Agriculture & Environment
PhD Scholarship Announcement (1 Position): Sustainable Energy Transitions in EA
Published
7 months agoon
By
Mak Editor
Makerere University, through the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic
Sciences and the School of Social Sciences & Makerere University Business School, in
collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), University of
Stavanger (Norway), University of Juba (South Sudan) and Technical University of Kenya
(Kenya) received a grant from NORAD under NORHED II projects to implement activities for
Project QZA-21/0159 – Programme 2021-2026 entitled “Capacity building for socially just
and sustainable energy transitions in East Africa”. This project aims at building the capacity of the workforce within the East African region to implement a just and sustainable low-carbon energy agenda by imparting the relevant skills and knowledge through education, research and outreach. To this end, this project is now inviting suitable candidates among Makerere University Staff to submit applications for a PhD scholarship tenable at Makerere University for a period of 3 years.
About the project
The East African region has embraced the global drive to transition to low carbon economies and clean energy. However, a key challenge is the persistent lack of knowledge, capacity and skilled personnel to support the transition. The project focuses on building capacity and competence through education, research and outreach to ensure that the region has a workforce with the relevant skills set and knowledge required to implement and demand for a just and sustainable low-carbon energy transition agenda.
The PhD position at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences,
Makerere University will focus on the theme: Energy infrastructure, environmental impacts
and changing social practices.
About the theme: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, both non-renewable and renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation can be land use intensive and impact conservation areas (Rehbein et al., 2020). For instance, in Uganda, petroleum resources are located on shore within the Albertine Graben – a global biodiversity hotspot (Plumptre et al., 2017). Renewable energy infrastructure projects such as hydropower dams and support infrastructure (power lines) have traversed protected areas including national parks. So far, limited attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to national, regional and global biodiversity. Hence, this project will address the environmental impacts of energy infrastructure and how social practices are affected by it.
Main tasks
- The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Geography at Makerere University. The student must complete the PhD program consisting of mandatory and elective courses and a major research component.
- Collect and analyse data.
- Produce a PhD thesis, preferably based on 3-4 peer-reviewed articles published in key international journals.
- Disseminate results at national and international conferences.
- Be an active participant in the day-to-day project activities.
How to apply: Interested applicants should submit applications by e-mail to Prof Frank Mugagga (frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com) and Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju (charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no), including:
- a brief statement of interest or cover letter describing your motivation to apply (max 1 page);
- a concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus;
- a curriculum vitae (CV) of max 4 pages;
- A copy of the master’s thesis.
- publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
- contact information (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for two persons who may act as referees.
Application deadline: Soft copies of the applications must be received by 21st February 2025 to the above indicated email addresses.
Eligibility requirements, qualifications and experience: The applicant should have completed a Master’s Degree in any of the following Disciplines; – Geography/Geographical Sciences, Land use and Regional Development, Disaster Risk Management or any other closely related subject. Applicants should have an excellent academic and educational record (Minimum: Upper Second for undergraduate and an average of B for the Masters) and strong analytical and writing skills (any peer-reviewed publications or previous research experience will be an advantage). Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the project’s publication targets and will be encouraged to publish in international, peer-reviewed ISI journals. The candidates should be able to work independently but also as part of the project team.
Age limits: Not more than 40 years (female applicants) and 35 (male applicants) at the time of
application.
PhD study conditions: The successful applicant is expected to register on the PhD-program at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Scholars from Makerere University, supported by colleagues from the Project Team.
The selection process: Applications will be evaluated by an independent evaluation committee. The Project Team will make the final selection of successful candidates based on recommendations from the evaluation committee.
Expected start date: The planned starting date is 15th March 2025. After that, they are
expected to further develop their research proposals with guidance from the supervisors and to
follow Makerere University’s admission procedure to apply for admission to the PhD Programme in Geography. The PhD scholarship period starts when candidate is formally admitted to the PhD Programme.
PhD Duration and Scholarship: The PhD candidate will be expected to complete studies within 3 years. The successful candidates will have a competitive scholarship covering tuition, functional fees and research costs.
For specific inquiries about the scholarship, please contact Prof Frank Mugagga Email:
frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com; or Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju
(charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no).
This call is subject to equal opportunities for all and qualifying women and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Phase II of the RUFS Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Food Security in Kasese & Mbale Districts
Published
5 days agoon
August 27, 2025
Following the success of its initial phase, Makerere University has launched Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project, aimed at deepening food security and climate resilience in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City. Funded through the AgriFoSe2030 programme and coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, the project continues to address urban food system challenges through inclusive, climate-smart, and community-driven solutions.
Achievements registered under Phase I of the RUFS Project
Phase I of the RUFS Project delivered a range of impactful outcomes aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable urban food systems. The achievements included:
- Formation of smallholder farmer platforms
- RUFS established the Kasese and Mbale City Food Systems Platforms, empowering smallholder farmers to actively shape resilient urban food systems.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration
- The project facilitated dialogue among farmers, civil society, private sector actors, and local governments to improve coordination and governance.
- Exposure and exchange visits
- Learning exchanges and site visits enabled peer learning, spurred innovation, and encouraged the adoption of best practices across urban and peri-urban farming communities.
- Capacity building for local experts
- The project enhanced the technical and organizational capacities of local professionals, empowering them to lead and sustain resilient food system initiatives.
- Resource commitment from local governments
- Tangible commitments from local leaders demonstrated strong political will to support inclusive urban food systems.
- Recognition of smallholder farmers
- The contributions of smallholder farmers gained greater recognition, acknowledging their essential role in ensuring food security and urban resilience.
- Amplification of local voices
- Community stories, practices, and lessons were documented and shared widely, helping to shape urban food policies from a grassroots perspective.

