https://news.busitema.ac.ug/ en Transforming Waste into Livestock Feed: Busitema University Concludes Black Soldier Fly Farming Project https://news.busitema.ac.ug/transforming-waste-livestock-feed-busitema-university-concludes-black-soldier-fly-farming-project <span>Transforming Waste into Livestock Feed: Busitema University Concludes Black Soldier Fly Farming Project</span> <span><span>ivan</span></span> <span>Jul 30, 2025</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Busitema University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (FAAS) has successfully concluded its flagship project titled “Commercialising Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Farming for Livestock Feed and Organic Waste Recycling” in Tororo and Soroti. The result dissemination and project close-out event took place on 24th July at Busitema Arapai Campus in Soroti City, marked by optimism, strong stakeholder engagement, and a renewed call for innovation in Uganda’s agricultural sector.<br />The workshop was attended by Eng. Dr. Joseph L. Ddumba, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, who represented the Vice Chancellor. Also in attendance were Soroti District leaders (both political and technical), the project team, faculty staff, BSF farmers, and students.<br /><img data-entity-uuid="3d0ec1d0-1319-4d68-bafd-753bf2eef9b8" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/img_2843.jpg" alt="" width="5184" height="3456" loading="lazy" /><br /><strong>Key stakeholders and dignitaries at the BSF project close-out and dissemination workshop</strong></p> <p>In his welcome remarks, Prof. James P. Egonyu, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and stakeholders for their presence. He highlighted the Faculty’s strategic role as a centre of academic and professional excellence in agricultural sciences, technology, and innovation. Prof. Egonyu reaffirmed FAAS’s mission: “To provide practical training and conduct cutting-edge research and innovation for catalysing agro-industrialisation and entrepreneurship.”<br />He noted that the Faculty currently offers nine academic programmes, ranging from Doctoral to Certificate levels across three academic departments. FAAS is implementing 11 key research and development projects, including the BSF initiative, cricket mass rearing for food and nutrition security, and BSF introduction projects in Arua City.<br />In the 2024/25 academic year alone, faculty staff produced 19 scientific outputs, maintained national and international partnerships, conducted industrial research with the private sector, and engaged actively in community outreach.<br />Representing the Vice Chancellor, Eng. Dr. Joseph Ddumba reaffirmed the University’s strong support for the BSF initiative. He conveyed the Vice Chancellor’s appreciation to district leaders and farmers for their collaboration and thanked the BSF Research Team for their integrity and professionalism: “You have been entrusted with funds and utilized them effectively. This is commendable.” Dr. Ddumba urged the team to leverage the dissemination event to mobilize additional resources, promote the products, and ensure the sustainability of the initiative. He also announced that the Faculty had received funding for infrastructure development and encouraged the Dean to begin implementation immediately.<br /><img data-entity-uuid="f8d483fa-cd7c-4da4-a0af-5923431975a8" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/img_2767.jpg" width="4184" height="2789" loading="lazy" /></p> <p><strong>Eng. Dr. Joseph Ddumba inspecting the BSF facility at FAAS</strong></p> <p>Highlighting strategic partnerships, he mentioned a collaboration with the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to construct a hotel at Pallisa Campus and student accommodations at all campuses. He noted that as student enrollment increases, Faculty Deans would be expected to mobilize funding and address staffing needs.<br />He concluded by commending faculty members for their resilience and commitment, stating: “Let us continue being problem solvers. It is now my honour to declare this workshop officially open.”<br />Representing the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovations, Mr. Ndamanywa Kalisiti, Principal Research Officer, highlighted Busitema University’s strategic focus on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). He outlined four key pillars of the STI strategy: Interdisciplinary research collaborations among academia, industry, and government, Capacity building through enhanced infrastructure and skills development, Innovation incubation to support research commercialization and Community engagement to ensure that research addresses local needs.<br />Mr. Kalisiti described the Soldier Fly Project as a high-impact initiative, selected through a competitive funding process in FY2023/24. He praised the project team for their commitment and emphasized Busitema University's ambition to become a national STI hub.<br />Presenting the end-of-project report, Prof. Egonyu detailed the project’s numerous accomplishments: Establishment of BSF rearing facilities at the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Education, Training of 289 farmers from 54 districts, with 4 farmers adopting BSF farming, Research engagement by 5 students and training of 2 professional staff, Product development of BUINFERTZ, a BSF-based agricultural input, Evaluation of BSF larvae performance on local organic substrates and frass application on vegetable crops and Extensive community outreach and international exchange visits.