Agriculture & Environment
Mak Welcomes CaReFoAfrica Project Sponsored Students
*****Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project, a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-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.
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.
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.
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.
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-seeking mobility, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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