Invitation to Mr. Samuel Ojelel's PhD defense pr Mon, 07/18/2022 - 10:19

The Dean School of Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University invites you all to Mr. Samuel Ojelel’s PhD defense (PhD Botany) scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 27th July 2022 at 10:00am in the Chemistry Boardroom.

Title of thesis: "Nutritional Value of Wild Edible Plants and Floral Diversity in Selected Central Forest Reserves of North Eastern Uganda”  

Supervisors;

1. Assoc. Prof. James Kalema - Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Mak
2. Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mucunguzi - Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Mak
3. Dr. Esther Katuura - Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Mak                 

Click on the link below for the abstract.

Samuel Ojelel Abstract_2022.docx

Call for Applications: Mathematics PhD Scholarship pr Thu, 07/14/2022 - 10:28

The Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme invites applications for one scholarship for PhD studies in Mathematics at Makerere University. The PhD training is expected to commence in September 2022 and will be supported every year, for a period of not more than four years on full-time basis. Continuation of funding shall be guided by the annual progress report of the candidate. Applicants who are already admitted at Makerere University and still in their first year of PhD studies will also be considered.  

****Eligibility for the Scholarship

1. The applicant must be holding at least a Masters degree in Mathematics or its equivalent.

2. Be a Ugandan citizen, aged not more than 35 years at the time of the closing date of receiving the applications.

3. Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work independently and also be able to work in a team of researchers.

****Application procedure

1. Electronic submission of the application with supporting documents should be sent to  hod.math@mak.ac.ug 

2. Application submission deadline is Monday, 15th August 2022 and interviews (where applicable) will be conducted at an appropriate date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

For further information, contact: Head, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, Email: hod.math@mak.ac.ug, Tel: +256-414-540692

See details in the attachment below.

Mathematics PhDScholarship_Advert (1).pdf

 

DRIAR Project Field Training School – 11th-22nd July 2022 pr Mon, 07/11/2022 - 14:22

 

Dr Sarah Stamps, Principal Investigator presents an overview of the DRIAR Project

Dry-Rifting in the Albertine-Rhino Graben (DRIAR) Project

Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Virginia Polytechnique Institute and State University, the leading institution of the consortia of universities participating in the Dry-Rifting in the Albertine-Rhino Graben (DRIAR Project), to conduct geophysical, geochemical and geological studies of the Albertine-Rhino Graben in Uganda.

As part of the activities, the DRIAR Project in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development - Uganda is conducting a two-week field training school for staff and students from the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies and the Department of Physics at Makerere University. The training taking place at Botzoo, CoNAS was officially opened by the Acting Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi today, 11th July 2022. It will cover modules including; GNSS Geodesy, Magnetotellurics, Active Seismology, and Passive Seismology.  Fieldwork will be conducted in; seismology, structural geology, geochemistry, and magnetics. Trainers include: Dr Sarah Stamps, Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech, also Principal Investigator, DRIAR Project; Dr. Fola Kolawole, Assistant Professor at Columbia University; Prof. Rob Evans, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and Prof. Suzan van der Lee, Northwestern University, USA.  

The Deputy Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Juma Kasozi officially opened the training on behalf of the Principal

About the Dry-Rifting in the Albertine-Rhino Graben (DRIAR) Project

The DRIAR project funded by the United States National Science Foundation is international collaborative group aimed at addressing geological questions surrounding magma-poor continental rifting in the Albertine-Rhino grabens. The three-year project (December 2020 to November 2024) consists of leading geoscientists from multiple disciplines across the United States and around the world. The project goal is to apply geophysical, geological, geochemical, and geodynamic techniques to investigate the Northern Western Branch of the East African Rift System in Uganda.  

The Dean School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor addressing participants

Under the project, a wide range of geophysical, geological, and geochemical observations will be collected, and numerical modeling of the region will be performed to advance understanding of how the magma-poor rifts form and evolve.  The project team seeks to unravel the physics leading to the new breakage of the earth’s crust in the region, in addition to better understanding of continental rifting. Additionally, the project seeks to improve data on estimates of carbon dioxide transfer into the atmosphere that occurs during continental rifting, advancing rifting models used for exploring natural resources, and creating new insights into seismic hazards associated with active faulting. The project will involve analysis of Global Navigation Satellite System data collected in Uganda. The scientific results of this project will be communicated, in part, through short educational videos geared towards public audiences.

The Head Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at CoNAS, Dr Arthur Batte welcoming participants at the opening ceremony

The Project supports three Ugandan PhD students based at universities in the United States namely: Ms. Asenath Kwagalakwe, Virginia Tech; Mr Hillary Mwongyera, University of Kansas; Mr. Albert Kabanda Northwestern University.

Details on the project at: https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2021/12/science-eastern_africa_fift_sarah_stamps_lab.html

Some of the participants at the opening ceremony Participants in a group photo with the Ag. Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi (4th L) after the opening ceremony DRIAR Project training @ Makerere University- 11th-22nd July 2022.pdf

Invitation to contribute chapters to frontiers Special collection pr Mon, 07/11/2022 - 11:33

Title of the book: "Repositioning of Non-Timber Forest Products: a new dawn for sustainable livelihoods"

This is to invite you to contribute chapters to our special/book in Frontiers in forests & global change https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/35906/repositioning-of-non-timber-forest-products-a-new-dawn-for-sustainable-livelihoods

The collection/book is titled: "Repositioning of Non-Timber Forest Products: a new dawn for sustainable livelihoods"

The topic editors are Prof. Kakudidi E, from Makerere, Prof.Adeyemi Oladapo from North West University, South Africa, Dr. Patience Tugume & Dr Anywar Godwin from Makerere.

The special seeks contributions in the following thematic areas as original research articles or reviews. The listing herein is by no means exhaustive and prospective authors are encouraged to suggest any other potential areas that are in line with the overall goal of the book.

1. Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and conservation of protected areas

2. Value chains and value addition on NTFP

3. NTFP & the law (Legal regimes & access to NTFP)

4. Certification of NTFP

5. Deforestation & NTFP. Sustainable harvesting & utilization

6. Fungi/mushrooms as NTFP

7. Contribution of NTFP to household incomes & livelihoods

8. The role of NTFP in climate change mitigation & climate smart agriculture

9. NTFP and the preservation of traditional cultures

10. NTFP as raw materials for research & development

11. Economic impacts of NTFP

12. NTFP and entrepreneurship

13. NTFP as safety nets in food security

14. Understanding NTFPs and people

15. Ecosystem services derived from NTFP

16. NTFP and their role in forest conservation

17. Gender perspectives of NTFP access and use

18. The role of NTFP in drug development

19. NTFP sourced from wild animals

20. Management of NTFP

21. Case studies on the potential of selected NTFP

22. Legislation for the protection and preservation of NTFP

23. Propagation and domestication of NTFP sources

24. Genetic diversity of NTFP in relation to their crop relatives

25. NTFP in crop improvement

***Abstract Submission Deadline 20 November 2022

***Manuscript Submission Deadline 23 January 2023

For more details, please visit the website https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/35906/repositioning-of-non-timber-forest-products-a-new-dawn-for-sustainable-livelihoods

Contact: Dr. Anywar Godwin, Email: godwinanywar@gmail.com | godwin.anywar@mak.ac.ug| ganywar@cartafrica.org, Tel: +256702983410 | +256782983410.@anywar_godwin, ORCID: 0000-0003-0926-1832

International Institute of Physics (IOP) seeks collaboration with the CoNAS pr Thu, 07/07/2022 - 14:22 The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) in a meeting with the visitors from IOP, Mr. Dominic Hurley (R) and Ms. Linsey Simkin (2nd R)  

The Head of International Relations at the Institute of Physics (IOP) in the UK, Mr Dominic Hurley, and International Relations Manager at the same institute, Ms Linsey Simkin this morning, 7th July 2022 visited the College of Natural Sciences, (CoNAS) to establish potential areas for collaboration. They held meetings with the Principal and Head, Department of Physics. They also interacted with staff from the Department of Physics and paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Umar Kakumba. In his remarks, Prof. Kakumba emphasized the importance of partnerships, noting that the “much feared” subject of Physics requires a lot of capacity building. “Management welcomes strategic partnerships and we are committed to support the process of establishing collaboration between IOP and CoNAS,” he noted.

The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) in a meeting with the visitors from IOP, Mr. Dominic Hurley (R) and Ms. Linsey Simkin (2nd R) as well as the Principal CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, and the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi

The visitors toured some facilities at the Department of Physics and will continue engaging the College Management on potential areas of collaboration.

 The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, with an active role in promoting co-operation in physics around the world.  The Institute’s ambitious strategy sets out to transform the physics landscape for the UK and Ireland, and ensure a thriving physics ecosystem that will contribute to innovation, discovery, research, growth and debate in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Details on IOP at: www.iop.org

The DVCAA, Prof Umar Kakumba handing souvenirs to the visitors The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (C) with the visitors from IOP, Mr Dominic Hurley (2nd R) and Ms. Linsey Simkin (2nd L) as will as the Principal CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (R), and the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi The visitors touring laboratories at the Department of Physics, Mak Mr Dominic Hurley makes a presentation to members of staff in the Department of Physics, Mak 

 

Invitation to Seminar - African Wildlife Genomics: Trends, Insights and Opportunities pr Fri, 07/01/2022 - 09:40

The population genetics and evolution of biodiversity is important for species survival and conservation strategies. Makerere University and the University of Copenhagen have collaboratively built capacity and conducted wildlife genetics research for decades, with a special emphasis on several large African mammals. This has evolved from using simple molecular tools to next generation and whole genome sequencing.

The upcoming talk will outline the evolution and current trends in African Wildlife Genomics research and give some concrete examples of insights coming from therein. Such insights will include new findings regarding the biogeography, population divergence, migration patterns, population size changes and genetic health of different populations and species across the Africa continent. Indeed, this talk will highlight how Ugandan wildlife populations fit into these continental population genetic patterns and dynamics.

 Date: 8th July 2022

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Venue: BOTZOO, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)

Zoom link to be provided in due course.

 For further information, please contact:

1. Prof. Charles Masembe, CONAS (charles.masembe@mak.ac.ug)
2. Dr Vincent Muwanika, CAES (vincent.muwanika@mak.ac.ug)

 

 

Invitation to Mr. Kimuli Philly Ivan's PhD defense pr Thu, 06/30/2022 - 12:27

The Dean School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University invites you all to Mr. Kimuli Philly Ivan’s PhD defense (PhD in Mathematics) scheduled to take place on 21st July 2022 at 10:00am in the Chemistry Boardroom. 

Title of thesis: The Morphic Property in Modules and Near-rings

Supervisors

1. Dr. David Ssevviiri, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University
2. Dr. Alex Samuel Bamunoba, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University

Link for online attendance

https://bit.ly/3P9YatB

Meeting ID: 953 2064 9322

Passcode: 478022

Follow the link below to access the abstract;

Kimuli Philly Ivan Abstact.pdf

Mak Scientists Unveil New Method of Measuring Stress Levels in Plants pr Tue, 06/28/2022 - 10:21

Just like animals and human beings, plants too can be stressed. Whereas one may easily detect stress in animals and humans basing on their behavior, plant “behavior” is not easy to interpret.  

Why should we be concerned about stress in plants?

Plants under stress cannot reproduce or grow well because they have to divert much of their physiological energy to fighting stress. If the plants are critical food crops, this will lead to perpetual food shortages because their energy resources are spent fighting stress.

New study on measuring stress in plants

A new study, titled “Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Quantification of Callose” and led by a team of scientists at the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, USA, shows how stress in plants can be measured. According to Prof. Arthur Tugume, the lead scientist of this study and expert in plant diseases, when plants are stressed, they produce numerous molecules within their cells mostly as means of adapting to stress or avoiding the impact of stress. “For example, plants produce reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ions, and hydroxyl ions. These reactive oxygen species are produced rapidly and act as rapid messengers in the plant tissues to activate additional responses spreading over the entire plant body. This helps the plant to withstand or avoid the impact of stress”.

Some of the plants used in the study to design a new method of measuring stress as induced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum The plants in plate (A) are before infecting them with the bacterium, while in plant (B) are the same plants 14 days after infecting them with the bacterium. Photos by Mr. Abubakar S. Mustafa.

Dr. Ssenku E. Jamilu, a plant physiology expert on the team explains that in plants, stress can be induced by many factors such as pollution in the soil and atmosphere, high soil salinity (salt stress), excessive lack of water (drought), extreme temperatures, lack of oxygen (anoxia), excess radiation, mechanical injury by wounding or by pests that feed on the plants, and infestation by disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens). “Such factors are worsened by climate change, implying the importance of measuring their impact on individual plants to guide plant breeding programmes to ensure sustainable food production in the face of climate change”.

The research indicates that reactive oxygen species set in motion additional processes to ensure limited impact of stress on the plant. For example, a unique carbohydrate, named “callose” starts to accumulate in large quantities within plant cells as a means of fortifying plant cells. Callose differs from the other usual plant carbohydrates such as starch or cellulose because of the way its structures are formed. Also, the production of callose gets increased during stress. Callose acts as a road-block to any pathogen such as bacteria by limiting bacterial movement that would otherwise ease attack on other tissues or cells.

 “If we can artificially induce the stress on the plant, and then measure the amount of reactive oxygen species or callose or any other responses in the plant, we should be able to directly and quantitatively measure the stress,” Prof. Tugume explains.