Goals and focus of Phase II
Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Kasese and Mbale, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.
To achieve these goals, the project will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water and Environment, AidEnvironment, and potentially the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). It will engage a range of expertise, including flood and drought modeling, spatial analytics, economic assessment of loss and damage, and the reconstruction of socio-hydrological histories of river flows to inform current debates. Participatory methods will be central to the project’s approach, including charrettes (with role plays), walkshops and transect walks, participatory community mapping (of resources, actors, and hotspots), peer-to-peer learning, and experiential learning activities. The core team will be expanded to include policy actors, and innovative partnerships will be developed with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). The project will also explore opportunities for shared use of limited public land for demonstration purposes, and emphasize co-creation of knowledge among all stakeholders.

RUFS Phase II stakeholder engagement in Kasese
The RUFS project team, led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, conducted a stakeholder engagement in Kasese from 17th to 20th August 2025. The primary objective of the engagement was to formally introduce the extension phase of the project and to foster in-depth discussions with key stakeholders on strategies aimed at enhancing and strengthening the ongoing operations.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the local government, community leaders, implementing partners, and technical experts. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, the team sought to align the project goals with community needs and to ensure effective coordination amongst all parties.

The engagement provided a vital platform for stakeholders to offer insights, address challenges, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that will drive the success of Phase II of the project.
Highlights from the workshop
Held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese, the two-day workshop featured targeted presentations on enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change, effective emergency response mechanisms in the face of climate extremes, and the role of advocacy in advancing community-led climate adaptation strategies.

In their presentation, Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa (AidEnvironment) and Mr. Muhindo Assanairi Bukanywa (Kasese Agricultural Officer) shared insights on climate-resilient agronomic practices, covering a number of topics including land preparation, crop management, pest control, water conservation, postharvest handling, and market access.
Mr. Kipurah Gideon briefed participants on the role of the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in emergency response, offering an insightful overview of the organization’s operations within disaster management frameworks. In relation to the RUFS Project, which focuses on enhancing urban resilience and food security, Mr. Kipurah explained how URCS integrates emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact of crises on vulnerable populations.