<br />He concluded by stating that the project had exceeded its targets and showcased the transformative potential of BSF technology in advancing circular food systems. He stressed the importance of integrating research with commercialization for long-term impact.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/workshop" hreflang="en">Workshop</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/img_2848_0.jpg" width="1184" height="789" alt="" title="Transforming Waste into Livestock Feed: Busitema University Concludes Black Soldier Fly Farming Project" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:38:29 +0000 ivan 371 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug Herbal Medicine Exhibition: A New Dawn for Healthcare in Eastern Uganda https://news.busitema.ac.ug/herbal-medicine-exhibition-new-dawn-healthcare-eastern-uganda <span>Herbal Medicine Exhibition: A New Dawn for Healthcare in Eastern Uganda</span> <span><span>ivan</span></span> <span>Jun 28, 2025</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>On June 25, 2025, Busitema University, in collaboration with the Pathogen Economy Bureau (PEB) of the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President (STI-OP), proudly hosted the inaugural Herbal Medicine Exhibition for Eastern Uganda. The engagement was aimed at bringing together traditional healers, researchers, and policymakers to bridge the gap between the indigenous knowledge holders and scientists so as to create a good working environment where there is mutual benefit, transparency, interdependence and shared vision of enhancing the value of herbal medicine. The exhibition served as a vital platform for dialogue, demonstration, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas in herbal medicine. The central vision of the exhibition focused on the seamless integration of traditional healing practices with contemporary scientific methods.    <br />According to Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro, The Centre Leader of the Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NaPRiC), some countries like Ghana, China and South Korea have already integrated herbal medicine into their conventional health care systems because they have embraced quality science to advance their herbal medicines. This synergy promises a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare, particularly benefiting communities across Eastern Uganda. The goal of NaPRiC is to provide the required scientific evidence to support the standardization of herbal medicine in Uganda for enhanced market potential.     <br />"On behalf of Busitema University, it is my profound honour and pleasure to welcome you all to the Herbal Medicine Exhibition – Eastern Uganda, the first of its kind in our region. Today marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards improving healthcare through indigenous knowledge, scientific advancement, and innovation. "This inspiring message from the Vice Chancellor, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Saphina Biira, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research, resonated deeply with attendees. It reaffirmed the university’s strong commitment to promoting traditional medicine and fostering a collaborative environment for its development. Her remarks set an optimistic tone for the future of healthcare in the region.   <br />The National Drug Authority (NDA) also played a pivotal role in the event. Dr. Michael Mutyaba, Director of Traditional and Contemporary Medicine, delivered a presentation on The Status of the Herbal Medicine Industry in Uganda: Quality, Regulation, and Commercialization. He urged herbalists to collaborate in adding value to traditional medicines.   <br />“NDA wants to ensure three key elements of traditional medicines: quality, safety, and efficacy. We therefore encourage herbalists to undertake the Occupational Herbalists course offered by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) to help achieve this,” remarked Dr. Mutyaba.   <br />The Pathogen Economy Bureau (PEB) is working closely with other government agencies to provide policy guidance, financial support and strategic direction for the advancement of traditional and complementary medicine. Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead at PEB, emphasized their role in managing and harnessing economic opportunities to support the natural therapeutics value chains in addition to vaccines, diagnostics and medical devices. She stressed the importance of quality science and standardization of herbal medicines through preclinical and clinical trials to ensure that Uganda’s herbal medicines meet both the national and international standards. By adding value to our natural medicines we don’t only improve the quality of primary health care services to our people but also unlock a huge economic power for Uganda as well as create million jobs for our youth.    <br />The exhibition featured a vibrant array of stalls and demonstrations. Traditional healers showcased ancient practices such as plant identification and the preparation of herbal concoctions. Meanwhile, modern scientists demonstrated advanced research techniques, including chromatography for isolating active compounds and in-vitro bioactivity testing. Visitors experienced firsthand the power of blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigor.   <br />Beyond the exhibits, a series of workshops and panel discussions fostered engaging dialogue on vital topics such as intellectual property rights for traditional healers, sustainable harvesting practices, and ethical considerations in herbal medicine research. Participants actively contributed ideas to help shape the future of herbal medicine in Uganda.   <br />The exhibition is expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare in Eastern Uganda. By promoting collaboration between traditional and conventional medicine, it aims to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable healthcare solutions, especially for rural communities. Additionally, the event is projected to stimulate local economies through the sustainable cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants.   <br />The success of this inaugural exhibition sets a strong precedent for future initiatives. Busitema University and its partners plan to institutionalize the event as an annual platform, expanding its reach and influence in the coming years.</p> <p>Key recommendations moving forward:  <br />● Establish a Research Fund: Create a dedicated fund to support scientific research into traditional herbal remedies.</p> <p>● Develop Training Programs: Implement training for both traditional healers and conventional medical practitioners to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.</p> <p>● Formulate Clear Policies: Collaborate with government agencies to establish supportive policies for integrating traditional medicine into the national health system.</p> <p>● Community Engagement: Maintain active engagement with local communities to ensure the sustainable use of medicinal plants and preserve indigenous knowledge.<br />● Protect the environment: Conserve the environment and promote sustainable practices for utilization of medicinal natural resources to avoid extinction particularly for the endangered species  </p> <p>This exhibition marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable healthcare future for Eastern Uganda.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/img_2047.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="" title="Herbal Medicine Exhibition: A New Dawn for Healthcare in Eastern Uganda" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:19:49 +0000 ivan 363 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug Busitema University Holds First Annual Doctoral Convention to Fuel Research Excellence and Innovation https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-holds-first-annual-doctoral-convention-fuel-research-excellence-and-innovation <span>Busitema University Holds First Annual Doctoral Convention to Fuel Research Excellence and Innovation</span> <span><span>ivan</span></span> <span>May 29, 2025</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">In a landmark event poised to reshape Uganda’s academic landscape, Busitema University hosted its First Annual Doctoral Convention, bringing together doctoral scholars, researchers, and key stakeholders to ignite a culture of research excellence and innovation.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovation organized the convention as a hub for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussions on the future of postgraduate research.   </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>A Bold Step Toward a Research-Driven Future</strong></span></em></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Associate Professor Saphina Biira, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Research, and Innovation, set the tone with an inspiring opening address. She hailed the convention as a pivotal moment for the university, transitioning from a smaller pilot event last year to a fully-fledged annual tradition.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This convention is not just a gathering, it’s a launchpad for transformative research,” Prof. Biira declared. She outlined bold initiatives to enhance research accountability, including a digital tracking system for monitoring doctoral progress, from coursework to supervision.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Emphasizing the need for tangible research outputs, she revealed that the university has already registered six trademarks this year and is actively supporting students with patentable innovations. “Doctoral research must go beyond theory, it should produce real world solutions,” she further asserted.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Looking ahead, Busitema plans to establish an academic journal, spotlighting postgraduate research and staff innovations. Prof. Biira also addressed the rise of AI in academia, urging scholars to use it as a tool for critical thinking.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Patents Over Papers? A New Research Paradigm</strong></span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Associate Professor Samson Rwahwire, Director of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, delivered a compelling case for patents and high impact research publications.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“We speak of innovation, yet Uganda barely has two patents to its name at the world stage,” he urged doctoral candidates to prioritize intellectual property. “Why not file for a patent before submitting your thesis or journal publications? It is unconventional yet transformative.   </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Prof. Rwahwire also warned against predatory journals, advising researchers to target reputable indexed journals or databases for instance PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. “Publishing in the right places strengthens your doctoral defence and amplifies your impact,” he said.