He however notes that callose participates in many other normal developmental processes of plants and for that reason, there is always some “housekeeping” callose in the plant tissues even without stress. “This means that one must be able to accurately and quantitatively distinguish between ‘stress-induced’ and normal ‘housekeeping’ callose”.

In this study, the researchers used young (2.5-months old) banana plantlets that had been generated from tissue culture at Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute. They then infected the plantlets with a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. This bacterium induces so much stress on the banana plants resulting into a destructive disease known as banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW), the most destructive disease of bananas in East and Central Africa.

The banana leaves, pseudostems and corms were analyzed for callose and compared with the control plants that had been inoculated with water instead of bacteria. The analysis was done using a method called S-ELISA (Sandwich Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay), that was designed by scientists in this study. This method is specific to callose.

Callose-specific primary antibodies were used to coat the wells of 96-well microplates followed by incubation with callose extracts from tissues of stressed plants. Additional incubation with same primary callose-specific antibodies was done, and finally, incubation with a secondary antibody that is conjugated to an enzyme. When a substrate is supplied to the enzyme, colour changes were monitored. The presence of callose (and thus stress on the plants) was assessed quantitatively by measuring the intensity of color change resulting from enzymatic action on the substrate. This method proved effective in comparison to the gold standard method of detecting and quantifying aniline blue stained callose using fluorescence microscopy.

This research was part of the PhD studies for Mr. Abubakar S. Mustafa at Makerere University and University of California, Davis. According to Mr. Mustafa, his method is new and can be applied to any plant that is subjected to any stress because generally, plants produce callose in response to stress.” Mr. Mustafa further states that the method is convenient because, if necessary, samples can be processed between a few hours to one year (or even longer), which allows exchange of materials between laboratories and countries when needed, something that was not possible before. The S-ELISA method used 96-well plates which allows high throughout studies, hence, hundreds of samples can be analyzed simultaneously within a few days.

This study has been published as a Protocol by Multidisciplinary Publishing Institute (MDPI) in an open access journal, “Methods and Protocols”, in the section: Biochemical and Chemical Analysis & Synthesis and is freely accessible on https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9279/5/4/54/htm.

This research was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda. The project had partners including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Alliance for Bioversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and CABI.

For more details, contact; underscore

1. Prof. Arthur Tugume, Lead Scientist of the study, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Email: arthur.tugume@mak.ac.ug, Tel: +256772514841
2. Mr. Abubakar S. Mustafa, Co-Author and PhD student on the study, Email: mustafa.abubakar.sadik@gmail.com, Tel: +256702813233
3. Hasifa Kabejja, Principal Communication Officer, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Email: pr.cns@mak.ac.ug, Tel: +256774904211

New study highlights challenges to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda pr Thu, 06/23/2022 - 11:42

A new study published in the CABI Agriculture and Bioscience journal highlights that pests, diseases, and drought, are the main challenges to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda.

A range of recommendations are presented to help the country’s pumpkin and watermelon farmers increase their yields to help improve their livelihoods and food security.

The study assessed the current production constraints for watermelons and pumpkins, management practices, sources of production inputs to guide research and decision making in production of these crops.

The team of researchers, that included those from the College of Natural Sciences of Makerere University, Uganda, Muni University, Uganda, the National Crops Resources Institute, Uganda, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, surveyed 105 watermelon and pumpkin fields in 28 districts from nine-sub-regions of Uganda.

Among the findings, high transport and labour costs were also key factors affecting productivity of pumpkin and watermelon – grown by 85.7% and 14.3% of farmers surveyed respectively.

The scientists demonstrate that bacterial wilt (33.3%), downy mildew (20%), anthracnose powdery mildews (7.8%) and virus diseases (5.6%) were the most common and important disease constraints of both fruits.

With respect to pests, the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Gennadius) (29.5%), order hemiptera family aleyrodidae, aphids (Myzus Persicae, Sulzer) (20%), order hemiptera family aphidadae, melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae, Coquillett) (16.2%), order diptera family tephritidae and cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon, Hufnagel) (9.5%), order lepidoptera family noctuidae, were reported as the most limiting pests of both watermelon and pumpkin production.

Watermelons and pumpkins (collectively called cucurbits) are cultivated in Uganda for their leaves, fruits, and seeds, thereby contributing to food, nutrition and income security.

In Uganda, pumpkins have been cultivated for centuries. However, watermelon cultivation is a less than three decades-old activity and is increasingly becoming important because of its nutritional and economic value. Nonetheless, there is limited research and information on constraints affecting watermelons and pumpkin production.

Professor Arthur Tugume, a lead author of the paper, said, “This study highlights the importance of watermelon and pumpkin as sources of food, income, and nutrition security for local communities, even when these are not priority crop commodities in Uganda.

“There was low production of pumpkin which may be partly due to poor quality farm saved seed affecting profitability. The use of a hand hoe to remove weeds was the main method of weed control with a few farmers using herbicides while farmers mainly used ash as the main method of pest control.

“The farmers of watermelon practised farmgate method of selling their produce while those of pumpkins sold to nearby markets, and local traders.”

The researchers also highlight that many farmers were unable to distinguish between diseases affecting watermelon, pumpkin and their associated symptoms. A surprise finding was that farmers indiscriminately applied various kinds of agrochemicals - herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, to control insect pests on these crops without any considerations on their intended use nor impact of the environment.

Fred Masika, a co-researcher on the paper from Makerere University and Muni University, said, “There is a need to train farmers on integrated pest and disease management, as well as in the appropriate methods for applying agrochemicals.

“Several interventions should be implemented to boost production of these crops so that the values of the crops are realised even more.

“For example, establishing storage centres for watermelon in the newly established irrigation schemes (e.g., Ngenge, Tochi, Doho, Mubuku, and Wadelai irrigation) and in Central Uganda where high production is expected.”

Other measures suggested by the scientists include establishing certified seed systems which provide disease-free planting materials, addressing the issues of transport, and value addition.

They also call for the identification of the causal pathogens of diseases so that management strategies can be developed. This may include, the researchers argue, the development and/or promotion of a more environmentally friendly method of breeding for resistance to pests and diseases.

——————————————Ends——————————————

Additional information

Full paper reference

Fred B. Masika, Titus Alicai, Hussein Shimelis, Gabriel Ddamulira, Shahasi Y. Athman, Perpetua Ipulet, Morgan Andama and Arthur K. Tugume, ‘Pumpkin and watermelon production constraints and management practices in Uganda,’ CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 22 June 2022, DOI: 10.1186/s43170-022-00101-x

The paper is available to view open access here: https://cabiagbio.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s43170-022-00101-x

Media enquiries

1. Wayne Coles, Communications Manager, CABI (UK based), email: w.coles@cabi.org
2. Ms Hasifa Kabejja, Principal Communication Officer, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University (Uganda based), email: pr.cns@mak.ac.ug or ha2008k@gmail.com
3. Professor Arthur Tugume, lead author and Senior Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Makerere University (Uganda based), email: arthur.tugume@mak.ac.ug

About CABI Agriculture and Bioscience

CABI Agriculture and Bioscience (CABI A&B) publishes high quality, rigorously peer-reviewed multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research focused on agriculture, food security, and the environment.