In his address, Mr. Lhughabwe Wilson, Principal Community Development Officer, Kasese Municipality, emphasized the pivotal role of advocacy in building climate-resilient communities. He noted that effective advocacy enables local stakeholders to influence policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions, all critical to developing resilient urban food systems in the context of growing climate uncertainties.
Remarks and success stories by the RUFS Champions
During the workshop, RUFS champions alongside several farmers from Kasese Municipality shared their success stories, highlighting the positive impact their initiatives have had on the community. Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion, emphasized the need to integrate urban farming into wider infrastructure development plans. She highlighted the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization, which continues to consume valuable land and reduce green spaces. “It is vital that we implement innovative planning strategies to make the most of even the smallest plots of land.” To set a practical example, she personally practices urban farming at her home, demonstrating that it is both feasible and beneficial to cultivate crops within city environments.

Mr. Juma Wephukhulu, a dedicated urban farmer in Mbale City credits the support of the RUFS Project for his transformative journey from a small-scale backyard gardener to a prominent agricultural entrepreneur and community mobilizer. In 2012, inspired by the story of a Kenyan woman who turned her backyard garden into a thriving vegetable supply business for Nairobi’s hotels, Juma made a life-changing decision. He resigned from his job of managing a guest house and embarked on a mission to replicate similar success through urban farming. With only 45,000 Ugandan shillings and a family of six in a rented home, his resolve to succeed was unwavering. “I was driven by the idea that wealth and opportunity can be right on your doorstep,” Juma said.
Starting in 2014, Juma laid out a detailed plan to establish a demonstration farm and training centre, supply fresh vegetables to neighbours, sell seedlings and mature plants, produce organic manure, and train local farmers. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, his enterprise thrived, gaining traction through media appearances and community workshops.

A significant turning point came in 2021 when Juma was selected to participate in RUFS activities in Mbale. With the involvement of RUFS, Juma’s farm and leadership abilities gained greater recognition. He was elected Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform (MCFS), further amplifying his impact in the region. The project support went beyond training and resources; they sponsored Juma and his colleague Mary to attend the prestigious Harvest Money Expo in Kololo, providing funds for food, transport, accommodation, and allowances. The project also facilitated media documentation of Juma’s success story through NBS and Salt TV, helping share his inspiring journey widely.
With RUFS assistance, Juma and his team registered their platform as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in August 2022, gaining official recognition and access to wider partnerships. He recently completed a book chronicling his farming experiences, supported by RUFS, to inspire and educate others. “The RUFS Project has been instrumental in my growth, not just financially but in exposure, training, and networking. Their support has enabled me to dream bigger, including plans to establish a 10-acre incubator farm integrating crops, fish farming, poultry, and more,” he narrated.

Ms. Eunice Mutooro Sunday, an urban farmer in Kasese and lead smallholder on the RUFS Project, has become a passionate advocate for urban and kitchen farming in her district. Through her active participation in the RUFS Project, Ms. Mutooro gained invaluable exposure to innovative urban farming models and acquired advanced agricultural techniques that have significantly enhanced her farming practices. This experience not only deepened her knowledge but also ignited a strong passion to empower others around her. As a respected leader within her local church, she leverages her influential position to mobilize community members and champion sustainable agricultural practices. She has become the primary ambassador of the RUFS initiative in her congregation, where she leads training sessions focused on kitchen gardening and sanitation. To foster enthusiasm and engagement, she introduced friendly competitions among households, encouraging them to cultivate and consume a minimum of three different types of vegetables from their own gardens. This innovative approach has successfully motivated many families to embrace home-grown produce as part of their daily diet. Through her tireless efforts, she encourages everyone to become proactive agents of change.
Mr. Edrick Bwambale, a smallholder farmer based in Kasese Municipality explained how the RUFS Project inspired him to mobilise fellow youth to establish an organization focused on promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The organization, known as ‘Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI)’, is now working to address key challenges in food systems within Kasese District.

