Mathematics is increasingly being applied beyond the classroom to help make sense of complex problems, explore possible solutions and support better decision-making in everyday life. From determining how public funds can sustain pension systems and identifying people at risk of disease to guiding investment decisions and optimising limited space, mathematical modelling provides a powerful way to translate real-world challenges into evidence that can inform action.

It is this practical application of mathematics that formed the focus of the five-day ICMS-CoRE-MATH Study Group in Industry, held from 21^st-25^th September 2026 at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University. The Study Group brought together mathematicians, industry practitioners and regional and international experts to develop mathematical models for addressing challenges across sectors.  

Held under the Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics (CoRE-MATH), in collaboration with the NORHED II Mathematics for Sustainable Development (Math4SDG) project, the workshop sought to strengthen the application of mathematical research to development challenges while deepening collaboration between academia, industry and society.

CoRE-MATH is co-led by Prof. John Mango Magero of Makerere University and Prof. Bengt Ove Turesson of the International Science Programme at Uppsala University, Sweden. The initiative brings together leading universities from both continents. African partner institutions include Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, the University of Rwanda, the University of Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa University, the University of Zambia, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions collaborate with European universities such as Uppsala University, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Oslo.

Purpose of the Workshop

Rather than approaching mathematics as an abstract discipline, the Study Group provided a platform for researchers to work directly on practical problems presented from different sectors. Through mathematical modelling, the researchers sought to break down complex challenges into measurable variables, analyze relationships between them and develop models that can be tested and refined to support decision-making.

Four areas were explored during the Study Group: public-service pension reform, hypertension risk prediction, aquaculture investment and food-court seating optimization.

Modelling Uganda’s Public-Service Pension Transition

One of the research groups, led by Dr Herbert Mukalazi, developed a mathematical framework to examine the fiscal implications and long-term sustainability of Uganda’s transition to the new public-service pension system.

The model is designed to help Government understand how much the transition to the new public-service pension system could cost over time and plan for these financial demands in advance. It shows how payments to existing pensioners and obligations under the new system may overlap, helping Government anticipate funding needs, avoid financial shortfalls and ensure that pension benefits can continue to be paid as expected.

Preliminary simulations indicate that the transition could place an additional financial burden on the Government, equivalent to approximately 1.14 percent of GDP, with the burden peaking around the 2028/29 financial year. The model also highlights the importance of investment returns to the Fund’s long-term financial position.

Under a scenario assuming a 6 percent annual nominal investment return, the model estimates that Government may need to make an additional contribution equivalent to about 2.14 percent of covered payroll to ensure the pension system has enough cash to meet its obligations throughout the simulated period.

The study illustrates how mathematical modelling can transform a complex public-finance challenge into measurable scenarios, allowing policymakers and other stakeholders to examine how different assumptions and policy choices could affect the pension system over time.

Predicting Hypertension Risk Using Available Health Data

In healthcare, Dr Rebecca N. Nsubuga is leading a team that is developing a mathematical model to predict an individual’s risk of hypertension using available demographic and health data.

The study seeks to categorize individuals into low-, moderate- or high-risk groups using variables including age, sex, residence, education and income, together with anthropometric measures such as body mass index and waist circumference where available.

 Using ordinal logistic regression and a generalized ordinal logistic regression approach, the researchers examined how different risk factors relate to progression across the different hypertension-risk categories.

Analysis of 100,000 observations identified significant associations between hypertension risk and several factors, including age, residence, education and income.

The model provides a foundation for developing predictive tools that could support the early identification of people at increased risk of hypertension, potentially enabling more targeted prevention and public-health interventions.

Using Mathematics to Inform Aquaculture Investment

Another study group, led by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, developed a mathematical model to help investors make more informed decisions about aquaculture investments.

The model brings together key factors such as production costs, expected fish yields, market prices, risks and potential returns to show how changes in these factors could affect the profitability of an investment. This enables investors to examine different scenarios before committing resources and identify how changes in production or market conditions may influence expected returns.

The study demonstrates how mathematical modelling can provide a structured approach to investment planning in aquaculture, where biological, financial and market factors are closely interconnected.