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">While acknowledging AI’s utility in literature reviews and proposal drafting, he cautioned against over reliance: “AI is a partner, not a replacement, for deep scholarship.”  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>A Vision for National and Global Impact</strong></span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The convention signals Busitema University’s unwavering commitment to research that drives national development. With plans for a Third Annual Research Symposium later this year and the launch of the research journal, the institution is positioning itself as a hub for research and innovation.  </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">"Research should extend beyond academia and address real-world problems” As Uganda’s brightest minds left the convention, one message resonated: The future of research is here, and Busitema is leading the charge. </span></p> <p class="text-align-justify" style="line-height:1.3800000000000001;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"> </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/vvvvv.jpeg" width="1080" height="719" alt="" title="We Holds First Annual Doctoral Convention to Fuel Research Excellence and Innovation" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Thu, 29 May 2025 09:13:08 +0000 ivan 358 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug Busitema University Showcases Innovations https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-showcases-innovations <span>Busitema University Showcases Innovations </span> <span><span>ivan</span></span> <span>Apr 04, 2025</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p class="MsoNormal">Busitema University actively participated in the 15th Regional Higher Education Exhibition, held from 27th to 29th March 2025 at Kakumuzi District Headquarters Open Grounds in Mbarara City. The university was well represented by research teams from the Space Science Group, NapRIC, Busitema University Artificial Intelligence Group (BUAIIR), the Materials &amp; Energy Storage Innovation Centre (MESIC), and the Agro Science Park project. These teams highlighted the university's advancements in education and research.<p></p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Among the showcased innovations were cutting-edge tools such as Afro diagnosis for detecting cassava diseases, Lung Vision for early lung cancer screening, Gait Recognition for person identification via skeletal features, and a Cattle Disease Detection mobile app. Additionally, the university presented locally produced rechargeable lithium batteries, demonstrating sustainable energy solutions. Health-focused innovations included HERICOP soap with antifungal and antibacterial properties, TAZCOV syrup for respiratory relief, Glutak for diabetes management, and Provrid for HIV/AIDS treatment. The exhibition also featured a high-powered telescope and a space weather early warning system that utilizes NASA satellite data and ground sensors to predict weather patterns over varying timeframes. The Orange Fresh Sweet Potato/Agro Science Park Project showcased value-added sweet potato products, further underlining the university's commitment to agricultural innovation.<p></p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The exhibition was officially opened on March 28th, 2025, by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. During his tour of the exhibition stalls, Rt. Hon. Tayebwa commended Busitema University's MESIC team for their innovative work in fabricating rechargeable lithium batteries using locally available materials. This recognition underscored the university's commitment to sustainable technological advancements and self-reliance in energy solutions.<p></p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year's exhibition theme focused on "Challenges and Best Practices of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Higher Education in Uganda." Busitema University actively engaged in discussions and showcased research efforts aligned with this theme, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of AI in academia.<p></p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The exhibition concluded on March 29th, 2025, with an official closing ceremony presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda. The event served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of innovative solutions in higher education.<p></p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Busitema University remains committed to advancing research, innovation, and technological development, significantly contributing to Uganda's higher education landscape.<p></p></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/whatsapp-image-2025-04-03-at-10.36.27.jpeg" width="1000" height="750" alt="" title="Busitema University Showcases Innovations " loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:06:50 +0000 ivan 352 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug Scholarship Awards Ceremony Held at Faculty of Science and Education https://news.busitema.ac.ug/scholarship-awards-ceremony-held-faculty-science-education <span>Scholarship Awards Ceremony Held at Faculty of Science and Education</span> <span><span>ivan</span></span> <span>Nov 14, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Today, the Faculty of Science and Education, We celebrated a remarkable milestone by awarding scholarships to nine graduate students. The ceremony, held at the Space Science Institute, honored five PhD and four Master’s degree recipients for their achievements and dedication.