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BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
The Uganda National Academy of Science (UNAS), an independent, non-profit and nonpolitical organization that prides in advancing academic excellence and societal transformation through evidence-based research and policy formulation has received a boost of new breed of scientists whom it has enrolled into its rank and file.
Among the top talents to join the entity is Dr Charles Niwagaba, a Makerere University Associate professor of civil engineering with demonstrable experience and extensive knowledge in development of innovative practices in urban sanitation, solid waste management and decomposing biogas among others.
One of his outstanding projects is the design and establishment of the recent sewerage lagoon for the Imvepi refugee settlement in Terego district, in West Nile.
Dr Niwagaba’s ongoing research in turning human urine into cheap source of fertilizer to enhance household agricultural production is also proceeding with some initial positive results already registered at the trial fields of the National Agricultural Research Organisation.
While addressing the luminaries at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, Dr Niwagaba expressed his excitement at being nominated into the prestigious family of Ugandan scientists.
He pledged to continue doing work in the field of recycling human waste, especially urine, into fertilizers to promote agricultural productivity instead of leaving it to pollute the rivers and water bodies.
“I am very happy that I am in a team of so many people who are health practitioners and do research in this field to protect people and there is a lot of evidence that we should not fear shit. That it is a resource and I will continue to do work towards improving this field,” he stated.
Three Busitema University associate professors Denis Atibuni, James Egonyu and David Mukunya have also been enrolled into the scientific body.
UNAS was created to provide credible, balanced, and evidence-driven advice to the nation on matters of science and development.
It draws membership from the fellowship of the Academy who are recognized for their lifetime achievements in the sciences and humanities.
Fellows of UNAS are active contributors to the national and international academic community comprising scholars from disciplines including the natural and social sciences, as well as the arts and humanities all of whom are selected through a rigorous vetting process.
