It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.

Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.  

Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74^th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.

Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.

I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES

Follow the link below to access the full report;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
7. The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
10. The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
11. The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
2. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
3. The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
4. The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
5. The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
7. The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
8. The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
10. The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
11. The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.
    

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

• Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14^th to 17^th of October 2025
• Receive support and mentorship from global experts
• Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

• Producers and producer groups;
• FFS facilitators or master trainers;
• Project and programme teams;
• Development organizations;
• Social entrepreneurs;
• Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

2. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility

3. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
4. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15^th of June 2025

Apply now