Global agriculture faces many challenges today. How can we produce more safe, nutritious food in the face of climate change? Can we balance greater efficiencies with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity? Can we meet changing market demands and yet develop more equitable economies? Can agriculture provide a livelihood and opportunities for women and young people?

These problems require increasingly complex and urgent solutions from researchers and policymakers. That is why CABI A&B is committed to encouraging an inclusive culture of scientific discussion and rapid information sharing among researchers worldwide. We publish both large and incremental advances in science in both primary and multidisciplinary fields across the biosciences, agriculture, agronomy, microbiology, social sciences, and the environment.

CABI A&B is an open access journal, with rapid peer review, making findings immediately available to all readers worldwide. We believe it will help engender a clearer understanding of facts and findings, and help challenge assumptions.

CABI A&B is the official journal of CABI – an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. The organization is governed by 49 Member Countries, many of which are low-income and highly dependent on agriculture to feed their population and generate income. CABI A&B’s supports the organization’s aim to help achieve 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals: (1) No Poverty; (2) Zero Hunger; (3) Quality Education; (5) Gender Equality; (12) Responsible Consumption and Production; (13) Climate Action; (15) Life on Land; and (17) Partnerships for the Goals. CABI A&B is integral to delivering on the organization’s mission, and any surplus derived from the journal is reinvested in its international development activities.

https://cabiagbio.biomedcentral.com/

 

 

CoNAS contributes towards Mak@100 celebrations pr Tue, 06/07/2022 - 15:48 The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) hands over the cash contribution to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

The Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta has today, 7th June 2022 handed to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe UGX6,384,215 million, the first staff cash contribution towards Makerere University centennial celebrations. The Principal, in company of his Deputy also College Representative on the Mak@100 Organizing Committee, Prof. Juma Kasozi; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Dr Esther Katuura; and Prof. Florence D’ujanga handed over the contribution at a ceremony held in the Office of the Vice Chancellor. In appreciation, the Vice Chancellor commended the College Management and staff for the noble gesture. He specifically appreciated the Principal, Deputy Principal and Prof. D’ujanga for leading the fundraising drive at the College.

In his remarks, the Principal appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the initiatives being undertaken to commemorate 100 years of Makerere. He informed the Vice Chancellor that CoNAS had lined up a number of activities in this regard, including renovation of the College infrastructure, seminars, and exhibitions to showcase achievements registered over the years.

The Deputy Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Juma Kasozi (R) and Prof. Florence D'ujanga (L) with the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Kasozi and Prof. D'ujanga are leading the fundraising drive for Mak@100 at the College of Natural Sciences  

Mak@100 celebrations

Having opened its doors to 14 day students in 1922, Makerere has grown to become one of the most prestigious Universities in Africa. The University will mark 100 years of existence on 8th October 2022. Activities to commemorate a century of excellent service commenced on 9th October 2022 with the official launch of the Mak@100 logo by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni. The year-long activities include public lectures, seminars, conferences, and exhibitions showcasing the history of the University and achievements registered over the years.

CoNAS leaders chat with the Vice Chancellor after the meeting

About CoNAS

 The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 10 constituent Colleges of Makerere University with over 2000 students and 153 members spread across 2 schools and seven departments namely: School of Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Geology and Petroleum Studies) and School Biosciences (Departments of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology; Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences; and Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences). The College is the cradle of basic sciences at Makerere University providing a foundation for all applied sciences offered at the University. It offers programmes at undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally, CoNAS services other Colleges including the College of Health Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity. Staff at the College also teach students from the College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, and the School of Statistics and Applied Economics. The college is committed to giving students at all levels excellent exposition in scientific thinking and high-level foundation of science that will shape and direct their lives long after they leave the University.  

 

Project pr Mon, 06/06/2022 - 12:14

Project Team Holds Key Stakeholders Consultative Engagement in Mbarara City

The project team, Dr Robinson Odong (C), Dr Peter Akoll (R) and Mr John Omara share notes shortly before the stakeholders meeting in Mbarara City

Most of the antibiotics used to manage diseases in humans and livestock end up in the environment. Antibiotics (ATBs), Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB), and Antibiotic Resistance (ARGs) have spread in almost all habitats globally. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recognize the problem of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and thus recommend: Prudent use of antimicrobials; and a “One Health Approach” to mitigate the problem. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a situation where bacteria develop resistance against antibiotics intended to destroy them.

Dr Robinson Odong briefing stakeholders about the project

Antibiotics in the environment may induce AMR in bacteria, hence the risk of transfer to humans and wildlife. AMR reduces effectiveness of antibiotics, leading to higher costs of treatment, severe illnesses, and deaths. Globally, about 1.2 million people died in 2019 due to complications of AMR; Sub-Saharan African region alone had 255,000 deaths (Murray et al., 2022, The Lancet, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0).

The PAIRWISE Project Principal Investigator, Prof. Charles Masembe

The Strategic Research Agenda by the Joint Programming Initiatives (JPI) calls for transnational studies on AMR in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Indeed, the role of livestock, wildlife and migratory birds in the spread of AMR has previously been under-emphasized, yet they are major reservoirs of ARB and ARG.

Dr Peter Akoll engages stakeholders on the commonly used antibiotics and the potential sites for sample collection

The PAIRWISE Project is being implemented in three countries in Europe, and two in Africa. PAIRWISE is investigating the risks posed to human health and the environment by pollutants and pathogens present in water resources. The project also aims to investigate the dispersal of ATB, ARB and ARG downstream Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) by comparing different geographical/climatic regions, wastewater management practices and types of water bodies.

Project partners include; National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Sweden; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norway; Linköping University (LiU), Sweden; Doñana Biological Station, Higher Council for Scientific Research, Spain; National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Water, and Forestry, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine Ibn Al-Jazzar Sousse, Tunisia; and the College of Natural Sciences,  Makerere University, Uganda.

Mr. David Nuwagaba, Mbarara District Natural Resources Officer sharing his views at the stakeholders meeting 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 869178-AquaticPollutants, Joint Programming Initiative on Anti-microbial Resistance (JPIAMR), www.waterjpi.eu; and JPI Oceans, www.jpi-oceans.eu. For Uganda, the three-year project is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, www.aphrc.org coordinates the funding in Uganda.