</p> <p>The event was officiated by Vice Chancellor <a href="https://people.busitema.ac.ug/staff/academic-staff/paul-waako">Prof. Paul Waako</a> and hosted by Faculty Dean <a href="https://people.busitema.ac.ug/staff/academic-staff/david-kani-olema">Prof. David Kani Olema</a>. In his opening remarks, Prof. Olema called for improved infrastructure and better internet access to support the faculty’s mission of delivering high-quality education, research, and outreach for industrialization and sustainable development.</p> <p><a href="https://events.spaceinafrica.com/speaker/dr-doreen-agaba/">Dr. Agaba Doreen</a>, representing the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation office of the president (STI-OP), highlighted the importance of the <strong>Space-Based Early Warning Tool Project</strong>, which aims to empower Ugandan farmers with accurate weather data. This innovative tool is designed to help subsistence farmers in Eastern Uganda adapt to climate risks and enhance agricultural productivity, addressing food security challenges through local innovation.</p> <p>Vice Chancellor prof. Waako commended the project for its focus on inclusivity and its efforts to build capacity in the underrepresented field of space science. He praised its interdisciplinary approach, which promotes innovation and encourages more women to participate in academia and research.</p> <p>The scholarship program is part of the Space-Based Early Warning Tool Project, an initiative funded by STI-OP to advance space science and technology in Uganda. The project aims to equip students and researchers with the skills and resources needed to address critical national challenges.</p> <p>The ceremony was a significant moment for both the university and STI-OP, paving the way for innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/img_5176_0.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="" title="Scholarship Awards Ceremony Held at Faculty of Science and Education" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:50:07 +0000 ivan 338 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR MSC AND PhD SCHOLARSHIPS https://news.busitema.ac.ug/call-applications-msc-and-phd-scholarships <span>CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR MSC AND PhD SCHOLARSHIPS</span> <span><span>moses</span></span> <span>Oct 30, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/general" hreflang="und">General</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Background</strong><br />Busitema University in partnership with the Institute for National transformation (INT) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President (STI – OP) of the Republic of Uganda, are implementing the Youth Empowerment in Agri-entrepreneurship Programme (YEAP)-300 project for three years (2024-2026) through the Busitema University AgroEntrepreneurship Centre (BUAEC). The project is funded by the Office of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda.</p> <p>In order to ensure sustainable development and implementation of the model, the University wishes to build capacity of enthusiastic individuals at Masters (2) and PhD (1) levels. The University therefore invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans to pursue Masters and PhD studies under the YEAP-300 project. The project will meet the costs of tuition, stipend and research during the active period of the fellowship. Successful candidates will also be mentored in other University activities like teaching and other project activities.</p> <p><strong>Proposed study topics</strong><br />PhD: Evaluate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the YEAP project MSc</p> <ol><li>Evaluate the economic return on investment (ROI) of the YEAP system on the effected families, for the purposes of improvement and potential escalation in the future MSc</li> <li>Evaluate the social return on investment (SROI) of the YEAP project on the affected families, for the purposes of improvement and potential escalation in the future</li> </ol><p>NB: These topics will be developed further in consultation with University supervisors to meet both project goals and the requirements for the academic programme of the University.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility</strong></p> <ol><li>Applicants for the scholarships must be Ugandan citizens.</li> <li>They should be fully registered for relevant postgraduate program at Busitema University.</li> <li>Should be on normal progress and preferably through with course work.</li> <li>Effort will be made to ensure gender inclusivity among beneficiaries.