Food-Court Seating Optimization

A fourth study, led by Dr Henry Kasumba, focused on food-court seating optimization, demonstrating how mathematical modelling can be applied to everyday operational challenges.

The study explored how available space could be organized to optimize seating arrangements while taking into account competing requirements and spatial constraints.

Although seemingly simple, the problem illustrates a broader application of mathematics: helping organizations make better use of limited resources by identifying arrangements that satisfy multiple requirements as efficiently as possible.

Strengthening the Link Between Mathematics and Society

The Study Group forms part of the broader efforts by Makerere University and its partners to strengthen the connection between mathematical research and real-world development challenges.

By bringing mathematicians and practitioners together to address real-world problems, the initiative supports the development of evidence-based models for decision-making while creating opportunities for further research and postgraduate studies.

The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Mango Magero and Dr. Alex Behakanira, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and member of the academic network contributing to capacity building and collaborative research activities in the CoRE-MATH initiative.

Photo highlights of the workshop: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KbMC4rF0-M3HHD_ofbIdlbEsBUEtkeWf?usp=sharing

 More about the Core-MATH initiative: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/06/makerere-department-of-mathematics-industry-partners-explore-strategies-to-strengthen-collaboration-in-addressing-societal-challenges/

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For communities living along Uganda’s lakes and rivers, water hyacinth is more than an invasive weed. Its rapid spread can choke waterways, disrupt fishing and transportation, restrict access to water and interfere with livelihoods and essential community services.

But what has for years been viewed primarily as an environmental menace could also become a source of economic opportunity.

Turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity

Researchers at Makerere University, with support from the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), have demonstrated how water hyacinth can be harvested and transformed into useful, value-added products through a small-scale community bio-refining approach.

Their project, titled “From World’s Worst Water Weed to Worth: Small-scale Community Bio-refining of Water Hyacinth to Produce Value-added Commercially Valuable Products,” sought to shift the focus from simply removing and disposing of the invasive plant to exploring opportunities for value addition, innovation and enterprise.

Led by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, the research was inspired by the experiences of communities affected by water hyacinth, including residents of Katosi Ward in Mukono District, where the weed has had significant socio-ecological impacts.

According to a community assessment conducted as part of the research, 68.7% of the respondents reported extreme impacts on fishing, while 65.0% reported extreme impacts on water transport.

During community engagements, residents described how the proliferation of water hyacinth had blocked waterways, disrupted fishing and transportation, affected access to water and created significant challenges for household livelihoods. In some instances, obstructed waterways affected children’s access to essential services.

These experiences provided an important starting point for the research team.

Through different processing methods, the team successfully developed three products from the harvested biomass: a bio-fertilizer, briquettes, and biodegradable sanitary pads.

Water hyacinth transformed into bio-fertilizer

One of the products developed by the researchers was a bio-fertilizer made from water hyacinth biomass.

The process began with harvesting the weed from affected water bodies and shredding the biomass to facilitate processing. The researchers explored biological processing approaches, including composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic digestion, to break down the plant material and release its organic matter and nutrients.

Following processing and curing, the resulting material was developed into an organic soil amendment, providing a productive use for harvested water hyacinth while returning organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

 Briquettes offer an alternative solid fuel

The project team also developed briquettes from water hyacinth biomass, demonstrating its potential as an alternative solid fuel.

The innovation could, with further research, development and appropriate commercialization pathways, contribute to community-based enterprises.

 From water hyacinth fibre to biodegradable sanitary pads

Another distinctive innovation emerging from the research is a biodegradable sanitary pad.

To produce the absorbent material, researchers extracted cellulose-rich fibre from the petioles of water hyacinth and combined it with other locally available plant fibres, including banana fibre and papyrus.

The resulting plant-based material was incorporated into sanitary pads that were subsequently developed and tested to assess their performance as a menstrual hygiene product.

According to the research findings, the water-hyacinth-based pads demonstrated higher liquid absorption capacity and potential health and safety advantages compared with conventional pads. Their use of locally available plant fibres also offers potential to reduce production costs and improve accessibility.

Research generating scientific knowledge

In addition to developing value-added products, the project has generated scientific knowledge on the socio-ecological effects of water hyacinth on affected communities.