One of the study areas, River Rwizi Catchment

In Uganda, the research activities are being conducted by researchers from the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University including: Prof. Charles Masembe (Principal Investigator), Dr. Robinson Odong, Dr. Peter Akoll, Mr. Mayega Johnson (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences) and Mr. John Omara (Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences) as team members. The study area in Uganda includes the catchment of River Rwizi, Lake Mburo National Park, and River Aswa.  

The research will contribute towards better understanding of the factors which influence the occurrence and spread of AMR in water systems, livestock farms, and birds. It will also contribute towards the Government of Uganda’s framework to combat the threat of AMR, through the National AMR Action Plan; design policies to reduce the risks of AMR, and the costs incurred for animal and human disease management.

Dr Peter Akoll moderated the discussion on potential sites for sample collection

Makerere University PAIRWISE Consultative Meeting in Mbarara

On 31st May 2022, the project team from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences led by Prof. Charles Masembe (Principal Investigator) held a consultative meeting to get buy-in and introduce the PAIRWISE Project to the key stakeholders in Greater Mbarara and River Rwizi catchment. The meeting also aimed to receive input from key stakeholders regarding the use of antibiotics in Greater Mbarara district and River Rwizi catchment, to document challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance and identify potential sites for fieldwork.  

Mr John Omara from the Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences sharing his views on the study

The meeting was attended by administrators, senior health, water and environmental officers in Mbarara City and District including:

1. The District Chief Administration Officer represented by Mr Bakashaba Innocent
2. Mr David Nuwagaba, the District Natural Resources Officer
3. Mr Tumwebaze Herbert, Environment Officer, Mbarara City
4. Dr Oriokot Francis, Deputy Director, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
5. Dr Akashaba Andrew, Mbarara District Veterinary Officer
6. Mr Mwesigye Joseph, Environment Officer, Mbarara District
7. Mr Katongole Joseph, a farmer in Mbarara District

Mr Ayebare Calist, Fisheries Officer, Isingiro District, and a fresh graduate (May 2022, Makerere University 72nd Graduation) assisted in organizing the Stakeholders meeting. During the meeting, Dr Robinson Odong on behalf of Prof. Charles Masembe shared the project overview with participants, outlining the challenges of AMR, and expectations from the research. Stakeholders brainstormed and listed the commonly used antibiotics and the potential sites for sample collection. The research will take the One Health Approach, encompassing aspects of human, animal and environmental health.

Some of the District officials who participated in the PAIRWISE project consultative meeting in Mbarara City

Capacity Building under PAIRWISE Project

As part of the PAIRWISE capacity building component, the project is supporting research activities of two graduate students: Ms. Ndinawe Ruth Pamela (Master of Science in Molecular Biology) studying “The dispersal of antimicrobial resistance bacteria and genes through aquatic birds under different climatic and geographical conditions”; and Mr. George Katende (Master of Science in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology), studying “Characterization of clinically important antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes in river waters upstream and downstream of WWTPs and hospital effluent” https://cns.mak.ac.ug/blog/call-applications-msc-scholarship-under-pairwise-project.

More at: https://mobile.twitter.com/makconas

Mr Ayebare Calist (R), Fisheries Officer, Isingiro District and Mr Katongole Joseph, a farmer in Mbarara District at the stakeholders meeting Cows watering from River Rwizi in Isingiro District. The water is also used for human consumption. PAIRWISE is investigating the risks posed to human health and the environment by pollutants and pathogens present in water resources A student drawing water from River Rwizi

 

The Project team with farmers in Isingiro District PAIRWISE STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT.docx

 

Call for Applications: MSc Research Fellowships- Aquaculture pr Thu, 06/02/2022 - 14:52

PROVISION OF TRAINING SERVICES TO THE PESCA (PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE IN UGANDA) PROJECT

A. BACKGROUND

The Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, was awarded a contract under the European Union-funded project: Promoting Environmentally Sustainable Commercial Aquaculture (PESCA) for the provision of training services. The overall objective of the assignment is to support training that will improve knowledge, skills, and practices that enhance aquaculture production and productivity in Uganda. This will be achieved through the following specific objectives: i) Support the placement of undergraduate students to work (internships) with fish farmers or other suitable aquaculture value chain actors; ii) Conduct inclusive customized short-term training with gender considerations (women, men, youth, people with disabilities) including farmers, Producer Organizations (POs), feed & seed producers, service providers, and other aquaculture stakeholders; and iii) Support MSc research and training. The main outcomes of the training and research will include: i) enhanced capacity to produce graduates who are relevant to industry needs in the aquaculture and fisheries sector in the country ii) fit-for-purpose proactive graduates to support aquaculture, and iii) strengthened partnerships with industry, research, and academia in the production of quality graduate students in the aquaculture value chain, relevant for economic development.

B. RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Applications are invited for eight (8) Research fellowships in eight (8) Focal Areas to be executed under Result Area iii) Support for MSc Research (i.e., no more than one student per Focal Area). Each of these fellowships is expected to be implemented within a period not exceeding six (6) months. The Focal Areas are:

1. Aquaculture production systems
2. Seed production
3. Feed production
4. Post-harvest handling, value addition, and marketing of farmed fish
5. Fish diseases and health management (biosafety)
6. Climate-smart aquaculture development
7. Gender-responsive aquaculture development
8. Fish producer associations in aquaculture commercialization

This call is open to suitable candidates pursuing MSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture-related programmes at public universities in Uganda. For Focal Areas (4), (7), and (8), Applicants from Food Science and Technology and Humanities are also eligible. The Fellowship will support research costs and a modest stipend for candidates preparing to start research projects in the academic year 2021/2022.

C. ELIGIBILITY

1. Applicants MUST be duly registered for the Academic year 2021/22 in a Public University for MSc. programmes in Fisheries and Aquaculture-related disciplines.
2. Females and candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
3. Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of coursework in the first year of study.

D. APPLICATION PROCESS

The application package should include:

1. One-page motivation letter.
2. 2-3-page Concept Note on the research topic of interest within the above thematic areas.
3. Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
4. Copies of academic documents.
5. Evidence of registration for an MSc. programme at a Public University.
6. Recommendation letters from two academic referees.

E. SUBMISSION

Applications should be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted electronically to the Head of Department, Dr Eric Sande (eric.sande@mak.ac.ug), with a copy to the Team Leader Dr Jackson Efitre (jackson.efitre@mak.ac.ug), and the Graduate Coordinator Dr Ronald Semyalo  (ronald.semyalo@mak.ac.ug), by the deadline of 30th June 2022, 5:00pm.

Click on the link below to access the advert.

Mak Call for Applications - MSc Research Fellowships Aquaculture.pdf

 

 

72nd Graduation Ceremony: CoNAS presents 268 graduands with a record 17 PhDs pr Mon, 05/23/2022 - 19:34 Staff from the Colleges of Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and the School of Law in the Academic Procession on the first day of the 72nd graduation ceremony

The 72nd graduation ceremony of Makerere University has kicked off today, 23rd May 2022 with the Colleges of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Health Sciences as well as the School of Law presenting students for the award of degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.

