REPORT ON ROUND TRIP UNDERTAKEN IN UGANDA FROM 22ND SEPTEMBER 2024

Sunday, 22nd September 2024:

Meeting with Patrick Barasa, Secretary General Focus Uganda

The meeting took place at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, providing a welcoming environment for a comprehensive discussion between the BioCosmos Foundation team and Barasa, The Secretary General Focus Uganda. The agenda covered several key items, including:

  1. Background of BioCosmos Foundation
  2. The Theory of Intelligent Design
  3. BioCosmos Foundation Student Club Concept:
  4. Points of Collaboration: The meeting explored various opportunities for collaboration between BioCosmos Foundation and Focus Uganda, focusing on shared goals and initiatives.
  5. Regions of Operation for Focus Uganda: An overview of the regions where Focus Uganda operates was provided, allowing for a better understanding of the local context and potential outreach strategies.
  6. How Focus Uganda Undertakes Its Activities: Barasa elaborated on the methods and strategies employed by Focus Uganda to implement its programs and engage with communities.

Barasa expressed genuine admiration for the work being done by the BioCosmos Foundation and indicated a strong willingness to collaborate on common issues that benefit both organizations. In a gesture of goodwill, the BioCosmos Foundation presented Barasa with 30 copies of Beyond Evolution, encouraging him to share these valuable resources with his colleagues at Focus Uganda. This initiative aims to deepen their understanding of the Theory of Intelligent Design, especially ahead of the upcoming virtual meeting scheduled for 1st October 2024. However, due to a scheduling change requested by Focus Uganda, this meeting has been rescheduled to 21st October 2024. Following this, a further meeting is planned with the entire Board in November 2024.

Additionally, Barasa suggested that the BioCosmos Foundation target science-focused universities such as Busitema University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology for future outreach efforts. He graciously agreed to connect the team with key contacts he has collaborated with in the past, which could facilitate meaningful partnerships and initiatives in those academic institutions.

L-R: Patrick Barasa and Dag Kr. Norli

Monday, 23rd September 2024

Meeting at National Curriculum Development Centre

The meeting brought together 15 heads of sections from the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) and two representatives from the BioCosmos Foundation. The impressive turnout of subject specialists from NCDC underscored the significance that the organization attributed to the meeting and the content to be shared. Their presence indicated a strong commitment to engaging with innovative educational concepts and exploring potential enhancements to the curriculum.

The BioCosmos Foundation was allotted a two-hour window to deliver a comprehensive presentation. This presentation included an overview of the Foundation’s background, an in-depth exploration of the Theory of Intelligent Design, and a critical analysis of the gaps identified in the existing Biology textbook.

The discussion that followed was notably interactive and informative, fostering an environment where ideas could be exchanged freely. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their perspectives, which enriched the conversation and led to deeper insights into the topics presented. The NCDC team leader expressed appreciation for the content shared. This indicated a recognition of the importance of synthesizing the information presented and considering its implications for curriculum development.

The meeting not only served as a platform for introducing the BioCosmos Foundation’s initiatives but also facilitated a valuable dialogue about the future of science education in the region. The NCDC’s commitment to further discussions and potential collaboration suggests a positive outlook for integrating Intelligent Design into the curriculum, ultimately aiming to enhance the educational experience for students across the nation. BioCosmos Foundation promised to support any initiative aimed at integrating Intelligent Design into the curriculum.

A cross-section of the subject specialists from NCDC who attended the NCDC/BCA meeting

Public Lecture at Makerere University College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) Makerere

The Public Lecture was officially inaugurated by the Deputy Principal, Professor Juma Kalozi, who set an enthusiastic tone for the event. The lecture aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of several key topics related to Intelligent Design and its implications.

The first segment of the lecture served as an introduction to Intelligent Design, outlining its foundational concepts and significance within scientific discourse. This introduction aimed to equip attendees with a clear understanding of what Intelligent Design entails and why it is a relevant topic in contemporary discussions.

