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.
A team of researchers from Makerere University has presented findings of a study on the persistent poor performance in Biology in national examinations to senior officials at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The findings were shared during a dissemination meeting attended by the Ministry’s top management, led by Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagenda.
The study, commissioned by the Ministry in 2023, was conducted by researchers from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES). It was spearheaded by Prof. Fredrick Muyodi as Principal Investigator, alongside Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete (Co-Principal Investigator) and Prof. Arthur Tugume among others.
Titled “Examining the Factors Accounting for Poor Academic Performance in Biology in Uganda’s National Examinations,” the study covered all regions of the country, engaging more than 5,200 respondents across 100 districts through surveys, interviews, and observations.
Key findings
The research identified limited field-based learning and poor digital access as the most critical and consistent challenges affecting both Ordinary and Advanced Level students across all regions.
At Advanced Level, the lack of project-based learning was also cited as a significant constraint. Learners reported limited engagement with Biology beyond the classroom, a factor that weakens conceptual understanding and application in examinations.
The study further highlighted the role of community attitudes and perceptions in shaping student performance in the subject.
Recommendations
The researchers recommended increased investment in field-based learning, including field trips and project work, as well as expansion of digital infrastructure to improve access to learning resources.
Other proposed measures include strengthening school laboratory facilities, enhancing teacher capacity through continuous professional development, promoting student engagement through academic clubs and mentorship programmes, and fostering stronger family and community support for science education.
Next steps
The research team is seeking funding to pilot targeted interventions, particularly in regions most affected by the challenges identified, and to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to guide implementation.
The findings are expected to inform policy and interventions aimed at improving Biology performance and strengthening science education in Uganda.
By Dr. Alice Nabatanzi
At the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology (PMB) in the College of Natural Sciences, we are moving beyond the classroom to bring science to life. We are proud to showcase our innovative work with the Biotechnology Class of 2026. Our Product Development Centre has transitioned from theoretical research to practical, market-ready innovations. By applying advanced scientific principles, our students are developing tangible solutions that address everyday needs in nutrition, health, and industry.
Below are the latest products developed by our talented innovators:
- Nutrition & Food Technology: Vitamin A-rich bread, banana vinegar, food syrups, and fortified bio-snacks.
- Clinical Hygiene: Perfumes, Deodorants, Antibacterial gels, herbal toothpaste, shaving cream, and herbal mouthwash.
- Natural Wellness: Natural formulas for gut health, pain relief, cough lozenges, and nasal decongestants.
- Advanced Cosmeceuticals: Turmeric SunGuard patches, skin serums, toners, and anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Home & Industrial Solutions: Shoe deodorizing sprays, surface cleaners, and scented hygiene products.
- Agri-Tech: Natural bioindicator kits designed to monitor and improve soil health.
Through these initiatives, PMB continues to lead the way in re-engineering science for the benefit of our community and the world.
Meet the Biotechnology Class of 2026. While everyone else is still stuck in textbooks writing about “how things might work,” we’re in the lab making sure they actually do. We’ve officially moved past the days of just talking about science and stepped into the era of real-world industry. From our Product Development Centre to the global market, we are setting a new standard for Biotechnology at CoNAS. We aren’t just graduating with degrees; we’re graduating with the future in our hands.
What’s Next: We’re Just Getting Started
This is only the beginning. We’re already working on the next wave of products, from eco-friendly bio-packaging and better probiotics to smart-crop tech that will change how we eat, heal, and live. We aren’t just waiting for the future to happen we’re in the lab building it right now.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer of Phytomedicine and Nutraceuticals at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University
Natural Sciences
Transforming Food Waste into Clean Energy: Makerere University Researchers Equip Mbarara City Residents with Biogas Production Skills
*****Led by Dr. Patience Tugume from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University, a project titled “Bio-innovation of biogas, biofertilizer, and biopesticide through the utilization of bio-waste” is promoting the transformation of household food waste into biogas and other valuable bio-products. The project team disseminated the research findings to stakeholders in Mbarara City on 15th April 2026.
