Natural Sciences
Preparing Graduates for Life after University: CoNAS Launches Terminal Seminar for Final Year Students
Relevance of the seminar
Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.
According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.
While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.
In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.
Objectives of the Terminal Seminar
The seminar aims to:
- Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
- Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
- Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
- Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
- Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students are expected to:
- Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
- Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
- Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
- Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights
On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.
A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.
Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.
In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.
Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.
Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.
Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”
Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.
In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.
The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.
Natural Sciences
Jinja Fish Festival: Mak Recognized for its outstanding contribution to the Development of the Fisheries Sector
Makerere University, through the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to the development of the fisheries sector in Uganda. The award was presented during the Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Environmental Awards Ceremony at the 7th edition of the Jinja Fish Festival, held on 6th–7th December 2025 at Across the Nile Resort, along the banks of the River Nile in Njeru Municipality.
Renowned for showcasing diverse fish cuisines and cultural exhibitions, this year’s festival aimed to promote knowledge exchange, raise awareness, and highlight recent developments around Lake Victoria.
Launched in 2018, the Jinja Fish Festival has become a key platform for the public and stakeholders to learn about sustainable fisheries and the vital role of fish in livelihoods and nutrition. It also provides an avenue for fisheries stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to improve and sustain the sector.
The event includes the Lake Victoria Marathon, Nalubaale boat rowing competitions, a high-level fisheries forum, workshops, and exhibitions. It is organized by the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) in partnership with the Directorate of Fisheries Resources, Sustainable Fisheries Initiative (SFI), Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA), and the International Fish and National Organizing Committee. It is funded by GIZ–SAF Project, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Enabel.
National Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum
A key highlight of the festival was the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, themed “Promoting Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture through Ethical and Inclusive Blue Economy Practices.” The forum featured panel discussions on:
- Aligning Uganda’s Blue Economy with global and regional fisheries management frameworks.
- Adoption of climate-smart technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Integration of business strategies and human rights principles into the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
- Sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening value chain governance, scaling up innovations, and aligning initiatives with youth employment opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Richard Ogutu-Ohwayo, Coordinator at African Lakes Network and Independent Researcher, highlighted the urgent need to address “dirty fish” corruption, improve fisheries resource management through effective policies, and increase human resource capacity within the sector. Dr. Odongokara Konstantine, a Research and Policy Expert, emphasized domesticating international policies into Uganda’s aquaculture practices and building stakeholders’ capacity to access regional and global opportunities.
NutriFishPlus Project Participation in the Festival
The NutriFishPlus Project team, along with students from CoNAS participated in the 7th edition of the Jinja Fish Festival on 6th and 7th December 2025. Led by Ms. Nelly Badaru, Gender Expert on the Project and Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula, PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at CoNAS, the team showcased products developed under the project and educated participants on the nutritional benefits of small pelagic fishes.
In its first phase, titled NutriFish, Makerere University researchers, led by Dr. Jackson Efitre, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI – NARO), NUTREAL Limited, and McGill University, Canada, developed five high-value nutritious products, including baby food, sauce, maize meal, snacks, and seasoning, using Mukene (silverfish). The team also published a Mukene recipe book, containing 16 recipes rich in protein, calcium, zinc, and iron.
Through the project, fishers gained access to loans for purchasing boats and fish containers that improve hygiene and product quality. Two enterprise fishing groups, with over 70 boats, were established to ensure consistent supply and standards. Researchers also developed the eCAS system, an application for tracking fish catches. By September 2022, 8,960 catch records had been transmitted through the system, which is now used by over 200 stakeholders, including the Directorate of Fisheries Resources and the Fisheries Protection Unit, helping prevent overfishing.
Other achievements registered under the project included the development of solar tent driers – greenhouse-like structures that reduce the risk of contamination and provide clean and efficient storage and drying, especially during the wet season subsequently reducing post-harvest losses. The project conducted awareness training for 326 people (200 women) to reduce gender inequalities. As a result, domestic violence dropped by 30%, and the number of women in the fish value chain increased. The project also trained eight Graduate students, who have gained valuable skills and knowledge thus boosting critical human resource needs in the fisheries sector.
Other exhibitors at the festival included (NaFIRRI – NARO), FAO, INNOECOFOOD Project at Makerere University, the International University of East Africa, Busitema University, SEETA University (Science, Environment, Engineering, Technology, and Agriculture), Yalelo Uganda, and Preventive Care International, all showcasing emerging technologies and innovations in fisheries.
NutriFishPlus Phase II
Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) under CultiAF2, the NutriFishPlus Project aims to scale up Phase I activities to further enhance incomes and livelihoods of Uganda’s fishing communities.
Launched on 28th October 2025, the 32-month project will run until March 2028. Its objectives include:
- Scaling up sustainable fishing technologies, including solar tent driers and raised racks, to reach new communities.
- Strengthening market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish-based products.
