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
Mak 76th Graduation Ceremony: CoNAS Presents 16 PhDs & Best Performing Male Student in the Sciences
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) presented 269 students for the award of degrees of Makerere University at the 76th graduation ceremony. Of these, 16 graduated with PhDs (4 female and 12 male), 83 with Masters (27 female and 56 male), and 170 with Bachelor’s degrees (45 female and 125 male). The College also presented the Best Performing male student in the sciences. Simon Mungudit graduated with a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. The PhD graduates included; AfazalI Zabibu, a Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS); Akuyenze Paul, Kawuma Carol, Mutiso Duncan Chalo, Nabiyonga Lydia, and Osinde Cyprian (Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology); Batte Hebert, Katende Ronald, and Namugera Frank (Mathematics), Chaciga Jimmy, Tusiime Swaleh, and Komaketch Ignatius (Physics), Kinyua Mbuci, Sekandi Peter, and Shehu Zaccheus (Chemistry), and Nakiyende Herbert (Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences).
On the second day of the four-day graduation ceremony, which began on 24th February 2026, three colleges presented students for the award of degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. These included CoNAS, the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB).
Overall graduation Statistics
During the course of the 76th graduation ceremony, a total of 9,295 students will graduate with degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 4,262 (46%) are female and 5,033 (54%) are male. A total of 213 students will graduate with PhDs, the highest number in the history of the University. 2,503 will graduate with Masters degrees; 6,343 with Bachelor’s degrees; 206 with postgraduate diplomas, and 30 with Diplomas.
Postgraduates constituted 31.4% of the total number of graduands.
Vice Chancellor’s Remarks
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended CoNAS for its transformative research initiatives that are positively impacting communities, highlighting the NutriFishPlus Project, INNOECOFOOD Project, and a project to conserve medicinal plants in Eastern Uganda. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) under the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase II, the NutriFishPlus seeks to scale up fish processing technologies and empower fishing communities in Uganda.
The EU-funded INNOECOFOOD Project is transforming food production in Uganda. Through eco-innovative, climate-smart systems, the project aims to improve nutrition, protect the environment, and create jobs- especially for youth and women. Central to this effort are solar- and wind-powered ECOHUBs. These innovative centres use AI and IoT technology to support sustainable fish farming, monitor water quality, reduce losses, and increase yields.
Meanwhile, researchers from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, under the leadership of Dr. Patience Tugume, are spearheading efforts to conserve medicinal plants in Namutumba District. To date, 174 plant species have been documented, with ongoing assessments of threats from unsustainable harvesting. These plants play a vital role in treating malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.
Efforts to Transform Makerere into a Research-led University
In his address, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University Management’s commitment to transforming Makerere into a research-led institution. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for securing a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank to support critical infrastructure development at the University. The funding will facilitate the construction of new facilities for the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Engineering, the Science and Technology Centre, and the completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences- an unprecedented development in the University’s history.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted the pivotal role of the Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre (MUTIC) in advancing incubation and commercialization. “The Centre offers mentorship, business development training, intellectual property support, and industry linkages to help transform research outputs into viable enterprises.” To date, eleven spin-off companies have been established by students and staff, while the University’s Innovation Pod (UniPod) has incubated more than 100 projects in the past year. The short-term target is to establish 50 spin-off companies annually, with plans to double that number in the long term.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the government’s contribution through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF). Through this initiative, the government has supported over 1,400 high-impact research and innovation projects, and facilitated the training of more than 200 PhD students.
In partnership with the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President, the University has also introduced awards to recognize outstanding researchers and innovators. These include the Research Excellence and Innovation Commercialization Awards. “The Innovation Commercialization Award underscores the institution’s commitment to translating research into practical products, services, and technologies that address real-world challenges and support national development,” the Vice Chancellor noted.
Vice Chancellor’s Message to the graduates and Appreciation to the Partners
The Vice Chancellor urged the graduates to uphold dignity, humility and diligence as they leave the gates of Makerere University, and begin the next chapter of their lives. “As you step out of the gates of Makerere, remain proud of your alma mater and serve as good ambassadors wherever you go. Use the knowledge acquired from one of the world’s leading universities to improve yourselves, your families, communities, country, and humanity at large.”