The research findings have been published in Scientific Reports, Springer Nature Journal, in a peer-reviewed paper by Nabatanzi, A., Nambejja, C. and Byarugaba, I. (2026) titled “Socio-ecological impacts of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes (Mart) Solm) on livelihoods in Katosi Ward, Uganda.”

The study provides evidence of the impacts of water hyacinth on livelihoods, while the wider project demonstrates how the same invasive resource can be investigated as a potential source of useful products.

Other research outputs: Production of personal care and wellness products from different plant materials

Beyond their work on value-added products from water hyacinth, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team are also translating scientific research into a growing range of locally developed skincare, personal care and wellness products under AURENE AURA, a Ugandan innovation emerging from the Makerere University Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB) Product Development Hub.

Built around the integration of research, nature and innovation, AURENE AURA brings together botanical ingredients and formulation science to develop products designed for diverse skincare and personal wellness needs. The growing collection includes medicated acne-control bars, radiant and brightening soaps and lotions, hypoallergenic goat-milk cleansing bars, moisturizing shower gels, baby-care jelly, lip balms and lip gloss, liquid soaps and other personal-care formulations.

The portfolio also extends to fragrances and botanical perfume mists, herbal respiratory wellness products, and botanical teas and wellness blends, demonstrating the team’s efforts to explore the potential of locally sourced natural ingredients beyond conventional applications.

According to the team, the products are developed through a research-to-product process that involves identifying specific user needs, selecting appropriate botanical and active ingredients, formulation, testing, refinement and packaging. This approach seeks to combine the benefits of botanical ingredients with formulation science, product stability and user safety.

 Research dissemination workshop

Dr. Nabatanzi and her research team presented the findings and innovations to the Makerere University community and key stakeholders during a research dissemination workshop held on 22^nd September 2026 at the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology.

The seminar provided a platform for the team to share the research outcomes, demonstrate the innovations and discuss pathways for translating the findings into practical solutions with environmental, social and economic value.

Remarks from the Chair, MakRIF

Representing the Chairperson of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), Dr. Michael Owor commended the research team for moving beyond documenting the water hyacinth challenge to developing practical innovations with potential community and commercial applications.

He noted that the project exemplifies MakRIF’s mandate, established by the Government of Uganda to support research and innovation that responds to national development challenges.

 “This project exemplifies that mandate by moving beyond describing the problem of water hyacinth to developing practical solutions that communities, enterprises and public institutions can potentially adopt,” he said.

He, however, noted that research findings and prototypes do not automatically translate into sustainable impact, stressing the need for stronger collaboration amongst stakeholders to advance product validation, safety, quality, affordability, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection and market access.

He urged stakeholders to use the workshop to agree on concrete pathways for advancing the innovations, including further testing, standards development, community-based production, manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and resource mobilisation for scale-up.

Regarding the biodegradable sanitary pads, Dr. Owor stressed the need for sustained engagement with women and girls, schools, health professionals and relevant regulatory institutions to ensure that the product is safe, acceptable, affordable and responsive to the users’ needs.

He further challenged the research team to develop a clear post-project action plan.

“Dissemination should not mark the end of the project; it should serve as a transition from research findings to adoption, enterprise development and demonstrable community impact,” he said.

On behalf of the MakRIF Grants Management Committee, Dr. Owor appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued investment in research and innovation through the MakRIF, and acknowledged the University Management for providing an enabling environment for the research.

He also recognized the contribution of the participating communities and stakeholders whose knowledge and experiences informed the project.

CoNAS: Turning knowledge into solutions for society – Remarks by the College leaders

On behalf of the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on undertaking impactful, transformative and accessible research that demonstrates how a persistent environmental challenge can be turned into an opportunity for innovation, livelihoods and sustainable development.

Referring to the priorities of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), Prof. Kakuba emphasized the importance of harnessing the country’s innovation capacity to drive socio-economic transformation. “Such research demonstrates how university-generated knowledge can contribute to addressing real-world environmental and socio-economic challenges.”

He commended Dr. Nabatanzi for involving communities and students in the research process, noting that such engagements strengthen the relevance of university research while providing students with practical opportunities to apply scientific knowledge to challenges affecting society. He further underscored the need to strengthen industry-academia partnerships to facilitate the translation of research findings into products and technologies that can be adopted.

