The increase in the prices of a kilogram of vanilla has increased insecurity among the people of Bundibugyo who are engaging this activity. Some thieves who steal and sell immature beans thus undermining the quality on the market.
About a decade ago, the price of vanilla, which had reached Shs. 150,000 a kilogram of green beans, nose-dived to almost Shs. 1,000. However, in 2014, it started rising with a kilo ranging from Shs. 2,500 to Shs. 5,000. The price has now reached as high as Shs. 250, 000 per kilogram for green vanilla beans at the farm-gate
In Uganda, districts where vanilla is grown include Kayunga, Mukono, Mpigi, Jinja, Kamuli, Buikwe, Bundibugyo, Luweero and Kasese.
Globally, Madagascar leads in vanilla exports with 1,600 tonnes per year followed by Indonesia and France. Uganda comes in at 12th position with export revenue of $5.7 million, according to the latest (2016) statistics.
The competitive prices have led to a rise in theft cases thus resulting into farmers hiring security guards to guard their vanilla gardens which is costly.
Baleyebulya Fabiono, a farmer in Kitule village in Nyahuka town council says that he decided to engage in the vanilla growing due to its demand on the market. He notes that however, this precious crop has earned them security threats from thieves.
He adds on that after the suffering the farmers go through maintaining the crop since it is tiresome,thieves come and steal the immature beans and the vanilla vines. The thieves come with killing objects like pangas that they use in case the owner of the farm garden tries stopping them.
Fabiono, says that although the farmers have come together to form an association, he asked government to help them with security support so that the farmers are able to gain positive results form their gardens.
Wilson Masereka, a farmer in Busamba 3 woke up on 23rd march 2019 prepared to go to his vanilla farm. Unfortunately, he found out that his vanilla beans had been stolen at night. He reported to the police station but nothing was done.
Rashid Masereka, the chairman of Bundibugyo Nillavan Vanilla/ Coffee Growers Cooperative Society says that the association is the only one in the district has 1,223 registered farmers . He says that it is now two years since the inception of the association.
“Farmers have been able to educate their children, build good houses among others. He notes that most people in the area depended so much on cocoa but unfortunately, cocoa is longer expensive thus not supporting the natives of the district.”
Rashid further says that they arrested recently two vanilla thieves , one of them called Baluku who are imprisoned at Bubukwanga prison for two and half years.He says that the thieves steal the immature vanilla beans
He, however asks government to support them by providing security so that the farmers are able to fight this risky vice of theft.
Organized under the theme, “A New East African: Agency and Identity Debates in the Region”, the 2019 CHUSS Symposium took major shifts in the East African society that have occurred in the last two decades as its point of departure in order to explore how agency and identity of the regions subjects have morphed during this period.
The two-day symposium held on 15th-16th May 2019 in the Makerere University Main Hall drew participants from across the region. It was presided over by Prof. Charles Olweny, former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and currently Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Dr Umar Kakumba represented the Vice Chancellor
The symposium featured a number of activities including a keynote address titled, “Is there an identity and agency crisis in the humanities?” delivered by Prof. Ruth Mukama and research presentations by Professors and doctoral students at Makerere University.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mukama, formerly member of staff at Makerere University and currently working at Kabale University, decried the increased marginalization of Humanities and Social Sciences. “The humanities play a critical role in the development of nation states. However they are in peril of systematic defunding. Marginalization of the humanities is even more oppressive in the Ugandan context where government recast university sponsorship in favour of programmes critical to national development especially the natural sciences. The most recent poignant act of marginalization came as a blow in 2016 with the enhanced salaries, when I realized that as a humanities professor my salary was not even equivalent to that of an Associate Professor in sciences, but was merely at par with that of a science Senior Lecturer,” she explained noting that this has dire consequences to national development as it resulted into lesser commitment and productivity.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Ruth Mukama
She further explained that marginalization had driven humanities students into a state of despair with many now bearing a cavalier attitude towards their studies.
Prof. Mukama however observed that not all hope is lost for humanities and social Sciences since they are repositories of the foundation skills and providers of global competencies.
