Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, where he combines scientific research, academic leadership, mentorship and industry engagement to advance sustainable aquaculture, fisheries development and higher education. His work bridges research and practical application, connecting universities, research institutions, government, industry and communities to develop evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges.

With a PhD in Aquaculture Sciences, specialising in fish nutrition, from the University of Iceland, an MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science from the University of Malawi, and a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Makerere University, he brings international training and extensive East African experience to research, teaching, consultancy and institutional leadership. He is an alumnus of the United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland.

His research focuses on sustainable aquaculture, fish nutrition, alternative feed ingredients, aquafeed quality, natural antioxidants, fisheries value chains and resource-efficient food production. He has led and contributed to nationally and internationally funded research projects, including initiatives on innovative food products, locally available aquafeed ingredients, fish-feed quality and the sustainable utilisation of agricultural and fish-processing by-products. His peer-reviewed publications span aquaculture nutrition, experimental design, fish growth, feed quality and aquatic resource management.

As Head of Department, Dr Kubiriza champions academic excellence, collaborative research, staff and student development, and stronger links between university training and the world of work. He has also led sensitisation and engagement across university colleges at Makerere University to support the transition from knowledge-based to competency-based education and training (CBET). At the College of Natural Sciences, he leads the career guidance team and chairs the organising occasion for the College’s annual science exhibitions, promoting scientific curiosity, student career development and engagement with prospective learners and the wider public.

Beyond academia, he serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Fisheries Training Institute, Entebbe, contributing to institutional governance and the development of fisheries and aquaculture training. His wider leadership experience includes school governance, alumni leadership and community service. A committed Rotarian, he remains actively engaged in service and community development.

Dr Kubiriza welcomes collaboration with researchers, universities, development partners, policymakers, aquaculture enterprises and other stakeholders seeking practical, scientifically sound and locally relevant solutions. His distinctive strength lies in bringing together research methods, robust data analysis, scientific mentorship, institutional leadership and field-level experience to turn evidence into action.

Research Interests and Technical Expertise

• Aquaculture nutrition and feed innovation: Fish nutrient requirements, feed formulation, feed evaluation, alternative protein sources and locally available feed ingredients.
• Aquafeed quality and safety: Feed quality assessment, lipid oxidation, natural antioxidants and the sustainable use of agro-industrial by-products in fish feeds.
• Sustainable aquaculture systems: Production efficiency, farm performance, enterprise profitability, integrated aquaculture and responsible resource utilisation.
• Fisheries and aquaculture value chains: Market systems, feed supply chains, technology adoption, capacity development and the commercialisation of aquaculture.
• Experimental design and biostatistics: Research methodology, statistical power, experimental design, data management, hypothesis testing, regression, analysis of variance and interpretation of scientific data.
• Evidence-based innovation: Translating research findings into practical technologies, training materials, policy-relevant evidence and industry solutions.

Research Collaboration and Partnerships

Dr Kubiriza collaborates with researchers and institutions working across aquaculture, fisheries, nutrition, food systems and sustainable natural-resource management. His collaborative network includes:

• National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Uganda
• University of Bergen, Norway
• Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi
• University of Iceland, Iceland
• Hólar University, Iceland

His experience includes participation in multidisciplinary and international research and training initiatives, grant-funded projects, technical consultancies and partnerships linking universities with research organisations, government agencies, development partners and the private sector.

Open to collaboration on: Joint research proposals and grants; aquaculture and fisheries research; fish nutrition and feed innovation; experimental design and statistical analysis; postgraduate training; scientific publications; policy and technical consultancies; and research-to-industry knowledge transfer.

Research Methods, Data Science and Biostatistics

Dr Kubiriza has extensive experience in research design, quantitative data handling and applied biostatistics. He has led training for postgraduate students and researchers in data management, exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, analysis of variance and generalised linear models.

He has delivered research-methods and statistics training at Makerere University and in collaborative postgraduate programmes involving the University of Nairobi and other research and higher-learning institutions. His expertise supports researchers from study conceptualisation and experimental design through data analysis, interpretation and scientific reporting.

He is particularly interested in strengthening the quality, reproducibility and practical relevance of biological and aquaculture research.

Mentorship, Graduate Training and Capacity Development

A committed mentor, Dr Kubiriza supports undergraduate and postgraduate researchers in developing sound research questions, defensible methodologies, appropriate statistical analyses and clear scientific communication. His supervision experience includes MSc research in fish nutrition, aquaculture production, fisheries markets, aquatic biodiversity and environmental quality.

His capacity-development work extends beyond Makerere University. He has trained postgraduate students, researchers, aquaculture extension workers and fish-farm managers through local and international collaborative programmes. He has also contributed to specialised training in fish nutrition and aquaculture management, helping connect scientific knowledge with practical skills and professional development.

He welcomes opportunities to mentor emerging researchers, co-supervise graduate students, contribute to international training programmes and develop research teams across institutions and countries.

Academic Leadership and Curriculum Transformation

As Head of ZEFS, Dr Kubiriza provides leadership in departmental strategy, teaching, research, staff development and stakeholder engagement. He has participated in curriculum review and development across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is an advocate for aligning university education with demonstrable competencies, practical experience and labour-market needs.

At College level, he leads career guidance initiatives and chairs the occasion for annual science exhibitions. His wider curriculum leadership includes sensitising university colleges to the rationale, requirements and institutional changes necessary for the transition from knowledge-based curricula to competency-based education and training.

His leadership approach emphasises academic quality, practical learning, collaboration, accountability and the development of graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

Governance, Public Service and Community Leadership

Dr Kubiriza serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Fisheries Training Institute, Entebbe, contributing to institutional oversight and fisheries-sector capacity development.

His community and institutional leadership includes:

• Chairman, Bishop’s Senior School, Mukono, Old Students’ Association, through August 2026, following approximately ten years of service.
• Board Member, Namakwa Senior Secondary School, serving through 2027.
• Member, Rotary Club of Mukono, with service as Club Secretary in 2018–2019 and Blood Donation Officer from 2018 to 2021.

These roles complement his academic career with experience in governance, stakeholder engagement, service, institutional development and community leadership.

Education and Professional Affiliations

Academic qualifications

• PhD, Aquaculture Sciences (Fish Nutrition), University of Iceland.
• MSc, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture.
• BSc, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Makerere University.
• Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture Management, United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme, Iceland.

Professional networks

• United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme Alumni.
• World Aquaculture Society, African Chapter.
• International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade.
• International Association of Fisheries Inspectors.

Connect and Collaborate

Dr Kubiriza is keen to engage with researchers, postgraduate students, universities, research institutes, funding agencies, government institutions, development partners and private-sector organisations interested in advancing sustainable aquaculture, fisheries science, research capacity and competency-based higher education.

For research partnerships, postgraduate mentorship, statistical and methodological support, consultancy or institutional collaboration:

Email: godfrey.kubiriza@mak.ac.ug or kubirizag@gmail.com

Telephone: +256 772 294 240 or +256751-902-498

His guiding commitment is to connect rigorous science, capable people and practical innovation in ways that strengthen institutions, improve livelihoods and advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.