Makerere University has a good research record
Aug 15, 2006
SIR — We wish to comment on Mr Edward Okadapao’s letter of July 27 entitled “Mukono, Makerere please behave like universities!†Okadapao seemed piqued by the revelation that 5 per cent of the total power from Umeme is used by Makerere University.
SIR — We wish to comment on Mr Edward Okadapao’s letter of July 27 entitled “Mukono, Makerere please behave like universities!†Okadapao seemed piqued by the revelation that 5 per cent of the total power from Umeme is used by Makerere University.
He also goes on to mention or imply that Makerere University and other Ugandan universities are not innovative and cannot and are unable to develop solutions to problems. While it is debatable that Makerere actually uses that amount of power, I will address his other concern. In view of its vision and mission, Makerere has indeed developed several researches, inventions, innovations or appropriate technologies over the years to address the needs of our society.
While it is impossible to list all, I will point out a few. Among these is a brick-making machine appropriated to our circumstances. It compresses a mixture of cement and soil to make sun-dried bricks which set in a few hours.
With this innovation, there is no need for the traditional way of burning bricks to harden them thus helping to conserve the environment.
Another is sanitary towels made from papyrus and elephant grass, which are locally available in raw materials. Known as “MAKA padsâ€, they cost sh650 for a packet of 10 compared to the imported pads that cost between
sh1,500 and 2,000.
So, they are an answer to the concerns to the girl-child from a low-income setting that has been missing classes during menstruation periods, and a better alternative to using cloth, leaves or old newspapers.
In the same vein, a Makerere University student made a machine for extracting gel from aloe vera.
This reduces the time taken to one minute from about eight minutes using crude methods such as sharp knives.
Other research activities include model villages in West Nile, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and demographic sites in Mayuge district.
Last but not least, three scientists from Makerere University recently won Presidential Awards for their innovations.
Out of the total of 44 scientists nominated for the awards, 15 were from Makerere University.
D. Mwesigye Gumisiriza
Ag. Public Relations Officer
Makerere University
He also goes on to mention or imply that Makerere University and other Ugandan universities are not innovative and cannot and are unable to develop solutions to problems. While it is debatable that Makerere actually uses that amount of power, I will address his other concern. In view of its vision and mission, Makerere has indeed developed several researches, inventions, innovations or appropriate technologies over the years to address the needs of our society.
While it is impossible to list all, I will point out a few. Among these is a brick-making machine appropriated to our circumstances. It compresses a mixture of cement and soil to make sun-dried bricks which set in a few hours.
With this innovation, there is no need for the traditional way of burning bricks to harden them thus helping to conserve the environment.
Another is sanitary towels made from papyrus and elephant grass, which are locally available in raw materials. Known as “MAKA padsâ€, they cost sh650 for a packet of 10 compared to the imported pads that cost between
sh1,500 and 2,000.
So, they are an answer to the concerns to the girl-child from a low-income setting that has been missing classes during menstruation periods, and a better alternative to using cloth, leaves or old newspapers.
In the same vein, a Makerere University student made a machine for extracting gel from aloe vera.
This reduces the time taken to one minute from about eight minutes using crude methods such as sharp knives.
Other research activities include model villages in West Nile, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and demographic sites in Mayuge district.
Last but not least, three scientists from Makerere University recently won Presidential Awards for their innovations.
Out of the total of 44 scientists nominated for the awards, 15 were from Makerere University.
D. Mwesigye Gumisiriza
Ag. Public Relations Officer
Makerere University