Agriculture & Environment
CAES Presents Overall Best Performing Student in the Sciences & a Record 28 PhDs at the 76th Graduation Ceremony
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) presented the best performing student in the Sciences at the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. Ms. Esther Ziribaggwa graduated with a CGPA of 4.77 in the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation. She credits her success to resilience and hard work, despite the financial challenges she faced during her studies.
The four-day 76th graduation ceremony commenced on 24th February 2026 with the CAES, the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), and the School of Law presenting graduands for the award of degrees and diplomas of Makerere University.
CAES Graduation Statistics
CAES presented a total of 561 students (238 female and 323 male). Of these 28 (10 female and 18 male) graduated with PhD, 144 (68 female and 76 male) with Masters, 380 (157 female and 223 male) with Bachelor’s degrees, and 9 with Post graduate diplomas (3 female and 6 male). The PhD graduates included; Mr. Ainebyona Ronald Rwambuka, Ms. Amongi Winnyfred, Ms. Apil Jenifer, Mr. Asizua Denis, Mr. Astatke Dejene Kebede, Ms. Atuhairwe Privah, Ms. Ayesiga Stella Bigirwa, Mr. Biryomumaisho Dickson, Ms. Cherotich Harriet, Mr. Kalimunjaye Samuel, Ms. Kesiime Vasiter Eunice, Ms. Khakasa Elizabeth, Mr. Kimbowa George, Mr. Komi Gentle Wilson, Mr. Kusiima Kaheesi Samuel, Mr. Mathe Lukanda Musondolya, Mr. Mukama Innocent Hope Tinka, Mr. Mukengere Bagula Espoir, Mr. Nakhokho Evans Martin, Ms. Faridah Nalwanga Sendagire, Ms. Nalweyiso Amina, Ms. Nampijja Zainah, Ms. Njenga Peninah Wambui, Mr. Nkurunziza Gelase, Ms. Ojera Alal Ato Gertrude Miriam, Mr. Sebuliba Richard Mutumba, Mr. Shimali Fred, and Mr. Ssubi Allan Johnson.
Overall graduation Statistics
During the course of the 76th graduation ceremony, a total of 9,295 students will graduate with degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 4,262 (46%) are female and 5,033 (54%) are male. A total of 213 students will graduate with PhDs, the highest number in the history of the University; 2,503 with Masters degrees; 6,343 with Bachelor’s degrees; 206 with postgraduate diplomas, and 30 with Diplomas.
Postgraduates constituted 31.4% of the total number of graduands.
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
Addressing the congregation, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated the graduates on reaching this significant milestone. “You graduate today from one of the finest universities in the world,” he said. “You have distinguished yourselves through discipline, integrity, and academic excellence, and we are immensely proud of you. The qualifications you carry are vital to society. We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills to secure employment or to create enterprises that will, in turn, employ others. Should you not find immediate employment, do not despair, instead, reflect on the vast opportunities around you and rise to the challenge as entrepreneurs. Do not despise humble beginnings. To our PhD graduands, you now join the global community of scholars. Africa looks to you with great expectation. Use your expertise to transform our continent.”
He appreciated the parents and guardians for the sacrifices they made to support their children’s education.
New Research Excellence Recognition Plans
The Vice Chancellor informed the congregation that beginning with the 76th graduation ceremony, the University will recognize outstanding PhD students who are members of staff. He congratulated those who completed their doctoral studies in record time while continuing to serve without study leave, commending their resilience and leadership. “These will receive the Makerere PhD Resilience Award”.
Similarly, the University will henceforth honour the best PhD and Master’s theses, as selected by the Higher Degrees Committee of Senate. The students with the top 10 theses at the 76th graduation are: Kawesi Paul – MA Law (School of Law), Katende Stephen – MSc Quantitative Economics (COBAMS), Najjinda Shamirah – PhD Management (COBAMS), Turyahabwe Irene – MSc Molecular Biology (COVAB), Tayebwa Dickson – PhD (COVAB), Batte Herbert – PhD Mathematics (CONAS), Ssekago Arnold – MSc Mathematics (CONAS), Namiyingo Julian – PhD Literature (CHUSS), Namata Brenda – MSCO (CHUSS), and Tayebwa Asaph Kamau – MBA (MUBS).