The graduation ceremony presided over by the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma was graced by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and the First Lady, also Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.

The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma delivers his remarks at the first session of the 72nd graduation ceremony on 23rd May 2022

During 72nd graduation ceremony that ends on Friday, 27th May 2022, a total of 12,474 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 100 will graduate with PhDs, 1,236 with Masters degrees, 10,998 with Bachelor’s degrees and 140 with undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. 52 % of the graduands are female and 48 % are male. Forty of the 100 PhD graduands and 492 of the 1,236 Masters graduands are female, representing 40% in each category.

The College of Natural Sciences has presented a total of 268 students including 17 PhDs, 22 Masters (4 female,18 male) and 229 undergraduates (72 female, 157 male). Of these, a total of 5 students (1 female, 4 male) graduated with First Class degrees.  Eight students attained PhD in Mathematics, the highest number of PhD graduates from a single department in the 100-year history of Makerere University. The students were sponsored by the SIDA Bilateral Programme, 2015-2022, project 316 'Capacity Building in Mathematics and its Applications. Since 2015, the Project led by Prof. John Mango has sponsored 21 PhD students.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni addressing the graduands

Presenting the graduands, the Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta commended Prof. Mango for his invaluable contribution towards research and training in the Department of Mathematics.

 The 17 PhD graduates include; Adaku Christopher, Anywar Godwin, Buttibwa Mary, Eneku John Paul, Inuwa Badamasi, Kito Luliro Silas, Kyomuhangi Annet, Mayanja Edison, Mukisa Ambrose, Ochen William, Opio Peter, Nabawanda Olivia, Nanfuka Mary, Nalule Rebecca, Okello Joseph Omwonylee, and Wamono Felix. 

The Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara presents an award to Prof. William Bazeyo for his exemplary service as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration

Remarks by the President

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni who attended virtually re-echoed the importance of science in development. “The trigger of social change is science. I appeal to Ugandans and social scientists to understand this. When Africa was colonized, it was not that we lacked Kings, Magicians, Priests, we lacked science. Science was not emphasized. What was emphasized was these other actors. We want to emphasize science because it is the basis of socioeconomic transformation,” he explained, recommitting to facilitate government scientists better. “We have insisted on giving good salaries to Government scientists including science teachers in public Universities and secondary schools. This is not because we have forgotten the social scientists and arts people. This is because we cannot handle all at a go,” he noted.  Additionally, the President emphasized the need for collaborative research. Commenting on security on Campus, he pledged to facilitate the completion of the University Perimeter wall.

The Vice Chancellor delivering his speech

Remarks by the Minister of Education and Sports

Delivering her remarks, the First Lady, also Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni who also attended virtually congratulated the graduands and their parents for the success registered. She thanked the University Management for their commitment in ensuring students attain quality education. “Together with our partners in development, we are still struggling to improve the working conditions, revamp the university infrastructure and to have new curriculum. We are grateful to our partners who have stood with us but most of all the government. We are specifically grateful to the NRM government because it shepherds the Ugandan child from childhood by providing basic health and education services. Government hope is that the Parish Model will empower the family to support the other education requirements of children. As we celebrate 100 years, we thank God for where He has brought us from. From 14 students, the University now has over 3,8000 students. This is no mean achievement. We must stand together. Let nothing divide us in our pursuit to transform the University and country. We should learn to embrace dialogue in conflict resolution,” she noted.  The First Lady appreciated the Government for the enormous investment in research at the University. “Through government processes, we received funding for the construction of a 300-bed teaching hospital. This will greatly improve the teaching infrastructure at the University.”

The Principal of CoNAS, Prof. Tumps Winston Ireeta presents PhD graduands at the first session of the 72nd graduation ceremony held on 23rd May 2022

The Chairperson, Makerere University Council

Addressing graduands, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the great service rendered to the University for the years he has held the Office. She presented an award to Prof. William Bazeyo, for his exemplary service as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration. During his tenure, Prof. Bazeyo played a tremendous role in soliciting for funding for the University, leading to a reduction of the University debt from UGX120 billion in 2017 to less than UGX 10 billion currently.

Dr Godwin Anywar, one of the PhD graduates, also a Lecturer at CoNAS

Remarks by the Chancellor

The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma appreciated the President and the First Lady, for their exceptional leadership and persistent determination in managing the Covid19 pandemic. “Despite the enormous economic, social and political pressures that you faced, you refused to relent in the face of the havoc of covid19 upon the world in general and Uganda in particular. I believe that your firm stand on vaccination and on preventive lockdown helped to save thousands of lives of Ugandans who would probably have died.” The Chancellor also appreciated the Government of Uganda for the commitment towards advancing research and higher education in the Country.

Dr Godwin Anywar receiving his doctorate from the Chancellor

In his address, the Chancellor congratulated the graduands and paid tribute to the parents and guardians for the sacrifices made to ensure their children attain quality education.  “I plead with the graduands to never forget to cherish and to honour your parents, guardians and sponsors who have sacrificed so much to help you reach this graduation day. As they become older, they will increasingly need your love and financial support. Whenever I meet someone I assisted and he or she tells me how they cherished my support I feel greatly uplifted. But whenever I remember someone I assisted but who has never bothered to send even a message of greetings, I feel discouraged. Please endeavor to cultivate an attitude of gratitude,” he advised.

The Chancellor appreciated Makerere University Management and faculty for the commitment and time invested in delivering quality education to the students.

Dr  Nabawanda Olivia graduated with a PhD in Mathematics at the age of 31 years

The Vice Chancellor’s address

The Vice Chancellor congratulated the students and professors on the achievement. He thanked the parents, guardians, Government, and other sponsors, for supporting the students. “A total of 254 of this week’s graduands have been supported under the Government of Uganda Students’ Loans Scheme under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB). Since 2014, the Students’ Loan Scheme has supported 1,816 Students to study different Science Programmes at Makerere University, making it the single biggest supporter of private students at the Institution. These students would otherwise never have achieved their higher education dreams if it was not for the Students’ Loan Scheme. I wish to congratulate you the beneficiaries and appeal to you to use the skills and knowledge you have acquired to serve your country but also remember to pay back such that more students can be supported.”

Dr Nalule Rebecca also graduated with a PhD in Mathematics

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor appreciated all development partners who have supported many students to attain quality education at Makerere, including the Mastercard Foundation, Sida, Norad, The Madhvani Foundation, the Inter-University Council of East Africa, as well as Government Ministries and Agencies.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the University Council for expanding the Female Scholarship Scheme to support 40 girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, with special attention to Uganda’s ethnic minorities, including the Ik, the Dodoth, the Batwa, and the Jie. “It is also my pleasure to report that the University Council policy on affirmative action for girls in STEM is already bearing fruit. Because of that policy, the enrolment of girls in STEM has increased from 35% to 42% over the last two academic years.”