- Empowering women and vulnerable groups through diversified income-generating activities.
Implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with Nutreal Ltd and Kati Farms Ltd, the project is led by Dr. Jackson Efitre (Principal Investigator).
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved livelihoods and incomes for marginalized fishing groups, especially women and youth.
- Better health and nutrition through diversified, market-driven fish products.
- Sustainable fish processing and marketing models replicable across Uganda and the East African region.
- Enhanced participation of women and youth in decision-making and benefit-sharing within the Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) value chain.
- Strengthened community resilience and ecosystem health through participatory approaches.
Project activities will be conducted at five landing sites around Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert: Katosi and Kikondo (Mukono and Buikwe districts), Bangaladesh and Kayago (Amolatar District), and Dei (Pakwach District).
*****The project was officially launched on 28th October 2025, followed by planning meetings on 29th and 30th. It will be implemented at landing sites around Lakes Victoria, Kyoga and Albert.
Following the successful implementation of the NutriFish Project ( 2019-2023), Makerere University has been awarded a new grant worth about UGX2 Billion to expand activities and deepen community impact through the NutriFishPlus Project.
Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) under the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase II (CultiAF2), the NutriFishPlus Project seeks to enhance the incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities in Uganda.
The project was officially launched on 28th October 2025 by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) at Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Building on the achievements of phase one, NutriFishPlus will focus on:
- Scaling up the use of improved and sustainable fishing technologies, including solar tent driers and raised racks, to reach new communities across Uganda.
- Enhancing market access and strengthening supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish-based products.
- Empowering women and other vulnerable groups and strengthening community resilience through diversified income-generating activities.
The project is expected to deliver the following outcomes:
- Improved incomes and livelihoods for the marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth.
- Better health and nutrition outcomes through the development of diversified, market-embedded fish products.
- Establishment of sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be replicated across Uganda and the East African region.
- Improved participation of women and youth in decision-making and benefit-sharing within the Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) value chain.
- Enhanced socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory and scalable approaches.
The project will run from September 2025 to March 2028 and will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with two private companies (Nutreal Ltd and Kati Farms Ltd) under a public-private partnership. Project activities will be carried out at five landing sites around Lakes Victoria, Kyoga and Albert. These include Katosi and Kikondo landing sites in Mukono and Buikwe districts respectively, Bangaladesh and Kayago landing sites in Amolatar District, and Dei landing site in Pakwach District. The project will be coordinated by Dr Jackson Efitre, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere.
Inception and planning meetings
The NutriFishPlus Project team convened a three-day stakeholder engagement from 28th to 30th October 2025 to officially launch the project and collaboratively develop an implementation plan.
The workshop brought together a wide range of participants, including government representatives, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners. The primary objective was to foster a shared understanding of the project’s overarching goals, and design strategic pathways for achieving sustainable scaling and impact.
Discussions focused on deepening understanding of the scaling journey, and the interconnections among the different work packages and their respective pathways to scale. Participants explored how adaptive and transformative approaches can be integrated into the project’s dynamic monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework.
The team also reviewed the existing outputs and outcomes to identify key evidence that can inform adaptive monitoring. Through collaborative dialogue, stakeholders worked to identify appropriate indicators and progress markers that reflect the project’s adaptive learning and scaling dimensions, ensuring alignment with both the project objectives and national development priorities.
A major outcome of the workshop was the joint development of a detailed implementation plan for the project’s four interlinked work packages, which aim to:
- Enhance nutrition and health outcomes among vulnerable groups through the diversification of fish products and market innovations;
- Promote alternative and resilient livelihoods within small-scale fisheries and related value chains;
- Advance inclusivity and participation of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth in the Small Pelagic Fishes value chain through policy reform, advocacy, and enforcement; and
- Strengthen fish processing technologies and post-harvest management practices to improve food safety, quality, and value addition.
Overall, the inception workshop provided a strong foundation for coordinated implementation of the project, and established a clear roadmap for achieving the NutriFishPlus vision of improving nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainability through fisheries-based innovations.
Remarks by the University officials and development partners
Addressing the participants, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration at Makerere University, commended the project team for the achievement. He also expressed gratitude to the project funders – the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) – for their steadfast support and dedication to improving the livelihoods of fishing communities in Uganda. “The NutriFishPlus project highlights Makerere University’s commitment to being a research-driven institution,” he said. “It also strengthens the University’s leadership in translating research into tangible, real-world outcomes that drive sustainable development and enhance public health.” On behalf of Makerere University Management, Prof. Ireeta assured continued support for the successful implementation of the project.