Following this, the presentation delved into the methods of design detection. Here, the speaker illustrated various techniques employed to identify signs of intelligent causation, showcasing the intricate processes involved in discerning design in nature.

One of the more captivating sections focused on the nanomachinery of life. This segment highlighted the complexity and sophistication of cellular machinery, emphasizing how these microscopic systems operate with remarkable precision and efficiency.

The lecture then transitioned to discussing the Cambrian explosion, a pivotal event in the history of life on Earth. This portion explored the sudden diversification of complex organisms and its implications for our understanding of perceived “biological evolution” and design.

Next, the audience was engaged with the evolution of humans from ape-like creatures. This discussion presented various viewpoints on human origins, inviting participants to consider the intricacies and challenges involved in tracing our evolutionary lineage.

The final topic addressed was protein folding, a crucial process in cellular function and biology. The presentation elucidated how the folding of proteins is essential for their functionality and how this complexity point to the necessity of an intelligent guiding force in biological systems.

Approximately 50 participants, including faculty members and students, attended the public lecture, demonstrating a strong interest in the topics discussed. The engagement from attendees was notable, with many expressing curiosity and posing insightful questions throughout the session. Overall, the Public Lecture served as a significant platform for disseminating knowledge about Intelligent Design and stimulating thoughtful discussions among participants, reinforcing the importance of such dialogues in academic settings.

A cross-section of participants who attended the CoNAS Public Lecture on Intelligent Design

Round Table Discussion at Makerere University College of Education and External Studies (CESS) Makerere

The BioCosmos Foundation team was afforded the opportunity to deliver an informative presentation that outlined the background of the Foundation as well as the fundamental concepts of the Theory of Intelligent Design. The presentation was led by the CEO/Chair BCA, who effectively highlighted the mission and vision of the BioCosmos Foundation, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Intelligent Design.

In addition to introducing the Foundation’s goals, the CEO provided a critical analysis of the existing gaps in Biology textbooks that need to be addressed. This segment was particularly illuminating, as it outlined specific areas where current educational materials may fall short in conveying important scientific ideas and principles. By identifying these gaps, the BioCosmos Foundation aims to enhance the quality of biology education, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The presentation also included a deeper dive into the theory of Intelligent Design.

Following the presentation, a brief Q&A session allowed attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue. Participants posed insightful questions and expressed their thoughts, particularly regarding the need to incorporate Intelligent Design into the university curriculum. This discussion highlighted a growing recognition of the relevance of Intelligent Design in academic settings, as faculty members acknowledged its potential to enrich the educational experience for students.

Overall, the presentation and subsequent discussions represented a significant step forward in promoting Intelligent Design within the academic landscape. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the meeting suggests a promising future for integrating these concepts into university curricula, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students and encouraging thoughtful discourse on the subject.

The meeting was attended by:

  1. Dr. Richard Balikoowa – Psychology
  2. Dr. Peter Ssenkusu – Philosophy of Education
  3. Dr. Michael Walimbwa – Education Technology
  4. Dr. Nicholas Itaaga – Economics of Education
  5. Prof. Mulumba Bwanika – Luganda Language Education & Dean School of Education
  6. Mutono Isaac – Alumni of International Summer Seminar on ID and Postgraduate student at Makerere

BCA Team with representatives of CESS

Tuesday, 24th September 2024

Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences Round Table discussion on background of BioCosmos Foundation and Intelligent Design

The meeting was graced by the acting principal, Dr. Martin Baluku, who is also the substantive Dean of the School of Psychology, along with representatives from various departments within the university.

BioCosmos Foundation delivered a compelling presentation focusing on the implications of Social Darwinism. This topic is critical in understanding the intersection of social theories and biological principles, and it aimed to provoke thoughtful reflection among the attendees about the ethical and societal consequences of applying Darwinian concepts to social issues.

Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session ensued, allowing participants to engage more deeply with the subject matter. Attendees raised a variety of questions and shared their perspectives, leading to an enriching discussion that explored the understanding of Social Darwinism and its relevance in contemporary society. The exchange of ideas underscored the importance of understanding the broader implications of such theories and their impact on social policies and ethical considerations.

The meeting fostered a meaningful dialogue that highlighted the BioCosmos Foundation’s commitment to addressing complex issues in society through an academic lens.

Makerere University team present included:

  1. Dr. Martin Baluku – Dean, School of Psychology, representing the College Principal
  2. Dr. Richard Balikoowa – Psychology
  3. Dr. Patrick Mwase – School of Psychology
  4. Dr. Zaidi Sekito – School of Liberal & Performing Arts
  5. Mutono Isaac – Alumni of International Summer Seminar on ID and Postgraduate student at Makerere
  6. Jane Anyango – Communications Officer, Makerere Univesity

Wednesday, 25th September 2024

Kyambogo University College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)

The BioCosmos Foundation team successfully secured an appointment to present at the School on Wednesday, 25th September 2024.

The presentation delivered by the BioCosmos Foundation encompassed several key topics, including:

  1. Background of BioCosmos Foundation: An overview of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and objectives.
  2. Introduction to Intelligent Design
  3. Methods of Design Detection: An exploration of various techniques employed to identify signs of intelligent causation in natural systems.
  4. Examples that Point to Design in Nature
  5. Implications of Social Darwinism: A discussion on the social and ethical consequences of applying Darwinian principles to societal issues.

The Q&A session proved to be a dynamic aspect of the meeting, with faculty members actively engaging and expressing their eagerness to address their concerns.

During the Q&A, participants posed a variety of questions, reflecting their interest in the topics discussed and their desire for clarification on specific points.

Kyambogo University Faculty of Science

The BioCosmos Team was warmly welcomed by Professor Ediriisa Mugampoza, the Dean of the Faculty of Science. His gracious reception set a positive tone for the meeting, fostering an atmosphere conducive to meaningful discussion. A total of 27 faculty members, including heads of various departments, attended the presentation, reflecting a significant interest in the topics to be discussed.

The presentation covered a range of important topics, including:

  1. Background of BioCosmos Foundation: An overview of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals, emphasizing its commitment to advancing scientific understanding and education.
  2. Introduction to Intelligent Design
  3. Methods of Design Detection
  4. Examples that Point to Design in Nature
  5. The Nanomachineries of Life: A fascinating examination of the intricate nanomachines found within living cells, highlighting their complexity and the implications for our understanding of biological systems.
  6. The Works of Douglas Axe – Protein Folding: A discussion on Douglas Axe’s research into protein folding, emphasizing its significance in the context of Intelligent Design and the challenges it poses to traditional evolutionary theories.
  7. Implications of Social Darwinism: A critical analysis of Social Darwinism, exploring its societal impacts and ethical considerations in light of the concepts discussed.
  8. The Works of Michael Behe: An overview of Michael Behe’s contributions to the field of Intelligent Design and his critiques of Darwinian evolution.
  9. The Weaknesses of Charles Darwin’s Theory

The presentation not only provided a rich array of information but also served to stimulate discussion among attendees. The diversity of topics addressed aimed to engage the faculty members on multiple levels, inviting them to consider the implications of Intelligent Design in their respective fields. The meeting proved to be a valuable opportunity for the BioCosmos Team to share their insights and foster dialogue with the faculty.

CEO/Chair BCA, Dag Kr. Norli addressing participants during CoNAS meeting on ID

Uganda Christian University

BioCosmos Team was hosted by the Dean School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire. The Dean was accompanied by faculty members drawn from various departments that included:

  1. Evangeline Nalugya – Language & Literature
  2. Magoola Abel – Chemistry
  3. Crammer Lubanga – Chemistry
  4. Musumenta Amet – Education
  5. Mukisa Simon Peter – Education

Faculty members of Uganda Christian University with CEO BCA