*****Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project, a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Schemeco-funded by the EU will sponsor various programmes at Makerere University including student and staff mobility, and traineeship.
Overview
Climate change has massive impacts on the agricultural sector in Africa. The problems of climate change affecting the sustainability of the agricultural sector and food security in Africa are urgent and complex. The science and tools to deal with climate change are developing rapidly and go well beyond classical agricultural sciences and thus requires a transdisciplinary focus.
The CaReFoAfrica project, an intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU aims to build human capacity in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agricultural sector of Africa. The project provides mobility scholarships for African M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, for trainees, and university staff members to travel and study abroad. The project offers a wide range of exciting academic courses at 6 African universities namely: Université d’Abomey-Calavi, University of Eldoret, Université Evangelique en Afrique, The University of the Free State (UFS), Makerere University, and Maseno University.
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga welcoming the students to the College.
Under the project, two students namely: Mack Lemagite Lepulelei from Maseno University in Kenya and Emmanuella Merveille Lanyan from Abomey Calavi University in Benin have been sponsored to pursue an MSc in Animal Science for three years at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. Another student has been sponsored to study an MSc in Computer Science. The project has also sponsored Mr. Henry Magara, an academic staff at CAES to pursue his PhD studies at Abomey Calavi University in Benin.
Welcoming the newly recruited students
As per culture, new students admitted to Makerere University are oriented on various programmes to help them fit in and pursue their studies comfortably. On 29th November 2024, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University held an induction ceremony for the newly admitted students. Organized by the CaReFoAfrica Coordinators at Makerere University, Dr Constantine Bakyusa Katongole and Prof. Isa Kabenge, the ceremony was attended by the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Deputy Principal, CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, the Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, the Ag. Head, Department of Agricultural Production, Dr Peter Wasswa, and representatives from various administrative units of the University. The purpose of the meeting was to promote the project, welcome and recognize the students recruited under the project, establish a relationship between the students and staff, provide information about the different services at the University, and to help allay fears that would make the students uncomfortable.
Emmanuella Merveille Lanyan from Abomey Calavi University in Benin, one of the students sponsored by the project briefing guests on her expectations.
In her remarks, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabaonoga appreciated the PI and his team for successfully delivering the project. Welcoming the students, she noted that they bring a wealth of experiences that will contribute to the College and University internationalization agenda. She urged the students to seek support in case of any challenge, and cautioned them to work hard to complete on time. She expressed gratitude to the EU for its unwavering support to development projects at the University.
The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze equally appreciated the project team for winning the grant. He also thanked the EU for funding the project. He briefed the students on the programmes at the College, and encouraged them to remain focused to achieve the objectives of the project.
Mack Lemagite Lepulelei from Maseno University in Kenya, also a student sponsored by the project addressing the guests.
Similarly, Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe welcomed the students, briefed them on the academic programmes at his school, and cautioned them to work hard. “The time you spend on the programme is your own making. Put in effort to complete on time.”
Representatives from the Academic Registry, Counseling and Guidance Centre, and the International Office briefed the students on the services offered in their respective units, urging them to always seek support.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal CAES briefing the students on academics at the College.
In their remarks, the students commended the PI and the leadership of CAES for the parental gesture. Outlining their expectations, the students emphasized the need for support to enable them complete their studies on time. They expressed confidence that the knowledge they will acquire from Makerere University will greatly transform their communities.
Details on programmes supported by the CaReFoAfrica Project
Student mobility
Student mobility opportunities are provided to students at Masters or Doctorate level. Student mobility can be of short term, i.e. credit-seeking mobility. This mobility leads to the academic recognition by the home institute of the study/research period spent at the host. Mechanisms to guarantee recognition of the time spent abroad and the studies or research conducted in that period by the home institute are put in place before the mobility takes place. Student mobility can take place for a complete course of an academic programme, i.e. degree-seekingmobility, leading to the award of a degree by the host university after the successful completion of the studies. Only the African universities involved in the project can host mobility of students and staff.
Mr. Henry Magara (C), a PhD student sponsored by the project, with Mack Lemagite Lepulelei at the event.
Trainee mobility
The mobility of trainees entailS placement periods (traineeship) in private or public organisations / business actors as part of the trainees’ academic programme. Trainees gain substantial and meaningful workplace experience in the project priority area(s) to increase their employability. Candidates are enrolled in a Bachelor/Master/Doctorate programme in one of the African universities involved in the consortium. At the time candidates apply for a scholarship, they must be national of and resident in an African country.
The Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe cautioned the students to work hard to complete on time.
Staff mobility
Staff mobility can involve academic, administrative, and technical staff. The related activities may vary from teaching assignments, research activities, to administrative tasks, attendance in/delivery of training courses, curriculum development activities, technical support etc. Candidates must be staff members working for one of the universities involved in the project consortium including the EU Technical Partner.
On behalf of the Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Dr Peter Wasswa pledged support towards the programme.
Special needs
A budget to support students with special needs is available to scholarship holders with disabilities whose long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments are certified by a competent national authority and of such nature that their participation in the action would not be possible without the special needs items or services.
A representative from the University Counseling and Guidance Centre briefing students on the services offered. Looking on is Dr Katongole (seated R) and the representatives from the University International Office.
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 74th 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.
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
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
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.
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
The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
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/