Soils and Land Use at NEMA sensitized participants on the National Environment Act, 2019 with special emphasis on policy regulations for the aquaculture sector. He emphasized the need to acquire an EIA certificate before engaging in aquaculture. Highlighting the gaps in policy, Dr Lugumira noted that Schedule 4 of the National Environment Act, 2019 does not sufficiently guide the Fisheries sector; while the Physical Planning Act, 2010 is biased towards physical development planning, and the Water Act, 1997 provides for a waste discharge permit but no consideration of the extent of wastes discharged from fish farms of varying size and intensity is provided.
He further noted that the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000 do not guide on areas where aquaculture best fits, indicating that the application of the 25% wetland area beyond which one needs approval is vague.
Additionally, he explained that the National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020 refer to fish waste generally and not whether it means waste from fish or all waste from fish farms, such as off-cuts, unwanted materials, and that the National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Land) Regulations, 2020 consider effluent discharge and not that released in-situ and that disposed directly into water via cages and into soil via land-based systems.
Dr Lugumira called for the review of the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000, by requiring the mandated Lead Agency (WMD) to issue approvals for access to wetlands, and appending guidance on wetlands and lake areas where aquaculture is suitable. He suggested that submissions seeking approval from NEMA should have all required approvals from MAAIF, WMD and DLGs. “The assessment process should be supported by a technical officer skilled in fisheries sciences and not generalists,” he noted.
Overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda
Sharing an overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda, Mr. Geoffrey Dheyongera, Principal Fisheries Officer at MAAIF, noted that the global decline/stagnation in capture fisheries stocks had increased demand for fish, calling for a boost in fish production through stock enhancement in water bodies and promotion of aquaculture. “There is need for huge investment in aquaculture. The Aquaculture Policy targets 1 million MT from aquaculture through establishment of aquaparks with intensive management activities.”
Key concerns raised by the farmers
During the focused group discussions, participants highlighted a number of factors undermining the growth of the aquaculture sector. These include;
- Ignorance about the laws/policy guidelines
- Low skills and lack of exposure in aquaculture management
- Low numbers of technical staff to guide the farmers
- Inexperienced technical staff
- Cheating by fish seed producers
- Expensive and poor quality feeds
- Fluctuating prices of fish
- Competition with capture fisheries/negative attitude towards farmed fish
- Increased degradation of the environment which affects water quality
- High interest rates on loans
- Farmers fear for exorbitant taxes
Proposals for improvement
- Government should recruit technical staff to assist farmers
- Thorough training of extension staff
- Encourage value addition to farmed fish
- Integrate climate smart interventions in aquaculture
- Policies regulating the sector should be popularized
- Undertake periodical review of the existing policies
- Encourage multi-stakeholder involvement in the implementation of policies
- Invest in research responsive to fish and aquaculture sector needs
- Monitor quality of fish feeds to satisfy farmers’ needs and environmental safety
- Private hatchery operators must be supported by the responsible sector agencies to ensure quality seed. Likewise, fish seed must come from certified hatcheries.
- Inspection of farms should be strengthened
- Train farmers on proper aquaculture management practices
- Farmers should work in groups to reduce production costs, negotiate better prices for their products, access credit facilities and maximize profits
Remarks by the Guest of Honour, Mukono District CAO, and the Principal, CoNAS
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, also Assistant Commissioner Aquaculture Management at MAAIF, Mr. Alio Andrew, guided the farmers on proper aquaculture practices, and encouraged Ugandans to invest in the fish sector. “The demand for fish has increased. Aquaculture remains a viable option,” he noted. He also raised the need to support private hatchery operators to produce quality seed, emphasizing that fish seed should only be bought from certified hatcheries. He highlighted the significance of biosecurity in aquaculture, and the need to collect appropriate data on the sector.
The CAO Mukono District called for intensified training of farmers in aquaculture management practices. She advised the farmers to work in groups if they are to make reasonable profits.
The Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, acknowledged the involvement of the community in research, and appreciated the fish farmers for actively participating in the project activities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the continued support towards research at Makerere University. Besides other initiatives geared towards improving research at Makerere, the Government is supporting over 700 research projects at Makerere through the Research and Innovations Fund. He also appreciated MAAIF and NEMA for the technical guidance extended towards the project.
Natural Sciences
Prof. Juma Kasozi Hands Over the Office of Deputy Principal, CoNAS to Prof. Godwin Kakuba
Prof. Juma Kasozi has formally handed over the office of Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, to Prof. Godwin Kakuba.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, 11th September 2026, followed the appointment of Prof. Kakuba as substantive Deputy Principal of CoNAS for a four-year term, effective September 2026. His appointment was approved at the 814th meeting of the Makerere University Appointments Board held on 3rd September 2026.
Prof. Kasozi, who served as Deputy Principal from 1st April 2022, handed over the office after more than four years of service. Both Prof. Kasozi and Prof. Kakuba are members of staff in the Department of Mathematics, School of Physical Sciences, CoNAS, and have previously served as Heads of the Department.
Principal Commends Prof. Kasozi’s Service
In his remarks, the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and invaluable contribution to the advancement of academic affairs at the College.
He particularly recognized Prof. Kasozi’s role in strengthening academic processes and facilitating the effective coordination of teaching, learning and graduate education at CoNAS.
Prof. Ireeta also commended Prof. Kasozi for his humility, commitment and willingness to offer wise counsel, describing him as a dependable adviser whose contribution extended beyond the routine responsibilities of his office.
“Prof. Kasozi has been a humble, committed and invaluable adviser to the College. His contribution to the development and review of the CoNAS Strategic Plan, in particular, demonstrated his commitment to the long-term growth and transformation of the College,” Prof. Ireeta said.
In recognition of his service, the Principal presented Prof. Kasozi with a Distinguished Service Award,acknowledging his dedicated service and exemplary leadership as Deputy Principal of CoNAS.
Prof. Ireeta congratulated Prof. Kakuba upon his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to build on the achievements of the College and contribute to its continued growth and transformation. He wished Prof. Kakuba a successful and impactful tenure, noting that his experience, expertise and commitment to academic excellence would be valuable in advancing the College’s mandate in teaching, learning, research and innovation.
Deans Applaud Prof. Kasozi’s Contribution
The ceremony was witnessed by the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume, and the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who equally commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and significant contribution to the College.
They particularly appreciated his efforts towards streamlining academic processes, including the timely appointment and payment of graduate supervisors, which contributed to strengthening graduate supervision.
Prof. Kasozi’s Contribution to Strengthening Academic Administration at CoNAS
The Office of the Deputy Principal plays a pivotal role in the academic administration of the College and in advancing the University’s core functions of teaching and learning, research and outreach.
During his tenure, Prof. Kasozi provided leadership across a wide range of academic responsibilities. These included chairing the College Academic Board, coordinating academic programmes, overseeing programme accreditation and review, managing examinations and results, and strengthening graduate education.
He also oversaw the appointment of supervisors and examiners for graduate students, coordinated field attachments and internships, administered supplementary examinations, promoted CoNAS academic programmes, and facilitated timely communication of key academic information to staff and students.
Prof. Kasozi further played a significant role in aligning CoNAS academic programmes with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, a major institutional transition aimed at enhancing the relevance, quality and responsiveness of university education.
Key achievements during his tenure included the accreditation of several undergraduate and graduate programmes by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE); strengthened student support systems; increased student enrolment and growing demand for postgraduate education; more efficient academic proposal and examination processes; and improved graduate student completion rates and examination outcomes.
Appreciation from Prof. Kasozi
In his handover message, Prof. Kasozi congratulated Prof. Kakuba upon his appointment and welcomed him to the office, expressing confidence that he would build on the work already undertaken.
He thanked the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve in the position. He also the appreciated the Principal, the Deans, Heads of Departments, administrators and the wider CoNAS community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on his time in office, Prof. Kasozi described his service as a privilege and honour, noting that the handover marked the conclusion of his tenure as Deputy Principal rather than his departure from Makerere University.