Recognition of the CAES Research Output
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor commended the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for spearheading transformative research aimed at strengthening Africa’s food systems. Among the initiatives he highlighted was the Healthy Soy Project, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which seeks to develop sustainable, affordable, and nutritious soy-based foods to combat child stunting in Uganda and other climate-affected regions. He also cited a project focused on enhancing value addition in cocoa production through the development and scaling of a single fermentation box technology, now adopted by more than 70% of farmers in major cocoa-producing districts.
Efforts to Transform Makerere into a Research-led University
The Vice Chancellor noted that Makerere University continues to advance steadily toward becoming a truly research-led institution – one that generates knowledge to empower communities, strengthen industries, and drive national transformation.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for entrusting the University with resources to support more than 1,400 high-impact research and innovation projects under the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The Fund has enabled researchers to provide practical, evidence-based solutions in sectors including agriculture, land management, energy and minerals, peace and security, and education. Through Mak-RIF, over 200 PhD students have received support to pursue their research, many of whom are graduating at the 76th graduation ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted the pivotal role of the Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre (MUTIC) in advancing incubation and commercialization. “The Centre offers mentorship, business development training, intellectual property support, and industry linkages to help transform research outputs into viable enterprises. To date, eleven spin-off companies have been established by students and staff, while the University’s Innovation Pod (UniPod) has incubated more than 100 projects in the past year. The short-term target is to establish 50 spin-off companies annually, with plans to double that number in the long term.”
In partnership with the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President, the University has also introduced awards to recognize outstanding researchers and innovators. “The Innovation Commercialization Award underscores the institution’s commitment to translating research into practical products, services, and technologies that address real-world challenges and support national development,” the Vice Chancellor noted.
Prof. Nawangwe appreciated the Government of Uganda for securing a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank to support critical infrastructure development at the University. The funding will facilitate the construction of new facilities for the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Engineering, the Science and Technology Centre, and the completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences- an unprecedented development in the University’s history.
He also thanked development partners who provide research grants and scholarships, including the MasterCard Foundation, European Union, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, International Development Research Centre, Korea International Cooperation Agency, German Academic Exchange Service, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Agency for International Development, Wellcome Trust, KfW, Inter-University Council for East Africa, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, African Research Universities Alliance, the PLUS Alliance, the Worldwide Universities Network, the Association of African Universities, the Alliance for African Partnership, the Madhvani Foundation, and the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board.
He further acknowledged the Embassy of China, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, various government ministries, State House, and private sector partners – including Stanbic, Absa, NCBA, DFCU, and Centenary Bank-for their continued support.
Remarks by the Chancellor
In his remarks, the Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, appreciated the parents, guardians, and sponsors whose unwavering support enabled the students to succeed.
“At the heart of the graduands’ accomplishments are the professors, lecturers, and administrators of the University, ably supported by the University Council. It is only fitting that we acknowledge and commend them for a job well done,” he noted.
He further extended profound gratitude to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM Government for the invaluable financial and other support extended to the University.
Going forward, he encouraged the University Administration to strengthen research funding, forge stronger partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations, deepen structured engagement with communities, and fully leverage the abundant technological resources available to the institution.
Message from the Minister of Education and Sports
The Minister of Education and Sports, also First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu – Minister of State for Primary Education, commended the Vice Chancellor and the leadership of Makerere University for upholding the standards that continue to distinguish the University across Africa and beyond.
She expressed gratitude for the spirit of constructive collaboration among management, staff, students, and development partners, noting that such cooperation is vital for institutional growth and academic excellence. She paid special tribute to the University Council, particularly the Chairperson and its members, for their dedicated oversight and stewardship. Their commitment to transparency and good governance, she observed, has strengthened public confidence in this historic institution.
