Agriculture & Environment
Combating Child Malnutrition in the Face of Climate Change: Mak’s Healthy Soy Initiative Offers Hope
*****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
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
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