About the Project
A one-year bio-innovation initiative focused on converting household food waste into biogas, biofertilizer, and biopesticides has yielded promising results in improving access to clean energy and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in peri-urban communities of Mbarara City.
The project, implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with Frevasema Ltd in Mbarara, was supported by UNESCO and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) – Canada through the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Launched in January 2024, it is led by Dr. Patience Tugume from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University.
The initiative has been implemented across five divisions of Mbarara City – Kakoba, Kamukuzi, Nyamitanga, Biharwe, and Nyakayojo – with additional field trials conducted in Masha Sub-county, Isingiro District.
Objectives of the project
The central aim of the project was to demonstrate how biodegradable household waste can be transformed into useful products, particularly biogas for cooking, as well as organic biofertilizers and biopesticides for improved crop production.
Key objectives of the project included: establishing a spin-off centre of bioreactors at the business partner institution (Frevasema Ltd) to demonstrate sustainable production of biogas, biopesticides and bio-fertilizers; training and equipping women and youth with hands-on skills in biogas production and usage; evaluation of yields from different bio wastes; and creation of linkages between academia, the private partner and rural communities in up-scaling production of biogas, biopesticides and bio-fertilizer from household/urban biodegradable wastes.
Key Activities and Dissemination of Project Findings
The project team conducted a survey to assess community perceptions and the factors influencing the adoption of biogas as an alternative cooking energy source in peri-urban areas of Mbarara City. In addition, biodigester tanks were constructed at FREVASEMA Ltd to support training and knowledge transfer activities.
Field experiments were undertaken in Masha Sub-county, Isingiro District to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide. Further experiments to assess biogas yield from different types of food waste were conducted at Makerere University.
The team also developed an integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide by enhancing bioslurry, a by-product of biogas production, with plant extracts known for their pesticidal properties. The effectiveness of this product was tested on the growth performance of green pepper, cabbage, and eggplant.
In line with one of the project objectives, the team also conducted hands-on training in biogas production from food waste for 35 students and 6 staff members of MAMITA Technical and Business Institute.
Dissemination workshop
On 15th April 2026, the project team led by Dr. Tugume held a dissemination workshop to share findings with stakeholders and discuss strategies for scaling up the outcomes.
Findings from the research highlight the strong potential of biogas in contributing to sustainable energy solutions, improving livelihoods, and enhancing environmental conservation through proper food waste management.
Key research findings
- The application of integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide presents a viable alternative to scarce, expensive, and environmentally harmful inorganic fertilizers for enhancing vegetable productivity.
- The study revealed that approximately 90.7% of respondents depend on charcoal and firewood as their primary cooking fuel.
- While 92.1% of respondents were aware that biogas is produced from animal and plant materials, only 7.9% recognized that food waste can also serve as a feedstock, indicating limited awareness of its full potential.
- Banana and potato peels, as well as posho and potatoes leftovers, and green vegetable trimmings, were identified as the most commonly generated food wastes.
- A majority of respondents strongly agreed that biogas is a cleaner and more sustainable energy alternative compared to firewood.
- Key barriers to biogas adoption included inadequate technical knowledge, safety concerns regarding biogas systems, and the high costs of constructing and maintaining biodigesters.
- The extremely low adoption rate of biogas technology (0.3%) indicates significant underutilization despite its potential to mitigate fuel shortages.
- There is a prevailing perception that biogas is suitable for cooking and can effectively replace biomass fuels, given the availability of sufficient feedstock from household food waste, human waste, and animal manure.
- Potato and posho residues were identified as the most suitable primary feedstocks for biogas production due to their high nitrogen content, volatile solids, and total organic carbon (TOC).
- Effective collection and proper segregation of food waste are essential for ensuring a consistent and uncontaminated supply of feedstock for biogas production systems.