She urged scholars to endeavour to invoke the power of the humanities by informing, empowering, and inspiring citizens on themes of concern. She also called for increased advocacy for the redirection of the attention of East African higher education institutions towards the humanities.
The Guest of Honour Prof. Charles Olwenyi, in his presentation, the Interlocutor, Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, Vice Chancellor Kabale University appealed to government to strike a balance between the humanities and natural sciences noting that they are equally important. She called for concerted efforts in addressing the challenges that undermine the relevance of humanities and social sciences. “Humanities and Social Sciences units in institutions of higher learning should review their curriculum to strengthen the disciplines so as to match the demands of the job market and to increase contribution to national development,” she explained.
Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, Vice Chancellor Kabale University
Addressing participants, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Charles Olweny, appreciated Gerda Henkel Stiftung and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for the financial support towards graduate training and research activities in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). He underscored the relevance of research to national development noting that the support received from the development partners was critical in addressing the funding gaps that have for long negatively impacted humanities and social sciences research output.
The Vice Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr Umar Kakumba also appreciated the development partners for the support rendered towards graduate training and research activities at CHUSS.
Prof. Bazeyo handS over the Tebere-Mudin Award to the best performing Journalism student Lyn Tukei
Speaking to journalists, communication specialists, scholars, and scientific researchers at Makerere University Annual Media Convention on 25th April 2019, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye said that through media and other communication channels, useful research findings and Scientific information has reached communities in a simple and understandable manner.
“The media is key to creating this
link between science and society as science not communicated is science lost.
Publishing findings in journals is good but the information therein never
reaches the public. By reporting about scientific developments, the media
contribute to public understanding of and engagement with science and
technology,” he said.
According to Hon. Tumwesigye, there is
need to develop strong partnerships between scientists who generate the
knowledge and the media who take it to society. Similarly, scientists also need
to get out of their laboratories and communicate science and scientific
information in a format easy for the public to understand if they are to remain
relevant to society.
He commended social media as a handy
tool through which information on scientific discoveries, innovations and other
breakthroughs can be communicated. He also mentioned that through social media,
scientific misconceptions have been corrected and consensus on controversial
science subjects have been generated.
Minister Elioda Tumwesigye addresses participants at the Annual Media Convention
The Minister noted that currently,
Science, Technology and Innovation and more specifically Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) is a central driver of all aspects of human
endeavor. The World’s most revolutionary innovations are driven by ICTs
which constitute the 3rd Industrial revolution and are at the Centre of the 4th
Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“Recently, while launching the
National Task Force for the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), H.E. President
Yoweri Museveni stated that: “The primer of all social change in
society is the advancement in science and technology but in order to use it
well you must integrate it holistically. You should not just come in at the
periphery and you think that you are going to benefit.”
The Minister was excited to learn
that Makerere University had become the champion
in pioneering Science Communication as part of journalism and media training.
He was also grateful to know that the University had
strategically recognized social media as an additional tool for advancing
science communication and public engagement.
The Makerere University Annual
Media Convention (AMC) 2019 was organized by the Department of Journalism and
Communication, College
of Humanities and Social Sciences in partnership with SciDev.
Net. The event brought together journalists and media practitioners, public
communication
Dr Kakumba represented
the Vice Chancellor
experts, policy
makers and government officials, academicians, civil society and development
partners, as well as journalism students across the region to discuss and
propose solutions on how to improve and advance journalism and communication
with a critical focus on the role traditional and social media platforms play
in disseminating scientific information in society. The event was organized
under the theme: Communicating Science in the Social Media Age:
Sharing Technical Information from Researchers to the Media”.
According to the Head, Department of
Journalism and Communication Dr. William Tayebwa, the AMC 2019 provided a
platform to the leading minds in the area of communication and journalism
together with scientists and researchers to deeply analyze the concept Science
communication, draw frameworks on the relationship between media and research
and develop strategies on how journalists can work harmoniously with scientists
to help communities.
“This year, we are paying much
attention to how technical information from research institutions is reported
to the general public, the challenges faced and how such information is
discussed in society, in an attempt to improve science communication in
Uganda,” said Dr. Tayebwa.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr.
Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs said the world is
driven by science and technology. “The dichotomy of the world along two
economic poles, of developed and developing is mostly linked to the level of
science and technology sophistication. This implies that science and technology
play pivotal roles in the developing nations,” he said.
He however noted that Universities
within the African Continent are producing large volumes of scientific research
that has failed to serve its intended purpose of improving productivity and
contributing to development due ineffective dissemination procedures.
“It is therefore important that we
focus on having scientific research well disseminated using various forms of
communication. The media is one of the most effective avenues for disseminating
information as well as popularizing and moderating debate on issues that
directly or indirectly impact the
Dr. Tayebwa delivers his remarks
wellbeing of
humanity. In this era, social media is one of the fastest and most
cost-effective modes of communication that we should explore in promoting
scientific research,” he remarked.
He thanked the Department of
Journalism and Communication for the well thought-out theme, and called upon
institutions of higher learning to pave way for the improvement of science
communication and consequently contribute to scientific and technological
advancement on the African Continent.
He appreciated the media for the
support they have accorded Makerere University over
the years. Dr. Kakumba said the media has been very instrumental in
promoting Makerere University’s activities and this has
greatly contributed to the visibility of University at
the national and international levels.
He commended the Government of Uganda
for supporting and promoting scientific research. “I thank the President for
his support through the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that
has resulted into a number of innovations that are transforming our country. I
wish to let you know that the Government of Uganda in the next financial year
(2018/2019), has committed UGX30 billion for research at Makerere
University. With this money, Makerere University will
continue to advance its research agenda as it contributes to transformation of
lives.”
Addressing participants at the closing
ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration,
Prof. William Bazeyo described Science and Journalism as two important
disciplines that make a lot of sense. “You cannot be a successful researcher if
you cannot get someone to
Dr. Kikooma represented the CHUSS Principal
interpret your
work and give it to community. Journalists have helped the people we serve to
understand what we think. You are the only link between government, policy
makers, and community,” he said.
The day’s theme was expounded by two
keynote addresses from Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura- the Executive Director,
Institute of Strategic and Development Communication, Nasarawa State University in
Keffi Nigeria and Dr. Abraham Kiprop Mulwo, Senior Lecturer, Department of
Communication Studies at Moi University,
Kenya.
Dr. Abraham Kiprop Mulwo explained
that the impact of scientific work is dependent on how effectively it is
communicated. In his presentation titled, “Status and Future of Science
Communication -Global and Regional Perspective”, Dr. Kiprop Mulwo
noted that public engagement with science depends on how the scientists and the
public cooperate and allow people from the diverse background and varying
scientific knowledge to voice their opinions in regard to scientific
conversations.
“Much of Scientific research is
funded through private and public resources, with the expectation that
scientific work will contribute to resolving societal challenges. It is
therefore important that the outcome of scientific research is effectively
communicated,” he said.
Quoting Prof. Lewenstein, Dr. Kiprop Mulwo
said communicating science requires scientists to close the gap separating
knowledge and belief in interacting with the public. He also mentioned that
with the emergency of new media technologies, Data Centers and Research Digital
Libraries (RDLs) are emerging as the pillars that support contemporary
scientific communication.
Dr Merit Kabugo represented the Dean School of Languages, Literature and Communication
“There are technologies and administrative personnel that help researchers to store, discover and share both data and publications. Furthermore, modern technological inventions such as telescopes, satellites and sensor networks help sci-tests to generate large amounts of data,” he stated.
He also noted that social media is
rapidly transforming ways in which science is communicated. Previously,
communicating science was a challenge to both the scientists and Science
communicators. Science communication, when executed, was one way. With the
inherently interactive nature of social media, communication has been made a
two-way engagement process whereby scientists can receive criticism and
questions from users of social media.
Dr. Kiprop Mulwo however noted that in
spite the emerging issues in development, the mainstream media and journalists
in particular, remain underutilized as means of bridging the communication gap
between scientists and societies within which they operate.