</li> </ol><p><strong>Application Procedure</strong><br />The applications should be sent by email to the Chairperson Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) of FAAS (glubadde@gmail.com) copied to dean.aas@busitema.ac.ug by 12th November 2024. The application documents should be attached as a single PDF file including:</p> <ol><li>Detailed curriculum vitae</li> <li>Copies of previous degree certificates and transcripts</li> <li>A motivation letter</li> <li>Letters from two academic referees</li> <li>PhD applicants should attach a research concept on the study topic</li> </ol><p><a href="https://busitema.ac.ug/sites/default/files/downloads/Advert-for-BUAEC-MSs-and-PhD-scholarships-at-FAAS-final-printed.pdf">Click here to download the Advert</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/msc" hreflang="en">MSC</a></li> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/phd" hreflang="en">PhD</a></li> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/scholarships" hreflang="en">Scholarships</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/750x450_168348-application-invited.webp" width="2250" height="1440" alt="" title="CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR MSC AND PhD SCHOLARSHIPS" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 07:20:52 +0000 moses 337 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug https://news.busitema.ac.ug/call-applications-msc-and-phd-scholarships#comments Innovations, Collaborations and Breakthroughs at the Second STI Symposium https://news.busitema.ac.ug/innovations-collaborations-and-breakthroughs-second-sti-symposium <span>Innovations, Collaborations and Breakthroughs at the Second STI Symposium</span> <span><span>Joan</span></span> <span>Oct 18, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The second STI Symposium has concluded, having taken place over three days with a theme centered on "Resilience and Sustainability in Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI) &amp; Academic Excellence." The event was officiated by Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Waako, who emphasized the need to redirect government STI efforts toward key areas such as increased Agro-industrialization and the value addition of agricultural products.</p> <p>During the symposium, several research projects were presented across a diverse array of topics, including health, agriculture, engineering, wealth creation, and entrepreneurship. Notably, several presenters were awarded for their remarkable contributions. The symposium was organized by the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research, and Innovations, with Dr. Andima Moses, the chairperson of the symposium, underscoring the significance of the event in promoting Busitema's core values.</p> <p>In her closing remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Biira expressed her gratitude to the Directorate of Graduate School for organizing the symposium, the sponsors for their support, the innovators for showcasing their work, and the attendees for their participation. She emphasized that their contributions greatly enrich the academic community at Busitema University.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/international-symposium" hreflang="en">International Symposium</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/img_2981.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="" title="Innovations, Collaborations and Breakthroughs at the Second STI Symposium" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:12:19 +0000 Joan 335 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug https://news.busitema.ac.ug/innovations-collaborations-and-breakthroughs-second-sti-symposium#comments Busitema University Hosts the second Science, Technology and Innovation Symposium. https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-hosts-second-science-technology-and-innovation-symposium <span>Busitema University Hosts the second Science, Technology and Innovation Symposium.</span> <span><span>Joan</span></span> <span>Oct 10, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Busitema University is set to host a second Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Symposium from October 15th to 17th, 2024. Themed "Resilience and Sustainability in STI and Academic Excellence," the event will take place at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Busitema (main campus).</p> <p>This symposium aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among scholars, industry experts and policymakers, focusing on critical issues surrounding resilience and sustainability in science and technology. Participants will explore innovative strategies to enhance academic excellence while addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations and share insights on best practices and emerging trends.</p> <p>Busitema University invites all interested parties to participate in this significant event, which promises to be a platform for knowledge exchange and networking. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the symposium seeks to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in a manner that prioritizes sustainability and resilience.</p> <p>To register for the STI symposium, follow this link <a href="https://forms.gle/4fQoCVtQdd4z4zTG6" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/conference" hreflang="en">Conference</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/whatsapp-image-2024-10-09-at-07.35.02.jpeg" width="1036" height="1080" alt="" title="Busitema University Hosts the second Science, Technology and Innovation Symposium." loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:11:28 +0000 Joan 334 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-hosts-second-science-technology-and-innovation-symposium#comments Intellectual Property Discussion held at Busitema University https://news.busitema.ac.ug/intellectual-property-discussion-held-busitema-university <span>Intellectual Property Discussion held at Busitema University</span> <span><span>Joan</span></span> <span>Sep 04, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span>Busitema University recently hosted a seminar dedicated to the exploration of Intellectual Property (IP) concerns. The event was organized by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) which sent representative, Ms. Nyalleng Pii and Mr. Yingua Chen who shared their insights on the topic through providing valuable insights into the global dimensions of Intellectual Property protection.