🌍 Strengthening Global Academic Partnerships: Makerere University and Rhine-Waal University Conduct Joint Field Course at Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park (KNP), often referred to as the Primate Capital of the World due to its remarkable biodiversity and presence of over 13 primate species, serves as the focal site for a recently concluded two-week interdisciplinary field course. 

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The DAAD Funded project course aimed at equipping future environmental leaders with practical skills in sustainability, conservation and community engagement is conducted annually under the collaborative partnership between Makerere University (Uganda) and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany). This reflects a shared commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (SDG´s) and promotes experiential learning in one of the worlds most diverse ecosystems- KNP.

This year’s annual field course, conducted from May 26 to June 3, 2025, brought together graduate students and faculty from both institutions for an immersive academic and cultural experience. The German delegation comprised four students—Arati Maharjan, Josemon James, Livingstone Turwomwe, and Harmony Atandu accompanied by Ms. Nele Vahrenhorst, project coordinator, and Joseph Kalyango, student project assistant.

Upon arrival in Uganda, they joined their counterparts at Makerere University for a structured onboarding program with more than 50 participants, mainly master’s students from Uganda and Germany.

Preparatory week (May 26–30, 2025)​

Hosted by Professor Justine Namaalwa, the preparatory phase commenced with an onboarding session at the Department of Environmental Management. This session offered foundational knowledge on Uganda’s ecological systems, ongoing conservation efforts, and an overview of the joint research goals.

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Throughout the preparatory week, participants attended a series of interactive workshops focusing on theoretical and methodological training. These included:

  • “Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research” by Assoc. Prof. Gorette Nabanoga
  • “Ethical Considerations in Quantitative Research” by Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa
  • “Reproducible Research” delivered online by Prof. Oliver Serfling, Head of the Program, directly from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany.

With each stream led by an academic facilitator, including Assoc. Prof. Vincent Muwanika, Assoc. Prof. Anthony Egeru, Dr. Joel Kinobe, and Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, students aligned into four thematic research streams guided through concept development, methodological design, and tool creation.

  1. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
  2. Natural Resource Management
  3. Environmental Governance and Policy
  4. Environmental Pollution and Waste Management
Student engagement at Kibale National Park (May 30–June 3, 2025)​

At Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) located within Kibale National Park, students conducted field research aligned with their thematic areas. Activities included biodiversity monitoring, community interviews, environmental assessments, and stakeholder engagement in areas such as Bigodi, Mabono, Kasiisi, and Kanyawara.

The fieldwork phase provides students with hands-on experience in data collection, participatory research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This component also emphasizes community-centred approaches to conservation, enabling students to understand the socio-ecological dynamics at play in and around protected areas.

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Post-Fieldwork Analysis and Reporting

Upon return to Makerere University on June 4, the participants entered a structured reporting phase. From June 9 to June 12, students engaged in data analysis, report writing, and synthesis of their findings.

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What do we look ahead to?

This field course not only deepens academic understanding but also nurtures intercultural competence, research ethics, and collaborative problem-solving. The experience reinforces the importance of international partnerships in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the realms of quality education, climate action, and life on land.

The Makerere–Rhine-Waal field course stands as a testament to the value of interdisciplinary, experiential learning. It continues to serve as a platform for developing future environmental leaders equipped to address global ecological and social challenges. Further collaboration is anticipated in the years ahead thanks to funding from all partners including Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD), building on the success and insights gained from this initiative.

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