*****The University Council is on a mission to establish whether the mandate of each of the 10 constituent Colleges of Makerere is linked to the vision, mission and Strategic Plan of the University.
Mak Council engagement with CoNAS leadership
Makerere University Council members led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Lorna Magara on 28th February 2023 visited the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) to get acquainted with its operations and establish whether the College’s mandate is linked to the vision, mission and Strategic Plan of the University. The current Strategic Plan (2020-2030) aims to transform Makerere into a research-led University, responding to national, regional and global development challenges, as well as contributing to global knowledge generation.
During the meeting between the College leaders and Council members, the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta shared a brief on operations in each unit highlighting key challenges affecting performance with regard to teaching and learning, as well as research and innovation. Presenting the status of facilities at the College, the Principal called for support to refurbish all teaching laboratories. He also called for the recruitment of more technicians to support practical training. The Principal emphasized the need to support incorporation of ICT in teaching and learning. “This would require expanding and equipping the computer laboratories with modern technology.” Other issues discussed at the meeting included staff recruitment and promotions, management of the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) in Kibaale, funding for college activities, general College infrastructure, teaching load and its impact on research, security, and general welfare of staff.
The University Council members stressed the importance of technicians in strengthening practical training. They pledged to support the College on the issue of recruiting more technicians to match the growing number of students.
Other Council members who attended the meeting at CoNAS included the Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, Vice Chairperson; Mr. Edwin Karugire, Mr. George Bamugemereire, Mr. Bruce B. Kabaasa and Dr. Sengozi E.D.
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 of staff spread across 2 schools and seven departments namely: School of Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, 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. 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 (CEES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and the School of Statistics and Applied Economics.