</span></p> <p><span>The seminar held at Busitema University Faculty of Engineering, was attended by top management officials led by Professor Waako Paul, who delivered the opening remarks where he underscored the importance of educating individuals about Intellectual Property, particularly in the context of the university’s own innovations. He highlighted several notable projects developed at Busitema University, such as the Day and Night Solar dryers, the Chemical and Battery projects, and Natural Medicinal Products. Professor Waako emphasized the necessity of protecting these innovations through Intellectual Property rights to ensure their continued benefit to both the University and the broader community. Notably, Mr. Agaba Gilbert, the Director of Intellectual Property at URSB, was also in attendance and he acknowledged and commended Busitema University for its proactive approach in implementing Intellectual Property policy.</span></p> <p><span>The seminar’s discussions centred on the pivotal role of patents in enabling universities and research institutions to safeguard their innovations on an international platform. The event highlighted the importance of robust Intellectual Property Protection mechanisms in fostering and advancing new technologies and ideas.</span></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/seminars" hreflang="en">Seminars</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/img_1125.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="" title="Intellectual Property Discussion held at Busitema University" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:49:03 +0000 Joan 326 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug Busitema University seeks funding from government for Space Science Institute https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-seeks-funding-government-space-science-institute <span>Busitema University seeks funding from government for Space Science Institute</span> <span><span>ssemi</span></span> <span>Apr 30, 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p class="text-align-justify">Busitema University earlier today welcomed the <a href="https://sti.go.ug/" target="new">Science, Technology and Innovations (STI)</a> committee of parliament to discuss securing funds for the establishment of a Space Science Institute at the Faculty of Science and Education. This gathering, held at the university premises, aimed to assess and evaluate bodies involved in Science, Technology and Innovation with Busitema University being a potential beneficiary from the government funds that were allocated for such endeavors. Chaired by Hon. Eng. Alex Niyonsaba, Member of Parliament for Bufumbira South and STI chairman, alongside <a href="https://people.busitema.ac.ug/staff/academic-staff/saphina-biira" target="new">Professor Biira Saphina</a>, <a href="https://busitema.ac.ug/services/description?service=Office+of+the+DVC-AA" target="new">Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Busitema University</a>, the meeting emphasized the importance of advancing Uganda's scientific landscape with much more focus on Space Science and Technology.  <br /><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geoffrey-Andima" target="new">Dr. Andima Geofrey</a>, serving as the Co-Principal Investigator (CO-PI), delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting Busitema University's suitability for a Space Science Institute. He emphasized the alignment of this initiative with Uganda's long-term goals, such as the Uganda Vision (2040) and East African Vision (2050), and the potential economic benefits, citing the current reliance on foreign companies for space-based services. Furthermore, Dr. Andima underscored the potential impact of a Space Science Institute on disaster management and refugee support, suggesting a more efficient approach through space technology. He also emphasized Busitema University's readiness for such an endeavor, citing available resources such as 45 acres of land, a team of experts including <strong>6 Ph.D</strong>. <strong>holders</strong> and <strong>2 MSc. personnel</strong>, and an established graduate curriculum in Space Science and Technology (SST) that is currently training Ph.D. and MSc. students. He highlighted the broad spectrum of beneficiaries, ranging from the agricultural and educational sectors to aviation, transportation and local governance, demonstrating the interdisciplinary impact of Space Science and Technology.  <br />In light of these opportunities, Busitema University petitioned for funding to establish a Space Science Institute, awaiting the government's response as it continues to champion scientific advancement in the region. <br /> </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research-funding" hreflang="en">Research Funding</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2024/sp-ace.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="" title="Busitema University seeks funding from government for Space Science Institute" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:54:57 +0000 ssemi 294 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug https://news.busitema.ac.ug/busitema-university-seeks-funding-government-space-science-institute#comments