Remarks by the district officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Mayor of Kasese Municipality, Mr. Mapungo Rabson, together with the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Kambasu Zedekiah Kayiri, expressed appreciation for the RUFS project. They commended its forward-thinking and strategic approach in addressing the complex challenges facing the district, particularly those arising from rapid urbanization. Both officials emphasized that initiatives like RUFS are essential for promoting sustainable development, enhancing food security, and building the resilience of urban communities amidst increasing environmental and socio-economic pressures. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the need for a sustainability plan to ensure that the benefits of such initiatives are maintained and enhanced over time.

Assessment of the progress of RUFS Phase II
At the end of the workshop, the RUFS team conducted site visits to assess the progress of Phase I initiatives. One such visit was to Mobuku II Cooperative Society, a farmer group established during Phase I that now includes 385 members, many of them women and youth. The cooperative has successfully secured fair contract farming deals, embraced agribusiness, and adopted climate-smart practices.
During the visit, in-depth discussions were held with cooperative leaders to identify opportunities for RUFS to continue strengthening support for smallholder farmers in Kasese. The dialogue focused on scaling sustainable farming techniques, improving market access, and enhancing the cooperative’s capacity to build resilience against climate-related challenges.

Way forward to ensure sustainability of the RUFS Project
Participants proposed that the municipality allocates land for community demonstration projects. Moving forward, Phase II of the project will focus on establishing and developing local demonstration sites. These sites will serve as key platforms to showcase tangible progress, innovative approaches, and best practices to stakeholders and the broader community. This strategy aims to encourage greater engagement, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote the replication of successful models, thereby ensuring scalability and sustainability of the RUFS Project.
The project team held a similar engagement in Mbale City from 24th-27th August 2025.

Pictorial of the RUFS Project stakeholder engagement in Kasese Municipality –
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XM64I-bKTvGb-uN_w9jIxaAuOWJwFSZX?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Combating Child Malnutrition in the Face of Climate Change: Mak’s Healthy Soy Initiative Offers Hope
Published
1 week agoon
August 22, 2025
*****Funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through DANIDA, the Healthy Soy Project seeks to develop sustainable, affordable, and nutritious soy-based food solutions to help combat stunting in Uganda and other climate-vulnerable regions. The Project inception meeting was held on 15th August 2025 at CAES, Makerere University.
Overview
Child malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 148 million children under the age of five were affected by stunting in 2023, a condition caused by chronic under-nutrition that impairs both physical and cognitive development. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030, but climate change, rising food insecurity, and deepening inequality are making this goal increasingly difficult to achieve.

Expert reports indicate that as the global climate crisis accelerates, its ripple effects are being felt most acutely in the Global South. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and frequent natural disasters are reducing crop yields, diminishing nutrient density in food, and driving up food prices. For smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of food production in many developing countries, these changes are devastating. Without the resources to invest in irrigation or climate-adaptive technologies, they are hit hardest by agricultural losses.
The burden of climate-induced food insecurity and malnutrition is not shared equally. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their growth demands a consistent intake of high-quality nutrients. Women, meanwhile, are doubly impacted. They are often both food producers and the primary caregivers responsible for child nutrition. These gendered and generational inequalities are deepening as food systems falter under environmental stress.

Stunting and the Need for High-Quality Protein
Stunting in children is one of the most visible forms of malnutrition. Once it occurs, reversing it is challenging, though not impossible. For children affected by stunting to catch up in growth, their diets must include high-quality proteins, which are essential for muscle and tissue development.
Animal-source foods such as milk, eggs, and meat provide proteins with the highest biological value. However, in low-income settings, these foods are often prohibitively expensive or unavailable. Soybeans offer a promising alternative – they are a plant-based source of relatively high-quality protein, widely grown and consumed in many parts of the world. However, soy is not without limitations. Its protein bioavailability can be reduced by natural compounds known as anti-nutrients, which inhibit digestion and absorption.