“I leave the door open for continued friendship and service,” Prof. Kasozi said, as he expressed his best wishes to Prof. Kakuba and prayed for the continued growth and success of the Deputy Principal’s office.
Following the handover, Prof. Kasozi is set to return to the Department of Mathematics, where he will continue teaching, research and outreach activities, with a particular focus on Insurance Mathematics and Financial Mathematics.
Remarks by Prof. Kakuba
For Prof. Kakuba, the transition brings a new responsibility within a College where he has already served in academic and administrative capacities. His experience in the Department of Mathematics and previous service as Head of Department provide a strong foundation as he takes on the leadership of the Deputy Principal’s office.
In his remarks, Prof. Kakuba acknowledged and commended Prof. Kasozi for his dedicated service and the achievements registered during his tenure. He appreciated the University Management for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
Prof. Kakuba noted that he was taking over the office with confidence, having inherited a strong foundation established by Prof. Kasozi.
Her expressed commitment to working collaboratively with the Principal, College leadership, staff and students to sustain the progress made.
Pictorial of the ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XOZU67Rll-P_CaEzRScIVULIqvyBT34z?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Natural Sciences
Makerere University Benchmarks Leading Institutions to Strengthen Geology Curriculum Review
Uganda’s mineral sector holds significant potential to drive economic transformation through increased mineral exploration, responsible extraction, value addition and investment. Realizing this potential, however, requires a highly skilled geoscience workforce equipped with the technical knowledge, practical competencies and professional skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the mineral industry.
Recognizing the critical role of skilled human resources in the sustainable development of the mineral sector, Makerere University is undertaking a comprehensive review of its geology programmes under the project titled “Strengthening Uganda’s Mineral Sector through Labour-Market Aligned Curricula Reforms: A Comprehensive Review of BSc/MSc/PhD Geology Curricula and Development of Industry-Aligned Short Courses at Makerere University (Mak-SDMU).”
The review seeks to ensure that Makerere University’s geology programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of Uganda’s mineral sector while keeping pace with emerging trends and developments in the global geoscience profession. The exercise is being undertaken under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).
Benchmarking for Industry-Responsive Geoscience Education
As part of the curriculum review process, staff from Makerere University’s Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, together with a representative from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), undertook a benchmarking exercise at leading geoscience and mining education institutions in the region. The team visited Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe, Zambia, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to gain insights into approaches that could strengthen the relevance and quality of Makerere University’s geology programmes.
Makerere University was represented by Dr. Arthur Batte, Dr. Denis Mutebi, Principal Investigator of the Mak-SDMU project, and Dr. Joan Nakajjigo, while Mr. Kevin Byamugisha represented MEMD. Mr Byamugisha’s participation provided an opportunity to explore the role of government in strengthening geoscience and mining education through policy support, industry engagement, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation.
The benchmarking exercise provided an opportunity for the team to examine best practices in curriculum design and delivery, competency-based and practical training, industry engagement, infrastructure development, technology integration and professional skills development. The team also explored the role of professional short courses and institutional partnerships in supporting high-quality geoscience and mining education.
At Copperbelt University, the team toured microscopy, metallurgy, analytical and environmental laboratories, as well as the mineral processing laboratory. The team also interacted with Dr. Gabriel Ziwa, Head of the Department of Geology and representative of the Dean of the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences, to gain insights into the university’s approach to geoscience and mining training.
At the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the team visited mineral processing, metallurgy, gemology and analytical laboratories. They also observed practical training in gemstone cutting and polishing and examined rock pulverisation facilities. These engagements provided valuable insights into how practical training, mineral value addition and industry-oriented skills can be integrated into geoscience education.
The lessons and best practices drawn from the benchmarking exercise are expected to inform the ongoing review of the geology programmes, helping to strengthen their quality, relevance and competitiveness. The exercise will also contribute to ensuring that graduates acquire the technical, practical and professional competencies required to respond effectively to the evolving needs of Uganda’s mineral sector and the wider geoscience profession.
