Busitema University Launches the BANATEX EA Project Boosting Uganda’s Textile Industry

aaron — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:35:29 +0000

Busitema University Launches the BANATEX EA Project Boosting Uganda’s Textile Industry aaron Sep 23, 2024

On 21st September 2024, Busitema University launched the BANATEX EA Project, which stands for Sustainable textile through up scaling and commercialization of Banana Fibre value addition in East Africa. The project aims at bridging the gap between global fibre demand and supply through prompting a sustainable transition into alternative fibres strengthening Uganda’s textile industry by extracting more banana fibre for transformation into textile on a large scale. The initiative offers a unique solidarity to build capacity for sustainable fashion and products using banana fibre. As a major global banana producer, Uganda is well placed to contribute to the supply of natural fibres through extraction and preparation of the fibres from waste banana stalks to spinnable stable form. This initiative exemplifies circularity and resource optimization by converting agricultural waste into high-value products reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional waste disposal practices and promoting a closed-loop system.

The ceremony drew a gathering of distinguished guests including Hon. Godfrey .B. Kabyanga the State minister for ICT and National guidance, Professor Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, Professor Pakoyo Kamba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Dr. Edwin Kamala, Principal Investigator for the Banatex project. More still, the notable partners in attendance who also serve as the steering wheel to this project include Professor Josephat Igadwa Mwasiagi from Moi University, Professor Nawab Yasirof from National Textile University in Pakistan, Mr. Kimani Muthuri CEO of Texfad Ltd, Mr. Tumusiime from Busitema University, Dr. Fredrick Nzioka from Technical University of Kenya, Mr. Leroy Smith from Freaking Future, Mr. Levi Kanene Brian from Uganda National Bureau of Standards and Dr. Joseph Bahati from the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development. Their collective presence underscored the project's significance and the collaborative efforts driving its success.

The occasion featured a series of compelling speeches highlighted by presentations from several individuals. To begin with, Hon. Godfrey B. Kabyanga, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, expressed his enthusiasm for the BANATEX EA Project, stating that it marks a significant milestone in developing bananas as a cash crop and transforming them into other valuable forms for economic growth. He highlighted the project's potential to tap into the underutilized banana fiber resource in the region, positioning East Africa as a leader in this industry. According to Hon. Kabyanga, the initiative will drive economic development and unlock new opportunities. With great pride, he confirmed the establishment of the project's steering committee and officially launched the BANATEX EA Project.

Prof. Paul Waako also emphasized that the launch of the BANATEX EA Project was not only a landmark achievement for Busitema University but also a confirmation that the country was moving towards economic independence with the transformation of the banana fibre into textile. He also applauded Dr. Edwin Kamalha and all his team members for the hard work exhibited in winning the grant. Additionally, he also thanked TEXFAD, MOI University, the Presidential Initiative on Banana Development, National Textile University, Pakistan, Uganda National Bureau of Standards and Freaking Future for supporting different phases of the BANATEX EA Project.

Beaming with pride, Dr. Edwin Kamalha proclaimed that the launch of the project was the birth of a new era in the textile industry. He disclosed that the project team’s aspiration was to have sustainable textiles with environmental advantages from extraction and preparation of fibre from waste banana stalks. The process will be supported by installing of equipment at TEXFAD, supporting research infrastructures in place, standardisation through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, curriculum development and training farmers on fibre extraction.

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Deputy Vice Chancellor Opens Workshop on Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Soroti

ivan — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:19:29 +0000

Deputy Vice Chancellor Opens Workshop on Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Soroti ivan Jan 30, 2024

Agriculture

Deputy Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Saphina Biira has officially opened a workshop on orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, organized by the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences in collaboration with Century Green at Hursey Resort Hotel in Soroti. The engagement workshop focused on a Science and Technology Innovation (STI) funded project themed "Strengthening the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Agro-Science Park."

The team from Century Green, led by their CEO, Mr. Vincent Anigbogu, presented their findings and progress on the project. The Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Monica Musenero, is expected to inspect the project site tomorrow, Wednesday, 31st January 2024, in Soroti. The project aims to promote the cultivation and utilization of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Uganda, as a means of addressing vitamin A deficiency and improving nutrition among communities.

The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the agriculture sector to discuss the project's progress and challenges, and to identify ways to enhance its impact. Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Vice Chancellor Biira emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government in addressing food security and nutrition challenges. She commended the partnership between the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and Century Green, and expressed optimism that the project would contribute significantly to improving the livelihoods of farmers and communities in the region.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise, and to develop strategies for scaling up the production and consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Uganda. The Minister's visit to the project site is expected to further highlight the government's commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation for improved food security and nutrition.

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Higher Education Collaboration: A Conversation between Chinese Ambassador and University Leaders at Busitema

ivan — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:53:58 +0000

Higher Education Collaboration: A Conversation between Chinese Ambassador and University Leaders at Busitema ivan Oct 25, 2023

Agriculture

All Campus News

In a high-profile meeting on the evening of Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Professor Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, was graciously received by Her Excellency Olivia Wonekha, the esteemed Ugandan Ambassador to Beijing, at the prestigious Chinese Embassy in Beijing, China.