- Further research is recommended on integrated biogas systems that combine anaerobic digestion with other renewable energy technologies, such as solar energy or bioelectrochemical systems, to improve overall energy recovery efficiency.
- Vegetables treated with the integrated biofertilizer–biopesticide consistently exhibited superior performance across all growth parameters compared to those treated with inorganic fertilizers (including 5% cypermethrin pesticide) and untreated controls.
Stakeholder engagement and appreciation of the initiative
During the dissemination workshop, Dr. Patience Tugume, the Principal Investigator, expressed gratitude to UNESCO and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-Canada, through the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), for funding the project. She appreciated the research team composed of Dr. Asiimwe Savina, Prof. Maud Kamatensi-Mugisha, Prof. Bazirake Byarugaba, Ms. Catherine Kiconco and Mr. Muhumuza Robert for their contribution. She equally appreciated all participants for contributing valuable information to the study.
Stakeholders commended the project for its relevance and community impact.
Prof. Bunny Lejju Julius from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, appreciated the project team for developing an innovation that directly addresses community needs and aligns with the principles of the competency-based curriculum, particularly the translation of academic knowledge into practical application. He advised that sustainability of the initiative could be strengthened through a multiplier approach, where the trained learners cascade the knowledge to other community members. He further recommended the identification of institutional staff who can undergo training at the spin-off centre and subsequently serve as trainers within their respective communities.
The portable biodigester system was recognized as a simple, affordable, and practical technology with the potential to provide a cost-effective alternative to charcoal and electricity. Participants noted that while resistance to change remains a challenge, continuous awareness creation is essential to promote adoption and facilitate behavioral change.
Mbarara District Forest Officer, Ms. Ainembazi Joses, highlighted the importance of the biogas production project in environmental conservation. She noted that the initiative contributes to reducing deforestation by offering an alternative to firewood and charcoal, thereby supporting sustainable natural resource management.
The Local Council Chairperson of Mailo-Biharwe Division, Mr. Didas Katabazi, appreciated the project team for the innovative work and its potential benefits to the community. He pledged to use his office to advocate for increased government support to scale up the project.
The Resident City Commissioner of Mbarara City expressed concern over the rising levels of deforestation in the district and commended the Principal Investigator for spearheading the innovation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting science and innovation. He emphasized the importance of integrating environmental protection with agricultural productivity, explaining that food security remains a national priority. He further noted that the project demonstrates the concept of waste valorization, where organic waste is transformed into valuable products such as biofertilizers and biopesticides, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity. He pledged to engage the Office of the President to support wider dissemination of the project outcomes. Additionally, he encouraged the trained students to act as ambassadors of the project by sensitizing communities on the benefits of biogas as an alternative source of cooking energy.
Way forward
- The government should invest in constructing bio digesters for households at subsidized prices or offer them financial assistance to cater for bio digester construction.
- Awareness campaigns about the production and use of biogas and associated benefits should be intensified in communities to dispel the negative perceptions.
- Provision of technical training in operating and maintenance of biogas installations should be conducted.
- Sorting of wastes at household level should be emphasised to separate biodegradable from non biodegradable ones.
- The integrated bio-fertilizer-bio-pesticide is an effective, sustainable strategy to increase vegetable productivity while improving soil health in nutrient-limited soils.
- The project recommends adoption of bio-fertilizers (e.g., bio-slurry) which are affordable and can be made from kitchen and market waste to reduce dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers to improve crop growth while controlling pests safely in addition to being safe for humans and the environment.
Donation of portable biodigester systems
As part of the commitment to translate research into tangible benefits, the project awarded two women and MAMITA Technical and Business Institute with portable biodigester systems for installation and use in their households and institution respectively. These systems will serve as demonstration units within the community showcasing the practicality, affordability, and impact of clean energy solutions at the household level.
Report compiled by Dr Patience Tugume, Principal Investigator & Senior Academic Staff in the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology at Makerere University
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