A major milestone highlighted by the Minister was the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF), which supports high-impact research aligned with national priorities and development goals. Through this initiative, thousands of researchers and innovators have developed practical, scalable solutions that are transforming communities and key sectors across Uganda.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening higher education through expanded research funding, digital transformation, cultural reform, and stronger collaboration between academia and industry. “The vision is clear: universities must not only produce graduates, but also solution-makers and job creators”.
Implementing the Competence-based Education and Training
Reiterating a key directive from the Ministry of Education and Sports, she emphasized that all institutions of higher learning must prepare for the full implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027. “This reform represents more than a policy shift. It signals a fundamental transformation in how graduates are prepared, with greater emphasis on practical skills, innovation, and problem-solving.”
She urged the Vice Chancellor and his team to lead in curriculum reform, staff development, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure the successful rollout of competence-based education.
The Minister further urged university management to ensure that all satellite campuses are fully accredited and that their programmes meet the same high standards of quality and relevance as those offered at the main campus. This, she stressed, is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the University’s degrees and effectively serving students nationwide.
Addressing the graduates, she noted that Uganda and Africa need innovators to modernize agriculture, engineers to build quality infrastructure, healthcare professionals to strengthen health systems, and educators to inspire future generations. “The world you are entering is dynamic, interconnected, and technologically driven. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries; climate change is redefining agriculture and urban planning; and global markets are transforming employment patterns. In this rapidly evolving landscape, you must remain adaptable, creative, and committed to lifelong learning.”
Address by the Commencement Speaker, Prof. Nicholas Ozor
In his address titled Knowledge with Purpose and Service with Integrity, the Commencement Speaker, Prof. Nicholas Ozor, Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, prioritize purpose over comfort, build character before career, and serve something greater than themselves. He encouraged them to believe in Africa and take action, rather than waiting for solutions from elsewhere.
Addressing the graduates of CAES, he emphasized that they stand at the intersection of survival and sustainability. “In a world confronting climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, your knowledge is vital. You will work with farmers, ecosystems, land, water, and policy. You will shape food systems and livelihoods. Respect indigenous knowledge, embrace scientific innovation, and champion sustainability. The future of Africa depends on how well we feed our people and protect our land.”
Research Excellence and Innovation Commercialization Awards
During the graduation ceremony, Makerere University recognized the top researchers and innovators from the 10 Colleges. At CAES, Dr Mugabi Robert from the School of Food Technology and Nutrition received the Overall Top Researchers Award, 2026; Dr. Nalwanga Sendagire Faridah received the Best Early Career Researcher Award, Dr Mugabi Robert scooped the Mid-Career Research Award whereas Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze got the Senior Career Research Award. Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Dr Ephrahim Nuwamanya, Assoc. Prof. Ahamada Zziwa, and Dr Ssempijja John Edson were recognized among the best innovators.
More about Esther Ziribaggwa, the overall best performing student in the sciences:
Agriculture & Environment
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University Launches Youth Skilling Program to Catalyse Enterprise Development
By Damali Mukhaye
The Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University, an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, has launched an inclusive Youth Skilling Program aimed at equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills to unlock business opportunities and contribute to climate resilience.
The Program will begin with a pilot of fifty (50) youth selected from Lwengo, Rakai and Yumbe districts, forming the first group of a planned 500 young people to be trained over the eight-year implementation period. The initiative targets youth who have completed at least Senior Four or its equivalent but have not enrolled for or completed university education.
For the first group, the youth will receive intensive hands-on training across the poultry value chain, enabling participants to develop climate-smart enterprises, create employment opportunities and strengthen their livelihoods.
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, indicated that the Skilling Program was designed in response to the challenges faced by thousands of young people who are not in employment, formal education or vocational training (NEET).
“We realised that there are several young people who never got an opportunity to attend university or pursue higher education, yet they constitute the majority of our population. We are intentionally creating pathways that enable them to acquire practical skills, participate meaningfully in the economy and secure dignified employment,” Prof. Nabanoga said.