The Healthy Soy Project: A Science-Based Solution for Sustainable Nutrition
In response to this challenge, Makerere University, in collaboration with partners and with funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) has launched an innovative research project titled Climate-resilient soybean for improved growth and health of children in Uganda (Healthy Soy). This multi-year project seeks to develop sustainable, affordable, and nutritious soy-based food solutions to help combat stunting in Uganda and other climate-vulnerable regions. The University of Copenhagen, Denmark is leading the project, with Makerere University and RECO Industries Limited as partners. The overall PI of the Project is Prof. Benedikte Grenov from the University of Copenhagen. At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa. Other project members include Assoc. Prof. Nanna Roos and Prof. Inge Tetens from the University of Copenhagen; Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe and Assoc. Prof. Ezekiel Mupere from Makerere University; Mr. Alex Kisembo from RECO Industries Limited; and Prof. Daniel Tomé from Université Paris-Saclay, France.

The Healthy Soy project is structured around four key work packages
WP1 – Selecting Climate-Resilient, Nutrient-Rich Soybean Varieties
Researchers will identify and develop soybean strains that are both resilient to climate stressors and contain high levels of protein with reduced anti-nutrient content, making them more suitable for vulnerable populations.
WP2 – Enhancing Protein Bioavailability through Food Processing
Advanced food processing technologies will be employed to reduce anti-nutrient levels and improve the bioavailability of soy protein. The project will also evaluate how effectively soy protein supports catch-up growth in children affected by stunting.

WP3 – Developing Local Soy-Based Food Supplements
Working closely with local communities and food producers, the project will design and test new soy-based supplements tailored to local dietary habits. These products will be tested for their impact on child health and growth.
WP4 – Building Local Research Capacity and Sharing Knowledge
Capacity-building is a core element of Healthy Soy. The project will invest in training Ugandan researchers, strengthening local institutions, and disseminating findings to farmers, policymakers, health professionals, and other stakeholders across the region. At Makerere University, the project is supporting 3 PhD fellows namely: Ms. Nashim Nassanga from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Mr. Amos Asiimwe from the Department of Food Technology and nutrition, and Ms. Prudence Ainomugisha from the College of Health Sciences. Ms. Nassanga will focus on identifying climate-smart soybean breeding lines for adaptability and farmers’ acceptability under severe climate conditions in Eastern, Northern, and Western Uganda; Mr. Asiimwe will develop soybean processing protocols to reduce anti-nutrients, improve soy protein bioavailability, and estimate its potential to support catch-up growth in children with stunting; and Prudence Ainomugisha will examine the effects of locally produced soy-based LNS on the growth and health of children with stunting.

The Healthy Soy Project Inception Meeting
On 15th August 2025, the project team held an inception meeting to discuss strategies for its implementation. The session brought together representatives from all partner institutions who shared a detailed overview of their respective roles, and expected contributions to the initiative. The discussions focused on aligning stakeholder roles, clarifying project objectives, and ensuring a coordinated approach to execution.
During the meeting, Prof. Benedikte Grenov, the Principal Investigator, delivered a comprehensive overview of the project. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the project and highlighted the importance of each stakeholder’s role in achieving the intended outcomes. Her presentation set the stage for subsequent contributions from each partner institution, outlining their respective roles and planned activities within the project.