He equally appreciated the parents and guardians for supporting the students, and the development partners who have extended research funding to the university over the years. These include the Mastercard Foundation, the European Union, NORAD, Sida, IDRC, KOICA, DAAD, NIH, CDC, USAID, the Wellcome Trust, KfW, IUCEA, RUFORUM, ARUA, the PLUS Alliance, WUN, AAUN, AAP, the Madhvani Foundation, and the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board. “We are equally grateful to the Embassy of China, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, various Government Ministries, State House, private sector players, and many other partners whose generous support continues to advance our mission.”
Remarks by the Chancellor
Makerere University Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga congratulated the graduands on their achievement and commended the staff, parents, and partners for their invaluable support. He expressed gratitude to the Government for its steadfast commitment to advancing research through the annual UGX30 billion allocation to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund.
He underscored the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) through advancements in science, technology, and innovation, and encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship amidst an increasingly competitive job market. He further called for enhanced research funding, stronger private sector collaboration, and deeper community engagement to accelerate national development.
The Minister of Education and Sports
In her remarks, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu commended Makerere University for its pivotal role in driving national development. She highlighted the University’s contribution to knowledge generation and societal transformation. “The impressive number of PhD graduates this time round is testimony to the robust research output and academic excellence.” The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing academic standards, urging the University Administration to rigorously implement and uphold quality assurance measures that guarantee continued excellence of its programmes and global competitiveness of its graduates.
Implementing the Competence-based Education and Training
The Minister reiterated a key directive for all institutions of higher learning to prepare for the full implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027. “This reform represents more than a policy shift. It signals a fundamental transformation in how graduates are prepared, with greater emphasis on practical skills, innovation, and problem-solving.” She urged the Vice Chancellor and his team to lead in curriculum reform, staff development, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure the successful rollout of competence-based education.
The Minister further urged the university management to ensure that all satellite campuses are fully accredited and that their programmes meet the same standards and relevance as those offered at the main campus.
Commencement Lecture by Dr. Maggie Kigozi
At the ceremony, distinguished alumnus, and Chair of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Maggie Kigozi delivered a compelling commencement lecture, reflecting on her journey since earning her first degree in 1976. She shared three guiding messages for the new alumni as they embark on their professional paths.
Dr. Kigozi emphasized that power comes with responsibility, urging graduates entering the health and life sciences to combine their expertise with ethical leadership and financial literacy to create sustainable, compassionate practices. She highlighted the global opportunities that a Makerere degree offers, explaining how her education empowered her to make meaningful contributions across Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia.
She also encouraged the graduates to view failure as a stepping stone to excellence, noting that mistakes are not setbacks, but lessons. She underscored the importance of balance, reminding graduates to manage their personal and professional responsibilities realistically.
Research Excellence Awards
During the graduation ceremony, Makerere University recognized the top researchers and innovators from the 10 Colleges. At CoNAS, Mr. Omara Timothy from the Department of Chemistry scooped the Overall Top Research and Early Career Researcher Awards, whereas Dr Godwin Anywar from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology won the Mid-Career Researcher Award.
More about Simon Mungudit, the best performing male science student – https://cns.mak.ac.ug/simon-mungudit-maks-best-male-science-student-this-year-rising-star-in-petroleum-geoscience/
Natural Sciences
BOKU University Charts New Collaboration Strategies with Mak’s Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries Sciences
The Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University on 11th February 2026 hosted a high-level delegation from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), to discuss strategies for future collaboration in a partnership that has spanned five decades.
The meeting followed the BOKU team’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Promotion of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems towards Electricity Access in Uganda project, an initiative designed to expand access to decentralized renewable energy solutions. The project, implemented under CEDAT, is funded by the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR), a programme of the Austrian Development Cooperation administered by OeAD.
Discussions at the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences focused on deepening and broadening a historic collaboration that has shaped aquatic sciences, fisheries research, and environmental management in East Africa for half a century.
A Partnership Rooted in Limnology
The collaboration between Makerere University and BOKU traces its origins to 1975 with the establishment of the International Post-Graduate Course in Limnology (IPGL) by the late Heinz Löffler (1927-2006). The eight-month UNESCO-supported course, hosted in Lunz, Mondsee and Vienna, was designed to train scientists from developing countries in limnology – the study of inland waters.