Applications for the first group under youth skilling program are now open to eligible youth residing in either Lwengo Sub-County in Lwengo district, Ddwaniro Sub-County in Rakai district, Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, or Ariwa Sub-County in Yumbe District.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explained that the Africa Climate Collaborative deliberately selected these locations because they are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The programme prioritises districts within Uganda’s agropastoral landscape. She further indicated that the Program is aimed at nurturing young people who will serve as catalysts for enterprise development within their communities.
“The training will equip participants with practical skills that enable them to innovate around climate-related challenges while protecting the environment. Ultimately, they will generate income, improve their livelihoods and become catalysts for local economic transformation.” she said.
Why Poultry?
The Africa Climate Collaborative selected the poultry value chain as the entry point for the pilot because it offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, trainees will specialise in different components of the value chain, including feed production, hatchery management, poultry production, poultry product value addition and poultry waste management.
“The poultry sector offers numerous opportunities for innovation. By developing expertise across different components of the value chain, these young people will collectively strengthen the entire poultry ecosystem.”
Environmental sustainability remains central to the program. Participants will be introduced to climate-smart production practices, resource efficiency and innovative approaches to poultry waste management that minimise environmental impacts while improving productivity.
Program participants are expected to become community resource persons who will transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to other young people.
“These young people will become trainers of trainers. When they return to their communities, they will establish enterprises and mentor others, creating a critical mass of youth engaged in climate-smart businesses.”She noted.
District Leaders and Experts Welcome the Initiative
District leaders have welcomed the program, describing it as a timely intervention for addressing youth unemployment.
Francis Bwowe, Senior Agricultural Officer for Rakai District, described the intervention as timely and transformative.
He noted that the closure of Primary Teachers’ Colleges and the increasing costs of post-secondary education have left many youths without viable alternatives.
“Many young people who complete Senior Four have nowhere to go. Therefore, a program that equips them with practical skills to start their own businesses is extremely important. We believe it will help them become self-reliant and earn a living,” he explained.
Community leaders also expressed optimism about the program’s potential to transform livelihoods.
Mr. George Kizito, LCII Chairperson of Kalere Parish in Rakai District, said unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing young people.
“The opportunities exist, but many young people lack the capacity and confidence to create jobs for themselves. In our community, people involved in poultry farming are earning good money, but many youths simply watch because they do not know where to start from,” he said.
The program has also received positive reactions from technical experts. Responding through one of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s social media platforms, Ms. Nehwera Eufemia, a specialist in animal feeds, commended the decision to prioritise feed production.
“Feed accounts for nearly 70 percent of poultry production costs and is the single most important factor influencing profitability. Strengthening skills in feed production provides a strong foundation for improving productivity and sustainability across the entire poultry value chain” she observed.
Ms. Eufemia encouraged eligible young Ugandans to apply and take advantage of the opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to young people residing in:
- Lwengo Sub-county, Lwengo District;
- Ddwaniro Sub-county, Rakai District;
- Zone 5, Bidibidi Refugee Settlement; and
- Ariwa Sub-county, Yumbe District.
Eligible applicants must have completed at least Senior Four (O-Level) or its equivalent but should not have enrolled for or completed university education. Applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years of age by the application deadline and should not be engaged in any form of formal employment or training.
Young women, young mothers, refugees and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Application forms are available at NO COST through the online application portal at https://climatecollaborative.mak.ac.ug/application.
Applicants from Lwengo and Rakai districts may also obtain application forms through the District Production Offices and Sub-county Community Development Offices, while applicants from Yumbe can access forms through the Yangani Protection Desk at Ariwa Reception Centre and the Office of the RWC3 in Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.
Applications should be submitted through the online portal, by email to climateresilience@mak.ac.ug or physically delivered to the designated district offices at NO COST.
Applications close on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection engagements. For further information, interested applicants may contact the program team on +256 744 773237.
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