“The major challenge is science
communication through mainstream media lacks a clear understanding of the
science of science communication. It is relatively easy for scientists to
communicate to their colleagues since they are aware of the information they
need. The problem is when scientific information needs to be communicated to
ordinary citizens. Scientists lack clear understanding of what the public wants
and how to make complex scientific information simple. Moreover, the
communication is mediated by journalists who still have their own interests on
what to communicate,” said Dr. Kiprop Mulwo.
Ms Betty Musasizi (represented by sister 2nd R) won the Cranimer-Mugerwa Award
In his keynote
address on the “Nexus between Science, Media and Communication for
Development”, Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura called upon media
practitioners to put science into use by helping the public understand research
results and make informed choices and decisions.
“Communication is what makes
development happen, if people are not properly informed about scientific
innovations and research, the findings will have little or no impact on
society,” said Prof. Dandaura.
He noted that most of the Science
Communication activities in Africa are driven by foreign based public relations
firms. Prof. Dandaura also revealed to participants that most of the
African Tertiary Institutions run omnibus journalism or mass communication programs
that hardly prepare the would be science journalists. He therefore made
recommendations among which included;
Regular
trainings of media professionals, educators, scientists, on different aspects
of sciences communication
Integrate
science communication into the undergraduates and post graduate curriculum
Create
opportunities for scientists and journalists to interact
Understand
the African agenda on science communication
Advance
science communication as a discipline within communication
Encourage
policy engaged research in the institution of higher learning
Leverage
on the new media technologies
The two keynote
addresses were further enriched by two panel discussions and an interactive
session. The sessions were chaired by Mr. Adolf Mbaine, DR. Charles Wendo Lwanga,
Dr. Ivan Lukanda, Mrs Marjorie Nyitegeka, and Mr. John Baptist Imokola.
Panelists included;
Ms.
Barbara Zawedde, National Agricultural Research Organization
Prof.
Goretti Nasanga, Department of Journalism and Communication, Makerere
University
Ms.
GlorriaSebikari, Petroleum Authority of Uganda
Mr.
Hillary Bainemigisha, Columnist, New Vision
Mr.
Gerald Tenywa, Senior Reporter, New Vision
Mr.
Daniel Kalinaki, Convergence Editor, Monitor Publications
Ms.
Esther Nakazzi, Science and Technology Journalist
Among the day’s proceedings was the
awarding of certificates to over 30 students of Journalism and Communication
who successfully completed a one-year online short course in Science
Communication. The certificates were handed over to the students by the Minister
of Science, Technology, and Innovations Hon. EliodaTumwesigye together with DR.
Charles Wendo Lwanga, the Director of Script Project, ScieDev.Net.
At the same function, Daily Monitor
awarded Ms. Lyn Tukei with the Tebere-Mudin Award for the overall best
performing student of Journalism and Communication. Ms Lyn Tukei graduated in
January 2019 with CGPA of 4.29.
Ms. Betty Musasizi won the Cranimer Mugerwa
Award for the best performing student in photojournalism. The award is
sponsored by New Vision in honor of their treasured fallen photojournalist
Cranimer Mugerwa.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge
of Finance and Administration, Prof. William Bazeyo pledged to support the best
Journalism and Communication student with a token of UGX 2milion starting next
academic year 2019/2020.
Representing Dr. Josephine Ahikire,
the Acting Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr.
Julius Kikoma applauded the Department of Journalism for consistently
organizing the Annual Media Convention for the last 20 years. He thanked
the 2019 conveners Mrs. Marjorie Nyitegeka and Dr. Ivan Lukanda for the
wonderful and successful event.
Dr. Merit Kabugo who represented the
Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication commended the
leadership of Journalism and Communication on the tremendous developments.
“The Department has also been very
instrumental in training many media specialists that we are proud of today. The
good job you are doing should be maintained or even taken a notch higher,” he
said.
The Annual Media Convention was
convened by Dr. Ivan Lukanda and Ms. Marjorie Kyomuhendo Niyitegeka from the
Department of Journalism and Communication, Makerere University.A
The 3 Angels 