In 1976, Dr. Gwahaba James Joshua of Makerere’s Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences became the first beneficiary from the university. Two years later, Boniface Makanga attended the UNESCO course and went on to initiate a Marine Practical Course to the Indian Ocean in 1993. That programme has since grown into over 30 years of annual field activity in Mombasa, benefiting undergraduate and master’s students and strengthening hands-on marine science training at Makerere.
Over time, IPGL evolved into a vibrant International Joint Degree Master’s Programme in Limnology and Wetland Management. The programme has built capacity for 123 aquatic professionals – 56 female and 67 male, including 20 from Makerere University. Notably, 11 dedicated limnologists are currently based within the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, a testament to sustained capacity development.
Expanding into Fisheries, Aquaculture and Regional Networks
The Mak-BOKU collaboration progressively expanded beyond limnology into fisheries, aquaculture, and broader freshwater ecosystem management.
Among the key initiatives was STRECAFISH (2015-2018), which focused on strengthening regional capacity in fisheries and aquaculture research and training to improve food security and livelihoods in Eastern Africa. The programme adopted a modular approach, trained 28 MSc students, supported five full PhDs and 11 MSc research projects, and facilitated 14 staff exchanges.
This momentum continued under COTRA (Collaborative Training in Fisheries and Aquaculture in East, Central and Southern Africa) from 2017 to 2023. COTRA enhanced staff and student mobility, supporting 24 master’s students (six credit-seeking and 18 degree-seeking), 12 doctoral candidates (four credit-seeking and eight degree-seeking), and 10 faculty and administrative staff. The initiative emphasized fit-for-purpose PhD training in aquaculture and fisheries to address food security challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa under the ACP-EU Cooperation Programme in Higher Education (EDULINK II), in partnership with institutions such as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Ongoing collaborations include the Erasmus+ KA1 Learning Mobility of Individuals programme (2021-2027), which connects BOKU and Makerere with Egerton University, Kyambogo University, Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University and others. Additional joint initiatives include:
FreshNet: A higher education and research network for sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in Eastern Africa, involving BOKU, Egerton University, Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University, EIAR and IHE Delft.
SWAQ-Uganda (2021-2026): Sustainable water quality management supporting Uganda’s development ambitions, implemented with IIASA, BOKU and Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
BIOGOLD (2024–2027): A project on biosorption for sustainable small-scale gold mining in Uganda, involving Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Gulu University, the University for Continuing Education and the University of Pretoria.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore a 50-year-old partnership that has built critical human resources at MSc and PhD levels in aquatic ecosystem management, conservation and utilization. The collaboration has also facilitated acquisition of essential research equipment, strengthened administrative capacity in project management, and nurtured a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation.
Meeting with the BOKU delegation
The BOKU delegation was led by the Rector, Prof. Eva Schulev-Steindl, a specialist in environmental law, and Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Doris Damyanovic, an expert in landscape planning. They were accompanied by:
- Mag. Gerold Winkler, Coordinator of the Applied Limnology / Limnology and Wetland Master’s programme;
- Dr. Mathew Herrnegger, BOKU’s Africa Cooperation Country Coordinator and hydrology specialist; and
- Dr. Andreas Melcher, Africa-Uninet Coordinator from BOKU’s Institute for Development Research.
During the discussions with departmental staff, Dr. Akoll presented a detailed account of the partnership’s evolution and achievements, emphasizing its transformative impact on regional training and research capacity.
Charting the Next Chapter
As the partnership enters its sixth decade, both institutions are keen to expand into new frontiers. Key areas identified for future collaboration include:
- Enhanced staff and student exchanges;
- Joint research projects and co-publications;
- Introduction of short courses at the Makerere University Biological Field Station, Kibale beyond wildlife studies;
- Research on climate change and its effects on marine and freshwater resources;
- Advancement of basic biological research; and
- Strengthening fisheries research and innovation.
In his remarks, the Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership, noting that it has significantly strengthened regional training capacity and supported the education of numerous Makerere staff and students. He added that the collaboration reinforces Makerere’s standing as one of the most collaborative universities globally and aligns closely with its research agenda.
Rector Schulev-Steindl reaffirmed BOKU’s commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship, describing it as a model of North-South academic cooperation built on mutual respect, shared knowledge and tangible impact.
Event pictorial: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HkCCZf_TCPV0V7_ZR2PSVEw1zrEGhZeJ?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
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