Dr Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Prof. John Muyonga, and Dr Robert Mugabi from Makerere University Departments of Crop Science and Horticulture, and Food Technology and Nutrition respectively, briefed the team on their (Departments’) role in the soybean value chain, while Dr Ephraim Nuwamanya from the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) shared insights into their ongoing research activities, particularly focused on developing climate-resilient soybean varieties and how these efforts align with the goals of the Healthy Soy Project. The meeting also featured a presentation on the activities of the Child Health Development Centre (CHDC) and its role in the project. Based within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University, the CHDC will support the training of a full-time PhD fellow who will coordinate and implement a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) involving 300 children affected by stunting.
The representative from RECO Industries Limited, Mr. Alex Kisembo shared their experience in soybean processing and outlined their planned contribution to the project’s product development streams. Additionally, the integration of the Healthy Soy initiative into the national nutrition programming was discussed, with an emphasis on aligning it with priority areas within the health sector. The roles of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) were also presented, particularly focusing on their support for soybean development through policy formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory processes, as well as their planned contributions to the project’s implementation.

Prof. Charles Masembe briefed participants on the reporting and accountability procedures of the Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
The meeting was moderated by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr Jenipher Bisikwa from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University.





Link to project inception meeting pictorial:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oTo8rhX89Nt1uXy3W0vVRUWkz5vi8WGg?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace University Life with Purpose and Focus
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 15, 2025
First Year students admitted to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University have been cautioned to approach University life with clear purpose and focus.
Speaking at the College orientation on 7th August 2025, CAES Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga urged the students to set goals from the start of their academic journey and to work diligently to achieve them. “University life offers tremendous opportunities, but it also comes with freedoms that can easily lead you off course,” she warned. “Set your academic and personal goals early – understand why you are here, what you want to accomplish, and how you intend to achieve it.”
She encouraged the students to take full advantage of the academic resources, mentorship programmes, and practical training opportunities offered by the College, while also warning them about the distractions that often derail student focus. “Social life is part of the experience, but never let it overshadow your purpose.”

Prof. Nabanoga highlighted the college’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in agriculture, environmental sciences, food technology, and related disciplines. “You join CAES at a critical time when global challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainability demand your innovation and passion. At CAES, we are committed to empowering our students to become job creators and leaders in the agricultural sector.”
The event featured addresses from other key college and University administrators, academic leaders, and representatives from the student guild, who all echoed the importance of intentionality, discipline, and resilience throughout the university journey.

In his remarks, the Deputy Principal of the College, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze welcomed the First Year students, commending them for joining a College committed to academic excellence and societal impact. “You are fortunate to be part of a college that has carefully designed its academic programmes to align with real-world development pathways,” he said. “Our core mission revolves around the production of knowledge that responds to both local and global needs.”
He emphasized the College’s pivotal role in nurturing critical human capital, likening it to a factory that refines raw talent into highly skilled graduates. “We see ourselves as a knowledge production hub, taking in inputs in the form of students and transforming them into outputs ready to meet the demands of the competitive global market.”

Prof. Bamutaze reiterated the College’s commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support, training, and exposure needed to thrive both academically and professionally. “We are dedicated to ensuring that the entire academic journey is seamless and impactful.
During the orientation programme, the Deans of the schools at CAES introduced the students to the academic programmes offered within their units. In addition to the school-specific briefings, the students received information about the University’s academic structure and operations. This included guidance on essential processes such as registration and examination procedures. They were also introduced to a wide range of support services and institutional policies designed to enhance their academic experience and overall well-being. These included the University’s ICT support systems, library resources, the structure and timelines for fee payments, and key regulatory frameworks such as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy and the Safeguarding Policy.

Furthermore, students were informed about the availability of counselling and guidance services, which play a vital role in supporting mental health and personal development. The session also emphasized the University’s commitment to student welfare, aiming to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments to stand out wherever they go.
Briefing students on the University’s Safeguarding Policy, Prof. Justine Namaalwa emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment, strongly cautioning against all forms of discrimination, particularly against persons with disabilities. She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to protecting the dignity, rights, and well-being of every individual, in line with the safeguarding principles of equity, non-discrimination, and accountability.

As an integral component of the orientation programme, the students toured the college facilities to familiarise with the various resources and spaces available, including classrooms, laboratories, the library, recreational areas, and administrative offices.

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