Lessons to Inform Makerere University’s Curriculum Review
The benchmarking exercise provided several lessons with direct relevance to the ongoing review of the geology programmes.
1. Strengthening Government-Industry-University Partnerships
The benchmarking exercise highlighted the importance of strong collaboration among universities, government and industry in developing relevant geoscience and mining programmes. Such partnerships support curriculum development, research, industrial training, equipment acquisition, scholarships, guest lectures and graduate employability. Continuous engagement with industry also enables universities to respond to changing labour-market and sector needs.
2. Aligning Training with the Mineral Value Chain
The visits demonstrated the need for geoscience training to extend beyond theoretical knowledge to cover the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, value addition and environmental management. Areas such as gemstone identification, lapidary and mineral processing can equip graduates with practical skills relevant to both employment and entrepreneurship.
3. Emphasizing Competency-Based and Practical Training
The benchmarked institutions place strong emphasis on practical learning, fieldwork and laboratory-based training. Practical activities are linked to clearly defined learning outcomes and competencies, enabling students to graduate with demonstrable technical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This provides an important lesson for strengthening practical and competency-based approaches within Makerere’s revised curricula.
4. Strengthening Industrial Training and Workplace Exposure
Structured and extended industrial exposure was identified as an important component of geoscience and mining education. Industrial training enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world operations, develop professional competencies, strengthen research skills and gain a better understanding of workplace expectations. These practices provide useful insights for enhancing Makerere’s existing industrial attachment programmes.
5. Investing in Modern Training Infrastructure
The benchmarking visits demonstrated the importance of well-equipped laboratories, field equipment and specialized analytical facilities in delivering effective geoscience and mining education. The facilities visited at CBU and ZSM provide useful benchmarks for assessing Makerere’s infrastructure requirements and identifying opportunities for industry partnerships in equipment acquisition, maintenance and shared utilization.
6. Integrating Digital Technologies and Industry-Standard Software
The exercise highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in contemporary geoscience and mining practice. Technologies such as Laboratory Information Management Systems, 3D geological modelling, mine-planning software and drone-based surveying and mapping can strengthen students’ preparedness for the modern workplace. Their progressive integration into the curriculum will therefore be important in enhancing graduates’ digital and technical competencies.
7. Expanding Professional Short Courses and Micro-Credentials
The institutions visited demonstrated how professional short courses can respond quickly to emerging skills gaps within the mining and mineral sector. Makerere could leverage this approach to develop flexible, demand-driven training for mining companies, artisanal and small-scale miners, professionals and other stakeholders. Such programmes could also strengthen industry engagement, support continuing professional development and create additional revenue opportunities for the University.
8. Strengthening Staff Capacity and Specialization
Effective implementation of a modern geology curriculum requires adequate academic expertise across key areas of geoscience and mining. The benchmarking findings therefore underscore the need for strategic staff development, recruitment and specialization. An assessment of existing staff competencies against the proposed curriculum will help identify expertise gaps and inform targeted capacity-building initiatives.
9. Aligning Academic Training with Professional Competencies
The benchmarking exercise emphasized the importance of ensuring that university training reflects the competencies expected by employers and professional bodies. The curriculum review should therefore take into account professional standards, industry requirements and pathways towards professional recognition to improve graduates’ preparedness for employment and professional practice.
10. Promoting Interdisciplinary Geoscience and Mining Education
The integration of related disciplines within closely connected academic structures creates opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, research and innovation. Strengthening linkages among geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, environmental sciences, geomatics and mineral processing could promote the shared use of specialised facilities, foster multidisciplinary research and support the development of joint professional training programmes at Makerere University. This integrated approach would enhance collaboration across disciplines and contribute to more holistic and industry-responsive geoscience and mining education.
More about the curriculum review exercise: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/06/makerere-university-to-revamp-geology-curricula-to-bridge-critical-skills-gap-in-ugandas-mineral-sector/
Report shared by Dr Denis Mutebi, Principal Investigator of the Mak-SDMU project
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