Agriculture & Environment
CAES Doctoral Symposium: PhD Students Urged to Prioritize Research with Societal Impact
The Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga has called on doctoral students to focus their research efforts on addressing real-world challenges and contributing to national and global development.
Speaking at the inaugural CAES Doctoral Symposium, held from 10th to 11th September 2025 at Makerere University, the Principal emphasized that impactful research, not just the quantity of academic publications, should be the hallmark of a research-led university. “As a university aspiring to lead in research and innovation, our work must go beyond academic recognition. It must bring about meaningful change,” she said. “We are moving away from an era where scholars were measured solely by their publications. Today, the value of your PhD lies in how your research transforms lives and communities.”
While acknowledging the university’s requirement of three peer-reviewed publications for doctoral graduation, the Principal urged students to focus their research on critical societal challenges such as food security and nutrition, climate change, and environmental degradation. “A PhD is not merely an academic exercise or a quest for knowledge accumulation. It is a rigorous journey of inquiry, one that requires asking the right questions and seeking evidence-based solutions,” she explained.
The Principal encouraged students to take advantage of the university’s academic support systems, including the CAES GRADCARE Management System, to ensure timely completion of their programmes.
Delivering a keynote centred on addressing Africa’s most pressing societal challenges, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training at Makerere University called for a renewed commitment to research that directly responds to Africa’s development needs.
Speaking under the theme “Making the PhD Relevant to Africa’s Development Aspirations”, Prof. Kikooma underscored the critical need for research at the doctoral level to be aligned with national, regional, and global development agendas. “We gather at a time when Africa stands at a crossroads,” he stated. “On one side, the continent is grappling with complex and overlapping crises – climate-induced disasters such as floods and droughts are displacing communities, food insecurity is worsening amid a rapidly growing population, and social inequalities are deepening. Yet, on the other side, Africa holds immense promise. We are home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population, and some of the most dynamic emerging economies. The potential is vast, but it must be matched by research that is relevant, and transformative.”
Prof. Kikooma challenged universities and research institutions to fundamentally rethink the purpose and structure of doctoral education. He advocated for a shift toward more applied, interdisciplinary, and impact-oriented research that actively contributes to solving real-world problems.
He emphasized that PhD programmes must not be ends in themselves, producing dissertations that gather dust on shelves, but should instead be engines of innovation, capable of informing policy, transforming communities, and driving sustainable development across the continent.
Reiterating the critical role of graduate training in driving transformative research, Prof. Kikooma underscored the importance of deliberate and strategic efforts in realizing the aspirations outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan. A key priority of the plan is to significantly increase graduate student enrolment, with a target of having postgraduate students comprise 40% of the total student population. In alignment with this objective, Makerere University also aims for graduate students to represent 40% of all annual graduands. To support the attainment of these goals, Prof. Kikooma explained that the University had instituted a number of initiatives aimed at streamlining academic processes and reducing inefficiencies that can hinder timely completion. One notable intervention is the implementation of the Research Information Management System (RIMS), a digital platform designed to monitor and track research progress, thereby minimizing downtime and enabling better oversight of graduate research activities.
The second day of the Doctoral Symposium featured a keynote address delivered by Dr. Settumba B. Mukasa, an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at CAES. His presentation offered valuable insights into the critical role of academic writing in shaping impactful research and advancing doctoral education. Dr. Mukasa offered practical guidance on structuring academic work, maintaining coherence and precision, and aligning writing with the expectations of scholarly publishing. His insights provided doctoral candidates with essential tools for enhancing the quality, visibility, and credibility of their research outputs.
According to Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, the Deputy Principal and Head of Academics at CAES, the Doctoral Symposium was organized with the primary objective of providing a platform for PhD students to present their research, receive constructive feedback, and engage in scholarly dialogue with peers and senior academics. The event aimed to foster a vibrant academic community, enhance research quality, and promote collaboration across various disciplines within the college.
During the symposium, over 50 students presented their research across the following thematic areas:
- Engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and product prototyping, highlighting advancements in technological innovation and design;
- Stakeholder and farmer engagement, with a focus on perception, knowledge sharing, and participatory approaches to development;
- Crop resources, breeding, biotechnology, cell biology, and genomics, addressing breakthroughs in plant science and genetic research;
- Forest Resources, Meteorology, Catchment Management, and Wetlands Conservation, integrating environmental science with resource management;
- Soil and crop science, underscoring sustainable practices and soil health; and
- Food, Nutrition, and Animal Science, focusing on food security, health, and livestock management.
The sessions were moderated by academic staff from different departments at CAES including Prof. Jackie Bonabana (Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics), Dr. Denis Nseka (Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences), Prof. John Bosco Okullo (Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism), Dr. Ellen Kayendeke (Department of Environmental Management), Dr. Patrick Musinguzi (Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management), and Dr. Robert Muagabi (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition).
Pictorial of the symposium at: https://shorturl.at/Dbmlc
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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