The distinguished attendees engaged in a comprehensive discourse, primarily focusing on the effective execution of the mutually established directives in the realm of higher education. This conversation revolved prominently around advancing the domains of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture (STEM & A), pivotal sectors that hold paramount importance in the growth and development of a nation.

Ambassador Olivia Wonekha also took the opportunity to underscore the significance of being vigilant to the wide array of opportunities accessible through the Forum for Africa-China Cooperation (FACO). These opportunities serve as a vital platform for fostering collaborative endeavors between the two nations, nurturing a synergistic relationship that is poised to yield beneficial outcomes.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by Dr. Charles Muweesi - Assistant Director-Directorate of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro, Dr. Richard Oriko, and Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe from STI-OP.

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Busitema University - Fisheries Training Institute discuss building better and safer boats

ivan — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 07:42:35 +0000

Busitema University - Fisheries Training Institute discuss building better and safer boats ivan Aug 05, 2023

Agriculture

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On Thursday, July 28, 2023, a significant meeting took place between the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, alongside the Top Management of Busitema University and a team of technical staff from the Maritime Institute. The purpose of their visit was to explore the potential of collaborating with the Fisheries Training Institute (FTI) in Entebbe, specifically in team-teaching maritime courses. During the visit, Prof. Paul Waako observed that Uganda is a country abundant with valuable resources. However, he pointed out that these resources are scattered across the nation in isolated pockets, with little awareness of their full extent. He emphasized that if these resources were effectively synchronized and utilized, Uganda could achieve remarkable progress in various sectors.

Prof. Waako stressed the importance of forging partnerships to enhance education delivery, envisioning a 'community of learning' at FTI. He highlighted the growing demand for water transport and the subsequent need to develop human capacity in this field. Safety concerns and the increasing number of water vessels further underscored the urgency of building expertise in this area.

In response, Mr. Ofwono Willy Osinde, the Principal of FTI, extended a warm welcome to the Busitema Team and concurred with Prof. Waako's observations. He acknowledged that the Institute lacked the necessary capacity, particularly in constructing better, safer, and commercially viable boats, as well as in commercial fish farming. To address these gaps, Mr. Osinde informed the visitors about FTI's ongoing project to establish a water rescue facility, which would benefit both FTI and Busitema students. Additionally, he expressed his willingness to leverage the expertise available at Busitema University to enhance the staff capacity at FTI.

After fruitful discussions, the team reached a mutual agreement to solidify their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will pave the way for a strong partnership between Busitema University and the Fisheries Training Institute, fostering knowledge exchange, skill development, and collective efforts to unlock the full potential of Uganda's maritime resources. The envisioned 'community of learning' will not only address the country's pressing needs in water transport and maritime management but also facilitate holistic development across various sectors, ultimately contributing to Uganda's growth and prosperity.

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Faculty of Engineering and Technology Guild Council Leads Communal Work Day to Foster Campus Greenery and Cleanliness

ivan — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 17:54:00 +0000

Faculty of Engineering and Technology Guild Council Leads Communal Work Day to Foster Campus Greenery and Cleanliness ivan Jul 29, 2023

Agriculture

In an exemplary display of unity and environmental stewardship, the Busitema University Faculty of Engineering and Technology Guild Council, in collaboration with Faculty students, have carried out a commendable communal work day. The event saw the campus Leaders come together to actively engage in various activities that promote cleanliness, green initiatives, and a sense of shared responsibility towards the university environment. Activities carried out during the were among others; cleaning of the campus compound, tree planting, and unveiling campus seats. This endeavor not only contributes to the university's greenery but also plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change and providing a more sustainable ecosystem for the future generations of Busitema University.

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Stakeholder's Engagement: Busitema University and Uganda Railways Corporation

ivan — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:06:40 +0000

Stakeholder's Engagement: Busitema University and Uganda Railways Corporation ivan Jul 27, 2023

Agriculture

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In a groundbreaking meeting held yesterday morning, Busitema University and Uganda Railways Corporation came together to explore avenues of collaboration in the field of maritime education. Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako, the Busitema University delegation, accompanied by esteemed members of the Top Management and Maritime Institute Director Prof. Waiswa Wilson Mwanja, engaged with Uganda Railways Corporation's Management Team.

The meeting, spearheaded by Head of Human Resources Mr. Okanang Patrick and Corporation Secretary Ms. Grace Opoka, witnessed the presence of Principal Operations Officer Eng. Musiime David, reflecting the commitment of both institutions to the potential partnership.

During the productive discussions, the teams identified key areas of mutual interest, with a primary focus on the development of comprehensive training programs in marine and maritime engineering. The proposed collaboration aims to begin with the implementation of professional short courses, followed by the introduction of undergraduate and graduate programs in this dynamic field.