Dr Mukisa Ambrose from the Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science was one of the PhD graduands

Regarding research and innovation at Makerere, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Government for the allocation of UGX 30 billion annually for the last three years towards the Research and Innovation Fund, commonly referred to as RIF. “This fund has transformed Makerere tremendously. Out of 1,200 applications received, more than 700 research grants have so far been allocated and more than 500 innovations have been recorded, many of them with potential for commercialization, and a number of policy briefs and manuals have been developed. The Government of Uganda is now the single largest funder of research at Makerere University and we are obliged to respond by increasing our efforts to find solutions to our Country’s development challenges. Our potential for innovation came out during the COVID-19 pandemic when more than 200 innovations to fight that disease were realized. I congratulate the Makerere researchers for their patriotism and zeal.”

 He also appreciated the Government for the considerable investments in improving Makerere University infrastructure. “Last week the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports came to Makerere to commission some buildings and lay foundation stones for others, including the reconstruction of our iconic Main Administration Building, for which Government has already availed all the UGX 21 billion required. The new building for the School of Dentistry has enabled us to equip the biggest dental hospital in East Africa. The Central Teaching Facilities have greatly alleviated the shortage of teaching and office space, and the new building for the School of Law will enhance research and graduate training in the discipline of Law. All these projects will cost the Government more than UGX 60 billion and we thank you very much indeed.”

Another PhD graduate from CoNAS

The Vice Chancellor equally thanked the President for the pledge to support the construction of a perimeter wall around the University campus.  He also appreciated the President for his directive for the allocation of funds to renovate student halls of residence and facilities of the College of Health Sciences. “These facilities are central to student welfare and the quality of our teaching and training. With these investments, I want to assure Your Excellency that we shall give our best to build the human capital of this country and enhance research and innovation to drive the national development agenda. The grant of USD 300 million negotiated by the First Lady and Minister of Education for the construction of a teaching hospital at Makerere University will greatly revolutionise teaching and research at Makerere. Makerere will never be the same again,” he noted. He also extended gratitude to the government for the pledge of UGX 800 million to support activities to mark 100 years of Makerere University. This year, Makerere is celebrating 100 years of excellent service to humanity. The climax will be on 8th October 2022.

Dr Denis Okello, Head, Department of Physics congratulates one of the PhD graduates Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal CoNAS presents students for the award of Master of Science in various disciplines  Some of the students who graduated with MSc  The Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume presents graduands at the first session of the 72nd graduation ceremony Some of the BSc graduates from CoNAS  The Director, Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (C) congratulates the PhD graduates at the first session of the 72nd graduation ceremony

 Full speech by the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqh6gbUssJo

8th Workshop on Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Biogas Production Underway at CoNAS pr Wed, 05/18/2022 - 13:12 Participants in a practical training session at the Department of Physics, Makerere University

The Renewable Energy Research Group (RERG) at the Department of Physics, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University has been carrying out training programmes on Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance, Biogas Production and Solar Thermal Systems annually for the last 8 years. The training programmes are designed to equip participants with competence and skills needed in the installation and maintenance of solar energy Photovoltaic systems and biogas plants. Over 200 people have benefited from the training in the last 8 years.

Dr Denis Okello (Centre-standing) supervising the participants. Dr Okello coordinates the trainings

This year, the programme builds on past experiences and successes. Key areas of the training include:

• Introduction to basic electronics and renewable energy
• Solar Photovoltaic components & configuration; IV Characteristics
• Photovoltaic system planning and sizing; storage batteries
• Introduction to biogas, classification of biogas, field trip to biogas plant
• Photovoltaic installation, testing and commissioning; Photovoltaic system maintenance
• Solar thermal systems
• Exercises and practical sessions are emphasized throughout the training

Other participants in a practical training session at the Department of Physics, Makerere University

The five-day training that started on Monday, 16th May 2022 is being conducted at the Department of Physics, Makerere University. Facilitators include lecturers and technical staff from the Department of Physics and Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science at Makerere University led by Dr Denis Okello, Head, Department of Physics also overall coordinator of the programme, Dr Karidewa Nyeinga and Mr. Michael Musoke.

Participants: The training is open to researchers, students, trainers (teachers, technical institution tutors, solar suppliers, holiday makers) and any other interested persons. At the end of the training, participants receive a certificate of completion. This time round, the training attracted participants from various backgrounds: technical personnel from the industry; and a few non-technical such as lawyers and administrators.

A participant tests the installed panel 

Sponsorship: 20 female students at the Department of Physics were sponsored to undertake the training programme by the following projects:

• NORHED II Project: Energy Technology Network (EnergyNET) funded by NORAD, Norway.
• International Science Program (ISP), Project UGA -01, funded by SIDA, Sweden.

 

Participants in a training workshop at the Department of Physics, Makerere University Dr Denis Okello (C) with Dr Karidewa Nyeinga during the training workshop

 

SIDA Evaluators declare Mathematics Project 2015-2022 best managed pr Wed, 05/11/2022 - 14:10 The PI, Prof. John Mango

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) evaluators have declared the SIDA Mathematics Project 2015-2022 under the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) the best managed and impactful programme at Makerere University.

The "SIDA Bilateral Programme, 2015-2022, Project 316 - Capacity Building in Mathematics and its Applications" has supported training of 21 PhDs in Mathematics since 2015. At this year’s graduation ceremony, CoNAS will present 8 PhDs in Mathematics, the highest number of PhDs produced from a single Department in the 100-year history of Makerere University. The programme has also supported 7 post docs and PhD curriculum development.

We commend the Principal Investigator, Prof. John Mango for the job well done. We also extend our appreciation to SIDA for enormously supporting the Programme.

  CoNAS Annual Report 2021 pr Thu, 05/05/2022 - 17:25

The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has two schools: School of Physical Sciences and School of Biosciences. The schools are further divided into seven (7) departments thus: School of Physical Sciences has four (4) departments (Department of Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics and Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies); the School of Biosciences has three (3) departments (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, and Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology).

This report is a presentation of the performance of the College of Natural Sciences in 2021. It covers developments in teaching and learning, research and innovations, community engagements, local and international collaborations, and human resource management.

Access full report here;

CoNAS Annual Report 2021 (1) (1).pdf

Invitation to Mr. Christopher Adaku's PhD defense - 10th May 2022, 10:00am pr Wed, 05/04/2022 - 15:37

The Dean School of Physical Sciences invites you all to Mr. Christopher Adaku's PhD defense (PhD. Chemistry) scheduled to take place on 10th May 2022 starting at 10:00am in the  Chemistry Boardroom, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).