Prof. Kakuba also linked the initiative to the principles of competency-based learning, noting that practical, problem-solving research equips students with skills beyond the classroom and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He urged Dr. Nabatanzi and the research team to widely disseminate their findings to increase awareness, uptake and potential commercialisation of the innovations. He also called for increased support to enable the project to progress beyond research and product development towards further validation, refinement, scaling and potential adoption by communities and industry.

 The Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at CoNAS, Dr. Jamilu Ssenku, equally commended Dr. Nabatanzi and her team for undertaking impactful research that demonstrates the potential of science to address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. He noted that the project contributes to the department’s growing body of impactful research, which continues to generate practical solutions and innovations with relevance to communities, industry and national development.

MUTIC support

The Acting Manager of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), Prof. Michael Lubwama, commended the research team for its innovative approach to research and effective dissemination of the findings, noting that the project provides a valuable model that could be benchmarked by other research projects. He appreciated the contributions of the stakeholders, particularly the local communities whose participation was central to the success of the project. Prof. Lubwama further pledged MUTIC’s support in advancing the innovations towards product development, commercialization and wider community impact.

Innovation, commercialization and intellectual property

Ms. Esther Kabinga from the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office congratulated Dr. Nabatanzi and her team on the achievement and urged them to prioritise intellectual property protection as they advance the innovations towards wider use and commercialisation. She highlighted the need to formally register the innovations to safeguard them against unauthorised use, imitation and misappropriation, and pledged support in securing the necessary intellectual property rights.

Inspiring young women and advancing menstrual dignity

The Guild President of Makerere University, H.E. Gracious Kadondi, represented by the Guild Minister for Academic Affairs, Ms. Kalazani Neena Elsie, equally applauded Dr. Alice Nabatanzi and her research team for the achievements.

She particularly commended the development of biodegradable sanitary pads, noting that the innovation could help promote menstrual dignity among women and girls, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ms. Kalazani also described Dr. Nabatanzi’s achievement as an important source of inspiration for young women and students pursuing science and research. She called for greater involvement of students and young people in research and innovation, noting that such opportunities can nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators capable of developing solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

Communities at the centre of research impact

On behalf of the Najjembe community in Buikwe District, Ms. Nabukeera Sylvia expressed gratitude to Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, MakRIF, and the wider University community for the continued support extended to local communities through the Alice Mabira Foundation (AMAF) and other research initiatives undertaken in the area.

Ms. Nabukeera said the community had greatly benefited from Dr. Nabatanzi’s work and the support provided through the Alice Mabira Foundation, which she established to empower households to develop home-based enterprises and cottage industries. Through the Foundation, community members have gained practical skills in baking, processing food and medicinal products, and preserving and sustainably utilising important tree species.

She noted that these initiatives have enabled community members to turn knowledge and locally available resources into livelihood opportunities and solutions to everyday challenges, demonstrating the value of research that responds directly to community needs. She expressed gratitude to the researchers and partners for their continued engagement with the Najjembe Community and called for sustained collaboration to ensure that the innovations generated through university research continue to reach communities and create tangible social and economic benefits.

Future prospects

The research has laid the groundwork for transforming water hyacinth from an environmental challenge into a potential source of community enterprise and sustainable livelihoods through bio-refineries and circular bio-economies.

Moving the innovations from research to wider application will require collaboration among researchers, communities, government, industry and other stakeholders to refine the technologies, assess production and market opportunities, strengthen quality standards and establish pathways for scale-up and commercialisation.

Beyond the three products already developed, the research also opens opportunities for exploring additional value chains, including animal feed, crafts and other potentially marketable products, subject to further research to establish their safety, technical feasibility and economic viability.

If successfully scaled, the innovations could create new opportunities for employment, income generation and community enterprise, while contributing to the sustainable management of water hyacinth and the restoration of affected waterways.

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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, 11^th 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 814^th meeting of the Makerere University Appointments Board held on 3^rd September 2026.

Prof. Kasozi, who served as Deputy Principal from 1^st 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.  

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Pictorial of the ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XOZU67Rll-P_CaEzRScIVULIqvyBT34z?usp=sharing

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