Makarere University, Department of Plant Science, Microbiology and Biotechnology

The Department (formerly Department of Botany) was officially opened in 1957, and includes the Herbarium established in 1945 and the Botanic garden in 1946. Over the years, it has developed staff expertise in Ecology, Taxonomy and Systematics, Curation and Herbaria, Physiology, Genetics,Plant Pathology, Microbiology (Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology), Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology and Conservation Biology. Acacia senegal has the potential to improve socioeconomic and ecological opportunities of the communities in which it occurs. In Uganda, gum production from A. senegal can play an important role in improving livelihoods. IFS funded this study that aimed at mapping A. senegal in northern Uganda as well understanding the regeneration status of A. senegal. Data reported here was collected from plots measuring 20x20 established along 1km transects.