Title of thesis:  Chemical Structure and Properties of Anthocyanins from Selected Ugandan Plant Species Towards Nutracetical Development

Supervisors

1. Prof. Byamukama Robert – CoNAS, Makerere University
2. Prof. Kiremire T. Bernard (RIP) – CoNAS, Makerere University

Link for online attendance

https://bit.ly/3w5VpBk

Meeting ID: 963 3791 4210

Passcode: 164782

See abstract below.

Mr Christopher Adaku's Abstract.pdf

Training pr Tue, 04/26/2022 - 16:34

The TrypanoGEN+ consortium, Makerere University (MAK) and Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB) announces a workshop training course titled “Parasite Genetics of Neglected Tropical Diseases”.  The training course will be composed of guest talks and practical sessions on trypanosome and schistosome analysis methods.

Date: 9th to 13th May, 2022

Workshop aim:

1. To educate participants on the current trends in elimination of Trypanosomiasis and control of Schistosomiasis with an understanding of the parasite biology
2. To impart skills in the detection and genotyping of Parasites

Target participants: Postgraduate students and Researchers with a medical and biomedical background 

Training methods: Full day training with lectures in the morning and practical hands on sessions in the afternoon.

Venue: Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University and Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.

Workshop fee: Free

Registration: Participants will be required to submit applications to; https://forms.gle/jqXN2z2fbdPqd2SZ6

Registration deadline: 3rd May 2022

For More details, contact:

1. Dr. Julius Mulindwa

Lecturer, Senior Post doc (TrypanoGEN+ Project)

 julius.mulindwa@mak.ac.ug, mujuls@gmail.com

2. Dr. Barbara Nerima

Lecturer, Project Manager (TrypanoGEN+ Project)

barbara.nerima@mak.ac.ug, nerima.barbara@gmail.com

Workshop flyer attached below.

Training Workshop on Parasite Genetics of Neglected Tropical Diseases.pdf

 

Petroleum and Geology students engage with industry partners on career opportunities pr Tue, 04/26/2022 - 11:01

The Seminar was hosted by the Makerere University Petroleum and Geology Society (MPGS)

The Executive of Makerere University Petroleum and Geology Society interacting with the Director, Business Development, Total Energies

Mandate

The Makerere University Petroleum and Geology Society (MPGS) aims at uniting students, lecturers and alumni from the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University. It thus creates a collaboration between students and professionals in petroleum and geosciences related disciplines. As part of the mandate, MPGS organizes annual career seminars and exhibitions that target students from Makerere University, particularly the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies as well as student representatives from various institutions across the country.

Mr. Joseph Nyakairu of Petroleum Authority of Uganda (L) and Ms. Lyoidah Kiconco of Uganda National Oil Company (R) during the seminar

Career Seminar

This year MPGS organized a career seminar on the 25 March 2022 at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology Conference Hall under the theme: “Uganda Post FID: Harnessing opportunities in the oil and gas industry for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth for all”. Its aim was to introduce career opportunities and guidance towards programmes to improve students academic, professional and soft skills in preparation for careers in the oil and gas industry. MPGS is currently under the patronage of Dr. Simon Echegu. The career seminar was organized by the MPGS executive led by Mr. Mutabazi Julius, a final year student of the BSc (Petroleum Geosciences and Production) programme.

 Some of the students' innovations showcased at the exhibition

The event was attended by representatives of international oil companies, government agencies, renown professionals in the sector, lecturers and administrators at the College of Natural Sciences. The Director, Directorate of Petroleum, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development was the Guest of Honour. The Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences, Dr Juma Kasozi graced the event, and the Head of Department Geology and Petroleum Studies was represented by Dr Arthur G. Batte. Total Energies was represented by Mr. Jean Gavalda, Director Business Development and Corporate affairs who promised to continue his support towards the Society to provide opportunities and support in education. Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) was represented by Ms. Lyoidah Kiconco, Head of Exploration and New Ventures. Ms. Namubiru Betty Jackie (Manager National Content and Capacity Building), Mr. James Okwi (Skills Development Officer) and Mr. Joseph Nyakairu (Senior National Content Officer) represented the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU). Others included, Mr. Simon Faurie, Director Geology and Geophysics Skills, Dr. Tom Buringuriza, Country Manager Armour Energy, Ms. Patricia Nansamba, Tarn Energy Services. Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard, Project Development Manager MOTA-Engil Uganda and the Executive Director Institute of Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum Engineering, and Mr. Robert Tugume (now at PAU) the Founding Patron of MUPGS.

The Deputy Principal, CoNAS, Dr Juma Kasozi checking out students' projects at the exhibition

Activities

• Industry professionals were assigned different topics which they presented in line with the theme of the day. These greatly enriched the students with  knowledge on discovering opportunities, personal branding, energy transitions, soft skills and leadership among others.
• A number of student-led innovations were exhibited including carbon capture, storage and utilization, petroleum play system.
• An annual society magazine, ‘THE GEO-PERSPECTIVE’ was launched on this day. The Geo-perspective aims at providing comprehensive information about the oil and gas industry from the perspective of government officials, students and professionals.
• MPGS President, Mr. Mutabazi Julius, the Public Relations Officer Mr. Lukaaga Kevin, and the Deputy Chief Editor, Ms Emmanuella Kaducu Lagen were hosted on 93.3 K Fm’s Hot Seat programme on the evening of 24 March 2022 to discuss the MPGS career seminar and its relevance. On the 25 March 2022 they held further discussions with TV stations including NTV, Spark TV, UBC, and Star TV.

Some members of the MPGS Executive with a professional petroleum geoscientist (in yellow)

Compiled by the MPGS Executive 

Invitation to Mr. Felix Wamono's PhD defense (PhD in Mathematics) pr Fri, 04/22/2022 - 12:25

The Dean School of Physical Sciences invites you all to Mr. Felix Wamono’s PhD defense (PhD in Mathematics) scheduled to take place on 3rd May 2022 at 10:00am in the Chemistry Boardroom, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).

Title of thesis: Contributions to reduced rank regression modelling with applications to small area estimation

 Supervisors

1. Prof. Dietrich von Rosen - Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, Sweden  
2. Prof. Martin Singull Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, Sweden
3. Assoc. Prof. Leonard Atuhaire - Department of Planning and Applied Statistics, Makerere University, Uganda
4. Dr. Innocent Ngaruye - Department of Mathematics, University of Rwanda, Rwanda

The PhD was funded under the SIDA Bilateral Programme with Makerere University, 2015-2022, project 316 'Capacity Building in Mathematics and its Applications. Principal Investigator: Prof John Mango.

 Link for online attendance;
 https://bit.ly/3v4IQHn

Meeting ID: 960 2496 8949
Passcode: 991099

See abstract below 

Felix Wamono's Abstract.docx