Dr. Edidah Lubega Ampaire, Senior Programme Specialist at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), congratulated the project team upon securing the second grant. She emphasized that the IDRC is committed to supporting applied research that delivers tangible benefits to communities, noting that the team had demonstrated this through their success with the NutriFish project. “The IDRC invests in research that has the potential to transform livelihoods,” Dr. Ampaire said. “We look forward to seeing how the NutriFishPlus Project will build upon the achievements of the previous phase to scale up impact beyond the pilot phase. It is equally important that the project contributes to fostering meaningful policy reforms and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure long-term, sustainable outcomes.”
During the session, Ms. Dena Lomofsky, an experienced researcher and MEL expert, guided participants through the key components of scaling science. Her presentation explored the theoretical foundations, guiding principles, and strategic approaches required to transform research findings into scalable and sustainable solutions.
Briefing participants on their activities, Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe from Nutreal Ltd, a private company collaborating with the NutriFishPlus Project, underscored the crucial role of private sector involvement in research initiatives. She emphasized that engaging private enterprises not only enhances the practical application of research outcomes but also plays a pivotal role in scaling innovations and maximizing their impact.
Ms. Lovin Kobusingye of Kati Farms Ltd expressed gratitude to the project team and funders for the initiative. “At Kati Farms, we are truly honored to be part of this journey. Our passion has always been to transform Uganda’s fisheries sector through value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth. The NutriFishPlus Project aligns perfectly with this mission, as it aims to improve the incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities through diverse interventions. As Kati Farms, our commitment is to ensure that the products developed under this project meet the highest quality standards and reach both local and international markets. Together, as partners, let us move forward with a shared vision, to make NutriFishPlus not just a research project, but a transformative movement that uplifts fishing communities, enhances nutrition, and promotes gender equality within and beyond our borders.”
Mr. Isaac Kirabira from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the project, emphasizing that empowering women, youth, and other vulnerable groups is essential not only for improving livelihoods but also for restoring dignity.
In his remarks, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, equally appreciated the project team and the funders. “Our Department is proud to contribute to the NutriFishPlus Project. Initiatives of this nature provide a valuable platform for translating our research into practical solutions that reach communities, thereby creating meaningful and tangible impact.”
Achievements registered during Phase One
The achievements included:
- Establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth;
- Piloting solar tent dryers for processing silver fish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months;
- Developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient-enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal;
- Conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas.
Link to the workshop pictorial: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wwd9kSsKpd6aZ6YrFL1uVveh2BSG36cV?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
Mak-CoNAS Wins CAD 0.8 Million Grant to Scale-up Fish Processing Technologies & Empower Women in Uganda
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University has been awarded a highly competitive research grant worth CAD 0.8 million to implement the “NutriFishPLUS” project, which aims to scale up innovative fish processing technologies, improve market access, and empower women in Uganda’s fishing communities to boost incomes and livelihoods.
This project builds on the significant achievements of the previous ground-breaking NutriFish project (2019–2023), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase (CultiAF2). The achievements included: 1) establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth; 2) piloting solar tent dryers for processing silverfish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months; 3) developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal; 4) conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas. Despite these achievements, gaps still remain with regard to increasing production of high-quality Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) through adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks; enhancing capacity of men, women and the youth in processing, packaging, branding and marketing; improving access to capital and lucrative markets for fish and fish products; and empowering women, youth and other marginalized groups in the small fish value chain; and strengthening resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.
NutriFishPLUS will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, in collaboration with two private companies (Kati Farms and Nutreal) through a public-private partnership. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Jackson Efitre and his team will focus on scaling-up the use of improved, sustainable fish processing technologies such as the solar Tent dryers and raised racks to new communities across Uganda; enhancing market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish products; as well as deepening women’s empowerment and strengthening the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams. The project is expected to run for September 2025- March 2028. The expected outcomes include: enhanced incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth; improved health and nutrition for vulnerable groups through diversification of fish products that are embedded in the market with strong supply chain linkages; sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be scaled across Uganda and the East African region; improved women and youth participation in decision making and control of benefits in the SPF value chains; and improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory, scalable approaches.
“Winning this competitive grant is an incredible opportunity for the team to solidify the achievements of the first phase as the funding enables us to move beyond research to embed these nutritional and technological solutions into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Efitre. “I am privileged to lead this impactful work on behalf of Makerere University. Scaling up these tested, climate-responsive technologies as well as empowering the women and youth will secure better nutrition and more sustainable livelihoods across fishing communities in Uganda.”
The project is set to be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, 28th October 2025 by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration and Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.
Please see below for details on the project.
Details on the previous project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/03/nutrifish-project-registers-significant-achievements/
-
General2 weeks agoCall For Expression of Interest: WEE-DiFine Research Initiative
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoHow transformative education is shaping Africa’s next generation of innovators
-
General2 weeks agoFrom Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoEfD, MDAs & Private Sector Strategize on Scaling up the Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Uganda
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoEfD-Mak, GRO Foundation & BoU Hold High-Level Roundtable on Green and SDG-Linked Financing