Following extensive deliberations, both parties expressed enthusiasm in formalizing their commitment through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU will serve as the framework for the partnership, outlining the specific objectives, responsibilities, and timelines for the collaboration.

This alliance between Busitema University, renowned for its academic excellence, and Uganda Railways Corporation, a major player in the transportation sector, holds great promise for advancing education and expertise in the maritime domain. By pooling their resources and knowledge, the institutions aim to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities that will ultimately benefit students, professionals, and the broader maritime industry.

The signing of the MOU is anticipated to take place in the near future, marking a significant milestone in the realms of academic-industry partnerships. With a shared vision of fostering growth and innovation, both Busitema University and Uganda Railways Corporation are set to embark on a transformative journey in the realm of maritime education, ushering in a new era of progress for Uganda's maritime sector.

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Uganda Maritime Police Hosts Busitema University Team to Foster Collaborative Efforts in Maritime Training and Development

ivan — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:49:52 +0000

Uganda Maritime Police Hosts Busitema University Team to Foster Collaborative Efforts in Maritime Training and Development ivan Jul 27, 2023

Agriculture

All Campus News

In a bid to enhance the country's maritime capabilities, the Maritime Police of Uganda welcomed the esteemed delegation from Busitema University on Wednesday. Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako, the Busitema University Maritime Team, accompanied by University Top Management Team, Maritime Director Prof. Waiswa Wilson Mwanja, and the Maritime Technical Team, convened at the Kigo headquarters for a productive meeting.

The visiting team was warmly received by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) - Maritime, SSP Wagubi, along with SSP - Operations for Kigo areas, SSP Tabu, and several other esteemed Police Officers. During the interaction, SSP Wagubi provided valuable insights into the historical progression of the Maritime Directorate, which took shape in 1996 under the auspices of the Inspector General of Police, before evolving into a fully-fledged Directorate responsible for safeguarding all of Uganda's water bodies.

A mutual commitment to collaborative efforts was established as both parties agreed to form a strategic partnership in various key areas. These areas of collaboration include technical skilling, essential boat repair and access to spare parts, comprehensive training and servicing of boats and marine equipment, efficient marine data management and datasets, search and rescue techniques, navigation, marine engineering, boat construction, and maritime communication.

Prof. Waako, in his address to the gathering, highlighted the critical importance of Maritime Law and its direct relevance to the training of marine professionals. Emphasizing the need to address legal aspects in maritime practice, he underscored the significance of equipping professionals with the knowledge to tackle legal issues effectively.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing their enthusiasm to foster a robust and enduring partnership. The collaboration between the Uganda Maritime Police and Busitema University is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda's maritime capabilities, developing skilled marine professionals

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Busitema University Secures Top Honors Once Again, Emerges Champions at National Agriculture Schools Exhibition

ivan — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:59:15 +0000

Busitema University Secures Top Honors Once Again, Emerges Champions at National Agriculture Schools Exhibition ivan Dec 15, 2021

Agriculture

In a remarkable achievement, Busitema University has once again clinched the top spot, securing the coveted trophy at the highly esteemed National Agriculture Schools Exhibition in Jinja. This resounding victory in the University Category is a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication and excellence in the field.

The prestigious trophy was ceremoniously presented to Busitema University by none other than the distinguished Rt Hon Prime Minister, adding an extra layer of significance to their triumph. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to fostering innovation, research, and practical solutions in the realm of agriculture.

With a strong track record of success, Busitema University has solidified its position as a frontrunner in agricultural education and research. Their consistent performance at the National Agriculture Schools Exhibition serves as a testament to their tireless efforts in cultivating a skilled workforce and pushing the boundaries of agricultural knowledge.

The accolades received by Busitema University further solidify their reputation as a leading institution in Uganda's academic landscape. As they proudly hoist the trophy for the second time, the university's achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring agriculturalists and stands as a beacon of excellence in the pursuit of agricultural advancements.

With this recent victory, Busitema University continues to showcase its dedication to the advancement of agricultural practices, further reinforcing its position as a leader in the field. As they bask in the glory of this well-deserved triumph, the university and its faculty can rightfully celebrate their unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence.

Busitema University Launches the BANATEX EA Project Boosting Uganda’s Textile Industry

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Deputy Vice Chancellor Opens Workshop on Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Soroti

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Higher Education Collaboration: A Conversation between Chinese Ambassador and University Leaders at Busitema

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Busitema University - Fisheries Training Institute discuss building better and safer boats

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Faculty of Engineering and Technology Guild Council Leads Communal Work Day to Foster Campus Greenery and Cleanliness

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Stakeholder's Engagement: Busitema University and Uganda Railways Corporation

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Uganda Maritime Police Hosts Busitema University Team to Foster Collaborative Efforts in Maritime Training and Development

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Busitema University Secures Top Honors Once Again, Emerges Champions at National Agriculture Schools Exhibition

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